Course on Underwater Robotics in Academic Settings
Online course of 300 h in Underwater Robotics in Academic Settings. 6 modules covering ISO 13628-8 (ROV interfaces on subsea systems), IEC 60529 (IP degrees of protection) and ROS 2. Dedicated tutor and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the architecture of ROV and AUV underwater vehicles.
Model the hydrodynamics and propulsion of an underwater robot.
Implement underwater navigation and positioning systems.
Apply machine vision and sonar to underwater perception.
Design watertight systems according to IEC 60529.
Assess operational risks in accordance with ISO 12100.
Plan a research project using underwater robotics.
Who it's for
- Underwater robotics engineer looking to specialise in Underwater Robotics in Academic Settings.
- ROV and AUV engineer looking to specialise in Underwater Robotics in Academic Settings.
- Marine robotics researcher looking to specialise in Underwater Robotics in Academic Settings.
- Underwater navigation engineer looking to specialise in Underwater Robotics in Academic Settings.
- Robotics laboratory technician looking to specialise in Underwater Robotics in Academic Settings.
- Underwater machine vision engineer looking to specialise in Underwater Robotics in Academic Settings.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into universities and research centres.
What you'll work with
- ISO 13628-8 (ROV interfaces on subsea systems)
- IEC 60529 (IP degrees of protection)
- ISO 12100 (safety of machinery: risk assessment)
- IEC 61508 (functional safety)
- ISO 8373 (robotics vocabulary)
- IEEE 1872 (ontologies for robotics and automation)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Physical properties of seawater1.2Pressure, temperature and salinity1.3Currents and waves1.4Acoustic and optical propagation1.5Corrosion and biofouling1.6Vehicle types: ROVs, AUVs and gliders1.7History of underwater robotics1.8Scientific and industrial applications1.9Safety in field operations1.10Case study: requirements for a coastal survey campaign
2.1Hydrostatics and buoyancy2.2Added mass and hydrodynamic drag2.3Fossen's six-degree-of-freedom model2.4Thrusters and their modelling2.5Pressure hulls and materials2.6Sealing and connectors2.7Batteries and range2.8Low-cost vehicles: BlueROV22.9Tank testing2.10Workshop: buoyancy and stability calculation
3.1Inertial navigation and DVL3.2Acoustic positioning3.3Terrain-based navigation3.4Extended Kalman filter3.5Side-scan and multibeam sonar3.6Cameras and underwater vision3.7CTD oceanographic sensors3.8Acoustic and visual SLAM3.9Acoustic communications3.10Lab: Kalman filter with DVL data
4.1PID depth and heading control4.2Sliding mode control4.3Trajectory tracking4.4Mission planning4.5MOOS-IvP autonomy architecture4.6ROS 2 on underwater vehicles4.7Stonefish and UUV Simulator4.8Multi-vehicle cooperation4.9Reinforcement learning4.10Lab: depth control in a simulator
5.1Inspection of marine infrastructure5.2Underwater archaeology5.3Seabed mapping5.4Environmental monitoring5.5Intervention with manipulators5.6RoboSub and SAUC-E competitions5.7Benchmark university projects5.8Campaign data management5.9Marine operations regulations5.10Case study: planning a mapping mission
6.1Mission definition6.2Conceptual vehicle design6.3Sensor and propulsion selection6.4Dynamic model6.5Controller design6.6Mission simulation6.7Pool test plan6.8Analysis of results6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The software used is ROS 2, Gazebo (UUV Simulator), MATLAB/Simulink, ArduSub, Python (OpenCV), in free, academic or trial versions. Testing is studied through real procedures from hydrodynamic test tank, acoustic navigation tests, vehicle watertightness tests. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus a final capstone project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the architecture of ROV and AUV underwater vehicles.
Model the hydrodynamics and propulsion of an underwater robot.
Implement underwater navigation and positioning systems.
Apply machine vision and sonar to underwater perception.
Design watertight systems according to IEC 60529.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- A level of English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with ROS 2, Gazebo (UUV Simulator), MATLAB/Simulink, ArduSub, Python (OpenCV). Free, academic or trial versions are used, and your tutor will point out a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the capstone project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state-accredited degree.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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