Measurement and Sensor Technology

Have you ever wondered how the instruments work which enable Abby Sciuto to solve all those tricky cases in „NCIS“? In the past a precise mechanical device, a good eye and a skilled hand were the prerequisites of well-done measurements – today sophisticated instruments and elaborated computer software are the crucial requirements of automatic measurement systems which collect data continuously and reliably under any circumstance.

In the case of Abby Sciuto, a minute sample has to be supplied for the computer to determine the chemical elements, molecules or biological samples it contains. Different techniques are applied to get the result: Looking for trace elements, for instance, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or X-ray fluorescence (XRF) will be proper choices; the flavors of a perfume can be distinguished by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GCMS) whereas pharmaceutical substances contained in a drug can be identified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR).

Not only in forensics are cleverly devised measurements needed. There is almost no advanced technical product today which would function without sensors, e.g. for temperature, force, flow rate, distance or velocity. Adopted from nature, sensors provide the interface between real world conditions and corresponding electronic signals. As an example, more than 100 different sensors are integrated in a modern car. Correspondingly, the world market for automotive sensors alone has a volume of several billion dollars and an annual growth rate of about 10%. Can you imagine the scope of possibilities in the whole sensor and measurement field?

Analytical Instruments, Measurement and Sensor Technology (AIMS)

Sensor and measurement technology is the stuff of which the AIMS program is made. You will not only learn the principles of the function of such techniques, but also have the opportunity to collect practical experience applying them to solve real-world problems. Considering the wide distribution of such instruments in research labs as well as in industry, the competencies you will acquire in this program will put you in an attractive position both with respect to companies developing such instruments as well as to institutions making use of them.

Sign up, learn all about the novel technologies and the latest developments in sensors and measurements and get your career started.

Mail to Mrs. Inga Grebe aims@hs-coburg.de or take a look at our homepage: www.hs-coburg.de/aims