Abertay University in Dundee is creating a new School of Engineering, Computing and Applied Mathematics (Secam) in a restructuring designed to broaden international appeal and attract more female students.
The change is a major reorganisation with a full reconfiguration of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and refocusing on research in line with national and government priorities.
New undergraduate courses are being created in engineering and intelligent systems, cybersecurity, computing, informatics, web design and communication.
Secam also intends to build on Abertay’s success in attracting overseas students to masters degrees in new technologies.
Vice-principal Professor Steve Oliver said Secam is developing four main research themes user-centred design, cybersecurity, mobile computing and renewable energy systems.
The university also hopes there will be greater community engagement around engineering.
There will be no job losses, and the aim to increase student numbers substantially should create more job opportunities over time.
Professor Simeon Keates, head of Secam, said: ”The launch of Secam is part of an ambitious growth strategy at Abertay University relating to how we can use technology to improve people’s lives and to keep people safe.
”Computing will still be the core of what we do, but there are massive opportunities for growth in engineering in all its forms.
”National and international demand for engineering skills attached to computing and design knowledge is an area of very rapid growth, particularly in China and India.
”Adding applied mathematics to our title just reflects expertise we already have at Abertay and are keen to support.
”The School of Engineering, Computing and Applied Mathematics will focus on addressing difficult social and economic problems by using computing, engineering and technology.
”We are already leading experts in keeping people and businesses safe online. We are also developing expertise in smarter solutions to power generation and distribution.
”Designing systems to help older adults stay living in their own homes is just one area where technological advances could make a huge difference to the lives of many people in Scotland.
”We’re really looking forward to our launch on June 8, and to welcoming the invited friends of the university and local politicians to hear about how Abertay is making a positive difference in the 21st century.”