State-of-the-art computer labs unveiled following £1.2 million investment

Following £1.2m of investment, secured from the Office for Students’ Capital Funding round, the newly upgraded labs are designed to advance learning in the fields of AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, Networking, and Usability. The investment also demonstrates the university’s award-winning commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing student experience, and preparing graduates for success in the ever-evolving tech industry.

The new facilities include two AI and data science labs, two networks labs, a cyber security lab, and a smart lab, each equipped with the latest technology that reflects the demands of the modern workforce.

Key features of the new labs Include:

• High-Performance Workstations: A dedicated student social space features six high-performance workstations, each equipped with RTX-4080 graphics cards for advanced AI, gaming, and video processing tasks.

• Smart Lab with LoRaWan Equipment: The new Smart lab includes LoRaWan technology for monitoring IoT sensor systems, allowing students to conduct real-world projects involving the Internet of Things (IoT).

• Industry-Leading Networking Equipment: Students will have access to exclusive, professional-grade networking hardware, including Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls, for network design, analysis, testing, and cyber security analysis.

• Interactive Lecture Displays: Large 86” touchscreens have been installed to deliver interactive and engaging lecture materials.

• Usability Lab: The Usability Lab offers a user experience observation and testing space featuring semi-transparent mirror glass to enable seamless user testing and research.

Alongside this, the new labs are fitted with advanced lighting, allowing the rooms to be used for collaboration and team competitions. There are also class sets of Raspberry Pi 5 with AI hat, camera and active cooling systems, which can be used for AI analysis, as well as class sets of Arduino robots and enhanced sensor/actuator components.

Head of Science & Engineering, Sarah Radif, said:

"This investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing students with world-class resources to develop the skills and experience that employers demand.

"The new labs will not only enhance teaching and learning but also foster a culture of innovation, helping students to explore new ideas and excel in the rapidly evolving tech landscape."

Advancing Educational Excellence and Employability

These new labs will provide students with valuable hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and technology, preparing them for careers in some of the fastest-growing fields in tech. Whether designing secure networks, developing AI-driven applications, or experimenting with high-spec systems, students at Solent have access to tools that will enhance their education and position them for success in the job market.

Solent provides a range of computing courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university won the Teaching Excellence Framework triple gold award in 2023, recognising the excellent standard of teaching, university learning environment and course content on offer to students.