BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: H600
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

Clearing entry requirements

We’re committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. Over Clearing, we’ll be taking a flexible approach so if you don’t have the advertised grades, you can submit a clearing application and we’ll review and consider your application on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
120–128	BBB–ABB Mandatory subjects: Mathematics and either Physics or Technology or engineering-based subjects, excluding General Studies/Critical Thinking	DDM Mandatory subjects: Extended Diploma in Engineering, to include distinction in Further Mathematics	None	Engineering diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. the remaining 15 L3 credits must be at merit	120–128 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above, to include HL Mathematics and Physics

UCAS points

A Level

BTEC

Accepted T Levels

Access Course Tariff

IB requirement

120–128

BBB–ABB

Mandatory subjects:

Mathematics and either Physics or Technology or engineering-based subjects, excluding General Studies/Critical Thinking

DDM

Mandatory subjects:

Extended Diploma in Engineering, to include distinction in Further Mathematics

None

Engineering diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. the remaining 15 L3 credits must be at merit

120–128 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above, to include HL Mathematics and Physics

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/C in Mathematics.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations

The BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering course is accredited by IET and satisfies, in part, the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration for the cohort intakes from 2016 up to, and including, 2024.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
120–128	BBB–ABB Mandatory subjects: Mathematics and either Physics or Technology or engineering-based subjects, excluding General Studies/Critical Thinking	DDM Mandatory subjects: Extended Diploma in Engineering, to include distinction in Further Mathematics	None	Engineering diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. the remaining 15 L3 credits must be at merit	120–128 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above, to include HL Mathematics and Physics

Why choose this course?

Study at one of the largest engineering schools in the UK
Ranked 10th in the UK for Electronic and Electrical engineering
Work on industry inspired projects in well-equipped laboratories

This BEng Honours in Electrical and Electronic Engineering will give you a sound technological background in the field of electrical and electronic engineering.
You will have access to modern engineering tools which will give you the advantage of experiencing a hi-tech laboratory environment.
Students from the School of Engineering and Technology have previously completed work placement years at companies including: Airbus Space and Defence, Bosch Thermotechnology, and Microsoft
Recent Electrical Engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including: Vodafone, Mitsubishi Electric and Stansted Airport
93% overall student satisfaction in the 2022 National Student Survey (NSS).

What's the course about?

The BEng electrical and electronic engineering course gives you a sound technological understanding in the field of electrical and electronic engineering. With access to modern engineering tools and a hi-tech laboratory environment, you’ll learn the latest skills and knowledge in digital signal processing, microelectronic and VLSI (very-large-scale integration) design practice, robotics and neural networks, power systems applications, and advanced power conversion and control application trends. You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to study abroad or work in industry for a year, boosting your CV and employment prospects.

Your main campus is College Lane  

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.   

New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building opening in 2024

Learn in our brand-new building, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones. You will have access to modelling, simulation and research labs, our Merlin Flight Simulator and automotive workshop (complete with electric vehicle facility), wind tunnel, welding bay and controls testing suite.

You will also benefit from a Success and Skills Support Unit, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.

The new building will also provide space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.

What will I study?

Our enthusiastic staff are always looking for new ways to enhance your learning experience and over recent years, we have won national awards for our innovative teaching ideas. All of our courses include a significant practical element, which, together with tutorial sessions reinforce the theory delivered during lectures, and you have many opportunities to enhance your presentation skills ready for the workplace.

More about the Course

This course is designed to enable you to study a range of topics similar to those of the more specific courses but in a more flexible way, allowing you to choose a more diverse individual course. Many of our students have an interest in one or more of the specialist areas and wish to combine them. This study route allows you to do that.

Final Year students benefit from the opportunity to study modules such as applications of electronics in subjects such as electrical and electronic power control, digital signal processing, micro-electronics, robotics and the option of telecommunication systems or micro-engineering and micro-technology. The aim is to allow you to keep your expertise broad if you wish, allowing you to specialise later.

This course starts with common study areas to give you a sound understanding of basic electrical and electronic engineering principles. Unlike the other courses, it maintains this breadth in your study of electrical and electronic engineering in the Final Year.

In your first year you focus on the basic principles and practices needed in electronic engineering, and on developing relevant analytical, design and organisational abilities. You will learn about digital fundamentals, computing concepts and the problem-solving tools that you will need as the course progresses.

In your second year you will explore in more depth the theories and techniques involved in product design and development, with particular emphasis on 'embedded' real-time microprocessor systems, programmable logic devices and power control. You will learn to apply practical skills to design, implement and test solutions relevant to electrical and electronic engineering.

In your final year the focus is on understanding more about the specialist technologies that are at the heart of today's advanced communication systems. Mobile communication concepts and computer networks, the design of high-speed analogue and digital electronics using integrated circuits, and radio frequency circuits and systems are all examined, along with key microprocessor topics, fuzzy logic and neural networks and digital signal processing. You will also carry out an individual double-module project on a topic relevant to electrical and/or electronic engineering.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Engineering Mathematics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to explore mathematical techniques commonly used in engineering. Topics covered include functions frequently occurring in engineering applications, their manipulation and application, complex numbers, integration techniques, differentiation of functions of one or more variables, ordinary differential equations, determinants, matrices and vectors, statistics and probability. A range of applications will support the mathematical content of the module.
Digital Electronic Circuits	15 Credits	Compulsory
'Digital Electronic Circuits' provides a comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals of digital electronics. A range of fundamental key topics such as binary number systems, base conversion, codes, binary arithmetic operations and Boolean logic are covered. Common types of logic gates and flip-flops are introduced and the basic concepts and principles for the analysis and design of combinational and sequential digital electronic systems are presented. Finally, these and other topics are brought together in the context of computer and microprocessor systems, to introduce students to computer hardware and the principles of operation of peripheral devices.
Circuit Theory and Analysis	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide students with a sound understanding of the fundamental concepts of electric circuit theory and the ability to apply these principles to solve engineering problems. Topics covered include basic electric circuits and components such as resistor, capacitor, inductor and their series and parallel connections with a comprehensive coverage of the basic laws and theorems to perform nodal and mesh analysis of DC and AC electric circuits. The module provides an in-depth introduction to AC fundamentals including voltage, current, and power in AC circuits and the concept of power factor correction with an overview of frequency response characteristics and the concept of resonance. Finally, the transient behaviour of basic first order and second order circuits including RL, RC and RLC is introduced.
Project Planning and Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will develop their practical skills from the knowledge learned in the relevant level and semester modules. Students will learn how to design and develop electronic system elements, from using discrete components through to designing systems and managing projects. Students will learn how to plan engineering projects that captures the operating requirements based on user specifications. Students will learn how to design against the captured requirements and produce a functional electronic design.
Professional Engineering	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will be introduced to their individual responsibilities when embarking on their careers as professional engineers. Through relevant application of professionalism as students, they will develop skills and knowledge that will be directly relatable to industry practice and/or continued academic study. Using relevant academic research and industry examples students will learn about codes of conduct, relevant legislation, compliance and ethics as well as developing an understanding of working in teams, leadership and project management.The learning and assessment will be in conjunction with aligned and concurrent modules to allow this module to support and develop their academic and practical skills. The aim is to develop in the students a personal responsibility for their own learning and professional career development. Through engaging effectively with industry sourced speakers and real-world case studies the students will gain valuable insights into how academic theories and discussions relate to real world professional discussions and situations.
Programming	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to a variety of programming concepts and variables, constants and arrays. It also includes introductory material on more advanced concepts such as software design methodology. The module is taught both by lecture and practical exercises, with the practical work being largely centred on the use of a high level language such as 'C'.
Analogue Circuits and Devices	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the fundamental properties of semiconductor materials and devices commonly used in modern electronics. Topics studied include diodes, bipolar and field-effect transistors with their different configurations and their biasing techniques. The module also covers the essentials on operational amplifiers and their applications in electronic circuit design. The students will gain an in-depth knowledge on construction, testing and analysis of analogue electronic systems.
Electronic Product Development	15 Credits	Compulsory
The students will practise what they have learned including the electronic theories, analogue circuits, and project management to experience a complete cycle of a discrete component analogue electronic circuit design process, which includes conceptual design, breadboard implementation, circuit simulation, PCB fabrication, and components assembling. The students will be trained to use typical electronic laboratory instrumentation to perform the electronic circuit testing and debugging. These activities will be supported by the module team and lab technicians. The students will be provided with a variety of resources including relevant lab equipment and professional software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and test the electronic circuits.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Signals and Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
The students will be introduced fundamentals of signals and systems analysis techniques used in electrical, electronics, control and communication systems. The module covers continuous time signals, linear time-invariant systems, Fourier Analysis, convolution and Laplace transform etc., in mathematical terms alongside with engineering principles. Suitable software packages, such as MATLAB, will be used as an analysis tool to support practical activities.
Digital Design and Embedded Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory

Electric Power and Energy Conversion	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to introduce students to the concepts underlying electric power generation, transmission, energy conversion systems and control of electrical systems and electrical machines. Each topic is presented in sufficient depth to enable students to develop their understanding of the fundamental principles, techniques, and methodologies for the analysis and design of electric power systems, electrical machines, and power electronics drives.
Analogue and Mixed-Signal Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
The students will practise what they have learned during 'Digital Design and Embedded Systems' and 'Signals and Systems' to experience a complete cycle of a mixed-mode and FPGA based electronic circuit design process, which includes conceptual design, system implementation, simulation, and system deployment. The students will be trained to use typical electronic CAD/EDA to perform a digital FPGA electronics circuit testing and debugging. These activities will be supported by the module team and lab technicians. The students will be provided with a variety of resources including relevant lab equipment and professional software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and test the digital electronic circuits.
Real-Time Systems and Programming	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module extends knowledge of embedded systems with material on both the hardware design and software issues of real-time systems, including an introduction to aspects such as scheduling, system testing and response analysis.
Connected Systems and IoT	15 Credits	Compulsory
The students will practise what they have learned during 'Real-time Systems & Programming' and 'Communication System Principles' to experience a complete cycle of an electronic circuit design process, which includes conceptual design, system implementation, simulation, and system deployment for the application of IoT. The students will be trained to use typical electronic CAD/EDA to perform a microcontroller-based circuit testing, debugging for IoT applications. These activities will be supported by the module team and lab technicians. The students will be provided with a variety of resources including relevant lab equipment and professional software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and test microcontroller-based circuits.
Mechatronics	15 Credits	Compulsory
The aims of this module are to enable students to understand the basic mechanics, analogue electronics, control systems and electro-mechanical processes in line with wider mechatronics applications. Students should be able to apply problem solving and implement engineering solutions to optimise mechatronics systems. Students should also be able to demonstrate understanding of the multidisciplinary inter-link within mechatronics.
Communication System Principles	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces fundamental concepts of communication systems and communications networks, including baseband signals, communication channel and noise, analogue modulation/demodulation, sampling and digitisation and communication network topologies. Theoretical study is supported by practical exercises and lab experiments and where appropriate, software-based simulation tools.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Industrial Placement	0 Credits	Compulsory
The optional placement year is undertaken in the academic year prior to the final year of study, and must meet University standard requirements for the length of placement to be considered for the conferment of "with Sandwich" upon graduation. Students undertake the placement within an organisation that can provide an appropriate learning experience within an engineering or general STEM environment/role. To be eligible for placement, students must normally have achieved sufficient credit at Levels 4 and 5 to be able to enter the final year upon completion of the placement. While the School and University actively support the placements process ultimately it is the placement company that will select students, normally through an interview process. During the placement, a member of School staff will be assigned to the student as a tutor and will monitor the student's progress during the placement period.
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
The Year Abroad will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.
Microelectronics and VLSI	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to extend students knowledge of analogue and digital electronics into the area of integrated circuit design. Material is biased toward advanced high-speed analogue and digital IC technologies and circuits. The module also covers the way in which these concepts are used in the design of integrated analogue circuits and digital 'systems on chip'. Although treated in an analytical way, learning is supported by the use of modern relevant software design and simulation tools.
Intelligent Systems and Robotics	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to advance students' knowledge of control principles into robotic systems based on the use of fuzzy logic, neural networks and neuro-fuzzy systems. The fundamentals of these artificial intelligence techniques and systems will be covered in depth to provide the student with knowledge and practical basis for applying artificial intelligence techniques to the solution of complex problems in robotics.
Digital Communication Systems	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module further develops students' knowledge of digital communication systems. The emphasis is on digital aspects of communications, with study of typical digital modulation strategies. Also covered in the module is study of the effect of channel properties and of channel equalisation techniques.
Digital Signal Processing	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the student to modern concepts of digital signal processing. Material covered includes typical theoretical concepts as well as an introduction to typical hardware implementations. The theoretical study is supported by practical work using typical software tools for simulating DSP techniques as well as practical work in implementing simple algorithms on selected digital signal processors.
Power Systems and Renewable Energy	0 Credits	Compulsory
Electric power systems around the world are undergoing a profound transformation as a consequence of the transition towards the adoption of clean and sustainable energy sources. This module provides an in-depth knowledge on electric power systems, renewable energy sources including solar, wind and other alternative sources and an advanced technical understanding of the technologies for renewable energy conversion, storage, and integration to electric distribution network. The module will also introduce the concept of smart grids, microgrids, smart metering and communication technologies.
Wireless Networking	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module covers different types of wireless networks, e.g., local/wide area networks, mobile networks, sensor networks and IoT, including the analysis of requirements for hardware, software, methodologies to support data transmission and exchange services in wireless networks. Networking technologies, systems and protocols are included, together with recently developed local access and data communication techniques.
BEng Individual Project (Electrical)	0 Credits	Compulsory
The major individual project occurs in either third or fourth (sandwich awards) year of study can take several forms ranging from design-oriented work to investigative work and research projects and placing their findings in the context of the application of real world engineering. Students are highly encouraged to propose their own topics for investigation. The project title and topic are chosen and moderated to provide an intellectual challenge appropriate to an honours programme of study in a specific engineering field. The student is expected to firstly identify and elucidate the problems through a critical review of a subject area and then plan, organise, and execute a significant individual programme of work related to a chosen field of study through the analysis and synthesis of results. Students should demonstrate initiative and creativity in applying skills, knowledge and experience gained from previous work in an individual practical, problem solving project. Student will be subjected to both end-point assessments and a continuous progress assessment that will assess the learning outcomes.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement
Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process. This degree is supported by the following industry organisations:
- Anritsu
- Airbus Defence and Space
- Global Invacom
- Imagination Technologies
- Raytheon
- Rolls Royce
- Speakerbus Ltd
If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Michelle Law

Meet Michelle Law who has excelled in her role within electrical engineering since graduating. Michelle currently works as a Technology Innovation Manager at ghd.

Read more stories BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Current job role	Technology Innovation Manager
Year of graduation	2010
Course of study	BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronics Engineering

University experience and life

Michelle, an international student from Malaysia, was offered the Vice-Chancellors scholarship to come and study at the University of Hertfordshire. She attributes a lot of her success to the University and the opportunities she was offered as a student here.

She says that aspects of her course helped to develop skills relevant to the industry, including mini projects which helped her to practice management skills before graduating. 'I learnt a lot about the different stages of managing projects - from early development, to completing within a deadline. I was able to transfer these skills to my job.'

However, the passion Michelle's lecturers bought to her studies was the most memorable thing about her time at the University. 'The best thing about my course was the lecturers. They were very passionate and supportive lecturers who ensured we understood what we were learning and how to put the knowledge we gained into practice.'

She also adds that she embraced every moment of her student life and explored new things, including volunteering, to help make the most out of her time at university.

Future career plans

Michelle does not plan to change her career path and wants to focus on developing her project management skills in her current role.

What's next for my career?

The broad-based skills acquired during this course will equip you to enter a wide range of electrical and electronics sectors. Our previous graduates have found employment in medical electronics, power generation and distribution industries, communications, avionics and automotive electronics, with many successfully moving into management positions within a few years. Many others decide to stay at the University and extend their engineering education to a postgraduate level.
View our Alumni profiles

Michelle Law

Course fact sheets
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Download
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Download

Programme specifications
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Download
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Part Time, 6 Years Sandwich, 4 Years , 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
25/09/2024	31/05/2025	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
25/09/2024	31/05/2025	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
25/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
25/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
22/09/2025	31/05/2026	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Study Abroad)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time
- £1995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time
- £1995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Apply through Clearing

Book your open day

Get info and updates

BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: H600

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Clearing entry requirements

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building opening in 2024

What will I study?

More about the Course

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

My week at a glance

Student Blogs

7 Things to know when starting university

Student Blogs

Why I chose Herts

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Michelle Law who has excelled in her role within electrical engineering since graduating. Michelle currently works as a Technology Innovation Manager at ghd.

University experience and life

Future career plans

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing now

2024

2025

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane  