Electronics for Engineers

Module title	Electronics for Engineers
Module code	INT1107
Academic year	2018/9
Credits	15
Module staff	Andrew Mackenzie Robertson (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	0	12	0

Number students taking module (anticipated)	20

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

This module takes you into the world of electronic engineering – a vast field that covers everything from radio to spaceflight. Electronic engineers encounter two types of signals – analogue and digital – so this module is divided into two parts. The analogue section gives you an overview of the fundamentals of semiconductors and semiconductor devices, including diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers. Studying semiconductor devices involves understanding their characteristics, design and applications in all disciplines of engineering. In the digital section, you will study Boolean algebra and fundamentals of logic gates for the design of combinational and sequential logic circuits and their applications. Assessed practical laboratory work forms an essential part of this module.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module introduces you to fundamental concepts of electronics, which provide a foundation for further study in these areas. It also consolidates a common knowledge base, and begins the development of a learning methodology appropriate to a professional engineer. Furthermore, it introduces electronics terminology and devices and elementary circuits. Finally, it introduces the concept of logic systems and their implementation using electronic devices.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Apply basic principles of circuit and logic analysis to simple electronic systems
2. Design simple digital and analogue circuits
3. Understand the role and function of key component blocks in modern day electronic systems

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

4. Use electronic lab equipment, correctly and safely, to make simple measurements
5. Record and interpret the results of simple laboratory experiments

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

6. Write clear accounts (of simple laboratory experiments)
7. Carry out directed private study using textbook and other provided resources
8. Adopt a systematic approach to problem solving
9. Work with other students in small groups to complete clearly defined tasks
10. Communicate effectively and accurately both orally and in writing

Syllabus plan

Introduction to semiconductors

Diodes and applications, transistors as amplifiers and switches

Operational amplifiers and their applications

Case study (measuring forces using strain gauge stsyems)

Boolean algebra

Logic gates, combinational and sequential logic

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
36	114	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities	24	Lectures. These introduce concepts, provide a broad background, introduce methods and give general guidance.
Scheduled learning and Teaching activities	12	Laboratory sessions. The sessions develop practical skills and awareness of practical application of the subject material.
Guided independent study	114	Directed reading, assigned problems and web-based activities on ELE will develop learning at a pace appropriate for the individual student.

Assessment

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Not applicable

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
10	60	30

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Written assignments. Tutor marked assessments	10	2 TMAs (one analogue and 1 digital - 6 hours each)	1, 2, 3, 7, 10	Written feedback on formal submission Model solutions
Practical	30	Laboratory work report (12 hours).	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10	Verbal guidance and feedback during lab sessions. Online feedback as part of assessment system
Written examination	60	2 hour closed book	1, 2, 3, 8, 10	Written feedback on formal submission

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Written exam	Written exam (referral)	1, 2, 3, 8, 10	Usually taken in next exam period
Written exam	Written exam (deferral)	1, 2, 3, 8, 10	Usually taken in next exam period

Re-assessment notes

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.

If a module is normally assessed by examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Floyd, Thomas L, Buchla, David M, (2010) Electronics Fundamentals: Circuits, Devices and Applications, 8th edition, Harlow: Pearson. ISBN: 978-0135096833 (set)

Roth, C, H (JR), Kinney, Larry, L. (2010) Fundamentals of Logic Design: 6th international edition, Cengage. ISBN: 978-0495667766 (set)

Hambley, Allen, R (2010) Electrical Engineering: Principles and Applications: Pearson. ISBN: 978-0132155168 (extended)

Horowitz, P, Hill, W. (1989) The Art of Electronics: 2nd edition, CUP. ISBN: 0-521-37095-7 (extended)

Hughes, E. (2012) Electrical and Electronic Technology: Pearson. ISBN: 978-0131143975 (extended)

Crecraft, D,Gorham, D. (2003) Electronics: 2nd edition, CRC Press. ISBN: 978-0748770336 (extended)

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Analogue signals; digital signals; semiconductors; semiconductor devices

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	INT1103
NQF level (module)	4
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	17/06/2014
Last revision date	30/07/2017