Study information

IT and Electronics Skills - 2022 entry

MODULE TITLEIT and Electronics Skills CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY1028 MODULE CONVENERProf Feodor Ogrin (Coordinator), Prof Tim Naylor (Coordinator), Dr Alex Corbett (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 6
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 114
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This module is practically based with comprehensive work sheets for each session and demonstrators available to answer any queries that may arise. Students are encouraged to work at their own speed depending on their previous experience. Students with no prior experience will need to spend more time than their more experienced counterparts outside the class sessions to complete the assignments contained in the work sheets.
 
In the first half of the module students learn to use Python for scientific applications. Python is an interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming language that can be used for a range of academic and research based activities including high level mathematics and data processing work. Python is widely used in commercial and research environments. This is followed by a two week introduction to LaTeX for typesetting high-quality reports.
 
The second half introduces the basic areas of digital electronics, as they might be encountered in physics instrumentation, etc., and to provide the necessary theoretical background to carry out experimental investigations. A small amount of useful analogue electronics is also covered. The skills developed in this module will be applied and developed throughout the programme.
 
AIMS - intentions of the module

Every physicist must be able to analyse data, evaluate theoretical models, and present their work in the form of a technical report. They must also be able to perform investigations, such as experiments, and solve the problems they encounter in a systematic and logical manner.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
A student who has passed this module should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. use a computer language (e.g. Python) to manipulate data and solve equations using numerical methods;
2. describe the operation of a range of digital-electronics circuits and of some basic analogue-electronics circuits;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
3. use LaTeX and a stylesheet to produce high-quality typeset reports containing mathematical equations, tables, graphs and diagrams;
4. use appropriate techniques for measurement of circuit performance and techniques for fault-finding;
5. build and/or simulate and test simple electronics circuits of the type used in physics instrumentation;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
6. use a computer to solve problems and produce documents;
7. solve problems logically.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
 
I. Introduction
  1. Use of the Exeter Learning Environment.
  2. The networked environment.
  3. Introduction to online collaboration and communication tools, e.g. Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
II. Python
  1. Introduction to Jupiter Notebooks: Getting started with Python, basic operations and data structures.
  2. Fundamentals: Using the SciPy module, commands and functions, matrix operations.
  3. Working with graphics: Basic plotting, styles and plotting structure, working with axes and outputting.
  4. Writing Python functions: Basic syntax, scripts and functions, internal/external arguments and global variables, input and output.
  5. Numerical integration: Principles and different methods used, use of generic integration functions.
  6. Curve Fitting: The least-squares criterion, fitting with polynomial functions, using self-defined fitting routines.
  7. Programming: Basic programming: using 'for' and 'while' loops, conditional statements 'if', 3-D graphics.

III. LaTex

  1. Using LaTeX to create a simple document
    • Typeset documents with equations, tables, and other LaTeX attributes
    • Working with LaTeX templates
  2. Using software tools to create graphics and diagrams for use in technical reports.
 
Part B: Electronics
 
I. Combinational Logic
NAND and NOR gates; truth tables; combination of gates to implement logic functions
 
II. Sequential Logic
R-S flip-flops; J-K flip flops and simple control circuits; binary counters; shift registers.
 
III. Memory chips
Input and output of data; use of addresses.
 
IV. Microprocessors
Basic operation; I/O and simple control situations; D/A and A/D on input/output data bus
 
V. D to A and A to D Conversion
Operation of DAC; use of DAC to make ADC; sampling rates, conversion times, aliasing and the Nyquist Theorem
 
VI. Analogue Electronics
  1. Simple amplifier circuits based on op-amps; gain, bandwidth, input impedance, output impedance, signal/noise ratio.
  2. Filters: description in terms of frequency response.
  3. Comparators.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 58 Guided Independent Study 92 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities
 22 hours 11×2-hour computer laboratory sessions (IT)
Scheduled learning & teaching activities
 36 hours 12×3-hour practical laboratory sessions (electronics)
Guided independent study 24 hours 8×3-hour IT Skills homework
Guided independent study 5 hours 5×1-hour Electronics homework exercises
Guided independent study 63 hours Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 70 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 30
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Mid-Term IT Skills Test 1 15% 90 mins (Term 1, Week 9) 1, 3, 6, 7 Written and verbal
Mid-Term IT Skills Test 2 15% 90 mins (Term 1, Week 12) 1, 3, 6, 7 Written and verbal
8 × IT Skills assignments 20% 2 hours in class + 3 hours homework each (Weekly Term 1, Weeks 2-5, 7, 8, 10 & 12) 1, 3, 6, 7 Written and verbal
Written reports on electronics experiments 30% Contemporaneous with experiments (Weekly, Term 2, Weeks 6-11)  2, 4, 5, 7 Written and verbal
Electronics problems sheets 20% 5×1 hour (Weekly, Term 2, Weeks 6-10)  2, 7 Written and verbal

 

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.
 
RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Re-assessment is not available for this module.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE:
 
 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Storey, N. Electronics: A Systems Approach 2nd edition Addison-Wesley 1998 020117796x
Extended Faissler, W.L. Introduction to Modern Electronics Wiley 1991 0-471-62242-7
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 15th December 2011 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 27th January 2022
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Analogue electronics; Digital electronics; LaTeX; Python; Op-Amps.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.