Module title
Electronics for Engineers
Module code
INT1107
Academic year(s)
2014/5
Credits
15
Basic module details
Module staff
Andrew Mackenzie Robertson - Convenor
Duration (weeks) - term 1
0
Duration (weeks) - term 2
12
Duration (weeks) - term 3
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
Module aims
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
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
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
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
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
N/A
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.
12
Laboratory sessions. The sessions
develop practical skills and awareness
of practical application of the subject
material.
Scheduled learning and Teaching
activities
Guided independent study
Directed reading, assigned problems
and web-based activities on ELE will
develop learning at a pace appropriate
for the individual student.
114
Assessment
Formative assessment
Size of the assessment (eg
length / duration)
Form of assessment
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 reassessment
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
The pass mark for award of credit in this module is 40%. Referral is the process whereby a further attempt at the module
examination, following an initial failure, is permitted without the requirement to repeat any attendance. Referral will constitute a
second formal examination – coursework will not be included in the re-assessment.
Resubmission of coursework is impractical since coursework answers and feedback are given to students after marking.
All summative coursework must be completed before entitlement to a referral.
The grade for the referred exam, and therefore the module grade, will be capped at 40%.
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: 9780495667766 (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?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Other details
Module ECTS
Module pre-requisites
INT1103
7.5
Module co-requisites
NQF level (module)
4
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
17/06/2014
Last revision date
17/07/2015
Key words search
Analogue signals; digital signals; semiconductors; semiconductor devices