Analytical Methods, Computing, Electrical and Electronics Systems
- Module code: ME4012
- Year: 2018/9
- Level: 4
- Credits: 30
- Pre-requisites: None
- Co-requisites: None
Summary
This module introduces students from a variety of backgrounds to the basic concepts from electrical and electronic engineering, using analytical methods. The module embeds solid foundations in engineering mathematics, which are then conceptualised to find solutions of engineering problems. Furthermore, it introduces students to basic programming skills applied to engineering problems.
Aims
- To deliver the basic principles underlying electrical and electronic engineering.
- To develop students' skills in mathematical analysis.
- To develop students' proficiency in use of mathematical methods in engineering context.
- To develop students' basic programming techniques in engineering environment.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Apply simple principles, laws and theorems to the analysis of electrical and electronic circuits.
- Describe characteristics of electrical systems, electronic devices, and electronic instruments including key concepts such as amplification.
- Apply basic programming skills to simple engineering problems and demonstrate appreciation of importance of programming in engineering.
- Perform calculations using matrix algebra, trigonometry and complex numbers.
- Use calculus to solve engineering problems.
- Use statistical methods, including probability to an engineering problem.
Curriculum content
- Revision of fundamentals, field, potential, Ohms law etc.
- Analysis of simple linear circuits.
- AC theory, RCL circuits.
- Three phase principles, applications; motors.
- Electronic components, integrated circuits, PCBs.
- Electrical instruments- function and applications.
- Power supplies and amplifiers.
- Introduction to a high level programming language and implementation in hardware.
- Differential calculus, partial differentiation.
- Integral calculus with standard integrals, partial fractions.
- Numerical differentiation and integration.
- Solution of non-linear equations.
- Matrix algebra, linear systems, simultaneous equations.
- Trigonometry.
- Complex numbers.
- Introduction to statistics, laws of probability, random variables, density and distribution functions, binomial, Poisson and normal distributions, curve fitting.
Teaching and learning strategy
The module is delivered through a variety of lectures, analytical and programming tutorials and laboratory exercises. Lecture presentations, extended lecture notes, tutorial and revision materials (including solutions), lab briefs and programming 'walk-through' tutorials will be made available within the Virtual Learning Environment for this module:
- Lectures are designed to introduce students to the basic concepts in physics, electronics and electrical engineering and to demonstrate how analytical techniques are applied to solve engineering problems.
- Small group tutorials are used for problem solving, benefiting from the tutor's help and guidance and instant formative feedback. This learning feeds forward into laboratory exercises.
- Small group programming sessions are run by the tutors (with an appropriate staff-student ratio), with students organised in small groups benefiting from peer support and instant formative feedback. The exercises are supported by on-line 'walk-through' tutorials.
- Test and measurement laboratory exercises are run jointly by the tutors and the technicians (with an appropriate staff-student ratio) with students organised in small groups benefiting from peer support and instant formative feedback. The exercises are supported by on-line briefs providing an efficient on-line marking system.
- As part of their learning activities, students will be encouraged to consult the indicative course texts and on-line materials to supplement the information presented in lectures, tutorials and laboratory exercises.
The learning in this module feeds forward into level 6 module ME5012.
Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours
| Definitive UNISTATS Category |
Indicative Description |
Hours |
| Scheduled learning and teaching |
This is a combination of formal lectures, analytical tutorials, electronics tutorials, in preparation for the laboratory experiments (enabling students to get familiar with electronic test and measurement equipment and fault-finding) and hands-on tutorials (enabling students to gain programming skills). |
125 |
| Guided independent study |
Preparatory reading 25 hours and independent study 150 hours. |
175 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) |
300 |
Assessment strategy
The module is assessed in a mixture of in-class tests and laboratory exercises, which includes test and measurement and programming exercises, offering opportunities for both summative and formative feedback:
- Whilst in-class tests provide primarily summative feedback, the-follow on sessions will be used to feedback, improve knowledge and feed forward.
- Small group tutorials are used for problem solving, providing regular formative feedback by the tutor and within the peer group.
- Further formative feedback is obtained from the tutors and peers in small group programming sessions, to be followed by the summative feedback on the report submitted. The report includes a range of reporting modes, such as YouTube videos and live competitions.
- Test and measurement laboratory exercises provide both formative feedback during the session by the tutors and the instant summative feedback at the end of the session. This is achieved using the on-line laboratory briefs, including some theoretical introduction, followed on by an efficient on-line marking system with instant summative feedback.
Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)
| Learning Outcome |
Assessment Strategy |
| 1. Apply simple principles, laws and theorems to the analysis of electrical and electronic circuits. |
In-class test 1 and assignment |
| 2. Describe characteristics of electrical systems, electronic devices, and electronic instruments including key concepts such as amplification. |
In-class test 2 and assignment |
| 3. Apply basic programming skills to simple engineering problems and demonstrate appreciation of importance of programming in engineering. |
Assignment |
| 4. Perform calculations using matrix algebra, trigonometry and complex numbers. |
In-class test 1 |
| 5. Use calculus to solve engineering problems. |
In-class test 2 |
| 6. Use statistical methods, including probability to an engineering problem. |
In-class test 2 |
Elements of Assessment
| Description of Assessment |
Definitive UNISTATS Categories |
Percentage |
| Coursework |
Coursework 1 - In-class test
Coursework 2 - In-class test
Coursework 3 - Hands-on exercises |
40%
40%
20% |
| Total (to equal 100%) |
100% |
Achieving a pass
It IS a requirement that the major category of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Bibliography core texts
Singh, Kuldeep, 2011, Engineering Mathematics through Applications, Palgrave, ISBN: 978-0-230-27479-2
Bird, J.O. 2007, Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology, ISBN-13: 978-0750681391
Gasperi, M 2007, LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT, ISBN-13: 978-1934891032
Relevant Electronic Engineering software and Mindstorm Robots are available from Roehampton Vale library.
Bibliography recommended reading
Bird, J.O. 2007, Electrical and Electronic Principles and Technology, ISBN-13: 978-0750685566
Hughes, E. Hiley, J. Brown, K. McKenzie-Smith, I. 2008, Electrical Technology, ISBN-13: 978-0132060110
Bird, J.O., 2010, Higher Engineering Mathematics, Newnes; 6 edition, ISBN-10: 185617767X, ISBN-13: 978-1856177672
Stroud, K.A., 2009, Foundation Mathematics, Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN-10: 0230579078, ISBN-13: 978-0230579071
Stroud, K.A., 2007, Engineering Mathematics, Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN-10: 1403942463, ISBN-13: 978-1403942463