Electronic Engineering BEng
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
You are viewing this course for 2021-22 entry. 2022-23 entry is also available.
Key details
- A Levels AAB
Other entry requirements - UCAS code H610
- 3 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
Course description
You'll gain a grounding in of the knowledge and skill that underpins the whole subject area, encompassing computer hardware, analogue circuits, communication systems, power electronics, semiconductor devices and optoelectronics.
All our first-year students take part in the faculty's Global Engineering Challenge, working with students from other engineering disciplines to solve a real-world problem. All second years get to work on a week-long project devised by one of our industry partners. You'll also get the chance to work with an engineering company through the Sheffield Industrial Project Scheme.
In your third year, you will carry out your own research project, supervised by an academic.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Modules
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department directly.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: H610
Years: 2021
Core modules:
- Digital System Engineering
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This module introduces the basic principles underlying the design of electronic systems. The ideas are discussed mainly in the context of digital design which cannot be undertaken realistically without some level of system thinking and planning. Other areas of system design will be used to illustrate and reinforce the idea that system design ideas apply to many fields beside digital design. The module will also introduce some of the computer based tools used by system designers for simulation and verification.
20 credits - Electrical Circuits and Networks
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This module introduces the basic principles underlying electric circuits. The idea of a circuit, and the concepts of voltage, current and power are introduced for both alternating and direct sources. The interaction between electrical circuits and magnetic circuits is discussed and the idea of mutual coupling and transformers is introduced. Formal analysis methods such as nodal, loop and superposition are introduced in the context of dc and ac circuits and the complex notation for ac quantities applied to the latter. The calculation of power in a range of contexts is discussed extensively.
20 credits - Electronic Devices and Circuits
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This module introduces the physical principles that govern the properties and applications of the active and passive circuit components that comprise all electronic and electrical circuits. Issues affecting the practical behaviour of resistors, capacitors and especially diodes and transistors are discussed. The circuit environments in which diodes and transistors are used, and the models describing their internal behaviour and external interactions, are introduced. It is shown how transistors and diodes can be used in both switching circuits and amplifier circuits and the important concept of small signal modelling is introduced in the context of the latter.
20 credits - Mathematics (Electrical)
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This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department.
20 credits - General Skills
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This is a general skills module which encompasses a range of professional development activities that will be useful throughout the remainder of your degree and career. These include practical skills in the laboratory, simulation skills for analysing circuits, communication skills and career development.
10 credits
You will learn to use the full range of industry standard laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, waveform generators and soldering workstations. A series of engaging exercises, both in the lab and using advanced simulation tools, are designed to build up your proficiency in practical engineering. You will use measurements to determine the mystery components in hidden boxes, practice soldering and fault-finding on printed circuit boards, and combine programming with circuits using microcontrollers to solve real world challenges. Many activities have short written tasks aligned to them, allowing focused practice at technical communications with rapid feedback from staff.
In the personal tutorials programme, you will work through personal development activities in small groups, such as effective CV writing and communication skills. You will receive regular feedback on your personal development through skills audits aligned to the Sheffield Graduate Attributes. Some activities will be individual, such as researching your own employability strategy to get your dream engineering job, while others will be in teams, such as giving peer feedback on presentations and an exciting team-based robotics challenge.
The module culminates in an independent construction project that will require all of your skills together - past projects have included creating audio speaker circuits (handling digital input signals right through to audible sound outputs) and infra-red remote controls.
The combination of the two strands to the module will prepare you to work as a professional engineer throughout your degree programme and beyond. - Introduction to Energy
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This module introduces the concepts of electricity and energy in the home. It is aimed at a wide audience and answers those questions that many people have about energy, electricity and renewables but don't know who or how to ask. The module will use only basic arithmetic maths - multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. Renewable energy sources such as solar PV panels, small wind turbines and heat pumps will be described. What savings can you really make? Petrol vs diesel cars, how does electric fit into the picture?
10 credits - Programming
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This unit deals with practical programming. Students will study and practise programming in C andMatlab to provide underpinning skills for their development as engineers.
10 credits - System Design Analysis
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This module gives you a hands-on appreciation of the design, manufacture and operation of electrical and electronic products. It will consist of lectures plus up to six laboratories.
10 credits
There will be two types of laboratories:
(a) Deconstruction, and
(bi Construction.
In (a) you will be guided through the deconstruction of defunct commonplace electrical products. You will discover how the products are made and how the various sub-components interact.
In (b) you will build some simple electrical/electronic systems. The lectures will be used to facilitate the labs and will include discussions of the material characteristics of the products alongside issues of recycling and sustainability. - Global Engineering Challenge Week
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The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.
*The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations.
Core modules:
- Electrical Energy and Conversion
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An outline of the electrical supply infrastructure, including the plurality of electrical energy generation modalities currently in use, is followed by elementary ideas behind protection, safety and tariff structures. The characteristics of electrical machines are discussed together with the circuit strategies that can be used to control of machine performance. Circuits for more general high efficiency power management are also described. Circuits dealing with power will dissipate energy and that energy must be removed if overheating is to be avoided - elements of thermal management are discussed in the context of audio power amplifiers.
30 credits - Analogue and Digital Electronics
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This module brings together the underlying physical principles of BJT, JFET and MOSFET devices to show how structural decisions in device design affect performance as a circuit element. Basic circuit topologies such as long - tailed pairs, Darlington transistors and current mirrors are described as a precursor to exploring the internal design of a typical op-amp. Common applications of op-amps are discussed. The relationship between device structure and performance in simple CMOS circuits is explored and applied to real digital circuit applications. Digital system design strategies are introduced with examples drawn from everyday embedded digital systems.
20 credits - Communication Electronics
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This module introduces the basic structure of a communication system and examines the various circuits and signal engineering strategies that are necessary to make a system work. The fundamental building blocks of a communications system are introduced and analysed in terms of the critical design metrics. Following on from the system approach, a range of circuit components are introduced and analysed such as filters and oscillators. This approach will provide you with a range of levels of system and component understanding such that you can apply these to designs.
20 credits - Design Project
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You will undertake an extended design project (chosen from a list of possible projects covering a range of topics relevant to the various degree programmes for which this is a core element). The design projects will encompass modelling, design, implementation and test. The list of available projects will change from time-to-time but will encompass antennas, radio circuits, embedded processors, digital systems, semiconductors, generators and switching power converters.
10 credits - Engineering Software Design
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This module builds on the C programming learned in year 1 by exploring both the higher level issues of programming, modelling, and skills that an Electronic Engineer should possess. Three mini projects using C and MATLAB and drawn from across the department. The aim is to develop in you the habits of object orientation (e.g. modularity, data hiding, etc.) using C and MATLAB, both commonly used industry standard tools, and writing software for embedded systems.
10 credits - Industrial Project
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This module combines a two-day intensive workshop with a lecture series and an industrially inspired group project task under the SHIPS banner, SHIPS standing for SHeffield Industrial Projects Scheme. The intensive workshop aims to introduce such topics as employability, team working and project planning.
10 credits
The group industrial project aims to allow you to develop skills in such areas as engineering problem solving, effective communication (both oral and written) and group project management; all by tackling a complex technical problem with difficult realistic constraints within a restricted time-scale. - Managing Engineering Projects and Teams
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The module is designed to introduce you to one of the key skills needed in your study and work. You will learn why projects are a key feature of engineering environments. You will also be introduced to the fundamentals of project management concepts and its terminologies. In addition, you will learn how to plan a project and deliver it for its successful completion.
10 credits
It will introduce project management topics such as planning, scoping, scheduling, resources, cost and constraints. Additionally, you will develop an awareness of the importance of people for successful project delivery in practice, including stakeholders and team dynamics. - Mathematics II (Electrical)
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This module is part of a series of Level Two modules designed for the particular group of engineers shown in brackets in the module title. Each module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and develops new mathematical techniques relevant to the particular engineering discipline.
10 credits - Engineering - You're Hired
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The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project. The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.
Core modules:
- Individual Design Project
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To provide a structured individual design project to enable the student to carry out practical and/or theoretical work which underpins his/her academic studies and allows for the acquisition and demonstration of a wide range of practical skills applied to engineering designs.
40 credits - Digital Engineering
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This module provides an introduction to digital processor organisation, architecture, instruction set architectures and system organisation/design. It also provides elements on the underlying computer arithmetic and approaches to design (including Verilog Hardware Description Language). The module is underpinned by practical examples. The module then considers an important application area, looking at the fundamental concepts, underlying mathematics, design methodologies and techniques.
20 credits - Electronics and Devices
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This module aims to describe the generic circuit elements, analogue and digital and their associated properties which are typically used within IC circuits. Additionally, this module aims to bring you a level of understanding of VLSI design, such that you can design basic circuits.
20 credits
Having considered integrated electronics at a circuit level, this module will then look at the fundamental properties of semiconductor materials and devices. It will introduce properties of semiconductor materials such as Si, GaAs and GaN. The semiconductor material properties will be used to design a range of devices including solar cell, photodetector, LEDs, Lasers and microwave devices. Heterojunctions and nanostructures (such as quantum wells) will be introduced to improve semiconductor device performance. The module also aims to provide the knowledge to exploit semiconductor properties, material selection and approaches in device designs. - Feedback Systems Design
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The module provides an introduction to the modelling, analysis and design of feedback control systems using classical control theory. The focus is linear time-invariant (LTI) systems in the continuous-time domain, although a brief introduction is also provided to digital controllers.
10 credits - Finance and Law for Engineers
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The module is designed to introduce engineering students to key areas of financial and legal risk that engineers should be aware of in their working environment. The module will draw directly on practical issues of budgeting, raising finance, assessing financial risks and making financial decisions in the context of engineering projects and/or product development. At the same time the module will develop students's understanding of the legal aspects of entering into contracts for the development and delivery of engineering projects and products and an awareness of environmental regulation, liability for negligence, intellectual property rights and the importance of data protection. Through a series of parallel running lectures in the two disciplines, the module will provide a working knowledge of the two areas and how they impinge on engineering practice. There will be a heavy emphasis on group working, report writing and presentation as part of the assessment supplemented by online exercises and an individual portfolio.
10 credits - Power Electronics
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To introduce and develop an understanding of power electronic devices and circuits; to develop circuit analysis techniques, circuit understanding and design capabilities for use in ac and dc power converters.
10 credits
Optional modules:
- Antennas, Radar and Navigation
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This module is about understanding the fundamentals and common applications of antennas and radar systems. The basic characteristics of some of the commonly used antennas, and antenna systems, will be examined in the context of practical design and application. The radar part of the module will introduce the basic concepts of radar and examine various types of commercial and military radar system in common use. The application of radar and other methods in airborne navigation and landing systems will be discussed. Throughout the module emphasis will be placed on 'first-order' analysis techniques in order to reduce the use of advanced mathematics.
10 credits - Electrical Power Systems
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To provide an insight into the main issues concerning the design and performance of a large power network, to develop models and analytical techniques used in the calculation of the characteristics and specification of the main items of equipment involved in the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power.
10 credits - Engineering Electromagnetics
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The module aims to develop understanding of the physical behaviour of electric and magnetic fields; to teach how to apply these ideas in electronic and electrical engineering and to develop skills in calculating fields in a variety of engineering applications.
10 credits - Machine Design
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To develop an understanding of the relationship between dimensions and rating of machines; to introduce the principles of winding designs; to develop techniques for the design of permanent magnet machines; to calculate representative winding reactances.
10 credits - Mathematics III (Electrical)
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This module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and develops new mathematical techniques relevant to electrical engineering at levels 3 and 4.
10 credits - Power Engineering Electromagnetics
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This module will introduce students static electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations and the application of these equations to electro- and magento-static field problems. This will be extended to consider low frequency time-varying fields and the magnetic field calculations necessary to analyse rotating electrical machines. There will also be a consideration of the numerical methods used to solve magnetic field problems.
10 credits - Principles of Communications
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This course considers the theory and techniques used by a wide range of communication systems, particularly the more recent digital and cryptographic systems. The aim is for students to develop a good grasp of the structure of a modern communication system and to understand the basic issues at each stage in the system.
10 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Learning will be delivered through a combination of lectures, practical labs and tutorials as well as independent study that is supported by problem classes.
Our teaching is informed by the research that our department is involved with. This results in learning by a combination of theory and hands on practical lab sessions in our state of the art facilities with courses that are accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Assessment
You will be assessed using a mixture of exams/tests, coursework and practical sessions.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics
A Levels + additional qualifications | ABB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics+ B in a relevant EPQ; ABB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics + B in AS or A Level Further Maths ABB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics+ B in a relevant EPQ; ABB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics + B in AS or A Level Further Maths
International Baccalaureate | 34, including Higher Level Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics at grades 6, 5 33 with 5 in Higher Level Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics
BTEC | DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A Level Maths grade A DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A Level Maths grade B
Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers | AAABB + AB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics AABBB + AB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | B + AA, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics B + AB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics
Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with 45 at level 3 including 36 credits at Distinction, to include Mathematics and Physics, and 9 credits at Merit. A Mathematics test may also be required 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with 45 at level 3 including 30 credits at Distinction, to include Mathematics and Physics, and 15 credits at Merit. A Mathematics test may also be required
Mature students - explore other routes for mature students
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
We have been at the forefront of research and teaching within the field of electronic and electrical engineering for over a century. In that time the use of electronics has become mainstream requiring challenges to be overcome to provide solutions for everyday needs.
Our students learn from academic experts who have strong links with partners in industry. Our state-of-the-art laboratories allow you to get hands on with equipment used in industry as preparation for your career.
Our wide range of MEng and BEng undergraduate degree programmes provide you with a robust understanding of the principles of electronic and electrical engineering. We offer a common start to all our degrees which offers you the flexibility to change courses at the end of your first year if you wish to focus on certain areas of interest.
All of first year students take part in the faculty's Global Engineering Challenge, working with students from other engineering disciplines to solve a real-world problem. In your third year, you will work on your own research project supervised by an academic.
All our courses are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. A four-year MEng meets all the academic standards for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. If you take our three-year BEng, you'll need to complete some further learning to satisfy the requirements.
Why choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings
Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
World University Rankings 2019
Graduate careers
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Typical graduate job titles include cybersecurity consultant, design engineer, energy engineering consultant, system engineer, electrical engineer, technology analyst, nuclear controls engineer, software engineer and electronics field engineer.
Employers of graduates include ARM, ARUP, BAE Systems, Barclays, Deloitte, Jaguar, Nissan, National Grid, National Instruments, Renault, Rolls Royce, Shell, Siemens, Unilever and Volvo.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 5382
Email: eee-rec@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.