Electronic Engineering BEng

Core modules:

Digital System Engineering

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

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

The first part of this module introduces basic concepts of computer programming, through an introduction to problem solving and the development of simple algorithms using the programming language Python. The module will stress the importance of good programming style and good code design and will introduce how an object-oriented approach can help to achieve these aims. The second part of this module introduces some of the fundamental principles of object oriented programming and software engineering using the Java Programming Language. In particular it covers the principles that underlie the structuring of software and introduces models of real-world systems. Techniques for developing sound programming techniques are introduced and applied.

20 credits

Mathematics (Electrical)

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

This unit deals with practical laboratory skills.

10 credits

Introduction to Energy

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

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

This unit aims to investigate the design and assembly of common electrical and electronic devices. Examples of commercially available devices will be examined in detail and deconstructed to allow critical assessment of the assembly and the design decisions that have been made in their construction. The unit will be a combination of formal lectures and laboratory analysis of the devices, being assessed by a short report and interaction during laboratory sessions. A formal talk will also form part of the assessment.

10 credits

Global Engineering Challenge Week

The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme, and 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 six, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, ICT, Waste Management and Energy with scenarios set in a developing country. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Challenge* and other projects have been suggested by an academic at the University of Makerere in Uganda (who is involved in developing solutions using IT systems for health, agriculture and resource problems in developing countries). Students are assessed on a number of aspects of being a professional engineer both by Faculty alumni and a number of local industrial engineers.*The EWB Challenge is a design program coordinated internationally by Engineers Without Borders Australia and delivered in Australian, New Zealand, British and Irish universities. It provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects. By participating in the EWB Challenge students are presented with a fantastic opportunity to design creative solutions to problems identified by real EWB projects. Each year, the EWB Challenge design brief is based on a set of sustainable development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations. http://www.ewb-uk.org/ewbchallenge

Core modules:

Electrical Energy and Conversion

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

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

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 idea of spectrum as a limited resource and some of the regulatory framework that allows multiple use of spectrum without conflict between users is introduced. The unit, which aims to form a bridge between communication systems and electronics, will include a number of case studies in order to place ideas in a sensible context.

20 credits

Design Project

Students 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 (solar cells, SAW filters), generators.

10 credits

Engineering Software Design

This module builds on the C programming learned in year 1 by exploring both the higher level issues of programming, modelling, and embedded programming. The aim is to develop in students 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. This is done in the belief that these are skills that a `normal¿ Electronic Engineer should possess. Three mini projects using C and MATLAB and drawn from across the department are used as a focus for the various activities and to enable students to demonstrate achievement of the module outcomes.

10 credits

Industrial Project

This module will be a combination of lectures, exercises and an industrial project, aimed at self development, time management, managing meetings etc. and also at developing skills in dealing with other people and group working.

10 credits

Managing Engineering Projects and Teams

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. 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.

10 credits

Mathematics II (Electrical)

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

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

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

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

This course aims to describe the generic circuit elements, analogue and digital and their associated properties which are typically used within IC circuits. Additionally, this course aims to bring the student to level of understanding of VLSI design, such that they can design basic circuits. 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 heterojunctions and look at the structure and behaviour of a wide range of devices (JFET, MOSFET, MESFET, HEMT, LED, laser, Solar Cells). It will also look at the issues of designing high power semiconductor devices.

20 credits

Feedback Systems Design

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

The module is designed to introduce engineering students to some of the key financial and legal issues that engineers are likely to encounter 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¿ 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, data protection and intellectual property rights. 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

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

This unit is about understanding the fundamentals and common applications of antennas and radar systems. The basic characteristics of some of the commonly used antenna systems will be examined in the context of practical design and application. The radar part of the unit 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 unit emphasis will be placed on 'first-order' analysis techniques in order to reduce the use of advanced mathematics.

10 credits

Electrical Power Systems

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

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

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)

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

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

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