Electrical and Electronic Engineering Unit Catalogue
ELEC0001: Applied electromagnetics 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To give students an understanding of electromagnetism so that they can calculate fields, forces and induced emfs in and around simple geometries of current carrying conductors and appreciate the concept of electromagnetic wave propagation in free space.
Content:
Electrostatics: introduction to the electrostatic field; definition of electric flux, flux density and field strength; Gauss' theorem and the calculation of electric field strength and capacitance.
Magnetism: introduction to the magnetic field; forces between current-carrying conductors; definition of B, H and permeability; Amperes circuital law, the effect of magnetic materials; the Biot Savart law applied to a circular circuit and cylindrical solenoid. Displacement current. Calculation of field values in simple geometries.
Electromagnetism: Faraday's law and electromagnetic induction. Definition and calculation of self and mutual inductance. The simple transformer and generator. Energy storage in the e.m. field and forces in electromechanical transducers.
Wave propagation: statement of Maxwell's equations; derivation of the equations for wave propagation in free space and in lines with sinusoidal excitation.
Insulating materials: permittivity, dielectric losses, breakdown mechanisms.
Magnetic materials: permeability, hysteresis and losses, saturation effects. Hard, soft and rare-earth materials, ferrites.
ELEC0002: Energy distribution & utilisation 1
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a basic understanding of the way in which electrical machines and power systems operate. To enable students to calculate the steady-state performance of common types of d.c. and a.c. machines and the performance of a.c. power systems.
Content:
Three-phase supplies. Inductors and actuators. Single and three-phase transformers. D.C. machines: generated voltage, torque production, action of motors and generators, control methods. Three-phase windings and rotating mmf distribution. Three-phase induction motors; construction and action of squirrel-cage type, equivalent circuit, characteristics. Three-phase synchronous machines: construction and action of round-rotor type, equivalent circuit, generating and motoring characteristics.
Nature of power systems: generation transmission and distribution networks; system components, typical sizes; selection of voltage levels. Three phase theory: line and phase voltages, star and delta connections, lead/lag VArs, S=VI
*, 4 wire system, h operator. Power factor correction. Generator synchronisation and behaviour when synchronised. Methods of voltage control in a power system. Synchronous generator operating charts. Transmission line operating charts and matrix representation.
ELEC0003: Software & computing 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX60 CW40
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a basic understanding of computer hardware and software. At the end of the course students will be able to explain the basic components of a computer including local area networks, design structured program units using flow charts and structure charts, and develop program code using the MATLAB programming environment.
Content:
Overview of computer hardware: basic computer layout, CPU, memory, buses and peripherals. Programming in machine code, assemblers and compilers. Data representation.
Introduction to MATLAB and programming environment: variables, program sequence, conditional processing, iteration, interface to functions, plotting graphs.
Introduction to structured programming, program elements, flow charts, structure charts, abstraction and decomposition.
Local area networks, wide area networks, the internet.
ELEC0004: Electronic devices & circuits
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to the electrical properties of semiconductor materials, based on atomic and crystal structure. To develop the behaviour of electronic components formed from the semiconductor materials. To provide the design techniques for incorporating these devices into electronic circuits. At the end of this module students should be able to: understand and explain the basis of electrical conduction in materials and devices and use this to explain the circuit behaviour of semiconductor devices; to design practical circuits based on these devices, such as rectifier circuits, small signal amplifiers, etc.
Content:
Atomic theory: atoms, crystals, energy band structure and diagrams, electrical conduction in solids. Semiconductors: intrinsic, p & n type doping, extrinsic semiconductors, conduction processes (drift and diffusion). Devices: p-n junctions, metal-semiconductor junctions, bipolar junction transistors, field effect transistors, p-n-p-n devices. Circuits: diode circuits, rectification, clamping and limiting, thyristors and controlled rectification. BJT circuits, biasing, amplifier configurations, FET circuits. General principles of amplification: small signal equivalent circuits, frequency response.
ELEC0005: Digital electronics 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to the design and operation of logic systems including combinational and sequential logic circuits. To illustrate the applications of these circuits in digital subsystems and systems and to appreciate the advantages of the alternative methods of implementation. At the end of this module students should be able to: manipulate Boolean expression including minimisation by algebraic and graphical techniques; design basic combinational and sequential digital circuits from functional specifications.
Content:
Combinational logic: the binary system, Boolean algebra and gates, logic maps, minimisation. Applications: adders, subtractors, comparators, parity circuits, multiplexers, encoder/decoder circuits. Programmable logic implementations: ROM, PLA & PAL structures and implementation of logic circuits. Sequential logic: synchronous and asynchronous circuits, latches and flip-flops, registers and counters. State machines and design methods, internal state reduction, state assignment methods.
ELEC0006: Control & instrumentation
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To give students a basic understanding of the modelling of electro-mechanical systems, and the analysis and design of closed loop control systems. To give students a grounding in the practical issues involved in designing the major components of a closed-loop control system. This includes all aspects of basic feedback control from measurement of system variables to the provision of appropriate inputs to the system plant so that it can meet the demands placed on it both in terms of transient response performance and final setting point.
At the end of this module students will be able to produce total electrical equivalent circuits for simple electro-mechanical systems, analyse systems in both the frequency and the time domains, be able to design simple transducers, analyse basic closed-loop and open-loop stability and design simple closed-loop feedback control systems to meet given transient and steady state performance criteria.
Content:
Energy convertors: analogous and dual circuits, coupling between subsystems, mutually coupled electrical circuits and total electrical equivalent systems. Frequency response: graphical representation of performance, pole/zero diagrams, polar and Bode diagrams. Transducers and intelligent instrumentation: analogue and digital forms for measurement of mechanical (proximity, speed, torque, acceleration etc.) electrical (voltage, flux, current, etc.) and fluid (mass, flow, volume flow, point velocity flow, etc.) quantities. Information transfer, interfacing and processing of signals. Introduction to closed loop systems: forward path and feedback compensation, examples to include speed regulator and position controller, block diagram and signal flow diagram representations, system stability criteria, steady state error and basic time and frequency domain design methods.
ELEC0007: Circuit theory
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To give students a basic introduction to electrical circuit theory, and provide them with an understanding of how to use circuit element models as a means of analysis and design as required by many other course modules. To further introduce them to transform methods of analysis and to mathematically model a circuit by means of a transfer function.
After completing this module students should be able to solve steady-state problems in both d.c. and a.c. circuits, involving concepts of voltage, current, impedance and power, using a range of circuit theorems and phasor diagrams. Students should also understand frequency dependent concepts such as resonance and magnetic-coupling. Finally students should be able to use Laplace transforms to solve the transient response of simple RL, RC, and RLC circuits, together with the frequency response of corresponding transfer functions.
Content:
D.C. circuits, independent and dependent voltage and current sources, Ohms Law, Kirchoffs Law, series and parallel circuits, power. Nodal and Mesh analysis, node and loop equations for circuits containing independent voltage and current sources. Circuit Theorems, linearity, superpostion, Thevenin, Norton, maximum power transfer. A.C. circuits, capacitors and inductors, series and parallel combinations, sinusoids and phasor diagrams, the 'j' operator, impedance and admittance, instantaneous and average power, effective and R.M.S. values.
Circuit Theorems, application of previous circuit theorems. Resonance, series and parallel, Q factor, bandwidth, universal resonance curve. Magnetically Coupled Circuits, self and mutual inductance, the simple transformer, power balance. Laplace Transforms, basic introduction to, and application of, Laplace transforms to the transient analysis of RLC circuits, transfer functions, pole-zero diagrams.
ELEC0008: Signals & communications
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to the principles and importance of signal processing and communications and to illustrate these principles with typical applications. At the end of this module students should be able to: understand the difference between audio, video and data signals; construct and use mathematical models of simple signals; appreciate the interaction between time and frequency domains; understand the importance of, and general limitations of, digital signals; calculate the time and frequency responses of a simple digital filter; apply the Z-transform to a digital filter; understand the role of poles and zeros in determining a filter response; construct simple models of modulated signals; appreciate the basic principle of modulation and demodulation; appreciate the basic trade-off between bandwidth and signalling rate.
Content:
System models: signal sources, audio/ video/ data; information, definition/ measurement/ source coding; system model for communications and measurement, source/ transmission/ coder/ modulator; design objectives for typical systems, e.g. mobile telephone, measurement system.
Signal models: complex phasor, multi-frequency signals, Fourier series: continuous and discrete-time signals, properties of power, energy; analogue-digital conversion, sampling theorem, quantisation noise.
Signal processes, introductory treatment of: linear systems, frequency response, impulse response, convolution; frequency description of sampled signals; filters, their use, lowpass/ highpass/ bandpass/ bandstop, digital and analogue filter characteristics; implementing digital filters, convolution, difference equation, Z-transform, poles and zeros, frequency response; averaging filters; modulation, principles of carrier-borne signals, frequency changing, AM/FM; demodulation principles.
Communications principles: channel capacity, bandwidth, signalling rate; multiplexing of signals, broad principles of FDM/PCM/TDMA/CDM.
ELEC0011: Energy systems
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co ELEC0012
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the unit is to introduce students to some of the factors influencing the provision of electrical energy in the United Kingdom and to show how technical, commercial, social and political matters interact to shape energy policy.
On completion of the unit students should be able to: explain the shape and operation of the privatised electricity supply industry (EPI); explain how the Pool operates and how pricing works; understand the process of regulation of supply and distribution; understand the principles of the Carnot and Rankine cycles sufficiently to explain conversion efficiences and the arguments for developing CHP and CCGT systems; use simple financial methods such as discounted cash flow to evaluate cost benefits of long-term energy projects; assess the social and technical issues involved in introducing new systems such as district heating; comment critically on the introduction of renewable/unconventional energy sources.
Content:
Energy requirements for the U.K.; domestic and industrial, resources and options. The electricity supply system pre-and post-privatisation, pricing mechanisms, dispatch, the Pool. Energy conversion: the Carnot cycle, the steam turbine, conversion efficiency, electrical efficiency, heat loss, the thermal trap. CHP systems: an outline of back-pressure and ITOC systems, district heating, social acceptance and effect of tariffs. Planning and siting a new station, effect of connection and operating charges, financial planning, use of DCF to evaluate long-term projects. Alternative energy systems, short-term and long-term technologies. Energy saving strategies, heat loss calculations for domestic premises.
ELEC0012: Quality & design
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites: Co ELEC0011
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to the concept of quality and its importance in professional engineering.
After completing the course, the students will be able to explain the relevance of fitness for purpose, undertake a basic needs analysis, comment on the importance of accepted standards and define the role of a professional engineer.
Content:
Quality, BS 4887, BS 5750, ISO 9000. Techniques to develop the understanding of Quality. Quality control and assurance. Needs analysis, target specification, design specification and performance specification. Standards management. Quality in design, quality in production. Production organisations. The design, construction and evaluation of a practical electrical/electronic system.
ELEC0013: Energy distribution & utilisation 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a thorough understanding of the operation of the principal types of a.c. machines and to provide models for the calculation of machine performance. To give an understanding of the design of electrical machines. To develop the fundamental concepts of power system operation. To introduce power conversion techniques by examining power semi-conductor switching circuits and analysing problems associated with their practical implementation. On completion of the unit students will be able to: calculate the performance of 3-phase transformers, induction machines and synchronous machines; carry out analyses of symmetrical and asymmetrical fault conditions in power systems, explain the principles of protection; explain the basic operating principles and perform simple analyses of common power-electronic systems including line-frequency rectifiers, d.c. to d.c. convertors and d.c. to a.c. invertors.
Content:
The per-unit notation. Single and 3-phase transformers: construction, operation, connections, relevant calculations, harmonics. Three-phase induction machines: construction, operation, equivalent circuits, characteristics, starting methods, transients.
Three-phase synchronous machines: construction operation and action of round rotor, salient pole and reluctance types; equivalent circuits, phasor diagrams; elementary treatment of transients.
Two port network representation of transmission lines, per unit system, fault analysis: symmetrical components and phase-frame analysis; introduction to power system protection.
Power semiconductor devices; introduction to the conduction, switching characteristics and drive requirements of diodes, thyristors and power transistors.
Line frequency power convertors; introduction to single and three-phase rectifier circuits operating with resistive and inductive loads. d.c. to d.c. power convertors; introduction to switched-mode power supplies and the principles of operation of step-down and step-up convertors.
ELEC0014: Electronic design
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to the design process by taking a requirement through to a prototype device.
After completing the unit, students should be able to: write a design specification for a product; carry out a top-down systematic design; identify and specify interface requirements for sub-systems; and generate working circuits from conceptual circuit diagrams. The use of CAD systems for the analysis of circuits will be an important feature of this work.
Content:
Product Design: Preparation of specifications; definition of systems and sub-systems.
Design Management: introduction to project management techniques; design and documentation control.
Realiability methods: FMEA, FTA, reliability estimating.
Design exercise: working in groups to produce a working prototype of a small system using electronics for monitoring, control, measurement or signal processing.
ELEC0016: Mechanical science
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To model and analyse some relevant mechanical problems that occur in various fields of electrical engineering.
After completing this unit it should be possible to: set up and solve equations that represent static and dynamic systems; perform calculations on vibrating systems and rotating systems with unbalance.
Content:
Review of first year material: force systems and solution of problems in two and three dimensional, statics, friction and dynamics using force-mass-acceleration, work-energy or impulse-momentum. Examples of translational and rotational motion of rigid bodies; dynamometer measurements, motion of self-propelled vehicles, drives incorporating gears, flywheels. Vibrating systems; free and forced vibrations, damping. Control of vibration; balancing of rotating machinery, whirling of flexible shafts, isolation of vibrating bodies.
ELEC0017: Communication principles
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to the basic principles of communications and to provide a good understanding of the techniques used in modern electronic communication systems. At the end of this module students should be able to explain and analyse the basic methods of generation and detection of modulated signals; calculate the available power of a modulated signal; analyse the operation of first and second order phase locked loops; understand the function of source, channel and line coders in digital transmission systems and the limitations imposed by restricted bandwidth and signal to noise ratio; describe the characteristics and relative performance of the various digital modulation schemes.
Content:
Communication systems and channels, media characteristics. Attenuation and distortion. Physical sources and statistical properties of electrical noise. Evaluation of noise: signal-to-noise ratio, noise figure, noise temperature. Classification of communication services and systems. Modulation systems: methods of generating and detecting modulated signals, quadrature modulation, FDM. Phase lock loops. Radio transmitter and receiver architecture. Functional elements of a digital communications system. Source entropy and coding. Bandwidth, signalling rate and multi-level signals. SNR/bandwidth trade-off. Spectrum shaping and intersymbol interference. BER and error control. Digital signal formats, spectral properties, clock encoding and recovery. Digital modulation generation and detection of ASK, FSK, PSK, DPSK and QPSK.
ELEC0018: Control system design
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To give students a basic understanding of a wide range of control system design techniques, both approximate graphical methods and exact numerical solution techniques. The methods taught will include ways to deal with all commonly met situations in controlling electro-mechanical systems (time variant systems, systems with badly known parameters, systems with non-linearities and time delays).
At the end of this module, students should be able to design forward path and feedback path compensation networks for multiple input, single output systems. They should appreciate how assumptions about the plant model and its order can affect the accuracy of the solutions obtained using graphical design techniques in the frequency domain. They should be able to understand how feedback leads to a reduction in the sensitivity to plant parameter values. They should be able to determine the equivalent small signal linear model for a system that includes more than one non-linearity. They should be able to analyse the effects of a single non-linearity at any point within an otherwise linear multiple loop control system.
Content:
Design in the time and frequency domain: the use of graphical analysis and design methods that are used in control including root locus, Nyquist and bode design techniques. State-space representation: concepts including the matrix form of state equations, leading to state and output feedback using state equation methods. Design for sensitivity, robust control: basic concepts of sensitivity, analysis and design of control systems to take account of sensitivity of the controller to parameter plant variations. Design of systems with non-linearities: small signal linearisation, quasi-linearisation, the phase-plane and the describing function method used to analyse systems with time delay, dead-zone, clip limits, relay action and hysteresis.
ELEC0019: Digital signal processing 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to the basic techniques of DSP and to illustrate these techniques with practical applications. At the end of this module students should be able to: use the DFT and FFT operations; understand the causes of spectral leakage and its alleviation; appreciate the difficulties of obtaining the spectrum of a time-varying signal; understand the filter design problem and the classical approximations; understand the properties of linear phase and phase shift FIR filters; design such filters using standard procedures; understand the structure and properties of IIR filters; design such filters using impulse invariance and bilinear techniques; use the amplitude descriptors of random signals; appreciate the benefits of averaging random signals; apply the foregoing to practical situations.
Content:
Digital spectral analysis: applications and targets; principles of the DFT and FFT; effect of finite window, spectral leakage and its estimation; leakage reduction with shaped time windows; analysis of time-varying signals, uncertainty; performance of some typical spectral analysers. Digital filter design: approximation functions, Butterworth/ Chebyshev/ Bessel/ Elliptic; FIR, properties, linear phase, phase shift, differentiator; design techniques, Fourier series, frequency sampling; use of Kaiser, Parks-McClellan methods; IIR, properties; design techniques, impulse invariance, bilinear transformation; implementation issues. Random signal amplitude properties; ensemble and random variable; cdf, pdf; moments, variance; averaging with independent samples. Applications: spectral analysis of noise-free waveforms, including modulated signals; use of filters in communications and in measurement; detection of baseband digital data signals in noise; radar detection probabilities; quantisation noise in analogue-digital conversion.
ELEC0020: Electronic circuits & systems
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To enable students to design a wide range of linear and non-linear feedback circuits based on operational amplifiers, filters, waveform generators and comparator circuits. To extend the concept of feedback to oscillator circuits. To examine the design of integrated operational amplifiers and the impact of practical of devices on circuit performance. To introduce different types of power amplifier. To study stabilised voltage and current supplies.
After completing this module the student should be able to: design linear and non-linear feedback amplifier circuits using operational amplifiers and understand the impact of the limitations of the amplifiers on circuit performance; design LC,RC and crystal oscillator circuits; design simple class A, B, AB, C and D amplifiers and understand how to use commercial series regulators and switched mode regulators.
Content:
Linear system design: ideal operational amplifier feedback circuits, summing junctions, buffers, integrators, differentiators, logrithmic amplifiers; non-ideal operational amplifier characteristics, finite gain and input impedance, bandwidth and slew rate, frequency stability, stability of cascaded op-amp circuits with overall feedback; active filter design, Salen Key circuit, Butterworth, Bessel and Chebyshev filters. Quasi-linear circuits: ideal diodes, comparators, Schmitt triggers, monostables and waveform generators, analogue switches (A/D and D/A converters). Discrete component implementation of IC operational amplifier circuits: bipolar transistor and FET small-signal equivalent circuits of differential amplifiers and direct-coupled amplifiers, active loads, level shifting circuits, op-amp output amplifiers. Oscillators: basic principles, Wein bridge, Hartley, Colpitts and RC oscillators, crystal equivalent circuit, crystal oscillators. Power amplifiers: basic circuits and conversion efficiency of class A, B, AB, C and D amplifiers, complementary-symmetry and quasi-complementary-symmetry amplifiers. Power supplies: Zener diode shunt voltage regulator, band-gap references, series regulator circuits, 78XX and op-amp based series regulator, swtiched-mode regulators.
ELEC0021: Digital electronics 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The course provides a foundation for the design of asynchronous sequential logic circuits using formal design methods and the implementation of these circuits using the different families of logic IC is introduced. The implementation of sequential logic is extended to microprocessors and the aim is to enable students understand the architecture of microprocessors and to design and implement simple real-time microprocessor systems. Students should be able to design a wide range of asynchronous logic circuits using finite state-machine methods and to implement them with the most appropriate family of SSI and MSI logic gates. They should be able to describe the operation of a microprocessor in terms of its general architecture and understand how microprocessors can be programmed and used in a variety of real-time applications.
Content:
Asynchronous sequential circuits: finite state machine description; primitive flow tables; internal state reduction, merging and row assignment problems; essential hazards and races. Logic IC families: TTL, CMOS, ECL and I2L, etc.; input conditions, signal levels, noise margins, switching times, power dissipation and gate loading. Computer architecture: the Von Neuman architecture, CPU, volatile and non-volatile memory (ROM, SRAM, DRAM, EPROM etc.), peripheral devices. General purpose microprocessors: architecture, arithmetic and logic units, program control sequences, microcode, register organization. Control: exception processing, interupts, resets and CPU initialisation, software traps. Bus control: synchronous/asynchronous bus timing diagrams, multiplexed bus. Real-time microprocessor systems: machine code programming; address decode-read/write operations, etc.; analogue and digital input/output; interupt driven I/O vs polled I/O; case studies of various 8/16 bit microprocessors.
ELEC0022: Applied electromagnetics 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To give students an understanding of how electromagnetic field solutions are determined in a number of engineering problems. To introduce the basic concepts behind the description of electromagnetic waves. After completion of this module students should be able to determine the stored energy and power flow and power loss in an electromagnetic field problem. Calculate voltage, current, and input impedance of simple transmission line circuits, and determine components for matching circuits, either using a Smith chart or by algebraic manipulation. Determine the basic reflection and transmission properties of plane waves at electromagneitc boundaries. Describe the radiation and circuit properties of simple antennas. Calculate the power budget for simple radiating transmission and radar systems. Determine characteristic impedance and phase constant and power flow in rectangular waveguide.
Content:
Electromagnetic fields: field definitions and the Maxwell equations; general solution to the Maxwell equations; energy in fields and circuits, power flow and the Poynting Vector; boundary conditions. Transmission lines: basic concepts; propagation constant and characteristic impedance; phase velocity, group velocity and signal distortion; line voltage, current, impedance and power flow; reflection and transmission; Smith Chart calculations; load matching and circuit examples. Plane waves: the plane wave solution; polarisations; propagation in dielectrics, lossy dielectrics and conductors, and the skin depth; reflection and transmission at a boundary (normal and oblique incidence); propagation examples. Antennas: antenna parameters and system characterisation by the Friis and radar equations; small dipole and loop antennas; phased array and radiating aperture antennas. Waveguides: waveguides modes of propagation; power flow and power loss, comparison with coaxial cables; waveguide passive devices.
ELEC0023: Software & computing 2
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To develop skills in writing good quality software using the ANSI C programming language. To provide an understanding of the principles of structured programming. To provide an appreciation of the importance of good software structure and documentation. After completing the course, the student should be able to (i) to design and implement C language functions and programs according to a given specification, (ii) to locate and correct sematic and syntactic errors in a given C language program, (iii) to produce well structured software having good layout and documented with appropriate comments, and (iv) to explain various aspects of the C language such as scope or type conversion rules.
Content:
Fundamentals: character set, identifiers, keywords, fundamental data types, constants, variables, arrays, declarations, statements, #defines, operators and expressions. Compiling and running a C program. Data input and output: use of the C library of standard functions, interactive programming. Control statements: conditional execution and looping statements in C. Correct usage of these statements in structured programming. Functions: defining, accessing and passing arguments to functions. Prototypes. Modular programming. Arrays: defining, processing and passing arrays to functions. Multidimensional arrays. Strings and string processing. Pointers: declaring pointers. Passing pointers to functions. Relationship between pointers and arrays. Operations on pointers. Dynamic memory allocation. Advanced use of pointers. Structures and Unions: defining and accessing structures. User-defined data types. Pointers to structures. Self-referential structures: linked lists, trees. Unions. Low-level programming: description of support offered by C, such as register variables, bitwise operations, use of bit fields. Standards: differences between ANSI and K & R standards for the C language. The C++ programming language.
ELEC0027: Digital signal processing 2
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To enable students to use the techniques for measurement and analysis of random signals. To introduce the concepts of adaptive signal processing. To review some issues of signal processing architecture. After completing this unit, the student should be able to: use the autocorelation function and spectral density measures of random signals, in typical instrumentation applications; appreciate some of the difficulties in obtaining the spectrum of a random signal; describe the basis of adaptive filtering, with applications; appreciate some of the issues involved with choosing a DSP configuration.
Content:
Random Signal Descriptors: Autocorrelation function and power spectral density, cross-correlation function. Application to averaging and spectrum analyser. Spectral Estimation: Averaged periodograms, Welch's method, parameter estimation. Application to voice processing (LPC), detection of signal in noise. Adaptive Processing: Wiener filter, LMS principle. Application to removal of interference, adaptive equalisation, echo cancellation. DSP Architectures: DSP devices, their structure and performance. Multi-rate processing, decimation, interpolation, spectral zoom.
ELEC0028: Software & computing 3
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX75 CW25
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To give students an understanding of the most important concepts and principles of the development of large software systems (programming 'in the large'). To enable students to modularise problems using the object-oriented approach, and to write formal software specifications. To enable students to write object-oriented software modules in C++. After completing this course, the student should be able to: Explain the stages in the software development cycle. Determine procedures for testing a given specification or implementation of software. Given a description of a problem, modularise the problem and identify the data abstractions that would be required to solve this problem. Given a suitable problem description, generate the corresponding formal specification. Explain the concepts and principles underlying the design of software for real-time (reactive) systems. Explain the concept and importance of safety-critical software. Explain the concepts underlying the object-oriented programming paradigm. Use object-oriented methods to develop C++ language programs.
Content:
The software life cycle. Formal specification. Modularisation. Real-time systems.
Safety-critical systems. Software testing. Object-oriented programming in C++.
ELEC0029: Digital networks & protocols
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To give users an understanding of the principles and current practice employed in digital information networks. To indicate the directions of future development in network technology. To enable a network user to estimate performance.
Students should be able to: understand the broad principles of the ISO 7-layer model of a network and be able to apply it: compare the different forms of network topology and means of multiple access; compare the characteristics and application areas of WANs, LANs, and MANs; describe the broad operation of V24, X25, TCP/IP, ISDN, ATM network protocols; appreciate the complex demands of internet working and some current solutions; discuss the need for network management structures and signalling networks (CSS7) and describe some simple ones; describe the operation and evaluate broad performance measures of contention and token-passing LAN protocols, over ring and bus topologies; calculate the performance of various ARQ data link control strategies; calculate the performance of simple queuing structures as applied to digital network nodes.
Content:
Overview: Applications and services, sources of information, transmission media. The ISO 7-layer model. Switching (circuit, message, packet), network structures (WAN, MAN, LAN). WANs: The PSTN, access networks, trunks & multiplexing, V24 modem access, X25 packet network, ISDN developments, BISDN and ATM. Network supervision and management, CSS7 control network. LANs: Characteristics, topologies, Ethernet, token-passing, performance calculations. Interworking: Hubs, bridges, switches, routers and gateways. MANs: Characteristics, FDDI, DQDB. Data Link Control: Synchronism, error detection, frame protocols, ARQ operation, performance comparisons of stop-and-wait, go-back-N, selective repeat. Traffic Analysis: Poisson arrival statistics, the Erlang. Simple queuing models, M/M/1,M/D/1, M/G/1. Application to packet switch and simple network.
ELEC0030: Communication engineering
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to the more advanced topics in analogue communication systems. After completing this module, students should be able to: Analyse the different forms of analogue modulation; explain and analyse the different methods of penetrating and detecting modulated signals; explain the basic concepts of transmission and reception of radio signals; explain the nature and properties of electrical noise; calculate the noise factor and the effective input noise temperature of a network; evaluate the output signal-to-noise ratio of a communication link; analyse the detection of modulated signals in the presence of noise.
Content:
Analogue modulation systems: AM, FM, SSB, vestigial sideband. Bandwidth and available power of modulated signals. Means of generating and detecting modulated signals. Applications of analogue systems to broadcasting and mobile radio. Radio transmitter and receiver configurations. Physical sources and statistical properties of electrical noise. Evaluation of noise: signal-to-noise ratio, noise figure, noise temperature, methods of measuring noise figure. Detection of modulated signals accompanied by noise: coherent and non-coherent detection of full carrier AM signals, detection of suppressed carrier AM and SSB signals, detection of FM signals. Threshold levels: AM threshold, FM threshold. Comparison of analogue modulation systems.
ELEC0031: Digital communications
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to more advanced topics in digital communication systems. On completion of the course, the student should be able to understand the main operating features of digital communication systems, including the relative performance of the various modulation methods, the efficiency of error detection and correction methods and the security of encryption systems.
Content:
Digital modulation techniques: review of binary modulation and demodulation; QPSK, OQPSK, MSK; QAM and trellis coded modulation. Channel coding: linear block codes for error detection and correction; cyclic codes and shift register generation and detection; Hamming, BCH, RS and Golay codes. Convolution coding: definition, generation and distance properties of convolution codes; Viterbi decoding with hard and soft decisions; sequential and feedback decoding; interleaving. Spread spectrum techniques: overview and pseudonoise sequencies; direct sequence and frequency hopping systems; synchronisation. Encryption and decryption: cipher systems and secrecy; practical security; stream encryption; public key cryptosystems.
ELEC0032: Microwave engineering
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This course introduces students to the engineering techniques and approaches required at microwave and millimetre wave frequencies (1-100 GHz). This includes circuit design concepts using matrix formulations and in particular the scattering matrix representation. The different transmission line technologies which are available at these frequencies are examined and the advantages/disadvantages and applications of each are discussed. Passive and active components are introduced and the use of each in microwave sub-system design is outlined. Examples of such sub-systems are amplifiers, phase shifters, detectors, mixers, filters, etc., suitable for use in MICs and MMICs.
After completing this unit the student should be able to appreciate the various technologies available for high frequency design and circuit realisation and be able to select the appropriate technology for a particular application. In addition the student should be able to design a variety of circuit elements and sub-systems, analyse the performance of these and be able to meet the engineering specifications for particular sub-system and system design.
Content:
Matrix description of microwave circuits: ABCD or chain matrix, Z and Y matrix, scattering matrix; circuit conditions of reciprocity, symmetry and losslessness. Transmission line technologies: waveguides and discontinuities; planar transmission lines (microstrip, coplanar line, slotline, etc.) and discontinuities; dielectric lines; applications of different types of line. Couplers and hybrids: waveguide couplers (2-hole and multi-hole); parallel microstrip line couplers; branch line, rat-race and power divider structures. Passive devices: lumped impedance elements; microwave filters-transmission line and quasi-lumped element types; bias networks. Diodes: device equivalent circuits; detector diode current sensitivity, tangential signal sensitivity; mixer circuits - single diode, balanced and image rejection. Control circuits: limiters, attenuators, switches, phase shifters - reflective diode and switched path, switched filter. Amplifiers: reflection amplifier, transistor amplifier; gain, stability and matching networks.
ELEC0033: Power electronics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: to analyse examples of high-frequency switched-mode power electronic systems and introduce control methods and applications. Objectives: after completing this unit, students should be able to explain the operation of a range of power-converter circuits and discuss typical applications; model and analyse power converters to characterise steady-state and dynamic performance; compare attributes of different converter operating modes and control methods; and identify salient limitations imposed on converter operation by practical component imperfections.
Content:
Power semiconductor devices: salient device imperfections, application at high switching-frequency. Unisolated DC-to-DC switched -mode converters: common circuits their characteristics and applications, continuous and discontinuous modes of operation. Isolated DC-to-DC switched-mode converters: common circuits their characteristics and applications, transformer model and reset requirement. DC-to-DC converter dynamic modelling and control: small signal modelling, closed-loop controller design. Active power-factor correction systems: limitations of passive methods, examples of active correction circuits.
ELEC0034: Electrical machines & drives
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the operation of stepping motor and switched-reluctance drives and the design of windings used in induction motor drives. To appreciate the essential features of electrical machine design. To understand the way in which electrical machines and power supplies interact in variable-speed industrial and traction drives and to appreciate the constraints imposed by each of the components. To be able to perform calculations to assess the design and performance of typical industrial and traction drive systems.
Content:
Stepping motors: types, construction and action, static and dynamic characteristics and development of models. Switched reluctance motors: construction and action, torque calculation, rotor position sensing and power supplies. Three-phase induction machines: types of windings and design aspects. Rating of machines for industrial drives: heating effects, duty cycles. Outline the design of electrical machines: output equation, specific loadings and other constraints. Vehicle motion and traction duty cycles: description of electrical traction, dynamics of vehicle motion and vehicle movements. Traction motors: d.c., induction and synchronous machines; requirements peculiar to traction and comparison of types. D.C. drives: description, d.c. to d.c. and a.c. to d.c. drives. A.C. drives: description, induction and synchronous machine drives using voltage-source and current-source invertors, d.c. fed invertor traction drives.
ELEC0035: Design exercise
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students with an opportunity to use the latest CAD facilities in areas of their interest and to engage in design using these facilities. On completion of the unit, students should be able to use the particular CAD suite with ease to carry out design and analysis exercises.
Content:
The detailed programme will vary to suit the needs of the different programmes of study and the interests of the particular students. Each student will be given one or more designs to evaluate and improve using in-house CAD facilities and either in-house or commercial software as appropriate.
ELEC0036: Project - 3rd year (Sem 1)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students with an opportunity to develop further their ability to define, plan and execute a technical project under limited supervision, but with individual responsibility for the outcome.
On completion of the unit students should be able to accept responsibility for delegated tasks within a project area, plan a scheme of work and complete it to a standard expected of a young professional engineer. The student should be able to develop innovative solutions to problems and produce designs which meet the requirements of the project.
Content:
Students will choose a title from a list of topics offered by the department. The project solution may be implemented in hardware or software or a combination of both. Students will be expected to follow through the accepted problem solving route beginning with the identification and specification of the problem and proceeding to proposals for solution, analysis of alternatives, implementation of chosen solution and final proving and acceptance testing. The production of a planned timetable of goals and milestones will be expected and the final report should contain evidence that the plan has been adhered to, or modified, as necessary.
An early viva will be conducted by the internal examiner, who is not the project supervisor, and an end-of-project viva will be conducted by two other members of academic staff. A written report on the background to the project, together with a project plan and literature review, will be submitted part way through the project and then incorporated into the main project report which will be submitted on completion of the project.
ELEC0037: Computer graphics including multimedia applications
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students with a theoretical and practical knowledge of 2D and 3D computer graphics. To enable them to apply such knowledge in computer aided design, multimedia environments and scientific visualisation. After completing this module, students should be able to: Describe algorithms for constructing 2D and 3D graphics primitives on a raster device and also explain the underlying principles; use matrices to transform objects in 2D and 3D space; explain and describe ways of projecting 3D objects onto a 2D screen; compare and contrast 3D rendering and shading techniques; describe and compare various standard graphic file formats used in multimedia environments.
Content:
Two-dimensional graphics: Low level line-drawing, polygon-filling, circle-drawing, curve-drawing algorithms. Clipping. 2D transformations: translation, rotation, scaling, reflection. Three-dimensional graphics: 3D object representation. Homogeneous coordinate system. 3D transformations: translation, rotation, scaling, reflection. Parallel and perspective projections. 3D clipping. Rendering three-dimensional objects: Hidden surface algorithms. Lighting models, shading algorithms. Anti-aliasing. Graphics in multimedia environments: Study of various graphics file formats used in multimedia applications.
ELEC0038: Principles of optoelectronics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To present and explain: the physical principles of a range of optical materials and devices; the concepts and analysis of optical waveguides and some guided wave passive and active optical devices such as modulators, couplers, switches, LEDs and lasers, leading to the elements of integrated optical circuits. To prepare students to cope readily with the complexities and details of ''real'' and advanced devices.
After completing the unit the student should have: a clear understanding of modal propagation of optical signals in cylindrical (fibre) and dielectric slab optical waveguides relating to passive and active semiconductor optical devices; a good knowledge of the ideas and rules of stimulated and spontaneous; emission/absorption (with emphasis on semiconductor media) that form the basis for lasers and optical detectors; a working knowledge of typical semiconductor lasers and LEDs and a familiarity with the operation of recent, advanced device structures.
Content:
Overview of optical communication systems. Review of the laws of reflection and refraction. Representation of optical gain/loss as a medium with complex refractive index. Waveguide couplers and optical spatial switches; mirrors and modal reflectivity; high and antireflection coatings. Analysis of the Fabry-Perot resonator in the context of passive and active optical devices. Review of semiconductor theory: energy band diagrams; carrier transport; recombination processess; p-n junctions, Fermi and quasi-Fermi levels. Principles of laser action: emission and absorption of radiation; inversion population in discrete atomic systems and in semiconductors; concepts relating to quantum well material. Semiconductor lasers and LEDs; heterojunction material and device structure; operational principles and typical characteristics. Schemes for direct and indirect modulation. Optical detectors: photon absorption and photoconductivity; diode photodetectors and improved structures - PIN and avalanche photodiode; quantum efficiency and responsivity; introduction to noise in detectors. Description of advanced devices introduction to integrated optical circuits.
ELEC0039: Power system analysis
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students with an insight into, and a basic understanding of, analytic methods applied to power system analysis.
After completing this unit, students should be able to: perform a multi-node load flow analysis and exercise an informed choice over the solution technique; explain the techniques of dc power transmission including its benefits compared to ac transmission and demonstrate an understanding of the use of dc transmission worldwide; conduct a simple stability study and explain the influence of AVR and governor types on system stability; analyse transients on power systems caused by switching operations or faults for both single and multi-phase situations, and hence be able to specify insulation requirements.
Content:
Load flow analysis: network matrix representation, Gauss-Seidel and Newton-Raphson solution techniques. AC/DC conversion: converter types, dc transmission, advantages compared to AC transmission. Basic stability considerations: machine inertia, equal area criterion, effect of AVRs and governors. Overvoltages: switching and fault overvoltages, Bewley Lattice diagrams, switchgear principles, current chopping, insulation coordination. Modal component theory: wave propagation in multiphase networks.
ELEC0040: Power system protection
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students with an insight into, and a basic understanding of, power system protection applications and modern digital relaying techniques.
After completing this module, students should be able to: divide a power system network into manageable units suitable for protection; design a non-unit protection scheme for distribution feeders and determine appropriate relay settings; explain the characteristics and limitations of protection primary transducers; design a distance protection scheme for transmission line circuits; explain the design and operation of digital transmission line protection.
Content:
The protection overlay: Protection and metering transducers. Fuses. Overcurrent protection: relay types, operating characteristics and equations, grading, applications. Differential protection: voltage balance and circulating current schemes, biased characteristics and high impedance schemes. Applications to the protection of transformers, feeders and busbars. Distance protection: basic principle, block average comparator, zones of protection, residual compensation, power swing blocking. Digital Protection: Relay hardware. Digital signal processing in protection relays. Digital distance protection. Digital differential protection.
ELEC0041: Control engineering
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an understanding of the design of closed loop controllers in the time domain and their practical implementation. To introduce students to the practical issues involved in the design and implementation of discrete time controllers using microprocessors and z-domain design techniques.
After completing this module, students should be able to: calculate the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of any linear continuous time plant, use the above to determine the observability and controllability of plant dynamic modes and design controllers to change the modal frequencies. describe any linear continuous time system that is to be controlled using a discrete time controller in the z-domain. design unity feedback discrete time controllers to meet a range of performance specifications for step and ramp input functions.
Content:
Design of linear systems in the time domain, observability and controllability. Simple modal synthesis. Digital control methods, micro controllers and their application. Real time computational methods in control.
ELEC0042: Project engineering
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students with an understanding of project management and to define the projects objectives, plan the enterprise, execute it and bring it to a successful conclusion for all parties involved.
After completing this module, students should be able to: define the projects objectives and the roles of the key participants; produce a project plan; design and control management procedures; and explain the procedures required to bring that project to a successful conclusion.
Content:
Project definition: Principal types of project. Project outline. Roles of key participants. Defining objectives. Project planning: Defining sub-projects. Time scheduling. Costings. Defining resource requirements. Standard planning techniques. Computer planning techniques. Risk assessment and analysis. Project control: Quality standards. Setting milestones. Progress monitoring. Management information systems. Variance analysis. Communications handling. Changes to specification. Corrective action. Project completion: Customer acceptance. Project audits. Final reports.
ELEC0043: Fundamentals of electromagnetic compatibility
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an introduction to the fundamentals of EMC.
After completing this module students should be able to: demonstrate and understand the terminology used in EMC; explain the cause of interference in terms of the interaction of charges, currents and fields; identify interference problems and suggest solutions; demonstrate the use of EMC principles for interference free design.
Content:
Revision of electromagnetic field theory. EMC terminology, electromagnetic emissions (EME), electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS), electromagnetic interference (EMI). Sources of disturbances, man made sources, natural sources. Levels of EMC, component, circuit, device, system. Coupling paths, common impedance, capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, radiation, electric dipole (small), magnetic dipole (small), radiation through an aperture. Common mode and differential mode signals, filtering. Properties of conductors, DC and AC current flow, skin depth, AC resistance, inductance (internal and external). Shielding. Inductive crosstalk, capacitive crosstalk, near end crosstalk. Effect of nearby conducting plane. Parasitic effects in components, resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers. Protective earth and signal reference, earth loops. Effect of ESD. Choice of signal reference and cabling. Testing, regulations. Measuring the electromagnetic environment.
ELEC0044: An introduction to intelligent systems engineering
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of major intelligent system techniques. To show how to apply intelligent system techniques to solve engineering problems. After completing this module, the student should be able to: construct a simple rule based expert system; explain the major components of a fuzzy logic system and conduct fuzzy inference; describe the major type of neural networks and their learning algorithms; construct multilayer neural networks for pattern classification; apply a simple genetic algorithm to solve optimization problems.
Content:
Expert Systems (ES): major characteristics of expert systems; techniques; rule-based expert systems; knowledge acquisition; applications. Fuzzy Logic (FL): fuzzy set theory; fuzzy inference; fuzzy logic expert system; fuzzy control. Neural Networks (NS): artificial neurons and neural networks. Learning process: error-correction learning; Hebbian learning; Boltzmann learning; competitive learning; supervised/unsupervised learning. Perception and multilayer perception; self-organising Kohonen networks; Hopfield neural networks; practical implementation and applications. Genetic Algorithms (GA): adaptation and evolution; a simple genetic algorithm; genetic algorithms in optimization; genetic algorithms in control.
ELEC0046: Neural network applications in engineering systems
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The students are expected to gain a practical understanding of the application of neural networks to engineering system problems. The students will be expected to understand every stage of the development of a neural network solution from choosing an architecture to determining appropriate feature extraction and implementation technology.
After completing this module, students should be able to: identify different neural network architectures including Kohonen, multi layer perception and auto associative types; choose an appropriate architecture for particular engineering tasks; identify hardware and software implementations of artificial neural networks; understand training rules used for neural networks and carry out calculations associated with the generalised back propagation delta training rule.
Content:
Sensor layer neural networks, cognitive layers in neural systems, general neural network system architecture. Speech recognition, Kohonen feature maps, language and vision systems, multi-layer image recognition: the neocognition. Security systems, applications in power systems. Alternative hardware implementations, future applications, limitations on current neural network technology.
ELEC0047: Design & realisation of integrated circuits
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This course covers all aspects of the realisation of integrated circuits, including both digital, analogue and mixed-signal implementations. Consideration is given to the original specification for the circuit which dictates the optimum technology to be used also taking account of the financial implications. The various technologies available are described and the various applications, advantages and disadvantages of each are indicated. The design of the circuit building blocks for both digital and analogue circuits are covered. Computer aided design tools are described and illustrated and the important aspects of testing and design for testability are also covered.
After completing this module the student should be able to take the specification for an IC and, based on all the circuit, technology and financial constraints, be able to determine the optimum design approach. The student should have a good knowledge of the circuit design approaches and to be able to make use of the computer aided design tools available and to understand their purposes and limitations. The student should also have an appreciation of the purposes of IC testing and the techniques for including testability into the overall circuit design.
Content:
Design of ICs: the design cycle, trade-offs, floorplanning, power considerations, economics. IC technologies: Bipolar, nMOS, CMOS, BiCMOS, analogue, high frequency. Transistor level design: digital gates, analogue components, sub-circuit design. IC realisation: ASICs, PLDs, gate arrays, standard cell, full custom. CAD: schematic capture, hardware description languages, device and circuit modelling, simulation, layout, circuit extraction. Testing: types of testing, fault modelling, design for testability, built in self test, scan-paths.
ELEC0049: Optical communication systems
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a background to current practices in the design and specification of optical (fibre) based communication systems, sub-systems and key components. The student should gain an understanding of the main types of optical communication system and the decisions that must be taken by the engineer for the most appropriate selection of components in the development of (i) a very high capacity trunk network, (ii) a metropolitan area network and (iii) an optical fibre local area network.
Content:
Overview of optical communication systems. Basic components and modulation methods. LEDs vs lasers, attenuation and dispersion, detector responsivity.
Optical Sources: LEDs and lasers, review of the development of laser structures. Structures for single wavelength operation. Modulation response of lasers.
Optical Fibres: Types of fibre. Simple ray model, numerical aperture, number of modes, intermodal dispersion and fibre bandwidth. Chromatic and waveguide dispersion - causes and effect on fibre bandwidth. Fibre manufacturing methods; attenuation and dispersion characteristics of modern fibre - impact on the choice of optical source and detector. Fibre jointing and interconnections.
Optical Detector Principles: Structure and operation of: p-n junction photodetectors, p-i-n detectors, avalanche photo-detectors, detectors for operation at 1.3mm and 1.55mm wavelengths, heterostructure detectors. Quantum limit. Responsivity and noise of p-i-n and APD detectors. Optical receiver structures, noise figures and bandwidths. Non-coherent detector systems. Noise performance of heterodyne and homodyne receivers - effect of modulation method.
System Design: Point-to-point link analysis. Bit-error-rate calculations due to receiver noise, power budget analysis. Real-time budget analysis. Simple passively coupled optical fibre LANS - effect of coupling losses on power budget.
Optical Network Standards: SDH and SONET standards for trunklinks, FDDI local area network standard and DQDB metropolitan area network standard - optical standards and network protocols.
ELEC0051: Mobile & wireless networks
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an overview of the evolution and current status of digital cellular radio systems and wireless networks from a predominantly systems perspective. To outline key radio systems, satellite based systems, infrared wireless office systems and describe how these might be capable of handling multimedia data. The course will look in detail at security, network access and network management.
On completion of the course, the student should be able to understand the main operating features of digital cellular radio systems; be able to carry out simple capacity calculations and appreciate the key differences between TDMA and CDMA multiple access methodologies.
Content:
Wireless and Mobile Networks: radio point-to-point, infrared, cellular, wireless LANs, satillite-based LANs, overview of the physical layer. Cellular Systems: early systems, cell structures, path loss, multipath propagation, inter-cell interference, frequency re-use, spectral efficiency, cell capacity to handle calls - Erlangs, call demand and required number of channels, cell splitting and sectorisation, network topology. Channel Utilisation Schemes: modulation and multiplexing, comparisons of FDMA, TDMA and CDMA multiple access schemes, and spread-spectrum modulation. Cellular Radio Interfaces: AMPS, GSM and IS54 TDMA systems, IS95 CDMA spread-spectrum system. Message formats and network access protocols, identification numbers, establishing and maintaining calls to and from mobiles, roaming, hand-off problems, backbone network interconnection. GSM layers and protocols. PCN overview: CT2 and CT2 Plus, DECT, DCS1800, key differences between digital cellular radio and PCN systems and services. Use of MANs - DQDB. Satellite based systems: comparison with terrestrial systems, network topology issues, network access protocols vs multiple access systems. Provision of data services over mobile and wireless systems: restrictions. Data link layer, data link protocols, ARQ, link layer operations. Network and transport layers. Security: secure modulation methods, data encryption, smart cards. Network Management.
ELEC0052: Project - 4th year (Sem 1)
Semester 1
Credits: 12
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To develop further the skills of practical project engineering and where possible to give students experience of working on realistic engineering problems in small groups.
On completion of the unit students should be able to accept responsibility for delegated tasks within a project area, plan a scheme of work and complete it to a standard expected of a young professional engineer. The student should be able to develop innovative solutions to problems and produce designs which meet the requirements of the project.
Content:
Students will choose a title from a list of topics offered by the department. The project solution may be implemented in hardware or software or a combination of both. Students will be expected to follow through the accepted problem solving route beginning with the identification and specification of the problem and proceeding to proposals for solution, analysis of alternatives, implementation of chosen solution and final proving and acceptance testing. The production of a planned timetable of goals and milestones will be expected and the final report should contain evidence that the plan has been adhered to, or modified, as necessary.
An early viva will be conducted by the internal examiner, who is not the project supervisor, and an end-of-project viva will be conducted by two other members of academic staff. A written report on the background to the project, together with a project plan and literature review, will be submitted part way through the project and then incorporated into the main project report which will be submitted on completion of the project.
ELEC0053: Digital video & audio
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX75 CW25
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce the theory and practice of digital video and audio in Information Processing Networks. After completion of the unit students should be able to: understand the representation of digital video signals, and the compression and communications techniques for digital video in networks; write software for the processing of digital video in Multimedia Applications; understand the effects of system performance on the Quality of Service of a digital video system; understand the basic principles of human auditory perception, and its influence on digital audio processing; understand current technologies for sampling, representation and reconstruction of audio information; understand and apply methods for digital audio compression.
Content:
Digital Video: Concepts and standards, broadcast requirements and standards. Compression techniques for multimedia: Motion JPEG and other intraframe techniques, H32X, MPEG, motion prediction, interpolation and other interframe techniques. Emerging technologies: Object based coding, motion analysis, multiresolution techniques, video description languages, software codecs, MPEG-IV. Quality of Service issues: Redundancy, intra/inter coding, data loss and error correction. Human Auditory Perception: Bandwidth and dynamic range, temporal and frequency masking, critical bands. Speech and audio signals. Current digital audio technologies: companding, sampling, error correction and interpolation. Audio Compression methods and standards. Audio with video in Information Processing Networks - synchronization, delay and Quality of Service.
ELEC0054: Digital image processing
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX75 CW25
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce the theory and practice of digital image processing, with particular emphasis upon standards for image coding and transmission. After completing this unit, students should be able to: explain the elements of human visual perception, image processing, quantization and of colour images; explain the use of the two dimensional discrete Fourier and Cosine transforms in image processing; solve problems concerning the enhancement of digital images by spatial or frequency domain techniques; solve problems concerning the restoration of degraded images by various standard techniques including inverse filtering and Wiener filtering; explain the elements of lossless and lossy data and image compression, and image compression standards. Compress and decompress simple data streams using basic techniques.
Content:
Images and image sensors: Monochrome and colour vision. Sampling, reconstruction and quantization. Filtering: Moving average filtering. Edge enhancement. Fourier domain filtering. Segmentation: Segmentation by shade or hue. Segmentation by texture. Feature extraction. Enhancement and Restoration: Inverse filtering. Wiener filtering. Registration and estimation. Colour: HSV processing. Enhancement and restoration. Segmentation. Image coding: Lossless coding. Transformations. Quantization. Entrophy coding. Progressive coding. Standards for coding and transmission of images.
ELEC0055: Power system planning
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to the main techniques for load forecasting and planning in power systems.
After completing this module, students should be able to: Carry out short & long term forecasts for power systems. Conduct reliability and load flow studies. Understand and apply techniques for stability and contingency studies.
Content:
Short and long term forecasting. Reliability and unit commitments. Loadflow and short circuit studies for system planning. Voltage regulation of distribution systems. System outages and contingency analyses. Probabilistic load flow studies. Transient stability of large systems. Load dynamics and simulation for power system severe emergencies. Short and long term stability studies. System contingency analysis. Loss of generation and load shedding techniques. Criteria of voltage stability.
ELEC0056: Power system control
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce the main methods used in power system control and the issues involved in the control of extended power systems. To introduce some modern control techniques. After completing this module, students should be able to: apply modern control methods in power systems.
Content:
Application of modern control methods in power systems; digital and fuzzy control techniques. hierarchical and decentralised methods. The concept of automatic generation control in large systems, economical dispatch and load/frequency control.
ELEC0057: Power electronics & drives
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the operation of the types of power-electronic supplies which are currently used in d.c. and a.c. drive systems. To study the use of permanent-magnet and induction machines in industrial and traction drives. To gain an appreciation of the remote electromagnetic effects that are caused by switching converters. To be able to perform calculations to assess the overall performance of typical drive systems and to estimate their electromagnetic effects on the environment.
Content:
Converter power supplies: rectification and inversion, effect of transformer impedance, regulation and overlap. PWM power supplies: variable frequency converter types, analysis of waveforms and spectra. Practical aspects of inverter implementation, managing sources of distortion, control circuits, power stage design. Small-scale machine and drive systems: brushless d.c. machines and their use for computer peripheral drives and vehicle drives. Steady state and transient analysis of machines and power converters. Field oriented control schemes. Review of electromagnetic interference from power electronic converter fed drives. Power converter modulation and analysis of supply current harmonics in converter-fed drives.
ELEC0058: Numerical methods in cad
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to numerical methods used to simulate engineering problems. After completing this unit, students should be able to: use the numerical methods covered in the unit to solve example applications; design programs to implement numerical algorithms.
Content:
Solution of linear equations: Gauss-Jordan elimination. Pivoting. Gaussian elimination. Back-substitution. LU decomposition. Sparse linear systems. Skyline solvers. Iterative methods. Steepest descent. Conjugate gradient method. Pre-conditioned conjugate gradients. Non-linear systems of equations: root finding; one dimensional functions; bisection; secant method; Newton-Raphson; multidimensional Newton-Raphson. Time dependent problems: single step time marching schemes; forward difference, backward difference, midpoint difference, general theta scheme. Stiff systems. Stability. Application of time stepping schemes to circuit modelling. Optimisation (minimization or maximization of functions): one dimensional search. Downhill simplex method in multi-dimensions. Simulated annealing. Evolutionary models.
ELEC0059: Finite element analysis
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students with an understanding of some of the finite element methods for solving common partial differential equations, with particular regard to electromagnetics.
To enable them to use finite element computer packages with some understanding and to develop their own methods when necessary.
Content:
The trial solution method and its relationship with finite element methods. The collocation, subdomain collocation, least squares and Galerkin methods of optimisation. One and two dimensional shape functions. One and two dimensional finite element methods. Deriving and using magnetic scalar and magnetic vector potentials in representing magnetic field problems. How symmetry may be exploited in 2D electromagnetic field problems. How quantities of engineering interest such as force and inductance can be derived from the potential solution. How a simple 2D finite element package works.
ELEC0060: Project - 3rd year (Sem 2)
Semester 2
Credits: 12
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
A continuation of ELEC0036.
ELEC0061: Project - 4th year (Sem 2)
Semester 2
Credits: 12
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
A continuation of ELEC0052.
ELEC0062: Industrial placement
Academic Year
Credits: 60
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide practical experience in the application and usefulness of knowledge and skills gained at the University, by working in a relevant industrial environment.
Content:
The content varies from placement to placement. In choosing the placement, the University will try to ensure that the project offers adequate opportunities for the student to demonstrate competence in a least six of the eleven assessed categories: application of academic knowledge; practical ability; computational skill; analytical and problem solving skill; innovation and originality; time management; writing skills; oral expression; interpersonal skills; reliability; and development potential.
ELEC0063: MEng year abroad
Academic Year
Credits: 60
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To assist the student develop personal and interpersonal communication skills and to develop the ability to work and interact effectively in a group environment in which cultural norms and ways of operating may be very different from those previously familiar.
To develop an understanding of the stresses that occur in working in a different culture from the UK, and to learn to cope with those stresses and work efficiently. To develop the self-confidence and maturity to operate effectively with people from a different cultural background.
To develop the ability to operate at a high scientific level in the language of the country concerned; this would include oral communication and comprehension as well as reading and writing.
Content:
It is assumed that the student abroad will accomplish work equivalent to 60 色中色 credits (10 units). Details of these are necessarily left to negotiation with individual University, students and the Bath Director of Studies. A project should be completed either abroad or during the Summer semester/term at Bath.
ESML0144: Chinese stage 1A (beginners) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: Chinese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0145
Aims & learning objectives:
An introduction to basic Chinese ("putonghua") as a preparation to communicating in a Chinese context.
Content:
Basic Chinese grammatical forms. Recognition and production of essential Chinese characters; the Chinese phonetic system and the Pinyin system. Initial emphasis will be placed on speaking and listening. Reading and writing tasks of an appropriate nature will be gradually incorporated. Special attention will be paid to the recognition and differentiation of tones.
Flexible provision dependent on demand, but selection criteria based on past examination performance and a needs analysis may be imposed and/or prioritisation according to Programme requirements.
Usually some evidence of competence in another foreign language is required.
ESML0145: Chinese stage 1B (3 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0144
Aims & learning objectives:
A continuation of Chinese Stage 1A
Content:
A continuation of Chinese Stage 1A
ESML0146: Chinese stage 2A (post beginners) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
A course to consolidate existing knowledge of Chinese, to develop listening, reading,
speaking and writing, and to reinforce grammar, in order to enable students to operate in a Chinese speaking environment.
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering the appropriate grammatical structures and vocabulary and there will be continued emphasis on tones and pronunciation.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a variety of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short talks and undertake writing tasks in Chinese.
Flexible provision dependent on demand, but selection criteria based on past examination performance and a needs analysis may be imposed and/or prioritisation according to Programme requirements.
ESML0150: French stage 7A (advanced) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: French
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0151
Aims & learning objectives:
A course to consolidate, refine and enhance previous advanced knowledge of French
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures and vocabulary.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and social topics relating to France and may include short works of literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged conversation groups and in events at which French is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
Flexible provision dependent on demand, but selection criteria based on past examination performance and a needs analysis may be imposed and/or prioritisation according to Programme requirements.
GCE Advanced Level French or equivalent required.
ESML0151: French stage 7B (3 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: French
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0150
Aims & learning objectives:
A continuation of French Stage 7A
Content:
A continuation of French Stage 7A
ESML0152: French stage 8A (post advanced) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: French
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Continued consolidation and enhancement of the language already acquired in French Stage 7A and 7B
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures and vocabulary.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and social topics relating
to France and may include short works of literature or extracts from longer works. Where numbers permit, some subject-specific material may be included, covering the relevant scientific and technological areas and/or business and industry.
There will be discussion and analysis in the target language of topics derived from teaching materials with the potential for small-scale research projects and presentations. Audio and video materials form an integral part of this study, along with newspaper, magazine and journal articles.
Students are actively encouraged to devote time and energy to developing linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, by additional reading, links with native speakers and participating in events at which French is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
ESML0156: French stage 4A (intermediate) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: French
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0157
Aims & learning objectives:
A course to consolidate existing knowledge of French, to develop listening, reading, writing
and speaking, and to reinforce grammar, in order to enable students to operate in a French-speaking environment.
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures, vocabulary and pronunciation relating to a selection of topics. Remedial work is carried out where necessary.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a variety of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief interviews and write dialogues, reports and letters in French.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
Flexible provision dependent on demand, but selection criteria based on past examination performance and a needs analysis may be imposed and/or prioritisation according to Programme requirements.
GCSE Grade C in French or equivalent required.
ESML0157: French stage 4B (3 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: French
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0156
Aims & learning objectives:
A continuation of French Stage 4A
Content:
A continuation of French Stage 4A
ESML0158: French stage 5A (post intermediate) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: French
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This course builds on the French covered in French Stage 4A and 4B in order to enhance the student's abilities in the four skill areas.
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and social topics relating to France and may include short works of literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged conversation groups and in events at which French is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
ESML0162: German stage 1A (beginners) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0163
Aims & learning objectives:
An introduction to everyday German, in order to enable the student to cope at a basic level in a German speaking environment, concentrating on oral/aural communication and reading.
Content:
Initial emphasis will be placed on speaking, listening and reading. As vocabulary is acquired more attention will be given to grammar. Writing tasks of a relevant and appropriate nature will be incorporated.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work
Flexible provision dependent on demand, but selection criteria based on past examination performance and a needs analysis may be imposed and/or prioritisation according to Programme requirements.
Usually some evidence of competence in another foreign language is required.
ESML0163: German stage 1B (3 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0162
Aims & learning objectives:
A continuation of German Stage 1A
Content:
A continuation of German Stage 1A
ESML0164: German stage 2A (post beginners) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
A course to build on language skills acquired in German Stage 1A and 1B to enhance listening, reading, speaking and writing, and to consolidate grammar, in order to enable students to operate in a German-speaking environment.
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a wide variety of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief interviews and write dialogues, reports and letters in German
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
ESML0168: German stage 7A (advanced) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: German
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0169
Aims & learning objectives:
A course to consolidate, refine and enhance previous advanced knowledge of German
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures and vocabulary.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and social topics relating to German speaking countries and may include short works of literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged conversation groups and in events at which German is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
Flexible provision dependent on demand, but selection criteria based on past examination performance and a needs analysis may be imposed and/or prioritisation according to Programme requirements.
GCE Advanced Level German or equivalent required.
ESML0169: German stage 7B (3 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: German
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0168
Aims & learning objectives:
A continuation of German Stage 7A
Content:
A continuation of German Stage 7A
ESML0170: German stage 8A (post advanced) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: German
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Continued consolidation and enhancement of the language already acquired in German Stage 7A and 7B
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures and vocabulary.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and social topics relating
to German speaking countries and may include short works of literature or extracts from longer works. Where numbers permit, some subject-specific material may be included, covering the relevant scientific and technological areas and/or business and industry.
There will be discussion and analysis in the target language of topics derived from teaching materials with the potential for small-scale research projects and presentations. Audio and video materials form an integral part of this study, along with newspaper, magazine and journal articles.
Students are actively encouraged to devote time and energy to developing linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, by additional reading, links with native speakers and participating in events at which German is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
ESML0174: German stage 4A (intermediate) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0175
Aims & learning objectives:
A course to consolidate existing knowledge of German, to develop listening, reading, writing
and speaking, and to reinforce grammar, in order to enable students to operate in a German-speaking environment.
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures, vocabulary and pronunciation relating to a selection of topics. Remedial work is carried out where necessary.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a variety of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief interviews and write dialogues, reports and letters in German.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
Flexible provision dependent on demand, but selection criteria based on past examination performance and a needs analysis may be imposed and/or prioritisation according to Programme requirements.
GCSE Grade C in German or equivalent required.
ESML0175: German stage 4B (3 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0174
Aims & learning objectives:
A continuation of German 4A
Content:
A continuation of German 4A
ESML0176: German stage 5A (post intermediate) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This course builds on the German covered in German Stage 4A and 4B in order to enhance the student's abilities in the four skill areas.
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and social topics relating to German speaking countries and may include short works of literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged conversation groups and in events at which German is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
ESML0180: Italian stage 1A (beginners) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: Italian
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0181
Aims & learning objectives:
An introduction to everyday Italian, in order to enable the student to cope at a basic level in an Italian speaking environment, concentrating on oral/aural communication and reading.
Content:
Initial emphasis will be placed on speaking, listening and reading. As vocabulary is acquired more attention will be given to grammar. Writing tasks of a relevant and appropriate nature will be incorporated.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work
Flexible provision dependent on demand, but selection criteria based on past examination performance and a needs analysis may be imposed and/or prioritisation according to Programme requirements.
Usually some evidence of competence in another foreign language is required.
ESML0181: Italian stage 1B (3 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: Italian
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0180
Aims & learning objectives:
A continuation of Italian Stage 1A
Content:
A continuation of Italian Stage 1A
ESML0182: Italian stage 2A (post beginners) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: Italian
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
A course to build on language skills acquired in Italian Stage 1A and 1B, to enhance listening, reading, speaking and writing, and to consolidate grammar, in order to enable students to operate in an Italian-speaking environment.
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a wide variety of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief interviews and write dialogues, reports and letters in Italian.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
ESML0186: Japanese 1A (beginners) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: Japanese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0187
Aims & learning objectives:
An introduction to everyday Japanese, in order to enable the student to cope at a basic level in a Japanese speaking environment, concentrating on oral/aural communication and the reading and writing of the 2 phonetic Japanese scripts and selected kanji (Chinese characters)
Content:
Initial emphasis will be placed on speaking, listening and reading. As vocabulary is acquired more attention will be given to grammar. Writing tasks of a relevant and appropriate nature will be incorporated. Course material will be drawn from a variety of sources and will include audio-visual resources.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work
Flexible provision dependent on demand, but selection criteria based on past examination performance and a needs analysis may be imposed and/or prioritisation according to Programme requirements.
Usually some evidence of competence in another foreign language is required.
ESML0187: Japanese 1B (3 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: Japanese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0186
Aims & learning objectives:
A continuation of Japanese Stage 1A
Content:
A continuation of Japanese Stage 1A
ESML0188: Japanese 2A (post beginners) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic: Japanese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
A course to build on language skills acquired in Japanese Stage 1A and 1B, to enhance listening, reading, speaking and writing, and to consolidate grammar, in order to enable students to operate in a Japanese-speaking environment.
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a wide variety of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief interviews and undertake appropriate writing tasks in Japanese.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
ESML0192: Spanish stage 1A (beginners) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0193
Aims & learning objectives:
An introduction to everyday Spanish, in order to enable the student to cope at a basic level in a Spanish speaking environment, concentrating on oral/aural communication and reading.
Content:
Initial emphasis will be placed on speaking, listening and reading. As vocabulary is acquired more attention will be given to grammar. Writing tasks of a relevant and appropriate nature will be incorporated.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work
Flexible provision dependent on demand, but selection criteria based on past examination performance and a needs analysis may be imposed and/or prioritisation according to Programme requirements.
Usually some evidence of competence in another foreign language is required.
ESML0193: Spanish stage 1B (3 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0192
Aims & learning objectives:
A continuation of Spanish Stage 1A
Content:
A continuation of Spanish Stage 1A
ESML0194: Spanish stage 2A (post beginners) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
A course to build on language skills acquired in Spanish Stage 1A and 1B, to enhance listening, reading, speaking and writing, and to consolidate grammar, in order to enable students to operate in a Spanish-speaking environment.
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a wide variety of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief interviews and write dialogues, reports and letters in Spanish.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
ESML0198: Spanish stage 4A (intermediate) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0199
Aims & learning objectives:
A course to consolidate existing knowledge of Spanish, to develop listening, reading, writing
and speaking, and to reinforce grammar, in order to enable students to operate in a Spanish-speaking environment.
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures, vocabulary and pronunciation relating to a selection of topics. Remedial work is carried out where necessary.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a variety of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief interviews and write dialogues, reports and letters in Spanish.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
Flexible provision dependent on demand, but selection criteria based on past examination performance and a needs analysis may be imposed and/or prioritisation according to Programme requirements.
GCSE Grade C in Spanish or equivalent required.
ESML0199: Spanish stage 4B (3 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0198
Aims & learning objectives:
A continuation of Spanish Stage 4A
Content:
A continuation of Spanish Stage 4A
ESML0200: Spanish stage 5A (post intermediate) (3 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This course builds on the Spanish covered in Spanish Stage 4A and 4B in order to enhance the student's abilities in the four skill areas.
Content:
This unit contains a variety of listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and social topics relating to Spain and may include short works of literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged conversation groups and in events at which Spanish is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom work.
MANG0069: Introduction to accounting & finance
Semester 1
Credits: 5
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students undertaking any type of degree study with an introductory knowledge of accounting and finance
Content:
The role of the accountant, corporate treasurer and financial controller
Sources and uses of capital funds
Understanding the construction and nature of the balance sheet and profit and loss account
Principles underlying the requirements for the publication of company accounts
Interpretation of accounts - published and internal, including financial ratio analysis
Planning for profits, cash flow. Liquidity, capital expenditure and capital finance
Developing the business plan and annual budgeting
Estimating the cost of products, services and activities and their relationship to price.
Analysis of costs and cost behaviour
MANG0069: Introduction to accounting & finance
Semester 2
Credits: 5
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students undertaking any type of degree study with an introductory knowledge of accounting and finance
Content:
The role of the accountant, corporate treasurer and financial controller
Sources and uses of capital funds
Understanding the construction and nature of the balance sheet and profit and loss account
Principles underlying the requirements for the publication of company accounts
Interpretation of accounts - published and internal, including financial ratio analysis
Planning for profits, cash flow. Liquidity, capital expenditure and capital finance
Developing the business plan and annual budgeting
Estimating the cost of products, services and activities and their relationship to price.
Analysis of costs and cost behaviour
MATH0101: Mathematics for electrical engineers 3
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This is the first of two second year units. It introduces important applicable transform methods. The principle objectives of this study are to provide physical insights into these important transforms and to provide students with the facility to apply the methods in engineering situations. The mathematical derivation of Maxwell's equations is introduced and again a physical insight into these equations is sought through the solution of the wave equation.
Content:
Z-transforms, definitions, theorems, sequences. Discrete systems. Sampled-data system and interface theorem. Inter-sample (output) behaviour. Fourier transforms; discrete to continuous frequency distributions; amplitude and phase spectra; Laplace transform relationships (left- and right-hand half s-plane poles); theorems; convolution; unit impulse and unit step functions; 'comb' of impulses; signum function; frequency axis poles; sampling theorems (both time and frequency domain); energy theorems; auto- and cross-correlation; spectral density and relations. Vector algebra: vector and scalar integrals; gradient, divergence and curl; Maxwell's equations; derivation of the wave equation.
MATH0102: Mathematics for electrical engineers 4
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to methods for problems with more than one variable. To enable students to apply numerical methods in the solution of typical engineering problems.
Content:
Partial differentiation: Taylor series in 2 variables; max/min problems with least-squares as an example; constrained max/min problems. Change of variables (and co-ordinates). Numerical methods: predictor-corrector and Runge-Kutta methods of solution of differential equations; isoclines; finite differences; Chebychev polynomials - errors and approximations; numerical convolution; series solution of differential equations. Partial differential equations: variables separable with Fourier half-range series solutions; change of variable with Bessel equation as an example. Bessel functions; J0(x), Jn(x) (integer n only); BFs and Fourier series - FM as an example.
MECH0138: Mathematics for Electrical Engineering 1
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This is the first of two first year units intended to lead to confident and error free manipulation and use of standard mathematical functions and relationships in the context of engineering mathematics. Proofs, where introduced, are to be of a constructive kind, i.e. they are examples of useful and standard methods of wide applicability in the technical problems of communication, control, electronics and power systems. The unit will consolidate and extend topics met at A-level, so that students may improve their fluency and understanding of appicable mathematics. Tutorial sessions will be conducted to enable students to develop solving skills.
Content:
Algebra: exponential and log functions, time constonants; partial fractions, inverse circular functions; mean and rms as an integral; curve sketching, sinusoids. Calculus: revision of differntiation and integration integral as a sum "by parts" and substitution methods of integration; derivative and integral as functions. Series: Ap, GP and binomial series: Taylor series, limits: L'Hopital's rule; standard series. Complex numbers: rotation vector approach: geometrial intepretation: Argand diagram: cartesian and polar forms; exp(jq) = cos q + jsinq; powers and roots, de Moivre's theorem. Differential equations: first and second order with constant coefficients: variables separable: transient and steady state methods. Matrices and determinants: matrix algebra transpose, inverse; determinants: Cramer's rule.
MECH0139: Mathematics for Electrical Engineering 2
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This is the second of two first year units intended to develop the confident use of engineering mathematics. It is intended to introduce students to the use of mathematical modelling and analysis in the solution of problems in electronic and electrical engineering. On completion of the unit, students should be able to: understand the use of the Laplace transforms; use of Fourier series for the harmonic representation of periodic and no-periodic waveforms; apply statistics to deal with uncertainty in engineering problems.
Content:
Laplace transforms: notation, operational form; unit impulse and unit step functions; transforms; initial condition criteria; decay and shift theorems; initial and final value theorems; impulse and step response. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors: properties, characteristic polynominal. Fourier series: derivation of coefficients; odd and even functions, odd harmonics, line spectra, reciprocal format (DFT); half range series. Numerical methods: Newton-Raphson method: numerical integration; Euler's method and improved Euler. Vectors: vector algebra, scalar and vector products; triple products; applications. Z-transforms: definitions, theorems, sequences, discrete systems, sampled-data system and interface theorem, inter-sample (output) behaviour.
SOCP0066: The human factor
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce engineering students to the role of the human factor in industry, in particular to impart an awareness of classic theories of motivation, social control and communication in relation to work organisation in design and manufacturing processes.
Content:
Concepts and evidence of the changing role of motivation, skills, organisational control and technology, the nature and significance of groupwork.