BI1IE12-Introduction to Electronics

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Sillas Hadjiloucas
Email: s.hadjiloucas@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will provide students with the background knowledge, theory, skills and tools to enable them to analyse and design simple electronic circuits that consist of the most common components and elements that include voltage and current sources, resistors, capacitors, inductors, logic gates and operational amplifiers.

Aims:

This module aims provides a foundation in the theory that supports the understanding of DC and AC (frequency dependent) circuits, and circuits that contain logic elements and Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps). This module also introduces the analysis and design of such circuits.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module the students should be able to do the following when given sufficient information:

• Recognise, and describe and apply the theory underpinning, voltage and current sources, resistors, capacitors, inductors, logic gates and operational amplifiers.


• Analyse circuits consisting of voltage and current sources, resistors, capacitors, inductor s, logic gates and operational amplifiers, and determine the currents, voltages and power outputs of such circuits.


• Perform analysis of logic circuits and form, manipulate and simplify logical expressions

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Logic:  gates, levels, Boolean algebra, multiplexers, demultiplexers, encoders and decoders.

Circuits: Fundamental concepts, power sources and electronic components. Passive and active circuits. Network analysis,

Semiconductor devices: Atomic structure and electrons. Insulators, conductors and semiconductors. Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors. Majority and minority carriers. p-n junction diodes. Zener diodes. Light emitting diodes. Bipolar jun ction Transistors (the Common Emitter and Common Collector amplifiers, the Differential Amplifier, Operational Amplifiers and configurations), Field Effect Transistors.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module comprises lectures, associated laboratory practicals and some revision tutorials. Laboratory practicals are used to reinforce the relevant lectures.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Total hours by term
Total hours for module

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Set exercise	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 90 minute examination paper.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Examination only.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 25 June 2021