Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year

These modules entail the development of mathematical and modelling skills. Subjects include algebra, transposition of formulae, coordinate systems, logarithms, introduction to calculus, problem solving in velocity and acceleration, differentiation, integration and matricesc.

This module provides grounding in basic physics and the development of numerical problem solving. The syllabus includes, mechanics, properties of matter and wave propagation. Electronics and electricity are introduced, along with fields (magnetic, electric, gravitation etc.) and atomic and nuclear physics.

This module involves the development of IT, research, team working, presentation and scientific reporting skills. In more detail, the use of spreadsheets, graphical representation of data, report writing, scientific presentations and group-based research will be undertaken.

Laboratory skills, critical analysis of data and scientific reporting are examined in this module. The areas covered are experimental design, scientific measurement methods and data analysis. This is achieved through a series of experiments covering mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and waves.

This module spans both semesters in the first year and is at the heart of first year teaching. The main aim is to introduce the fundamental concepts and principles of analogue electronics and develop the skills necessary to design and build analogue circuits.

This module spans both semesters in the first year and is at the heart of first year teaching. The main aim is to introduce the fundamental concepts and principles of digital electronics and develop the skills necessary to design and build digital circuits.

This is a first semester module that aims to develop the underlying mathematical skills necessary when considering physical systems. In particular, it considers the solution of numerate problems and the ability to apply mathematical techniques in relevant area of physics and engineering in order to fully realise the development of electronic systems.

You'll be introduced to project management techniques, particularly in project planning, organisation and control. You will develop an understanding of project timings and resource allocation and a broad understanding of quantitative methods used for decision making in industry. You will gain experience in the interactive nature of engineering, including business and commercial influences, and effectively communicate the outcome using computer software and presentations.

At the core to many electronics systems lies a central processor, managing and manipulating data, sometimes from remote locations. To fully understand this concept and the processes involved, this module introduces the fundamentals of computer hardware, software and networking technology including some more advanced concepts such as security.

You will be introduced to a range of basic electronic design processes including hardware and software tool, enabling you to specify appropriate manufacturing and testing techniques, taking into account quality, quantity and cost. You will work in groups throughout this module, building on your communication and team working skills.

This module will provide you with an introduction to the design and analysis of both analogue and digital feedback control systems and the application of fundamental feedback control systems.It also supports the development of personal and professional skills through the experience of working on a group project, in a team to produce a working design from a formal specification. You will gain an understanding of digital communications signals, coding and media delivery, and the digital hardware elements required to produce and process digital communication signals.           

This module investigates the fundamentals of electrical power engineering and Magnetic Systems and passives. It then develops the concept of Power factor correction for electrical systems and Power Systems and Load flow analysis. This helps develop your understanding of flexible AC transmission systems, Synchronous, induction and DC machines. In addition, the fundamentals of power electronics for electric drives are developed on both a theoretical and practical level.

You will build on the engineering mathematics module from your first year by developing advanced knowledge and skills in mathematical analysis. This will enable you to tackle more advanced engineering problems. Subjects covered include partial differentiation, determinants and matrices, vector analysis

This module gives a thorough grounding in the techniques and applications of digital technology in the acquisition, processing, storage and transmission of acoustic signals.

The Computing Laboratory module will help you build computer programming skills, so you can tackle simple non-analytic physical and engineering problems. You will use the numerical methods and techniques frequently encountered in physical and engineering challenges, and learn how to implement these them on the computer. You will also learn about interfacing sensors to computers and computer control of experiments.

This module aims to provide knowledge and critical understanding of the digital hardware elements required to build digital electronic systems that process digital signals. It also aims to develop the practical skills required to use digital design tools in order to design and test digital hardware. The module also aims to enable students to understand the importance of testing, and to facilitate the use of a range of appropriate tools, techniques and equipment when testing and critically analysing digital circuits and systems.                

This module investigates the design of electric and hybrid vehicle power train systems. It Includes Power electronics and electric motor drives of hybrid vehicles, fundamentals of Battery systems for electric and hybrid vehicles, Powertrain and sensor technology, and Powertrain control, calibration and optimisation. You will also look at Fuel Cell Fundamentals for transportation and sustainability in vehicle powertrain systems.

This module has two main components. Industrial management in which you will be introduced to the commercial issues which must be addressed by engineering businesses, and the principles of quality management systems; and project preparation which will develop your ability to work independently, become competent in analysing and assessing the value of information, and develop effective communication skills both written and orally.

A vital part of your career preparation, whether in industry or research, is to complete an individual project. Your final project will be based on an engineering theme of industrial relevance.

You will be introduced to the design and analysis of both analogue and digital feedback control systems, and the application of fundamentals of electronic power control systems. Subjects include encirclement theorem, Nyquist stability theorem, compensator design with applications in robots and automotive engineering.

The application of embedded systems is ubiquitous in modern electronic systems. This module includes a significant practical element where the functionality of embedded systems is explored through the design and implementation of modern microcontroller systems and their associated programming languages.

Through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops, you will explore techniques used to analyse discrete event control and the kinematics of robotic manipulators. Workshops will involve the application of practical control exercises and provide both a computer based approach and practical implementation using industrial robots in the robotics laboratory. Through this module, you will also build knowledge in areas including control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and robotic manipulator design.