Courses / Module

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:

• Describe the principle of operation of transducers that are used to measure specific physical parameters, to include temperature, light level and position.
• Discuss the need to use signal conditioning circuits between sensors and display and recording equipment.
• Explain the reasons for employing negative/positive feedback in electronic circuits, and calculate the gain, input and output impedance of a number of basic operational amplifier circuits as a function of frequency.
• Convert values between different number systems in use in microprocessor systems (binary, decimal and hexadecimal).
• Demonstrate how a fundamental arithmetic and logic unit forms the basis for a microprocessor system, and show how it can be formed from basic digital circuits.
• Write and test a simple assembly language program for a typical microprocessor.
• Discuss the operation and specifications of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter circuits.
• Carry out relevant laboratory experiments to demonstrate and test physical principles and report the results.

Delivery methods	Hours
Lectures	22
Labs / Practicals	12
Tutorials	4
Planned learning activities	0
Independent student activities	66
Total	104

• Module Graded (numeric value) or Ungraded (Pass/Not Passed): Graded
• Continuous Assessment detail(s): Marked written assignments and laboratory assessment

Assessment type	Options	Weighting	Duration
Continuous Assessment		30%
University scheduled written examination	On-campus	70%	120 minutes
Other		0%
Total		100%	120 minutes

• Pass standard: 40%
• Could the result of this module be capped? No
• Continuous assessment (to include laboratories and assignments) is a required component of this module. It must be passed separately from the end-of-term examination, to pass the module.
• Penalties: Late submissions not accepted.

• Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes
• Continuous Assessment mark carries over to the Autumn examination.
• University scheduled written examination (Autumn): 120 minutes, On-campus

• 2nd Year Experimental Physics or equivalent.

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