Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

English Language to IELTS 6.0 or Pearsons 54 or equivalent. Satisfy admissions or progression requirement for entry to Stage 1 of an engineering degree programme at Level 3, including A-Level Mathematics or equivalent and normally an A-Level in science or equivalent

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To introduce students to the basic theory and concepts associated with the underpinning physics behind electrical and electronic systems and the operation of simple circuits.

Students will recognise and compute the effect of electromagnetic fields and forces.

Students will recognise and discriminate between different circuit structures and solve various associated problems (DC and AC).

To demonstrate use of these basic understandings real-world, local industrial application

To enable the student to recognise the behaviour of simple electrical machines.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Basic Circuit Theory

- Basic circuit conventions, laws, and rules
- Basic circuit analysis techniques (source equivalence & superposition)
- Introduction to AC Circuits
- Concept of steady state time varying signals
- Amplitude and phase calculations
- Phasor and complex notation for AC quantities

2. Introductory electromagnetism and electrostatics

- Magnetic fields: quantification & measurements, forces and field strength, inductance
- Electric fields: quantification & measurements, forces and potentials, capacitance

3. Applications of Electrical and Magnetic systems

- Recognising and operating principles of DC machines

Application of Electrical and Magnetic systems theory to real-world industrial application

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended knowledge outcome is indicated in each point below. By the end of the module a student will be able to:

describe the basic principles of E and B fields, and associated quantities such as flux, flux density and potential. [C1]

recognise concepts of fields as sources of force, the use and meaning of field/flux lines in applications. [C1]

demonstrate vector representation of fields and the interactions between magnetic and electrical fields and fluxes [C1]

interpret directional concepts (e.g. vector-product rules) & demonstrate the role of electromagnetic fields in simple electrical machines [C1, C2]

recall and employ the fundamental rules and concepts of electrical circuits (e.g. Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws) [C1]

solve basic circuits thorough application of taught analysis techniques, discuss their respective limitations and appropriateness of use to given situations [C1, C2, C3]

describe basic AC electrical quantities (e.g. amplitude, phase and frequency) through their interpretation of quantification and notation of the same (including complex notation) [C1]

interpret concepts of ideal and non-ideal components and their representation [C1, C3]

employ rules and concepts for electrical circuit schematic notation and polarity [C1, C3]

distinguish of the behaviour of different basic passive elements (AC & DC) including combinations thereof [C1]

demonstrate their cognisance of the above through an exercise in interpreting a local industrial application in a practical study of that application. [C1, C2, C6]

Intended Skill Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended skill outcome is indicated in each point below. By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

employ appropriate units and express numerical values of physical quantities in electromagnetism and electrical circuits. [C1]

demonstrate recognition of appropriate orders-of-magnitude and polarity in electrical and magnetic systems through suitable analysis of the system. [C1, C2, C3]

Sketch field line diagrams for cases including point charges, capacitors and straight wires [C1, C2]

extract technical information from relevant sources such as diagrams, schematics and graphs [C1, C2, C3]

interpret abstract concepts demonstrate their relevance to the engineering system understudy [C1, C3, C6]

illustrate fundamental physical principles as the solution for complex physical systems using algebra, calculus and numerical evaluation to produce reasoned solutions [C1, C2]

select and employ appropriate governing laws to the operation of circuits, to obtain both symbolic and numerical descriptions of relevant quantities including voltages, currents, capacitances, inductances, resistances, impedances and reactance [C1, C2, C3]

operate relevant laboratory equipment and perform accurate experimental measurements [D]

examine the practical use of the techniques studied whilst employing them on a practical, real-world engineering system [C1, C2, C3, C6]

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide the core material of the course and give students the opportunity to query the material covered.

Problem solving sessions are embedded within the In person structured sessions and are made up with a combination of fully demonstrated and interactive question sets and examination examples within these lecture sessions. Additionally, revision material is made available comprising of sample question sets, video descriptions of the theory and problems and walk-through problems. Students are encouraged to use the VLE discussion boards to access specific out-of-class support from both the academic team and their peers in an attempt to promote community-engaged learning. The coursework components is a directed self-learning activity whereby students will actively visit an installation and gain a tangible appreciation of the theory they have learned in a real-world application.

Present-in-person activity accounts for 100% of synchronous teaching.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The formative computer assessments provide a co-ordinated and incremental set of problems that cover computational, mathematical, conceptual, and critical thinking question types. The problem-solving exercises include example exam questions to allow students to become familiar with the assessment style. Students are able to view these as they would be shown in the actual exam. The theory element is examined first in order to focus students’ effort on the underpinning material, in the second semester this theory is put into practice in the coursework element which is formed around a real-world local industrial system.

A single A4 sheet (two-sided) may be prepared in advance and taken into the exam as a study support.

General Notes

N/A