Introductory description

This module provides the fundamental knowledge in electrical and electronic engineering, relevant to Degree Apprenticeship Standards ST0023, ST0024, ST0025 and ST0027.

The module covers a wide range of topics around electrical and electronic circuits, devices and systems. In this module, mathematical techniques are applied in an engineering context for the analysis of electrical and electronic circuits. Simulations and experimental measurements are carried out for the development of software simulation and practical skills.

This module is linked with C1, C2, C3, C12 and C17 of the AHEP 4.

LO1 - C1
LO2 - C1, C2
LO3 - C1, C2
LO4 - C3, C17
LO5 - C12, C17

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Introduction to charge, current, voltage, energy and power.
• Circuit elements: sources, energy storage elements, resistive elements.
• Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's laws.
• Methods of analysis: mesh, nodal and superposition.
• AC circuits: phasors and impedances.
• RC, RL and RLC circuits under AC supply, resonance.
• Transient response of RC and RL circuits.
• Frequency response of RC and RL circuits, transfer function and Bode diagrams.
• Diode, transistors and operational amplifiers.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Analyse DC electric circuits using basic electrical circuit theory and electronic principles [AHEP:4-C1].
• Demonstrate knowledge on fundamental principles of electrical and electronic engineering [AHEP:4-C1, C2].
• Analyse electric circuits under switched and AC supply conditions using appropriate mathematical techniques [AHEP:4-C1, C2].
• Use simulation software to model and analyse the behaviour of electric circuits [AHEP:4-C3, C17].
• Use practical laboratory skills to investigate and analyse the behaviour of electric circuits [AHEP:4-C12, C17].

Indicative reading list

• N. Storey (2017) Electronics: A Systems Approach. 6th Edition. Harlow: Pearson Education.
• J. Nilsson and S. Riedel (2019) Electric Circuits. 11th Edition. Pearson Education.
• E. Lipiansky (2013) Electrical, Electronics and Digital Hardware Essentials for Scientists and Engineers. Hoboken: Wiley-IEEE Press.
• M. A. Salam and Q. M. Rahman (2018) Fundamentals of Electrical Circuit Analysis. Singapore: Springer Nature.
• R. C. Dorf and J. A. Svoboda (2014) Introduction to Electric Circuits. 9th Edition. Singapore: Wiley.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions (S2 in all DA standards).

Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines (S4 in all DA standards).

Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and/or developmental or test evidence (S5 in all DA standards).

Ensure that all systems and/or equipment has been correctly configured, calibrated and checked for safe operation before use (S11 ST0023, S13 ST0024, S13 ST0025, S12 ST0027).

Transferable skills

• Critical thinking - Recognise patterns, themes and key messages from sometimes confused and incomplete data. Make information decisions on the value of a range of sources allowing an evidence based conclusion based on this analysis.
• Problem solving - Use rational and logical reasoning to deduce appropriate and well-reasoned conclusions. Retain an open mind, optimistic of finding solutions, thinking laterally and creatively to look beyond the obvious. Knows how to learn from failure.
• Communication - Present arguments, knowledge and ideas, in a range of formats.
• Teamwork - Operate within, and contribute to, a respectful, supportive and cooperative group climate. Sensitive to the impact of actions on others.
• Information literacy - The systematic collection, analysis and evaluation of information in the investigation of a topic.
• Digital literacy - Comfortable with using digital media to communicate, solve problems, manage information, collaborate, create and share content.
• Professionalism: Aware of how to be efficient and resilient; Manages priorities and time.