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: Ìýgates, 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.