Description

This module is practically based with comprehensive work sheets for each session and demonstrators available to answer any queries that may arise. Students are encouraged to work at their own speed depending on their previous experience. Students with no prior experience will need to spend more time than their more experienced counterparts outside the class sessions to complete the assignments contained in the work sheets.

In the first half of the module students learn to use Python for scientific applications. Python is an interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming language that can be used for a range of academic and research based activities including high level mathematics and data processing work. Python is widely used in commercial and research environments. This is followed by a two week introduction to LaTeX for typesetting high-quality reports.

The second half introduces the basic areas of digital electronics, as they might be encountered in physics instrumentation, etc., and to provide the necessary theoretical background to carry out experimental investigations. A small amount of useful analogue electronics is also covered. The skills developed in this module will be applied and developed throughout the programme.

Module Aims

Every physicist must be able to analyse data, evaluate theoretical models, and present their work in the form of a technical report. They must also be able to perform investigations, such as experiments, and solve the problems they encounter in a systematic and logical manner.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. use a computer language (e.g. Python) to manipulate data and solve equations using numerical methods;
  2. describe the operation of a range of digital-electronics circuits and of some basic analogue-electronics circuits;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  3. use LaTeX and a stylesheet to produce high-quality typeset reports containing mathematical equations, tables, graphs and diagrams;
  4. use appropriate techniques for measurement of circuit performance and techniques for fault-finding;
  5. build and/or simulate and test simple electronics circuits of the type used in physics instrumentation;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  6. use a computer to solve problems and produce documents;
  7. solve problems logically.

Syllabus Plan

Part A: IT Skills

1. Introduction
   1. Use of the Exeter Learning Environment.
   2. The networked environment.
   3. Introduction to online collaboration and communication tools, e.g. Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
2. Python
   1. Introduction to Jupiter Notebooks
      Getting started with Python, basic operations and data structures.
   2. Fundamentals
      Using the SciPy module, commands and functions, matrix operations.
   3. Working with graphics
      Basic plotting, styles and plotting structure, working with axes and outputting.
   4. Writing Python functions
      Basic syntax, scripts and functions, internal/external arguments and global variables, input and output.
   5. Numerical integration
      Principles and different methods used, use of generic integration functions.
   6. Curve Fitting
      The least-squares criterion, fitting with polynomial functions, using self-defined fitting routines.
   7. Programming
      Basic programming: using 'for' and 'while' loops, conditional statements 'if', 3-D graphics.
3. LaTex
   1. Using LaTeX to create a simple document
      1. Typeset documents with equations, tables, and other LaTeX attributes
      2. Working with LaTeX templates
   2. Using software tools to create graphics and diagrams for use in technical reports.

Part B: Electronics

1. Combinational Logic
   NAND and NOR gates; truth tables; combination of gates to implement logic functions.
2. Sequential Logic
   R-S flip-flops; J-K flip flops and simple control circuits; binary counters; shift registers.
3. Memory chips
   Input and output of data; use of addresses.
4. Microprocessors
   Basic operation; I/O and simple control situations; D/A and A/D on input/output data bus
5. D to A and A to D Conversion
   Operation of DAC; use of DAC to make ADC; sampling rates, conversion times, aliasing and the Nyquist Theorem
6. Analogue Electronics
   
   1. Simple amplifier circuits based on op-amps; gain, bandwidth, input impedance, output impedance, signal/noise ratio.
   2. Filters: description in terms of frequency response.
   3. Comparators.

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Notes: Electronics homework exercises must be handed in at the start of the class in order to receive a non-zero mark.

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Storey N. (1998), Electronics: A Systems Approach (2^nd edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 020117796x (UL: 621.381 STO)

Supplementary texts:

• Faissler W.L. (1991), Introduction to Modern Electronics, Wiley, ISBN 0-471-62242-7 (UL: 621.381 FAI)

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy1028

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: Re-assessment is not available for this module.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous