MODULE TITLE

IT and Electronics Skills

 

CREDIT VALUE

15

MODULE CODE

PHY1028

MODULE CONVENER

Prof. F.Y. Ogrin, Dr A. Usher and Dr A. Corbett

 

 

DURATION

TERM

1

2

3

Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)

114

WEEKS

T1:01-05,07-12

T2:06-11

 

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

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 – intentions of the module

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) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

 On successful completion of this module you 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:

  1. use LaTeX and a stylesheet to produce high-quality typeset reports containing mathematical equations, tables, graphs and diagrams;
  2. use appropriate techniques for measurement of circuit performance and techniques for fault-finding;
  3. build and/or simulate and test simple electronics circuits of the type used in physics instrumentation;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

  1. use a computer to solve problems and produce documents;
  2. solve problems logically.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

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 (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities  

58 hours

Guided independent study  

92 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

 

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

 Category 

 Hours of study time 

 Description 

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

22 hours

11×2-hour computer laboratory sessions (IT)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

36 hours

12×3-hour practical laboratory sessions (electronics)

Guided independent study

24 hours

8×3-hour IT Skills homework

Guided independent study

5 hours

5×1-hour Electronics homework exercises

Guided independent study

63 hours

Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT

 

 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

ILOs assessed

Feedback method

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework

70%

Written exams

0%

Practical exams

30%

 

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

 

% of credit

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

 ILOs assessed 

Feedback method

Mid-Term IT Skills Test 1

15%

90 mins

1, 3, 6, 7

Written and verbal

Mid-Term IT Skills Test 2

15%

90 mins

1, 3, 6, 7

Written and verbal

8 × IT Skills assignments

20%

2 hours in class + 3 hours homework each

1, 3, 6, 7

Written and verbal

Written reports on electronics experiments

30%

Contemporaneous with experiments

2, 4, 5, 7

Written and verbal

Electronics problems sheets

20%

5×1 hour

2, 7

Written and verbal

ASSESSMENT NOTES  

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

 DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment

 Form of re-assessment 

ILOs re-assessed

Time scale for re-assessment

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES  

Re-assessment is not available for this module.

 

RESOURCES

 

 INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES -  The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener.

Core text:

Supplementary texts:

ELE:

CREDIT VALUE

15

ECTS VALUE

7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES

none

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

Waves and Optics (PHY1023)

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)

4

AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING

NO

ORIGIN DATE

01-Oct-10

LAST REVISION DATE

14-Jul-20

KEY WORDS SEARCH

Physics; Analogue electronics; Digital electronics; LaTeX; Python; Op-Amps.

Module Descriptor Template Revised October 2011