48510 Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksAnti-requisite(s): 68201 Physics 2
Description
The subject introduces the student to the profession of engineering and develops the following themes which are fundamental to any engineering discipline:
- identifying problems in society, proposing solutions, and implementing them;
- understanding that engineering occurs in a context, has real impact, and has the capacity to shape the world in which we live;
- engineering relies on science, and there is a body of fundamental knowledge which must be developed to gain technical proficiency in the field;
- electrical and electronic engineering underpins much of the modern world.
A real-world problem and its solution (an electronic artefact) are a central part of the subject, and form a framework around which many technical and non-technical aspects of engineering can be illustrated. In terms of knowledge, basic electrical concepts such as voltage, current, resistance and power are introduced; simple circuit analysis techniques for DC and AC circuits are studied; electric and magnetic fields are used to introduce the capacitor and inductor; and computer-based systems and sensors are shown as applications of this basic knowledge.
Particular emphasis is placed on the practical, hands on aspects of electronics. Laboratory work includes circuit construction, testing and troubleshooting, as well as the use of test instruments such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Solve simple sub-system design problems using fundamental principles of electronic systems. (C.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply circuit theory to the analysis and design of basic DC and AC electrical circuits. (D.1) |
| 3. | Recognise and correctly apply electric and magnetic field theory to simple applications. (D.1) |
| 4. | Design, construct, test and troubleshoot basic circuits using basic laboratory test equipment and/or simulation. (C.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
Teaching and learning strategies
Canvas
Students are required to study the Canvas material. This includes:
watching the videos posted on Canvas, reading the “key points and summary”, attempting the example problems given in “Questions with Work Solutions”,
In-class:
attending tutorials, attending drop-in sessions for any technical questions you cannot solve with Canvas materials
Timetabled Activities
Lecture
The lecture contents are all recorded and posted on Canvas. Students are expected to spend at least 2-hours each week according to their own schedule on watching these lecture videos before attending the tutorial and labs..
Tutorial
There is one 2-hour tutorial every week, broken into three parts. In the first part, the tutor will present the key concepts regarding last week’s lecture. In the second part, the students will either work in groups or individually to solve technical questions. In the third part, for each tutorial except tutorial 7, there will be a short test in the class for each tutorial. Answers to the tutorial problems are only available after the tutorials have been conducted – this allows students to form their own solutions independently of a 'model answer', and encourages students to check with the tutor whether their approach to the solution was correct, or could be improved upon.
Laboratory
There is one 3-hour laboratory every week. The subject places a particular emphasis on the practical, hands-on aspects of electronics. Each lab involves the construction and testing of several circuits that are used in real applications. The aim is for students to become proficient in moving from theory to practice. The recording, graphing and interpretation of practical results, and how they compare with theory, is also practised. During the lab, students can seek assistance from a lab demonstrator in relation to the experimental procedure, the expected results, and the use of the equipment. At the end of each lab session, a lab demonstrator will assess this week’s lab work and provide immediate feedback. Practical competence will also be assessed during two Laboratory Tests.
Content (topics)
Content can be broadly categorised into the following:
- The engineering process, creating new products and systems, functional specifications and block diagrams.
- Basic circuits, circuit laws, circuit analysis techniques.
- Diodes and their applications.
- Electrostatic field theory and Capacitance.
- Magnetic field theory and inductance.
- Computer-based systems, microcontrollers, digital logic circuits, sensors, interfacing.
- AC circuit theory, phasors, impedance, AC power.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Quiz
| Intent: | To assess the depth of understanding of the operation of basic circuits and the ability to analyse basic circuits. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | 1 hour |
Assessment task 2: Tutorial Practice
| Intent: | To assess the depth of understanding of the key concepts delivered in each tutorial. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | 15 minutes (per test) |
Assessment task 3: Lab Tests
| Intent: | To help students acquire basic hands-on electrical laboratory skills, competence to work with electrical measurement equipment and to understand the underlying concepts taught in classes. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 2 hours |
Assessment task 4: Examination
| Intent: | The final exam aims to test students' understanding on the use of concepts learned throughout the session. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 2 hours |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
Essential topic notes are available on Canvas.
TextBook
McLean, P., 48510 Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering Topic Notes, UTS, 2020
Hambley, A. R., Electrical Engineering: Principles & Applications, Global Edition eBook (7e).(Available from http://www.pearson.com.au/9781292223209 in digital and/or print format)
Other resources
U:PASS
UTS Peer Assisted Study Success is a voluntary “study session” where you will be studying the subject with other students in a group. It is led by a student who has previously achieved a distinction or high distinction in the subject area, and who has a good WAM. Leaders will prepare activities for you to work on in groups based on the content you are learning in lectures and tutorials. It’s really relaxed, friendly, and informal. Because the leader is a student just like you, they understand what it’s like to study the subject and how to do well, and they can pass those tips along to you. Students also say it’s a great way to meet new people and a “guaranteed study hour”.
You can sign up for U:PASS sessions via U:PASS website http://tinyurl.com/upass2017 Note that sign up is not open until week 2, as it’s voluntary and only students who want to go should sign up.
If you have any questions or concerns about U:PASS, please contact Georgina at upass@uts.edu.au, or check out the website.