View all Courses
Electronic and Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering
Course Details
Course Code | SG_ETRON_J07 |
---|---|
Level | 7 |
Duration | 2 years |
Credits | 60 |
Method of Delivery | Online |
Campus Locations | Sligo |
Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
Modern electronic engineering systems are often referred to as embedded systems and these systems are the main focus of Electronic Engineering in ATU Sligo. Embedded Systems combine hardware (electronic circuits), software (computer programs) together into products such as mobile phones, MP3 Players, computer network routers, aircraft guidance systems and automobile engine management systems.
This is year 3 (the award year) of the Level 7 BEng in Electronic Engineering. Having completed the programme, you will be able to:
- Implement serial communications protocols on an 8-bit microcontroller.
- Use software tools for digital signal processing.
- Write embedded code for an 8-bit microcontroller.
- Complete an embedded systems project with an 8-bit core.
- Design, integrate and test an embedded system.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
2 |
System Design Integration and TestThis module covers PCB design particularly with regard to manufacturing and testability. Also issues relating to the minimising of EMI at the board and system level and the need to meet EMC requirements will be addressed. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the principles of PCB design for manufacturability and testability, and to minimise EMI and meet EMC requirements. 5. Design a PCB from a schematic using a PCB layout software package. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Digital Signal Processing 301An introductory course in Digital Signal Processing, covering the use of Statistics/Probability and Noise, ADC and DAC, Sampling Theory, Linear Systems, Convolution and the Discrete Fourier Transform. The subject is heavily geared towards the practical implementation of DSP in software. Learning Outcomes 1. Use statistical methods to characterise signals and the processes that generate them 5. Communicate in written form, experiments carried out on digital data. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Embedded Systems 1This module covers Advanced C Programming Topics, Machine Level Programming Topics, Hardware considerations and Development Tools Learning Outcomes 1. Develop C programs using advanced C programming features. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Mobile Applications ProgrammingOn completion, the learner will have an understanding of the specific development considerations relating to mobile phone application development. They will have designed, implemented, debugged and tested a mobile phone based application on a mobile OS. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the fundamental aspects required to build a mobile phone application 2. Use a design tool and programming development platform to develop simple mobile phone applications 5. Design, implement and test an application which makes use of a major phone feature such as bluetooth or the inbuiltSQL database |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Professional Development & EmployabilityProfessional Development and Employability is an impending graduate skills module that offers a variety of professional skills to support the development of the graduate's early career. Learning Outcomes 1. Undertake a critical audit of their skills and capabilities for their professional career 2. Employ the correct communication approach (presentation, poster, report) and use reference material correctly. 3. Demonstrate professional ethics in engineering, including the role of an engineer in society, environmental and health, safety & risk issues. 4. Interpret the roles of teams and leadership. 5. Prepare a personal development plan and work preparation plan (including CV, Cover letter). |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Essential Lean Six Sigma and ValidationThis module examine various aspects of the application of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles and tools as they apply to modern manufacturing environment. This module also introduces the student to the area of validation. Learning Outcomes 1. Relate the history of quality development to Lean, Six Sigma, Validationand Quality Management Standards 2. Evaluate and discuss the key principles of Six Sigma programmes and their application for manufacturing 3. Evaluate and discuss the key principles of Lean Manufacturing and their typical application for manufacturing. 4. Explain how validation principles are applied in a process validation. 5. Interpret the Quality Management StandardISO9001 and connect how Lean and Six Sigma work together with the process approach. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Mathematics 3This module consists of topics from Integral and Differential Calculus, Linear Algebra and Complex Numbers. These topics include differential equations and applications, Laplace Transforms, De Moivre's Theorem, Fourier Transforms, Gaussian Elimination and z-transforms. Learning Outcomes 1. Solve first order differential equations using separable variables technique and the integrating factor method 6. Be able to obtain the z-Transform of some standard functions and solve first order difference equations. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Digital Signal Processing 302This module covers the application of the Discrete Fourier Transform and z-transform, Digital Signal & System analysis and Digital Filter Design. This module is strongly geared towards implementation of DSP techniques in software. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply the Discrete Fourier Transform to appropriate problems. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Embedded Systems 2This module covers advanced c topics such as Memory Management and Compiler optimisation. It also looks at some RTOS fundamentals and use of development tools. Learning Outcomes 1. Design C programs using advanced data structures and dynamic memory. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Data CommunicationsThis module introduces students to the basic principles of serial communications. They also learn how to set up a communications link between a microcontroller and external devices using either EUSART, SPI or I2C protocols. Learning Outcomes 1. Discussasynchronous and synchronous data transmission. 3. Employ error detection and correction techniques for reliable data transmission. 4. Explain various techniques used in data encoding. 5. Perform hardware and software interfacing of a microcontroller to a peripheral divice using an appropriate serial protocol. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
L7 Final Year ProjectIn the final year of the level 7 programme, students will undertake a major project in the area of Electronics. The skills and knowledge acquired over the 3 years are brought to life with the practical implementation of their chosen project. The student is expected to be self-motivated and driven so as to bring the project to completion. The project must be an independent body of work which is both coherent and well-structured. They are expected to identify the key areas of the project and to make real decisions that will ultimately affect the end deliverable. All work is documented on a weekly basis and a final project report is to be submitted. The student will be expected to communicate and document the iterative design experience effectively, and then present him/herself with confidence for an end-of-year demonstration and interview. The module deliverable is an assessable project that will demonstrate the student's ability to work on their own and display their ability to communicate the key aspects of the project. Learning Outcomes 1. Outline and submit awritten project proposal 2. Design the project, including schematics, software flowcharts, test plansand component order forms. 3. Plan and demonstrate an appreciation of the need for project management 4. Build and Testthe project as necessary. This includes both hardware and software elements. 5. Produce a comprehensive project report, including details on the iterative design experience 6. Participate in project related interviews and project demonstration |
10 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
Examination and Assessment
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Merit Grade at Level 6 (Higher Cert) in Electronic Engineering or related discipline. Applicants who have successfully completed the Certificate in Electronics and Automation are also eligible. Applicants with other qualifications and/or with relevant industrial experience will also be considered through ATU Sligos RPL process.
Professional Accreditation
Engineers Ireland Associate Engineer.
Careers
This course allows students to pursue a career at associate engineering level anywhere in the electronics, software or manufacturing industry.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
This programme is suitable for technicians with a Level 6 qualification in electronics or related disciplines looking to up-skill into the Electronics profession.
Contact Information
Admissions Office
T: 353 (0) 71 931 8511
E: admissions.sligo@atu.ie