Automation and Electronics

Certificate

Course Details

Course Code	SG_EAUTM_N06
Level	6
Duration	1 year
Credits	35
Method of Delivery	Online
Campus Locations	Sligo
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

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Course Overview

This programme, in addition to offering a minor award at level 6, is designed as a one-year online qualifier to allow holders of craft qualifications and others with substantial relevant work experience to progress to the level 7 BEng in Electronic Engineering. On successful completion of the programme, the learner will receive a minor award at level 6 and will be adequately prepared to participate in the level 7 Electronic programme. This level 7 programmes can then be completed in a further two years online study.

Module overview:

Instrumentation is a foundation course in the principles of electronic circuit theory and the fundamental technologies & practical applications of sensors. The module aim is to equip learners with the basic theoretical and practical skills required to analyse and test low voltage direct current electrical circuits. It addresses topics such as Ohm’s Law, Kirchoff’s Laws, voltage, capacitance, inductance, semiconductors and the sensing of common parameters for system monitoring and control including temperature, pressure, light, and distance.

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	C Programming 101 An introductory course in C programming for the PC. Covering the C compiler, variables, operators, decision statements, iteration loops, arrays and strings. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the processes by which a C programme is compiled 2. Write basic C programs with variables and arithmetic operators. 3. Use appropriate C programing statements to control flow of execution in a C programme. 4. Design C programmes that are modular. 5. Exercise good programming practices in the design of Programmes by adhering to a programming standard.	05	Mandatory
1	Microcontroller Architecture This module introduces students to the hardware of an 8-bit microcontroller, its associated instruction set architecture and assembly language programming. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the memory organization of an 8-bit microcontroller. 2. Predict the operation of different types of assembly instructions. 3. Configure microcontroller port pins for input / output, analogue / digital and other functionality. 4. Produce flowcharts to explain the flow of execution of an assembly program. 5. Write assembly language programs to interface a microcontroller to various input / output devices.	05	Mandatory
2	Embedded Programming 201 This Module covers the basic programming for a microcontroller using the C programming language. Topics include: Reading and writing to ports, interrupt service routines, using hardware timers, serial port and other communications port programming. Learning Outcomes 1. Differentiate between C for microcontrollers and C for desktop computers. 2. Develop programs to access hardware on a microcontroller 3. Develop Interrupt Service Routines for event driven programs. 4. Appreciate resource constraints of Embedded Systems. 5. Determine the correct code to interface with specific hardware external to the microcontroller.	05	Mandatory
2	Microcontroller Interfacing This module introduces students to C programming for the purpose of interfacing an 8-bit microcontroller to various peripherals in an embedded system. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the disassembly of a C program. 2. Design schematics to perform hardware interfacing of a microcontroller to various peripheral devices. 3. Write C programs to perform software interfacing of a microcontroller to various peripheral devices. 4. Use an Integrated Development Environment, a C Compiler and Debugger to program a target device. 5. Employ timers and interrupts appropriately in typical engineering applications.	05	Mandatory
Year	Introduction to Engineering Mathematics This module prepares the student for progression onto the degree level 7 mathematics. It reintroduces the ideas of differentiation from the basics up to partial differentiation and integration from the basics up to integration by parts. It also covers formula manipulation, the factor theorem, partial fractions and complex numbers. The course is designed so that real life situations are used to demonstrate where the techniques are used. Learning Outcomes 1. Be able to manipulate mathematical equations 2. Be able to graph linear, quadratic, exponential, log and trig functions 3. Use the factor theorem and remainder theorem 4. Find partial fractions 5. Differentiate using the chain rule, product rule and quotient rule, find the maxima and minima of functions 6. perform parametric, implicit differentiation and partial differentiation 7. perform integration by substitution and by parts 8. Calculate areas using integration 9. Apply De Moivre’s theorem to find the powers of complex numbers	05	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

It is recommended that students should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per five-credit module to their studies.

Examination and Assessment

A mix of continuous assessment, laboratory exercise and exams.
Note: Where assessment on the programme involves examinations, these are held on campus or at another exam venue in the Republic of Ireland. There are typically two exam periods: January and May. Times scheduled for examinations (face to face / online exams ) are in GMT.
Students who are resident overseas and those with extenuating circumstances may apply to take examinations online with an external online invigilation service (online proctored exams), where this is available. Places are limited for this service.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

This programme requires attendance at ATU Sligo on four practical days (normally Fridays) during the year.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Download a prospectus

Undergraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Entry to the programme is open to candidates who have completed phase 6 of a relevant craft certificate or equivalent.

Other candidates may gain entry through the recognition of prior (RPL) learning in accordance with institute procedures. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions/ credit for some parts of the programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work or career. Further information is available at www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie .