KD4010 - Electricity, Magnetism and Electronics

What will I learn on this module?

This module will introduce you to fundamental electromagnetism, electrical circuit theory and analogue electronics. Through a combination of lectures, labs and technology-enhanced resources, you will learn to analyse basic DC and AC circuits and to familiarise with fundamental electronic components such as operational amplifiers and semiconductor diodes. This module will provide you with core knowledge, and experimental, numerical and analytical skills to tackle problems in electrical and electronic principles, thus establishing firm foundations for future employability.

Electricity and Magnetism (25%)

Electrostatics: Coulomb's law of electrostatic forces, superposition of electrostatic forces and the electric field, electric flux, Gauss’s law and its applications to calculate electric field associated with the continuous charge distributions; Concept of electric potential and its relation to the electric field; Energy stored in an electric field; Introduction to magnetostatics.

DC and AC Circuit Theory (50%)

Introduction to ideal linear elements: resistor, inductor and capacitor. Transient currents across ideal elements. Current and voltage division rule. Applications of superposition: Kirchhoff’s law.


Properties of sinusoidal and periodic waveforms, average, RMS values. Phasors and phasor diagrams, and j operator. Complex impedance, impedance diagrams.

Applications to series circuits. Power in AC circuits, power factor, apparent power, active power, and reactive power. Complex admittance and applications to parallel
circuits. An introduction to series and parallel RLC circuits.

Analogue Electronics (25%)
Introduction to the properties of an ideal operational amplifier. Simple inverting and non-inverting applications using virtual earth principles. Properties and parameters of a non-ideal op-amplifier including gain-bandwidth. Op-amplifier applications including summing, integrator and differentiator.

How will I learn on this module?

The learning strategy of this module is based a combination of formal lectures, laboratory sessions and problem-solving sessions of Seminars. Theoretical material delivered in lectures will be augmented with a strong practical element involving group work and interactive demonstrations in the laboratory. Seminars will be used as an opportunity to develop problem solving skills through worked examples relevant to real-world applications.

Summative assessment will consist of two components for assessing your knowledge, understanding and problem solving skills:
(a) Coursework – this is a report based upon your work carried out during the laboratory sessions in which you will apply knowledge to tackle engineering problems.
(b) A final exam (60%),.

Formative assessment will be achieved through in-class tests and informal quizzes, which will be used throughout the year to help you measure your progress and to support your learning.

Feedback will be provided in several forms including: written comments on class tests; verbal comments on class tests; general feedback on the seminar and laboratory work - delivered in class or via blackboard; examination feedback will be provided following the normal processes to show generically where the cohort has a strong or a weaker answer to the examination. Independent study is supported by further technology-enhanced resources provided via the e-learning portal, including lecture notes, e-hand outs, sample problems and past-paper questions. Throughout the module, you will gain practical skills, which are essential for subsequent study levels and future employment.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Lectures, seminars and labs will be the main point of academic contact, offering a formal teaching environment for core learning. Labs and seminars will provide opportunities for developing your critical inquiry and discussions with your peers.

Outside formal scheduled teaching, you will be able to contact the module team (module tutors, year tutor, programme leader) either via email or the open-door policy operated throughout the programme.

Further academic support will be provided through technology-enhanced learning resources via the e-learning portal. You will have the opportunity to give their feedback formally through periodic staff-student committees and directly to the module tutor at the end of the semester.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge and Understanding:

1. Understand a variety of concepts and techniques from calculus, vector algebra, transcendental functions and basic ODEs will be introduced and utilised to analyse various concepts in the theory of electro, magnetostatics and linear electrical circuits. (C1)

2. Understand the governing models of electro-, magnetostatics and linear electrical circuits (C2,C3).


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Design and Analyse an op-amp (ideal and non-ideal) and assess its performance in practical circuits. (C6)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

4. Apply key principles of DC circuit theory including Kirchhoff’s laws of current and voltage, and rules for current and voltage division both experimentally and theoretically. (C12)

How will I be assessed?

SUMMATIVE
1. Coursework – A report based upon the work conducted in the laboratory (40%)
2. Open-book final examination (60%)

Component 1 assessed LO3 and 4. Component 2 assessed LO 1 and 2.

Feedback will take several forms including: written comments on class tests, verbal comments on class tests; general feedback on the seminar and laboratory work - delivered in class or via blackboard; written feedback on the laboratory report; examination feedback will be provided following the normal processes to show generically where the cohort has a strong or weaker answer to the examination.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module will introduce you to electro-magnetostatics, electrical circuit theory and analogue electronics. Through a combination of lectures, dedicated labs and problem-solving seminars as well as technology-enhanced learning resources including electrical circuits and digital devices controlled by specialist software, you will learn the fundamentals behind the electromagnetic interaction and their application to analyse DC and AC circuits and to familiarise yourself with fundamental electronic components such as operational amplifiers and semiconductor diodes.
Summative assessment will be in the form of a test based on four lab and lecture based Coursework in form of online continuous assessments (4x10% = 40%) spread across the semester along with the lab-sessions and a final exam (60%). In addition to lectures and seminars, we will support your learning via electronic lecture notes and problem sets. Through labs, you will develop key research-orientated skills, such as data recording and reporting. This module will provide you with core knowledge, and experimental, numerical and analytical skills to tackle problems in electrical and electronic principles, thus establishing firm foundations for future employability.

Course info

UCAS Code F3F5

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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