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

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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.

Please note that modules run on a two-year cycle i.e. first-year modules become second-year modules and vice-versa every other year. The year long modules run every year first-year students take Maths, and second-year students take the Project module.

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Mobile Applications Programming On 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 3. Choose appropriate user interface elements which complement the mobile phone application being developed 4. Implement, debug and test mobile phone applications which utilise the sensors within thephone 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	Essential Lean Six Sigma and Validation This module introduces Lean and Six Sigma principles through the DMAIC methodology to improve quality in manufacturing, with a focus on the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. It also covers process validation and quality standards, alongside Design Thinking as a human-centered approach. Students will apply theoretical knowledge through case studies, site visits, and work experiences, linking classroom learning to real-world applications. 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
1	Embedded Systems 1 This 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. 2. Interface peripherals with microcontrollers. 3. Configure systems to respond to hardware interrupts. 4. Describe the operation of the standard tools used in embedded systems development.	05	Mandatory
2	Data Communications This 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. 2. Analyse a serial transmission signal on a transmission line. 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
2	Embedded Systems 2 This 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. 2. Describe the purpose of operating systems, their services and objects. 3. Design C programs that make use of operating system services. 4. Outline strategies for testing embedded C programs.	05	Mandatory
Year	Mathematics 3 This 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 2. Solve first and second order differential equations using Laplace transforms 3. Solve second order differential equations using the complementary function and particular integral methods. 4. Calculate powers of complex numbers using theorems of DeMoivre and Euler. 5. Solve linear systems using Gaussian Elimination and apply this to engineering problems 6. Be able to obtain the z-Transform of some standard functions and solve first order difference equations. 7. Evaluate eigenvalues and eigenvetors and solve matrix transformation problems	05	Mandatory

Year 2

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Digital Signal Processing 301 An 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 2. Identify if a given system is linear and the techniques this allows us to perform. 3. Perform the operation of convolution on given signals and systems. 4. Perform a Discrete Fourier Transform on digital data. 5. Communicate in written form, experiments carried out on digital data.	05	Mandatory
1	Professional Development & Employability Professional 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
2	Digital Signal Processing 302 This 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. 2. Represent Signals and Systems in the z-domain. 3. Design Filters using z-plane poles and zeros. 4. Design FIR and IIR Filters. 5. Communicate in written form, experiments carried out on digital data.	05	Mandatory
2	System Design Integration and Test This 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. 2. Outline the analogue and digital segregation issues and grounding issues which arise when different electronic modules are connected together in a system. 3. Identify the design issues for enclosures of electronic products to minimise EMI and meet EMC requirements. 4. Perform EMC radiated and conducted tests using a spectrum analyser and basic test methods. 5. Design a PCB from a schematic using a PCB layout software package.	05	Mandatory
Year	L7 Final Year Project In 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

Students must expect to attend live online classes 3-4 times per week and each class lasts approximately 1 hour. Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Thursday but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. 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.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

One/two days per semester.

Download a prospectus

Undergraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development 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.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €6800

Further information on fees

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.