Module: Electronics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Electronics
Module Code	EDS1012 (ITS: TN08001)
Faculty	STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module involves hands-on, discovery-learning based tasks to develop foundational knowledge and skills in relation to the underpinning concepts of electricity and electronics. This active learning approach is supplemented by lecture-based theoretical content throughout. The student will be supported throughout the module within a supervised lab-based learning environment, with the aim of developing their confidence, motivations and abilities to undertake self-directed learning activities. This module will prepare the students to take more advanced electronic engineering modules with the necessary fundamentals. Technological products and systems will be explored to investigate how rather than why individual components and subsequent modules interface with other components/modules to perform a specific electronic function. The module will prepare students to develop a detailed understanding of the concepts associated with a number of control systems used in second level technology classrooms to create innovative solutions to technological design tasks.

Learning Outcomes

1. Read electronic circuit diagrams and recognise, select and assemble appropriate components for PCB, Bread Board and wired circuits.
2. Outline basic electronic quantities and the associated laws of electronics to explain the relationship between such quantities.
3. Design simple circuits containing sensors to fulfil the requirements of technological design tasks.
4. Describe direct and alternating current and outline the theory and functions of rectifiers and transformers.
5. Manipulate voltages, currents and resistances in electronic circuits.
6. Describe and outline the main features of fundamental electronic circuits (e.g. voltage dividers, wheatstone bridge, amplifier circuits, sensing circuits) using the correct technical terminology.
7. Describe and outline the Sensing-Logic-Actuation cycle for a range of innovative electronic devices.
8. Interrogate the use of electronic circuits to suitably power and/or control a range of mechanical systems including pneumatics, actuators and electronic devices.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	24	Computer Laboratory
Laboratory	24	Practical Engineering Laboratory
Independent Study	77	Independent Learning
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10013	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Grimes	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Electronics Lab Assignments	20%	n/a
Assignment	Electronics Project	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	Theory Exam	60%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content
The module content includes:

The International Standards Units for Electronics;

An introduction to electricity and electrical concepts e.g. Coulombs, Amperes, Watts and Joules;

Basic theory of electrical circuits;

an introduction to the concepts of voltage, current and resistance and the relationship between these electronic quantities i.e. Ohm's law;

Fundamentals of DC circuit analysis (e.g. Kirchoff’s laws);

Series and Parallel circuits;

An introduction to diodes, transistors, capacitors and inductors;

Sensing-Logic-Actuation Cycle of Autonomous Electronic Devices;

Fundamental electronic circuits - voltage dividers, Wheatstone bridge, op-amp circuits, sensing circuits.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Gates, D.,: 2013, Introduction to Basic Electricity and Electronics Technology. Cengage Learning. ISBN 1133948510 ISBN-13 9781133948513,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Website: https://www.makerspaces.com/basic-electronics/,