Module: Measurement & Signal Processing

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Measurement & Signal Processing
Module Code	MEC1015 (ITS: MM307)
Faculty	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

In this module students are introduced to the principles of measurement and signal processing.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the relevant static and dynamic performance characteristics of sensors.
2. Use appropriate techniques for handling errors in measurement.
3. Use curve fitting techniques when modelling systems based on experimental data.
4. Describe some of the more common signal conditioning techniques used in measurement.
5. Represent periodic signals with Fourier series.
6. Use the Fourier transform to represent aperiodic signals.
7. Explain the application of the discrete Fourier transform and the fast Fourier transform when working with sampled data.
8. Explain the difference between analogue and digital signals and the limitations of sampling processes
9. Derive frequency response functions for linear systems.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of spectral analysis.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	20	No Description
Tutorial	9	No Description
Laboratory	4	No Description
Independent Study	83	No Description
Total Workload: 116

Section Breakdown
CRN	10215	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Harry Esmonde	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	2 laboratory sessions	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	Standard exam paper	80%	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 Reading List

Books:

Alan S. Morris: 2001, Measurement and Instrumentation Principles, 3rd, Butterworth Heinmann,
John P. Bentley: 2004, Principles of Measurement Systems, 4th, Prentice Hall,
Jack Holman: 2011, Experimental Methods for Engineers, 8th, McGraw Hill,
Paul A Lynn: 1989, An Introduction to the Analysis and Processing of Signals, 3rd, Chem/Matls-Sci,
James H. McClellan, Ronald W. Schafer, Mark A. Yoder: 2003, Signal Processing First, 1st, Prentice Hall,
Julius S. Bendat, Allan G. Piersol: 1993, Engineering Applications of Correlation and Spectral Analysis, 2nd, Wiley,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None