Unit Information
This unit introduces students to:
the fundamentals of experimental practice and computing through to the appropriate reporting of findings;
different forms of basic instrumentation and measurement devices;
development of basic coding practice and structure;
basic electronics required to acquire signals through a data acquisition device;
how errors can be identified and quantified;
academic / technical report writing professional practice, including the presentation of data and the identification of health and safety requirements.
Using a number of different laboratory experiments and supporting lecture / seminar content, the aims of the unit are to enable students to:
identify and utilise appropriate measurement tools;
utilise a given instrumentation chain to record data of an appropriate sample rate and quality;
quantify sources of error;
utilise computer programming to analyse and present data;
develop representative computational models of underpinning theoretical science;
communicate findings through a report concisely;
evaluate differences in theory and practice;
engage with the health and safety process and the role of risk assessments;
critically evaluate written work through a peer and self-assessment structure.
engage in reflective practice
Your learning on this unit
At the end of this unit student will be able to:
1. Prepare: Undertake basic hazard identification and engage with laboratory risk assessments
2. Develop: Formulate algorithmic solutions and use computer programming to solve engineering problems and analyse data
3. Apply: Use electronic principles to process signals and interface with sensors
4. Analyse: Identify and quantify sources of error, recognising the impact on choice of measurement tool
5. Communicate: Structure a written report following outlined reporting standards, including appropriate use of tables and figures, to present a coherent story.
