Course Structure: Applied Electronics BSC113

1 Nature and Scope of Electronics

• Introduction
• Linear Electronics
• Non-linear Electronics
• AC and DC Current
• Electrostatics
• Conductors and Insulators
• Electroscopes
• The Electric Field
• Current
• Safety Warning
• Using an Electrician

2 Measuring Electricity

• Introduction
• What is Voltage?
• What is Resistance?
• Ohm’s Law
• Relationship Between Electricity and Power
• Generating & Storing Electricity
• Turbines and Generators
• Fusion Power
• Solar Cells
• Batteries

3 Passive Components

• Resistors
• Capacitors
• Inductors
• Magnets
• Magnetic Forces: Ferromagnetism, Creating Magnets, Curie Temperature, Earths Magnetic Field, Geomagnetic Reversal
• Electromagnetism: Electromagnetism and Solenoids, Electric motors
• Magnetic Force (Fmag)
• Right-hand Rule
• Inductors
• Lenzs Law

4 Electric Circuits

• Introducing Circuits
• Conductors
• Insulators or Non-Conductors
• Fuses
• Circuit breakers
• Normally Closed (NC) and Normally Open (NO) Contacts
• Circuits
• Reading Schematic Diagrams

5 Other Electric Components

• Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)
• Bread board
• Switches
• SPST (Single Pole, Single Through)
• SPDT (Single Pole, Double Through)
• DPST (Double Pole, Single Through)
• DPDT (Double Pole, Double Throw)
• Transistors
• Semi-conductors
• Integrated Circuits (IC, chip, microchip)
• Relays
• NO (Normally open) and NC (normally Closed)
• Diode

6 Input and Output Devices

• Introduction
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Interactions with Input and Output Devices
• How some Input Devices Work
• How some Output Devices Work
• Signals Processing

7 Digital Electronics

• Digital v Analogue Electronics
• Binary
• Mechanical analogue computers and noise
• Digital/Analogue audio
• Digital/Analogue images
• Analogue radio/tv and digital transmission of signals
• Logic
• Synchronous vs Asynchronous systems
• Algorithms

8 Working With Electronics

• Soldering
• Wire strippers/criming tools
• Anti-static straps
• Multimeters and how to use them: How to use a multimeter, Forming connections in a series or parallel, Measuring voltage, Measuring current, Measuring resistance
• Electrical tape
• Terminals
• Punch down tool
• Cable ties
• Printed Circuit Boards and Etching

9 Special Project

• Employers will inevitably test your knowledge at an interview, to see if you can apply what you have learned to their business. Therefore in this lesson, you will utilise what you have learned so far, to complete a special project.

Learning Goals: Applied Electronics BSC113

• To explain the nature and scope of electricity, electric currents and applications for electric power.
• To explain how electricity is measured, generated, and stored.
• To identify and explain the function of important electrical components including resistors, capacitors and inductors.
• To interpret, understand and be able to draw basic circuit diagrams.
• To identify and explain the function of other components commonly found in electronic devices, including circuit boards, switches, transistors, semiconductors, integrated circuits, relays, diodes and transformers.
• To explain how electric devices engage with a user, both through input and output components.
• To explain digital electronics and how it differs to analogue electronics.
• To explain the operation, maintenance and repair of a range of electronic devices.

Electricity  – How it Flows!

Everything in the physical world is made up of atoms.  Atoms are composed of different types of particles – electrons, protons, and neutrons. For now, electrons are the particle we need to focus on. 

Electrons are particles that have a negative electric charge, and in a stable atom, these negative charges are balanced out by other particles that have a positive charge.  

When there is an excess of this negative charge, the excess charge can move to adjacent atoms within the same material and continue moving.

Some types of atoms (i.e. conductive materials) will allow this movement of a negative charge readily – materials made of these atoms are known as conductive.  Other types of atoms do not readily allow the charge to flow – materials made of these atoms are known as insulative. 

• Negatively charged electrons are held loosely in atoms of conductive materials, and that allows a flow of electricity readily.

• When the negatively charged particles are held more tightly, electricity does not flow as well. Such materials are called insulating materials. 

There are two main types of electronics that we come across, linear and non-linear.

Linear Electronics

A linear circuit is one in which the circuit parameters are not changed with respect to the current and voltage.  That is to say, the flow of electricity (current), is directly proportional to the applied voltage (i.e. the voltage you feed into the circuit).

For example, if we increase the applied voltage, then the current flowing through the circuit will also increase.  Some examples of linear electronic components are resistors, capacitors and inductors.

Non-linear Electronics

A non-linear circuit is one in which the circuit parameters are changed with respect to the current and voltage.  In these situations, the flow of electricity is not directly proportional to the applied voltage.

Some examples of non-linear electronic components are diodes and transistors.

AC and DC Current

The flow of electricity is not limited to one direction.  AC and DC current describe the types of current flow within a circuit.  In a direct current (DC), the current only flows in one direction.

In an alternating current (AC) circuit, the current changes direction periodically. This means that in AC circuits, the voltage also periodically reverses because of the change in direction of the current.

Most digital electronics that we come across use DC, however AC has its advantages.  AC circuits are able to convert voltage levels with a single component known as a transformer.

This is why AC was chosen as the means to transmit electricity over long distances and why AC is the type of current found within modern homes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.