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PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
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AWARD and ROUTE TITLE B Eng (Hon) in Electronic Engineering
INTERMEDIATE AWARD TITLES B Sc in Electronic Engineering
University Diploma of Higher Education in
Electronic Engineering
University Certificate of Higher Education in
Electronic Engineering
Name of the Teaching Institution Sheffield Hallam University
Modes of Attendance Full-time / Sandwich / Part-time
UCAS CODE H610
Professional Body Recognising Institution of Engineering and Technology
this Programme
QAA Subject Benchmark (a) QAA Subject Benchmark: Engineering
Statement or other relevant
(b) Engineering Council, UK-SPEC
external reference point
Date of Validation 9 May 2006
1.0 PROGRAMME AIMS
This programme aims to:
a) Produce high quality graduate electronic engineers with the specialist academic
knowledge and complementary professional and personal skills for a successful
career in industry and commercial engineering enterprises.
b) Provide the academic basis for initial registration with the Engineering Council as an
Incorporated Engineer as defined by UK-SPEC.
c) Provide knowledge and understanding of the essential facts, concepts, theories and
principles of electronic engineering and the underpinning science and mathematics.
d) Develop the intellectual skills to analyse and solve electronic engineering problems
and formulate creative and innovative solutions and designs.
e) Develop an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and the
social, environmental, ethical, economic and commercial considerations affecting
professional engineers.
f) Develop the practical laboratory and workshop skills necessary to function as a
professional electronic engineer in an industrial or commercial engineering
environment.
g) Provide a positive and enjoyable learning experience which lays the foundations for
life long learning.
2.0 PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
The programme provides opportunities to develop and demonstrate knowledge,
understanding and skills in the areas listed below.
2.1 KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
a) Understand the scientific principles underpinning electrical and electronic
engineering and the necessary supporting mathematics.
b) Understand specialist electronic engineering subjects (e.g. analogue and digital
electronics, digital signal processing, computer programming, etc.) to support a
competent application of knowledge to electronic systems and devices.
c) Understand the principles of electronic systems design and the methods,
constraints, techniques and procedures applicable to the creation of products,
systems and services within the discipline of electronic engineering.
d) Understand the wider multidisciplinary aspects of engineering with respect to
mechanical technologies and structural materials.
e) Understand the business, financial, legal and environmental constraints within which
commerce and industry operate and the management techniques which may be
used to achieve engineering objectives within this context.
2.2 INTELLECTUAL SKILLS
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
a) Analyse and define practical electronic engineering problems in terms of technical
parameters, identify constraints and devise solutions according to customer and
user needs.
b) Design, create, evaluate and enhance electronic systems and products to meet
specific market needs within constraints such as technical specifications, cost,
available technology, quality assurance, company targets, people and time.
c) Apply quantitative methods and industry standard computer software in current use
within the engineering technology discipline, to solve electronic engineering
problems and design products and processes.
d) Solve typical operational, production and service problems in a systematic way
through the application of knowledge and understanding of the relevant
technologies.
e) Adapt designs, equipment and processes to meet new purposes or applications, by
the creative and innovative use of existing technology.
2.3 PROFESSIONAL AND SUBJECT SPECIFIC SKILLS
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
a) Understand the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in all
aspects of engineering.
b) Use relevant materials, equipment, tools, processes and products in workshop and
laboratory situations.
c) Use and apply information from technical literature including appropriate codes of
practice and industry standards.
d) Work safely and apply safe systems of work.
e) Understand the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering
activities, including contractual obligations, responsibilities to personnel, health,
safety, and risk (including environmental risk) management.
f) Appreciate the broader obligations of engineers to society and the environment.
2.4 KEY SKILLS
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
a) Identify personal educational and training needs, plan self-learning and improve
personal performance.
b) Establish good working relationships with others, manage people and work
effectively as a group member.
c) Communicate engineering concepts and ideas verbally, in writing, by drawings,
computer generated images and other media.
d) Manage tasks efficiently and solve problems; undertake major projects of a practical
investigative nature, applying a well developed, sound experimental technique.
e) Use mathematics as a tool for problem solving.
f) Use IT facilities to process written information; assimilate, interpret and evaluate
information from a wide range of sources, including modern data base systems and
internet sites; acquire, manipulate and evaluate numerical data; and assist
engineering design, analysis and control.
3.0 LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
3.1 LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The learning and teaching methods appropriate for the modules within the programme are
varied, but are individually specified for each module. In general terms, the teaching
strategies employed in the programme will involve a balanced mix of the following
methods:
a) Lectures, problem solving tutorials and seminars, supported by computer based
learning and open learning materials where appropriate. The teaching of some
modules may be supported by the use of internet web sites or the use of virtual
learning systems such as 'Blackboard'.
b) Project and laboratory work which emphasises the application of knowledge to
practical situations and reflection upon outcomes. Workshop activities to develop
practical engineering skills.
c) Problem based learning which requires students to discover what they need to learn
through being confronted with real problems.
d) Personal and professional skills development delivered systematically and
supported by open learning materials.
e) Independent study, which as the course progresses, increasingly involves the
student in self or group directed learning, thereby fostering the qualities and skills
necessary for continuing personal development.
The total study time for a 10 credit module is 100 hours and for a 20 credit module is 200
hours. Timetabled class contact will typically be 24 hours for a 10 credit module and 48
hours for a 20 credit module, the balance of the module time allowance being delivered by
student centred, directed study.
3.2 ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
Modules are assessed by various combinations of coursework and examination.
In general, modules which are more practical or involve case studies or project work are
assessed entirely by coursework. Modules which are intended to develop more
fundamental concepts and apply them to practical situations are partially assessed by
coursework, but with a formal examination at the end.
A variety of forms of coursework assessment are employed on the programme. These
include written descriptive and numerical assignments, short tests, laboratory and
workshop appraisals, personal projects, group work, self- and peer-assessment, portfolio
preparation and case studies.
When a piece of coursework is set, a deadline for the completion and submission of the
work will also be specified. Coursework will normally be marked and returned within two
weeks of the submission date, with written or verbal feedback, depending on the nature of
the assignment.
In addition to formal coursework which contributes to your module mark, you will also be
involved in a variety of other activities, such as laboratory work, workshop skills,
computing and problem solving tutorials, etc. which are designed to develop your
understanding of the topic, as well as enhance your personal and professional skills. In
these situations you can expect more informal, direct verbal feedback from the lecturer
concerned.
At the end of each semester and academic year, you will receive a written statement of
your results for every module completed. Meetings will periodically be held with your
personal tutor and/or course leader to review your overall progress. In this way you will
have a clear picture of how your studies are progressing.
4.0 PROGRAMME DESIGN AND STRUCTURE
The table at the end of this section lists the modules studied at each stage of the
programme. Additional optional modules may be also available.
The first year is a common programme of core modules taken by all students. The aim is
to provide a common foundation of engineering principles, knowledge and fundamental
skills, while addressing the areas of Engineering Applications and personal skills
development. This also gives you the added advantage that, if you wish, you can change
your mind about which course you want to study at the end of the first year. For example,
the Faculty offers a degree course in Automotive Electronic Engineering which would be
open to you.
It is anticipated that students will be from a diversity of educational backgrounds, with a
range of academic abilities when they start the course. The teaching methods adopted in
the first year are particularly sensitive to student needs and will support and guide you
through the terminology and methodology of the subject areas. Improving student
confidence, enthusiasm, knowledge and skills are each considered to be equally
important at this stage of the course. To prepare students for the requirements of degree
course study at higher levels, the amount of independent learning and the ability to
evaluate and analyse information gradually increases throughout the first year.
The second year of the course continues to develop the principal themes of digital and
analogue electronics, electronic systems design, signal processing and engineering
analysis. With a good understanding of the underpinning principles having been
established, the study of specialist applications of electronics to computer, communication
and control systems can commence. There is the opportunity to design and build working
devices and evaluate commercial electronic products. An introduction to business and
management is provided to broaden the students' knowledge of commerce and industry.
Instead of continuing directly into the third year of studies, you may choose to undertake a
period of supervised work experience. The sandwich route allows you to spend a year on
work placement. You will be able to apply your knowledge gained on the course to
commercial engineering practice, gain new skills and learn how industry works. We will
help you find a placement and negotiate a sensible salary.
In the final year of the course, there is continued development of the core themes as well
as more advanced aspects of the application of electronics to specialist technologies. A
variety of option modules also offer more in depth study of a range of topics. A major part
of the final year will be taken up by your personal project, which is regarded as the
culmination of the course.
The modules studied on the course are listed below.
Year 1:
Electrical and Electronic Principles
Electronic Engineering
Engineering Practice
Computing for Engineers
Introduction to Programming
Engineering Mathematics
Engineering Technology and the Environment
Year 2:
Digital Electronics
Analogue Electronics
Microprocessor Based Systems
Computer Networks and Communication Systems
Digital Signal Processing
Mathematics for Electronic Engineers
Control Systems
Business and Management for Engineers
Integrative Product Analysis and Design
Year 3:
Personal Project
Electronic Engineering
Digital Signal Processing and Mobile Communications
Optoelectronics and Microelectronic Systems Applications
Optical Fibre Communications
Project Management
5.0 PROGRESSION/CAREER ROUTES
Possible course progression or career routes after you have completed this programme
include:
5.1 COURSE PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES
This course has been accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology as
satisfying the academic requirements for initial registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
The Faculty does however run an Electrical and Electronic Engineering course [UCAS
Code: H606] which prepares students for initial registration as Chartered Engineers. You
may not have the correct entry qualifications for admission to the first year of this course.
However, if you do sufficiently well in the first year of the IEng accredited course you will
be given the opportunity to transfer to the route which leads to CEng registration.
If you choose to remain on this IEng accredited course, there are other routes by which
you can achieve Chartered Engineer status after you have graduated. The Faculty runs a
post-graduate programme which can be studied either part-time or full-time, and which
would help you satisfy the further learning requirements necessary for progression to
CEng status.
5.2 CAREER ROUTES
This course is strongly vocational and aims to produce electronic engineers who are able
to play a major role in a wide range of industries employing modern technology. All
organisations, spanning education, industrial concerns, hospitals, factories, offices and
many more, have all become increasingly dependent on electronic technology to obtain,
store and analyse information, control processing operations and manage people,
resources and finances. This course will train you in the specialised technical skills
required by employers in these fields. You may take up a career in the development,
commissioning and maintenance of electronic equipment, computer networks, control
systems, microcomputer technology or software and information systems hardware. There
is a demand for engineers who have a sound knowledge of engineering applications
based on microprocessor systems and information networks, as well as people who
understand the necessary techniques to develop, test and maintain them. The range of
opportunities that will be open to you involving the application of modern electronic
technology are extensive.
6.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND ENTRY PROFILE
6.1 APPLICANT ENTRY PROFILE
To study engineering on this course we are looking for students who are motivated,
inquisitive and want a challenge. You must have an inherent desire to know why and how
things happen, and how things work. We will help you develop the skills to answer these
questions.
The basis for admission to the programme is that a student should have the potential to
benefit from, and with diligence and application, succeed on the programme. Such
potential is normally assessed by previous attainment, supported as necessary by
confidential references and a personal interview.
6.2 SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Specific requirements for entry to the initial stage of this programme are summarised
below.
All candidates must satisfy the following criteria:
They must be at least 18 years of age by 31 August in the year of admission.
Hold passes at Grade C or better in the General Certificate of Secondary Education,
or equivalent qualification, in four subjects including Mathematics and English
Language or a subject which tests the use of English.
For applicants whose previous studies were not undertaken in the English language,
in particular for international applicants, the following qualifications may be used as a
guide to an appropriate level of competence in English language:
British Council International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) overall band
6;
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) grade B;
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade C;
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score 550 for paper-based tests, or
213 for computer-based tests, or 79 for internet based tests.
Candidates must additionally possess one of the following:
a) At least two GCE A-level passes, which include Mathematics or an alternative
acceptable mathematics based subject, and at least one other from Physics, Physical
Science, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Technology, Chemistry or other
science/technology subject. A UCAS tariff of at least 160 points would normally be
expected. Two ‘AS’ level passes are considered equivalent to one ‘A-level’ pass.
b) An Advanced VCE double award in an appropriate engineering/
manufacturing/technology topic with a UCAS tariff score of at least 160 points.
c) An EdExcel/BTEC/SCOTVEC National Certificate or Diploma in a science or
technology based subject, including merit grades in mathematics and two other
science/technology based modules at NIII level.
d) To have passed the Preparatory Year of the Extended Degree Programme in
Engineering, or other suitable science/technology based foundation or access course
containing an appropriate level of mathematics, with an overall average mark of at
least 55%.
e) A qualification which is deemed to be equivalent to any of the above.
6.3 NON-STANDARD ENTRANTS
Mature candidates (over 21 years of age by 31 August in the year of entry to the course)
who have other, non-standard qualifications will be considered on their individual merits
by the Course Leader and Admissions Tutor. The primary criteria will be that the
candidate will have the ability and commitment to progress satisfactorily on the
Programme.
6.4 PRIOR CREDIT (APCL/APEL)
Accredited Prior Experiential Learning may be accepted, provided that the candidate is
able to demonstrate that, by virtue of their other studies and learning, they are capable of
benefiting from and successfully completing the course.
Students with an Edexcel-BTEC Higher National Certificate or an equivalent qualification
in an appropriate engineering discipline may be eligible to join the programme at level 5,
the second year of the full-time/sandwich route, or part-time equivalent stage.
Students with an Edexcel-BTEC Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree or an
equivalent qualification in an appropriate engineering discipline, may be eligible to join the
programme at level 6, the final year of the full-time/sandwich route, or part-time equivalent
stage. The Institution of Engineering and Technology have recognised the final year of
the course as approved further learning for initial IEng registration, for those students who
have satisfactorily completed a partially accredited HND course.
