2. Every student should be able to demonstrate personal competence in the use of more advanced equipment and electronic instruments needed to test and make measurements on circuits.
3. Every student should be able to demonstrate, without assistance, the ability to keep adequate written experimental records in a Lab log book, and to present results clearly using tables and graphs.
4. Every student should be able to demonstrate the ability to apply the basics of design methodology, and to use simulation as an aid to design.
5. Every student should be able to demonstrate, without assistance, an understanding of the kinds of differences to be expected between simplified theoretical models and practical circuits.
6. Every student should have an appreciation of safety in the laboratory, be aware of hazards associated with laboratory work and be able to devise suitable safety precautions.

Laboratory project and experiments 

Attendance at laboratories is mandatory and students spend up to six hours per week in the laboratory. The laboratory programme consists of a combination of project work and experiments. Each of the experiments is a stand-alone learning experience which is best appreciated when considered in the context of the associated lecture course(s). Project work is carried out in small teams to develop not only practical skills, but also to improve planning, management, teamwork and student integration.

In part, the experiments support the lectured material; but they are also intended to familiarise students with the use of the electronic instruments needed to test circuits and measure their electronic characteristics, and to introduce students to the practicalities of circuits and circuit components, and to practical techniques useful in the context of electronic design. Students will also be exposed to the use of simulation as an aid to analogue and digital design. The experiments are designed to help students understand the relationship between theory, simulation and actual circuits, appreciate the difference between design expectation and actual performance, and acquire confidence in testing circuits. For further details see the laboratory manuals.

Each student will be required to prepare for the experiment beforehand as instructed in the laboratory manuals and provide evidence of the preparation in their Lab log book. Students will be encouraged to analyse data as it is taken, to compare results with the relevant theory, and to keep an effective record of findings in the Lab log book. The primary purpose of the laboratory supervisors and demonstrators is to maximise the learning process, and students should appreciate that finishing an experiment is not as important as understanding what has been done.

Laboratory lectures 

The laboratory programme is accompanied by a series of "Laboratory lectures", relating to general issues such as safety. It is mandatory for all students to attend these lectures.

12 August 2010