Electronics and Communications Engineering (Coventry Level 4 and 5 Foundation Degree part time)

The course aims to provide trainee technicians and engineers employed in the electronics and communications industries with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their performance, and improve their career and progression prospects.

Course content

The course covers a wide range of topics in electronics and communications engineering at level 4 and level 5. It is designed to appeal to candidates from a range of employers, whether electronics and communication is their main business or part. Modules include:

• Mathematics. Electrical & Electronic Principles. Analogue & Digital Electronics. Electronic Design. Work Based Project. Instrumentation & Control. Data Communication. Digital Communication RF Communication. Engineering Management.

The Analogue and Digital Electronics module covers transistor theory, operational amplifiers, power supplies, and combinational and sequential logic. Emphasis is also placed on circuit design techniques. The Electrical Principles module focuses on circuit theory and associated problem solving. Instrumentation & Control covers the theory and practical aspects of electronic control including sensors, actuators and control systems. Data Communication involves the investigation in to how data and signals are transmitted over various transmission media (including fibre optics) and computer networks. The Digital Communication focuses on signals, coding, modulation, multiplexing, noise and fibre optics. The RF module covers transmission media, impairments, matching, Rf radiators including antennas, satellite, analogue & digital modulation techniques, and digital private mobile.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have one or more of the following: A BTEC Level 3 Diploma, Extended Diploma, National Certificate or National Diploma in an Engineering or related discipline (grade above PP or PPP). An A Level in Mathematics with supporting GCSEs in English and Science. A pass on an Access to HE course in Engineering. An IELTS score of at least 6.0 (If English is not a first language) Equivalent qualifications to the above may be acceptable. Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements above but have substantial relevant industrial experience will be considered. Course entry is subject to interview.

Delivery & Assessment methods

Attendance is required over two calendar years commencing September 20th 2012 and completing in September 2014. (During the college summer break students will be set coursework). The course is delivered one day per week, (Thursdays: 09.00 - 20.00 or 21.00) Students will carry out electronic design, use computer simulation and design software, solve engineering problems, construct, test, and evaluate electronic circuits, do case studies and undertake a project of commercial significance to their employer. Students will also investigate data networks, digital communication and RF principles, and use Cisco networking material, A range of assessment methods are used including, assignments, examinations, case studies, projects and presentations. Opportunity for team working will also be available.

Progression

Students successfully completing the Foundation Degree with merit grades or higher will be able to progress on to the final year of an honours degree at Coventry University (this component will take 2 years part-time). Students passing the course but not achieving this grade profile will be able to progress on to the 2nd year of the honours degree.