Skill owner: Dr Francis Robinson

Purpose: Circuit design forms the foundation of modern electronic systems and most circuits now use active devices. Active circuits employ semiconductor devices and integrated circuits (e.g. bipolar-junction transistors, MOSFETs, op-amps, logic gates) to implement amplifiers, oscillators, counters, and sequencers, for example. Understanding and implementing circuit design provides a tangible approach to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world applications. As well as mastering circuit theory, success in practical design requires an understanding of component and circuit imperfections and being able to minimise the extent to which they disturb the accuracy of circuit operation without resorting to excessively costly or complex components or measures. Variation in operating conditions may also have a significant impact on the accuracy and stability of operation.

Requirements: The page includes:

1. A schematic of the circuit and a photo of the circuit prototype on a breadboard, each with the student’s username visible. The circuit should include at least one active component or integrated circuit and if analogue two passive, R, L, or C components.
2. A brief write-up (100-200 words) detailing the rationale for circuit design, expected operation using formulas, and include a brief discussion of how the effect of a circuit imperfections (e.g. component tolerance, source and load resistance, or stray inductance, capacitance and resistance, logic component set-up and delay times) was assessed, or the variation in an operating conditions, such as variation in temperature, supply voltage, or transient input voltage spikes was assessed.

Skill owner: Dr Francis Robinson

Purpose: Circuit simulation enables you to rapidly gain insight into circuit operation and the dependence of circuit response on component values and other circuit quantities. Mastering this skill enables you to exercise your creativity on the circuit design, rather than dealing with the simulator.
Requirements:

1. The purpose of the simulation is clearly described (50-100 words).
2. The page includes a circuit schematic for each of the circuits within ORCAD (or equivalent) and screenshots of outputs from the simulations with clearly labelled types of analysis run, each with username visible. The schematics and screenshots should include the student’s username.
3. A concise discussion (100-200 words) on the simulation results of each circuit is included, pointing out discrepancies or insights gained and validating results where possible.

Skill owner: Dr Stephen Pennock

Purpose: Electronic test and measurement are crucial for validating and troubleshooting circuit designs. It provides a hands-on approach to understanding the performance of circuits and systems.

Requirements:

1. The purpose of the activity/activities is clearly described (50-100 words).
2. Photos of the setups are presented using lab equipment including the oscilloscope, digital multimeter, DC power supply, and waveform generator and tabulated data of measurements obtained.
3. For each circuit type, provided a side-by-side comparison of measured values vs. expected values with a brief justification for any observed differences, a discussion of the uncertainties and potential errors (50-100 words).
4. An example of using more advanced instrument features or settings to improve accuracy or supply more information than discrete value measurements, e.g. oscilloscope signal averaging, single-shot oscilloscope capture of a transient waveform, correcting oscilloscope probe compensation, accurate high-frequency signal or pulse characterisation, power-supply current-mode operation, DMM measurement or storage requiring slightly more extensive instrument preprograming via front panel keys (100-200 words).

Skill owner: Dr Jonathan G-H-Cater

Purpose: PCB design is the process of creating the layout and interconnections of components on a printed circuit board to ensure the proper functioning of electronic devices. Its primary purpose is to establish a physical platform for electrical circuits, facilitating the reliable flow of signals and power within electronic systems.

Requirements:

1. Aim of the PCB is clearly & concisely defined and anchored to a quantified specification.
2. Image of designed PCB includes: student username, a ground plane, at least 3 different components, at least 1 via, silkscreen with metadata, board cutout.
3. Bill of materials lists all components including details on suppliers.
4. PCB Design has been argued in relation to placement, routing, and other functional requirements linked to the boards final application in a section entitled 'Design Rationale'. (100-200 words)
5. Screenshots of the Physical Stackup and design rule constraints in the board setup, along with evidence of a Design Rules Check resulting in no errors.

Skill owner: Mr Sanjae King

Purpose: The purpose of PCB assembly is to populate a printed circuit board with electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, and connectors. This process transforms the designed PCB into a functional electronic device by soldering these components to the board and establishing the necessary electrical connections.

Requirements:

1. Photo, with username visible, of assembled board or boards that show both surface-mount and through-hole soldered components.
2. Picture and critique of soldering joints with varying levels of success.
3. Reflection on how successful the board production was in meeting production requirements (100-200 words).

Skill owner: Dr Philip Shields

Purpose: MATLAB is a programming and numeric computing platform used by millions of engineers and scientists to analyse data, develop algorithms, and create models.

Requirements: To demonstrate your skill in using MATLAB at the knowledge level, you must embed a PDF of your MATLAB Fundamentals course certificate, showing that you have completed >70%.
To demonstrate your skill at the application level, you should present working code that includes at least one loop, one branch instruction, one function, and more than one datatype. Your page should include:

1. A section describing the purpose of the MATLAB code (100-200 words),
2. Your MATLAB files with judicious commenting at the section- and line-level. You should use a PDF block in Mahara to display a PDF file(s) containing your code. A PDF file of your m-file can be created by using the Publish tab >> Edit Publishing Options >> Select PDF.
3. A demonstration that the code works.

Skill owner: Dr Tareq Assaf

Purpose: Embedded system design is the process of creating efficient, reliable, and cost-effective hardware and software solutions tailored to meet the specific requirements of a dedicated application. Mastering this skill requires a knowledge of both hardware and software and strategies for their integration.

Requirements: Your page should include

1. Photo, with username visible, of your physical system hardware incorporating programmable and non-programmable components showing all connections,
2. Wiring diagram or schematic of the system, with username visible.
3. Code (properly commented at the section- and line-level),
4. Video or demonstration that the system works,
5. A section describing your work (100-200 words).

Skill owner: TBC

Purpose: Programming in Hardware Description Language (HDL) prepares engineers to design, simulate, implement and verify digital systems in software for their deployment in hardware. At the simplest level it can be used to implement combinatorial logic.

Requirements: To claim this skill your page will showcase the following aspects in relation to implementing combinatorial logic:

1. Screenshots of key snippets of code from your digital modules and testbenches with comments describing their purpose and functionality.
2. Screenshots of simulation outputs with wave forms and a brief explanation (50-100 words),
3. A video (1 minute video maximum) that demonstrates the functionality of your digital system by showing how changing the input signals (e.g., switches, push buttons) of your FPGA results in a different output signal (e.g., on the LEDs and 7-segment displays of the FPGA, waveform signals on the PC screen).

Skill owner: Dr Leen Jabban

Purpose: 3D CAD design allows the conceptualisation and visualisation of components before fabrication. Mastering this skill requires expertise in using a CAD package such as Inventor or Fusion 360 to realise new designs.

Requirements:

1. The page showcases a 3D representation of a completed design with your username engraved on a visible part.
2. The design history tree should be displayed, showing the use of the following tool categories: create, modify, and pattern.
3. Each showcased feature or tool should be accompanied by a brief description (50-100 words) or annotation, emphasising its relevance and application.

Skill owner: Dr Leen Jabban

Purpose: 3D CAD Assembly Design emphasises the integration of multiple components into a cohesive unit.

Requirements:

1. The page showcases a 3D assembly with your username engraved on a visible part or component.
2. The design history tree should be displayed, showing the use of interrelationships and constraints between parts. Where suitable, transparency should be used to enable the inspection of hidden features.
3. Each showcased feature or tool should be accompanied by a brief description (50-100 words) or annotation, emphasising its relevance and application.

Skill owner: Dr Leen Jabban

Purpose: 2D CAD Drawing Design translates 3D models into detailed 2D schematics. Mastering this skill ensures accurate communication of design intent for manufacturing and documentation purposes.

Requirements: The page includes a PDF of the produced engineering drawing. The drawing should have annotations, dimensions, and other essential details clearly highlighted, adhering to industry standards and including necessary elements like title boxes, tolerance annotations, and parts lists. The drawing should also include your username.

Skill owner: Dr Tareq Assaf

Purpose: The purpose of 3D printing is to create physical objects by adding material layer by layer based on a digital 3D model, enabling rapid prototyping, customized production, and complex geometries in various industries. Mastering this skill requires the understanding of how to prepare a file (e.g. STL) to be printed on a 3D printer.

Requirements: G code and image of the sliced part showing your username and support (if needed). Short reflection (100-200 words) on how the model was set up (e.g. why the particular orientation, why support/no support etc.)

Skill owner: Dr Biagio Forte

Purpose: The purpose of this skill is to equip you with the ability to critically analyse data, either to compare experimental data with theoretical expectations or make data-driven decisions to optimise electronic and electrical systems.

Requirements: The page should include a “Data analysis” section (100-200 words) which:

• Includes a brief description of the measurements made, sources of uncertainty, and a calculation of the cumulative uncertainties.
• either:
  • Compares measured and theoretical data, identifying and discussing any discrepancies and presenting a clear conclusion. Where suitable, statistically relevant measures of difference are used (e.g., best fit).
    • OR
  • Describes how data along with suitable calculations were used to adjust design parameters. The design rationale must be presented in a clear, professional manner, with a discernible conclusion.

Skill owner: Dr Leen Jabban

Purpose: A picture is worth a thousand words; data visualisation enables presenting complex data in a more comprehensible way, enhances communication and aids in decision-making processes.

Requirements: The page should showcase the ability to employ tools, such as MATLAB or Excel, for effective data visualisation. Specific types of plots (e.g., line plots, bar graphs, scatter plots) tailored to the data's nature should be evident. All visualisations should be adequately annotated, labelled, and presented in a way that emphasises the underlying data insights. The rationale behind choosing a specific type of plot for certain data sets should be explained (50-100 words).

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: Being able to discuss the coursework done with the literacy related to climate action, sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals.

Requirements: The page should include a section entitled 'Climate and sustainability Impact' with sub-sections about:

1. Describing the elements of climate and sustainability literacy that relate to a work or project (50-100 words or 1 min video or audio format)
2. Reflecting on the climate and sustainability impact of the project or work (50-100 words or 1min video or audio format)
3. Describing a specific element of a sustainability framework such as the SDGs which relates to the work or project (as an image in a text or a video and mentioned in an audio format).

Skill owner: Dr Leen Jabban

Purpose: The purpose of life cycle assessment is to evaluate the environmental impacts and resource usage associated with a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal, to make informed sustainability decisions.

Requirements: A life cycle assessment is provided for a given work or project (200-500 words). The life cycle assessment needs to capture the different steps of the product life. It includes:

1. The birth of the product by discussing the raw materials it is made of and the manufacturing processes of the product and how they contribute to the CO2 footprint.
2. The life of the product, i.e. the time when the device is in use. It includes a description of the product usage, of its power consumption, of additional resources needed during its use and how they contribute to the CO2 footprint.
3. The end of life, when the device is out of use. How is it disposed of? It includes additional resources and processes needed during this phase of the product life and how they contribute to the CO2 footprint.

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: Understand and discuss how electronic devices are tools to enhance sustainability.

Requirements: The page should include a reflective section added to a work or project entitled 'Electronics enhancing sustainability' which includes the following sub-sections:

1. Description and explanation of the operation of a specific electronic or electrical system (50-100 words or 1 min video or audio format)
2. How sustainability is enhanced by this electronic or electrical system (50-100 words or 1 min video or audio format)

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: The purpose of understanding e-waste is to recognise and address the environmental, health, and socio-economic consequences of electronic waste accumulation.

Requirements: The page should include a reflective section entitled 'Consideration of e-waste' including the following sub-sections:

1. A focus on a specific type of e-waste, such as PCBs, ICs and discrete components etc. which may include sources opportunities for recycling etc.. Related to a work or project (50-100 words or 1 min video or audio format)
2. A proposition to reduce e-waste related to the work or project (50-100 words or 1 min video or audio format).

Skill owner: Dr Philip Shields

Purpose: Engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical principles to design and create solutions that improve technology and everyday life. Engineers use analytical thinking to break down complex problems into manageable steps so that they can more easily be solved.

Requirements: The page should include a section entitled 'Engineering problem solving' that includes the following sections:

1. Problem definition: A concise definition of the problem that includes the starting point and/or a description of the initial data, and the required outcome.
2. Problem solution: If appropriate, suitable flowcharts have been included.
3. Alternative solutions: A brief description of at least one alternative solution to an aspect of the problem considered.
4. Verification: A brief description for how the proposed solution has been verified.

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: Understand and apply the design and development process to the design of a product.

Requirements: The page should include a section entitled 'Design and Development Process' which includes:

1. The Design and Development Matrix completed for the user needs and the target specifications.
2. User needs are concisely defined and justified (20-50 words).
3. Target specifications are defined and justified (20-50 words).
4. Target specifications are specific with values and tolerances where possible.

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: Understand how target specifications are verified

Requirements: The page should include a section entitled 'Target Specification Verification'. This section includes:

1. The Design and Development Matrix (Excel file) with the 'Verification' section completed.
2. The verification test is concisely described for a given target specification (20-50 words).
3. The description includes the location of the test.
4. The description includes the expected target results.
5. The description includes the expected completion rate of a targeted result (e.g. 90%)

Skill owner: Dr Leen Jabban

Purpose: Being able to communicate a significant piece of work in a formal way according to an accepted standard.

Requirements: The portfolio page contains an embedded PDF of a technical report that includes:

1. An Abstract
2. Table of contents
3. List of acronyms
4. Numbered sections (in the order of appearance)
5. Numbered and labelled figures, tables and equations (as required, in the order of appearance)
6. Citation of figures, tables and equations in the text
7. Numbered references (in the order of appearance)
8. Acronyms fully stated the first time of appearance in the text
9. Good and concise English writing (one idea per sentence)
10. Introduction

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: Effective communication on social media platforms amplifies the reach and impact of ideas, facilitating professional networking and knowledge dissemination in today's digital age.

Requirements: The page should include four planned LinkedIn posts following the Jab, Jab, Jab, right hook theory of communication in social media (related text and image).

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: Being able to communicate a significant piece of work in a formal way according to an accepted standard.

Requirements: The page should include:

1. A pdf of the datasheet with:
2. Concise gathering of technical information,
3. Numbered and labelled figures, tables and equations.

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: Effectively conveying information and findings in a collaborative setting is vital for professional communication and knowledge dissemination.

Requirements: The page should include:

1. A link to the recorded group presentation, clearly showing the members of the group.
2. The slides should highlight sufficient information without including too much text in the slides.
3. It should also utilise labelled graphs, numbered slides, and a content page.
4. The presentation should respect the allotted time.

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: Successful project execution demands systematic planning, allocation, and tracking, ensuring project objectives are met efficiently.

Requirements: The page should include a section entitled “project management” that describes:

1. How the project was divided into the steps needed for its completion (50-100 words).
2. The list of objectives of the project. The objectives should be described concisely and 'SMART' where possible (20-50 words per objective).
3. The list of tasks related to the objectives of the project. The tasks are defined concisely, assigned to relevant people, prioritised and linked to the relevant objectives. (10-25 words per task)

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: Effective time management is essential to enable the completion and delivery of projects and assessments in time.

Requirements: The page includes:

1. A Gantt chart that shows the timeline of the project,
2. The intentional division of time relevant to the given tasks.

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: Identifying and understanding potential threats ensures that proactive measures can be taken to mitigate adverse outcomes, safeguarding the project's success.

Requirements: The page a section entitled 'Risk Assessment', which includes:

1. A risk assessment matrix
2. Identification of the risks to the project, describes them concisely (20-50 words),
3. Identification of their periodicity and severity,
4. Ranking of the risks according to the combination of periodicity and severity weighting.

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: Collaborative efforts, when harmoniously executed, yield better results by leveraging the diverse strengths of individual team members.

Requirements: The page includes a section titled 'Teamwork' which includes:

1. A table that shows how the tasks have been fairly distributed among the team members according to skill.
2. Further details about teamwork are described (50-100 words)
3. A subsection describing the interaction between the team members (including meeting and engagement) (50-100 words).
4. The certificate of completion of the #NeverOk training quiz
5. Describe a process that you have implemented in your team to facilitate bystander intervention (50-100 words).
6. Explain which protected characteristics you have taken into consideration while working on your work or project (50-100 words).

Skill owner: Dr Melusine Pigeon

Purpose: The purpose of inclusive communication is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances, can access, understand, and participate in communication processes.

Requirements: The page includes a section titled 'Inclusive communication' which includes:

1. Describe two different processes that you have used to ensure inclusive communication. (50-100 words or 1 min audio/video)
2. Explain why these processes enhance inclusivity (50-100 words or 1 min audio/video).

Skill owner: Dr Leen Jabban

Purpose: Comprehensive research underpins informed decisions and the development of knowledge, utilising a range of available resources. Academic and professional integrity necessitate the correct attribution of sources, ensuring the authenticity of work presented.

Requirements: The page should include a piece of work in which online and library research was used. The page should include:

1. A piece of work written by the student which uses the IEEE referencing system where at least 6 references are cited.
2. The references should appear in the position of the text where they are relevant.
3. They should be numbered in the text in the order of appearance.
4. A diverse range of timely references must be used (e.g. research papers, books, trusted online sources).
5. You should complete the academic integrity test online before claiming this skill at any level.