Major: Electronics
Award(s) to which this major is a Qualifying Major:
Macquarie University
| Overview and Aims of the Program | The Electronics major develops an in-depth understanding of electronics technology. An underpinning of knowledge in basic circuits, signals, and systems is developed from the perspective of participating in the development and diagnostics of modern electronic systems. |
| Graduate Capabilities | The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows: Interpersonal or social capabilities |
| Program Learning Outcomes | By the end of this program it is anticipated you should have: KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING 1. a comprehensive, theory based understanding of the mathematics, computing, physics, and engineering technology that is foundational to modern and historical electronics (K) 2. a conceptual understanding of the role of numerical analysis, signals, statistics, information sciences, measurement technology, and simulation/CAD tools in modern electronics (K, T, P) 3. a working knowledge of use and behaviour of standard, basic electronics components, ranging from passives to linear and nonlinear devices, operational amplifiers, digital gates and logic, complex components, and electronics systems built from all of these (K, T, P) 4. a capability to participate as a contributing member of an industry team engagement the design, development, manufacturing, sales, or support of electronics systems and understand the importance of continuous learning in this capacity (T, P, L) SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES 5. use current circuit modelling and simulation techniques, and circuit design software tools in the analysis of a variety of standard circuits and electronics systems (K, P) 6. apply industry-standard measurement and experimental techniques to typical problems in modern electronics, including proper acquisition, analysis, and handling of data with regard to calibration and interpretation (K, T, P) 7. demonstrate proficiency in pre-defined, industry standard techniques to execute all or part of the design, development, manufacturing, or support of electronics systems or components (K, T, P) APPLICATION OF SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 8. apply your knowledge and understanding to the execution of standard electronics practices (P, C, E, A, J) 9. synthesize, from well-defined and standard methods, solutions to modern electronics problems, such as circuit design and fabrication, test and measurement, or debugging and repair (K, T, P, I) 10. serve as a contributing of a member of an electronics design, manufacturing, testing, or support team working with traditional to state-of-the-art electronics systems (K, T, P, C). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods | The Major in Electronics is designed to prepare graduates with a science base of mathematics, physics, computing and related areas, to be able to work with electronics in industry and research. The academics involved with this program are active researchers, and this enables them to integrate cutting-edge research into the units that they teach. The majority of the units in this program have practical components including laboratory-based sessions where students can develop practical skills and learn safe laboratory practices. In these sessions, students gain experience in planning, design, testing, measurement, use of software and hardware tools, comparing theory with practice and evaluating investigations. Communication skills are developed through oral presentations. Skills are developed across the program in report/documentation writing activities. The theoretical components of units develop the underlying theory, along with analytical and problem solving skills using a combination of lectures, tutorials and online learning resources. All units have weekly face-to-face activities. Assignments are used for formative and summative purposes. The program culminates with students doing a capstone unit focused on project work. The project allows students to apply in an integrated manner the knowledge and skills they have developed in their studies. |
| Assessment | Units in the Electronics Major all have at least three different types of assessment. These assessments are designed not just to test discipline-specific knowledge, but all aspects of professional engineering competency including professional practice, project work, engineering design, communication skills, laboratory skills, use of engineering software and design tools and research skills. In addition to formal assessments, students are provided with informal feedback from staff and their peers throughout the semester. Assessment types are diverse and include: • assignments - test the understanding of a learning outcome by means of small size problems • laboratory reports - where students prepare reports on laboratory and practical work for a single practical session or over multiple weeks • reports and documents - besides essay style questions to analyse and critique different topics they also assess engineering documentation skills such as requirements and design documentation and project plans • log books and note books - assess the ability to record results, design working, conversations and data recording all of which are essential to professional practice • final exams - the majority of the units will have a final examination where theoretical understanding and application of knowledge is assessed • quizzes and in-class tests - assess student learning part-way through the unit and provide feedback to students on learning progress • tutorial assessment - assess students work in formal tutorial sessions where students receive the support of tutors and other staff. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning | Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit. Information can be found at: https://mq.edu.au/rpl |
| Support for Learning | Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus. |
| Program Standards and Quality | The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability | Refer to the Bachelor of Engineering Award for general details. Employers include: • banks and financial institutions such as The Macquarie Group, NAB and Commonwealth Bank • developers and manufacturers of medical devices such as Cochlear • government and university research laboratories such as CSIRO, DSTO (Defence Science and Technology Organisation) • IT companies such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard and EMC • public sector institutions at both state and federal level such as RailCorp • telecommunications companies such as Optus, Telstra, Nokia, Vodafone, Toshiba and Ericson • university research laboratories around the world. Career Opportunities for Electronics Engineers include: • electronics design, repair, or manufacturing technician • project technician • research and development technician • telecommunication systems technician. |
| Assessment Regulations | This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or program necessary for a student to successfully achieve the core learning outcomes of a course or program. Students must meet the inherent requirements to complete their Macquarie University course or program.
Inherent requirements for Macquarie University programs fall under the following categories:
Physical: The physical inherent requirement is to have the physical capabilities to safely and effectively perform the activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Cognition: The inherent requirement for cognition is possessing the intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative capabilities to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Communication: The inherent requirement for communication is the capacity to communicate information, thoughts and ideas through a variety of mediums and with a range of audiences.
Behavioural: The behavioural inherent requirement is the capacity to sustain appropriate behaviour over the duration of units of study to engage in activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
For more information see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/inherent-requirements
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