Module manager: Professor Edmund Linfield
Email: e.h.linfield@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Acceptance onto the BEng/MEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering programme
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers the fundamental physical concepts that underpin the design and operation of electronic devices.
In this module, students will study the basic physical principles involved in the function of key electronic devices and electrical systems.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Apply basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of well-defined electronics problems.
2. Analyse well-defined electronics problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.
Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a) Application of science, mathematics and/or engineering principles
b) Problem analysis
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
* Electronic properties of materials: resistivity & conductivity; capacitance & permittivity.
* Potential & electric field; charges in electric fields; field lines in a parallel plate capacitor
* Introduction to magnetic fields & flux density; inductance of coils.
* The ideal transformer.
* Magnetic permeability
* Electromagnetic induction & relationship between current, magnetic field & motion.
* Basic concept of the electric motor and electric generator.
* Comparison of conducting properties of metals, insulators and semiconductors
* Conduction and valence band.
* Band gap.
* Electrons and holes.
* Carrier density & conductivity.
* Doping of semiconductors
* Temperature dependence of semiconductors (compared to metals)
* Optical response of semiconductors
* Metal/semiconductor junction & Schottky diode.
* pn junctions (simple treatment)
* Revision of wave propagation. Electromagnetic plane waves in free space.
* Wave polarisation.
* Relation between component size and EM wavelength
* Qualitative introduction to antennas
* Circuit interference effects at high frequencies.
* Skin effect
* Requirement for signal carriers designed for high frequency operation
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples Class | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Lecture | 33 | 1 | 33 |
| Independent online learning hours | 20 | ||
| Private study hours | 127 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 53 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will get feedback during the weekly interactive examples classes.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Coursework | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 30 |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team