This module provides an introduction to electrotechnology for students studying in the area of Graphics and Construction Technology, and Graphics, Engineering and Technology teaching. The module addresses fundamental knowledge and skills that will support the students in integrating the application of electronics and control into second level curriculum related project work. The knowledge and skills developed in this module will have utility in developing understanding of technological systems that form part of everyday lives in the Engineering and Construction industries. The module also creates awareness of the applied nature of graphical communication systems in representing electronics based components and systems and provides students with opportunities to graphically represent and model electronic systems through multiple representational techniques such as freehand sketches, circuit diagrams, graphs, computer simulations and physical models.

Electrical concepts: electric current, voltage, resistance, power. The relationship between them, units of current, voltage, resistance, power and frequency. The resistor colour code. Measurement of current, voltage, resistance, capacitance, frequency (V, A, W, F, Hz). Indirect measurement of power. The difference between AC and DC. Interpretation of circuit diagrams. Assembly of simple circuits using strip and breadboard. Passive components, resistors, capacitors, inductors, magnetic and electric field effects of charge and current. Diodes. The transistor switch. Voltage regulators, photoresistors, photodiodes, LEDs, phototransistors, variable resistors, potential dividers, potentiometers and relays. Sensors for sound, heat, light (photoresistive and photovoltaic), movement. Electric motors, The mode of operation of the DC motor; back EMF; the variation of current requirement with the load, Reversing a DC motor. Strategies for teaching this subject area at second level. Create awareness of the application of graphical communication systems in the electronics discipline/industry. Designing, planning and managing appropriate teaching and learning activities for this subject area.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to 1. Represent the simple structure of the atom and from this identify why some materials are good conductors e.g. Cu and others are insulators e.g. Glass 2. Apply the principle of how electrons in conductors are affected by electric field and thus define the concept of electrical current flow i.e. moving charges in conductors 3. Define the concept of resistance in electrical wires and introduce the concept of the resistor as an electrical component. 4. Solve problems with resistors in DC electrical circuits including parallel and series combinations thereof 5. Describe the structure of a simple capacitor and relate it to the Electric Field and Charge considerations. 6. Solve problems with electrical charging/discharging circuits including capacitors and resistors 7. Describe magnetic field associated with electric currents and how an Alternating Current (AC) can be generated in a rotating magnetic field 8. Describe the concept of a semiconductor in the context of diodes and transistor and demonstrate 9. Select and justify appropriate media or techniques to graphically communicate or model electrical circuits/systems

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to 1. Prepare laboratory reports, including theoretical calculations and graphs, relating practical work to theory 2. Communicate the results of experimental work effectively with colleagues and lab demonstrators 3. Recognise and discuss the value of graphical communication in the development and creation of electronic circuits and systems and how this is a key communication medium within the industry.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to 1. Be able to accurately measure the value of electrical components e.g. resistors and capacitors using standard lab test equipment and compare this to manufacturers nominal values colour coded onto the components 2. Be able to construct and test simple electrical circuits on standard breadboard in the laboratory 3. Use an Oscilloscope and Digital multi-meters to make accurate measurements of electrical circuit parameters (voltage, current) 4. Design, Construct, Test and fabricate a working electrical circuit including digital and analogue components on vero-board in the laboratory 5. Create graphical representations of electronic systems through freehand sketches, circuit diagrams, graphs, computer simulations and physical models.

This module is delivered through both lectures and laboratory based activities. Lectures will provide students with the prerequisite knowledge on the principles underpinning laboratory related activities. Completion of practical projects will expose students to techniques, procedures and equipment that is used in electro-technology where the students will learn and experience the science of the application of electricity in technology. In the module the students will also be exposed to how graphical representation is a critical element of communication in the field of engineering with the module providing multiple examples and opportunities of the application of graphics and graphical capability in industry and through coursework.