Introduction to Computer Engineering (8223)

Available teaching periods	Delivery mode	Location
View teaching periods	On-campus	Bruce, Canberra
0.125	3	Faculty Of Science And Technology
Academic Program Area - Technology	Level 1 - Undergraduate Introductory Unit	Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)

Introduction

This unit introduces the fields of digital electronics and robotics within the broad context of the engineering profession. It provides an introduction to digital electronics by addressing the areas of discrete mathematics, number systems and codes, and combinational logic circuits. Consideration is also given to flip-flops and related devices, counters and registers, and MSI logic circuits. An overview of robotics is introduced in the second half of the unit by having an overall understanding of the basic structure of a microcontroller. In addition, examples of some controlling platforms including their basic programming are analysed. The interfacing process via microcontroller is presented by looking at drivers and servos. A final discussion aims to provide a clear understanding of how combining all the pieces together within a digital system project leads to the completion of a servo-controlled system.
This unit may be cotaught with 10096 Introduction to Computer Engineering G.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Have an appreciation of the nature of the engineering profession by being able to understand and confidently manipulate discrete mathematical entities;
2. Deal with different systems of numbers and codes;
3. Describe, analyse, and synthetise logic circuits;
4. Acquire an awareness of the elements of good design practices by analysing and designing combinational and sequential logic circuits;
5. Verify circuits operation by using CAD tools and hands-on laboratories; and
6. Integrate the different pieces of knowledge acquired in this unit to synthesise a robotic application through the successful completion of a digital system project.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

10096 Introduction to Computer Engineering G.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

Advanced Mathematics Extended (T) major, English (T) major and Physics (T) major, and for NSW, 2u English, 3u Mathematics and 2u Physics.

Availability

Availability for enrolment in 2025 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.

Year	Location	Teaching period	Teaching start date	Delivery mode	Unit convener
2024	Bruce, Canberra	Semester 2	29 July 2024	On-campus	Dr Julio Romero
2025	Bruce, Canberra	Semester 2	28 July 2025	On-campus	Dr Julio Romero

Timetable

The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Resources

Required texts

Core book:

Tocci, R. Digital Systems: Principles and Applications, Pearson. ISBN: 9781292162003

Recommended readings:

Corke, P. Robotics, Vision and Control, Springer, ISBN: 9783031064685

Practical Electronics for Inventors, Fourth Edition
Scherz, P.
Monk, S.
ISBN:9781259587559
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=lhSCCwAAQBAJ
2016
McGraw Hill LLC

Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach
Russell, S.
ISBN: 9781292153964
Pearson International.
2021

Discrete Mathematics with Applications
Epp, S.S.
ISBN:9780357035283
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=_341EAAAQBAJ
2018
Cengage Learning

Available for purchase in the 麻豆村's Co-op bookshop. A limited number of copies of this book are also available from the library.

Assessment requirements

Submission of assessment items

Special assessment requirements

The ICE unit uses both formative and summative forms of assessment. Students are required to satisfactorily complete a number of assignments and assessable items. Specifications for the assignments and requirements for satisfactory completion are given on the ICE unit website on Canvas (LearnOnline).

Assignment submissions will be assessed for addressing the specific requirements of each assignment, as stated in the assignment descriptions, as well as for employing good programming principles. All assessment items will receive a numerical mark, which together in their entirety define a student's final grade and mark as outlined in section 5a.

Responsibility for understanding

If there is any doubt with regard to the requirements of any particular assignments or assessment procedure, the onus for clarifying the issue rests with the student who should
contact the unit Convener or tutor. Further, it is the responsibility of students to ensure that they are correctly enrolled in the unit and that the tutor and Student Administration have their correct contact details.

Final Grade and Mark

To obtain a particular grade in this unit it is necessary that there are no outstanding resubmissions at the end of Week 13. All assessment items will receive a numerical mark. The final grade will be determined as a weighted average of the individual assessment items as follows:

Final grade = (Assignment 1 mark + Assignment 2 mark +Assignment 3 mark + Assignment 4 mark) x 0.25

(note that the marks for each assessment are scaled to 100 before performing this calculation)

To be awarded a particular grade in ICE, students must meet all the requirements listed below. That is, all grades are conditional upon the following minimum requirements:

achieve a minimum 50% overall, and
achieve at least 50% in each Assignment but one. That is, you are allowed to fail one assignment only.

Finally, the following criteria also apply:

Grade	Assignments + Exam
Pass	Minimum 50% of combined weighted marks of all assessment items
Credit	Minimum 65% combined weighted marks of all assessment items
Distinction	Minimum 75% combined weighted score of all assessment item
High Distinction	Minimum 85% combined weighted score of all assessment item

The unit convenor reserves the right to question students on any of their submitted work for moderation and academic integrity purposes, which may result in an adjustment to the marks awarded for a specific task.

Academic integrity

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and 麻豆村 of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Student responsibility

Learner engagement

Suggested average student workload:

Lectures (2h lecture + 0.5h preparation) 12h x 2h + 6h = 30h

Laboratories (2h lab + 3h preparation) 10h x 2h + 30h = 50h

Laboratory Assignments (Part 1 + Part 2 ) 10h + 10h = 20h

Digital Systems Project (preparation + report) = 40h

Mid semester test (incl. preparation) = 10h

Total: 150 Hours

Participation requirements

Student participation in lectures, tutorials, laboratories, and online activities will enhance the student's understanding of the unit content and therefore the quality of assessment responses. Lack of participation may result in the student's inability to satisfactorily pass assessment items.

Required IT skills

Students should make themselves familiar with PC usage. In particular, it is expected that students are able to manipulate files (copying, pasting,create and manipulate ZIP files) and install / run software in Linux, Mac, or Windows (10, 11) operating systems. Basic familiarity in a programming language (e.g. C++, Java, Python) will be useful but not compulsory.

This unit involves online meetings in real time using the Virtual Room in your UCLearn teaching site. The Virtual Room allows you to communicate in real time with your lecturer and other students. To participate verbally, rather than just typing, you will need a microphone. For best audio quality we recommend a microphone and speaker headset. For more information and to test your computer, go to the Virtual Room in your UCLearn site and 'Join Course Room'. This will trigger a tutorial to help familiarise you with the functionality of the virtual room.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

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