Principles and Applications of Sensors

Subject PHYC30013 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours
Prerequisites:

One of

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50

Plus one of

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Email: PHYC30013@physics.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject integrates the principles of physics and electrical engineering to introduce students to sensor technology.

Topics to be covered include the basic principles of the quantum theory of atoms, molecules and solids and the application of these principles to a wide range of materials which are of key importance in modern electronics and technology. In addition to the fundamental concepts, topics to be covered include an introduction to various types of sensors and the basic physical phenomena underpinning their operation.
Objectives:

Students completing this subject should be able to:

  • explain the fundamentals of the operation of sensors and transducers for the measurement of temperature, pressure, light, stress, composition, fatigue and the chemical environment; and

  • design a solution to a particular sensing problem based on their knowledge of the physical principles underpinning the operation of each type of sensor.
Assessment:

Ongoing assessment of laboratory work during the semester (20%); project work totalling up to the equivalent of 3000 words comprising a written report (15%) and a poster presentation (15%) due during the semester; a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (50%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: J Fraden, Handbook of Modern Sensors, 3rd Edition. Springer
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students should enhance their ability to:

  • participate effectively in a laboratory environment and be able to work on a project as part of a team; and

  • plan effective work schedules and manage their time to meet the deadlines for submission of assessable work and preparation for tests and the examination.
Notes: This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) Biomechanics
Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical)Biosignals
Bachelor of Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Science credit subjects* for pre-2008 BSc, BASc and combined degree science courses

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