EE80T: Modern Electronic Technology and How it works
Administrivia
Credit hours: 5
This course is intended to provide basic knowledge of electricity and "how
things work." as well as an appreciation of how technology evolves, its
impact on society, and history. It is intended to provide basic technical literacy
for the non-specialist. Additionally this course provides a broad overview of
the professional aspects of engineering and an early introduction and overview
of basic systems and components, which will be useful for engineering majors
as well. Topics covered will include Electrical power, Radio, Television, Radar,
Computers, Robots, Telecommunications, Alternative Energy and the Internet.
Prerequisites:
None. High school physics is helpful. Some algebra will be required to do the
homework.
Lectures are supplemented with demonstrations of basic electromagnetic phenomena, electronic instruments and dismantling electronic toys and equipment, to "see how they work" The assumption we are proceeding upon is that an understanding of how technology works is accessible to the general student without the rigorous course of study necessary to become a technician, proficient designer or practicing engineer. Videos will be used throughout to present the development of this exciting technology.
TuTh 10-11:45 am Baskin Engineering Room 152
Ken Pedrotti
253C Jack
Baskin Engineering Building
Phone: (831) 459-1229
E-mail: pedrotti at soe.ucsc.edu
Office hours: Thursdays 3-5 pm., I will also always be available immediately after class, when ever you can snag me and by appointment.
Before class, which ordinarily might seem like a good time to chat actually often isn't as I am usually busy fiddling with cueing up videos, readying the lecture presentation or setting up a demonstration. Unless I look idle it is best to wait until after lecture or during the lecture break. My intention is to start and end each lecture on time, please be understanding.
Zi Yan Zhang
Email: ee80ta at soe.ucsc.edu
Office
Baskin Engineering-224
Phone (831) 459-1035
Office Hours TBD and by appointment
Discussion/Problem solving sessions will be held in Kresge Classroom 327 from 1230-3:10 pm on the Mondays in the weeks that HW is due. The discussion section is not required.
Review sessions will also be held at this place and time before the midterm and final.
Textbooks and Other Course Materials:
"Electrical Engineering
Uncovered" 2nd edition by Dick White and Roger Doering
This has great descriptions of how elementary electronics works, the descriptions are based on analogies to water flow through pipes, valves etc.. Don't worry, we'll be leaving out most of the boring parts. This "should" be available at the Bay Tree Bookstore.
Course Text Web site: Engineering Uncovered
"There
Are No Electrons: Electronics for Earthlings" (Paperback)
by Kenn Amdahl
"There Are No Electrons" changed my life. I lost 17 pounds in five minutes without dieting, and I feel great!"
-Dave Barry
This is available at the campus Bookstore. You might just order it online, but don't delay, the readings from this book are useful early.
Course Reader: Selected readings mostly interesting historical stories,
and a bit of how things work. This is obtained from the campus bookstore. This
years version should be the same as last years so if you can get a hold of a copy that should work for you. It is important that you have
access to a copy of this. I have requested that a copy be on reserve but with such a large class access can be difficult.
This is available only through the campus bookstore.
A number of Videos will be used in the course among them:
Sparks and Shocks: Current Events in 18th Century Electricity
Transatlantic Cable 2500 Miles of Copper
Tesla Master of Lightening
Radio:Out of Thin Air
Modern Marvels:Radar History Channel
The Secret War Vol. 1 Electronic Warfare BBC
Transistorized- the development of the transistor
Big Dream, Small Screen-Television
Triumph of the Nerds-Development of the PC and rise of Silicon Valley
Silicon Run -How are those Microchips made anyway?
By the end of the week in which these are shown they will be made available on reserve in the Science Library along with other videos which you may find of interest but we will not have time to show during class.
There will probably be around 5-6 homework assignments based on the readings and in-class material.
Additionally there will be a final paper on an aspect of electronic technology that you find interesting, for the paper you will research the history of the invention of your choice, provide a description of how it works and assess its broader social impact. Paper topics will be developed over the course of the quarter, first you will suggest a number of topics of interest to you and then the instructor will work with you to define the one that appears most suitable. Please be sure to read the academic integrity section below and to use correct referencing of any material that you quote. This is intended to be an original paper written in your own words.
| Course Element: | Percentage of Course Grade: |
| Homework | 25% |
| Midterm | 25% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
| Paper | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Learning occurs by the active involvement of the student. The student is expected to come to class prepared to think and learn. The lecture period will be used to establish fundamental concepts.
To get the most out of this class, you need to read the assigned reading before coming to class.
Working Together
You are encouraged to work in groups and discuss about the homework
assignments. However, each has to write and derive his/her own solution and fully understand
them. If you work with a partner or group you must list their names on the paper as well.
Academic Dishonesty
Any confirmed academic dishonesty including but not limited to copying homeworks or cheating on exams, will result in a no-pass or failing grade and automatic referral of the case of suspected policy violation to your college for further disciplinary action. You are encouraged to read the campus policies regarding academic integrity. Examples of cheating include (but are not limited to):
* Sharing results or other information during an examination.
* Working on an exam before or after the official time allowed.
* Submitting homework that is not your own work.
* Reading another student's homework solution before it is due.
* Allowing someone else to read your homework solution before the assignment
is due.
If there is any question as to whether a given action might be construed as cheating, see me before you engage in any such action.