Skills Framework

The following pages help define the skills in the Skills Framework.

• Additive manufacturing

  Purpose: The purpose of 3D printing is to create physical objects by adding material layer by layer based on a digital 3D model, enabling rapid prototyping, customized production, and complex geometries in various industries. Mastering this skill requires the understanding of how to prepare a file (e.g. STL) to be printed on a 3D printer.
  

• Circuit design and realisation

  Purpose: Circuit design forms the foundation of all electronic devices and systems. Understanding and implementing circuit design provides a tangible approach to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world applications.
  

• Circuit simulation

  Purpose: Circuit simulation enables you to rapidly gain insight into circuit operation and the dependence of circuit response on component values and other circuit quantities. Mastering this skill enables you to exercise your creativity on the circuit design, rather than dealing with the simulator.
  

• Climate action Sustainability and SDGs literacy

  Purpose: Being able to discuss the coursework done with the literacy related to climate action, sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals.
  

• Data analysis

  Purpose: Data analysis equips engineers with the tools to derive actionable insights from raw datasets, enabling informed decision-making and accurate problem solving.
  

• Data visualisation

  Purpose: A picture is worth a thousand words; data visualisation enables presenting complex data in a more comprehensible way, enhances communication and aids in decision-making processes.
  

• Datasheet creation

  Purpose: Being able to communicate a significant piece of work in a formal way according to an accepted standard.
  

• Design and development processes

  Purpose: Understand and apply the design and development process to the design of a product
  

• E-waste

  Purpose: The purpose of understanding e-waste is to recognize and address the environmental, health, and socio-economic consequences of electronic waste accumulation.
  

• Effective project management

  Purpose: Successful project execution demands systematic planning, allocation, and tracking, ensuring project objectives are met efficiently.
  

• Effective teamwork

  Purpose: Collaborative efforts, when harmoniously executed, yield better results by leveraging the diverse strengths of individual team members.
  

• Effective time management

  Purpose: Effective time management is essential to enable the completion and delivery of projects and assessments in time.
  

• Electronic test and measurement

  Purpose: Electronic test and measurement are crucial for validating and troubleshooting circuit designs. It provides a hands-on approach to understanding the performance of circuits and systems.
  

• Electronics enhancing sustainability

  Purpose: Understand and discuss how electronic devices are tools to enhance sustainability.
  

• Embedded systems design

  Purpose: Embedded system design is the process of creating efficient, reliable, and cost-effective hardware and software solutions tailored to meet the specific requirements of a dedicated application. Mastering this skill requires a knowledge of both hardware and software and strategies for their integration.
  

• Group presentation

  Purpose: Effectively conveying information and findings in a collaborative setting is vital for professional communication and knowledge dissemination.
  

• Life cycle assessment

  Purpose: The purpose of life cycle assessment is to evaluate the environmental impacts and resource usage associated with a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal, to make informed sustainability decisions.
  

• Online and library research

  Purpose: Comprehensive research underpins informed decisions and the development of knowledge, utilising a range of available resources.
  

• PCB assembly

  Purpose: The purpose of PCB assembly is to populate a printed circuit board with electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, and connectors. This process transforms the designed PCB into a functional electronic device by soldering these components to the board and establishing the necessary electrical connections.
  

• PCB design

  Purpose: PCB design is the process of creating the layout and interconnections of components on a printed circuit board to ensure the proper functioning of electronic devices. Its primary purpose is to establish a physical platform for electrical circuits, facilitating the reliable flow of signals and power within electronic systems.
  

• Problem solving

  Purpose: Understand what the steps are to solve a problem.
  

• Programming in MATLAB

  Purpose: MATLAB is a programming and numeric computing platform used by millions of engineers and scientists to analyse data, develop algorithms, and create models.
  

• Referencing and avoiding plagiarism

  Purpose: Academic and professional integrity necessitate the correct attribution of sources, ensuring the authenticity of work presented.
  

• Risk assessment

  Purpose: Identifying and understanding potential threats ensures that proactive measures can be taken to mitigate adverse outcomes, safeguarding the project’s success.
  

• Social media communication

  Purpose: Effective communication on social media platforms amplifies the reach and impact of ideas, facilitating professional networking and knowledge dissemination in today’s digital age.
  

• Technical report writing

  Purpose: Being able to communicate a significant piece of work in a formal way according to an accepted standard.
  

• Using CAD to produce 3D assemblies

  Purpose: 3D CAD Assembly Design emphasises the integration of multiple components into a cohesive unit.
  

• Using CAD to produce 3D parts

  Purpose: 3D CAD design allows the conceptualisation and visualisation of components before fabrication. Mastering this skill requires expertise in using a CAD package such as Inventor or Fusion 360 to realise new designs.
  

• Using CAD to produce drawings

  Purpose: 2D CAD Drawing Design translates 3D models into detailed 2D schematics. Mastering this skill ensures accurate communication of design intent for manufacturing and documentation purposes.
  

• Verifying target specifications

  Purpose: Understand how target specifications are verified