Course Description

[This Common Core course is of a blended learning format based on a Small Private Online Course (SPOC), i.e., much of the traditional in-class lecturing will be replaced by video lectures and other online learning materials, thus the time-tabled lecture hours will be used for collaborative learning activities.]

From digital computers, modern gadgets like smartphones, wearable devices to intelligent robots and autonomous vehicles, electronic technologies have become an indispensable part of our everyday life. In order to make informed decisions as to whether we should adopt these ever-changing electronic technologies, we have to develop a basic understanding of the principles, “substances” and cost-benefit considerations behind them. This course aims to: (i) stimulate students’ general interest in science and technology, particularly with regard to current “high-tech” electronic products that they encounter every day; and (ii) enable students to develop critical intellectual enquiries concerning existing and latest electronic technologies they encounter in their everyday lives through lectures, discussions and hands-on experimentation. At the end of the course, students will not only be able to recognize how electronics work, but also be able to understand their social implications, as well as to develop critical thinking and to carry educated discussion about merits and common misconceptions associated with new technologies. The hands-on experiments will also allow the student to have the experience and some confidence in handling electronic components to solve a real problem using electronic technology.

Course schedule

• Feb 1: 10:30-12:30 [conventional lecture]
• Feb 8: 10:30-12:30 [conventional lecture]
• Feb 15: 10:30-12:30 [tutorial + flipped class]; 14:00-17:00 [tutorial + flipped class]
• Feb 22: 10:00-12:30 [tutorial + flipped class]; 14:00-17:00 [tutorial + flipped class]
• Feb 29: 10:00-12:30 [tutorial + flipped class]; 14:00-17:00 [tutorial + flipped class]
• Mar 21: 10:00-14:00 [project presentation]

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a high-level understanding of the design principles, construction, and performance issues of popular electronic technologies.
2. Identify key merits of new technology.
3. Differentiate true innovation from marketing hypes.
4. Discuss the socio-economical impact of major technologies from recent years.
5. Demonstrate an appreciation of frontier electronic technologies and make informed judgements as to what new services/products we can expect to be derived from them.
6. Solve some real problems using basic electronic technologies.
7. Demonstrate creative, collaborative and communication skills in solving problems and co-creating knowledge.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

Second semester (Saturday)