Overview
This course develops the theory, design, and practical application of measurement systems used in engineering. Topics include measurement-system architecture, standards and traceability, static and dynamic characteristics, sensitivity, range, resolution, linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, response time, loading effects, calibration, signal conditioning, grounding, shielding, and electrical safety.
Students study sensors and transducers for temperature, pressure, force, displacement, strain, acceleration, flow, speed, torque, and electrical variables. Device technologies include resistive, capacitive, inductive, piezoelectric, thermocouple, resistance temperature detector, semiconductor, optical, and strain-gauge systems.
Data-acquisition content covers bridges, amplifiers, filters, analogue-to-digital conversion, sampling, aliasing, multiplexing, computer-based instrumentation, and basic control or monitoring interfaces. Statistical treatment addresses random and systematic error, propagation of uncertainty, confidence intervals, regression, calibration curves, and outlier assessment.
Laboratory activities require students to select instruments, design experiments, calibrate sensors, acquire and visualize data, compare measurements with models, troubleshoot instrumentation, and document uncertainty in professional technical reports.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse measurement-system architectures using standards, traceability requirements, and instrument performance specifications.
- Evaluate static and dynamic characteristics, including sensitivity, range, resolution, linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, response time, and loading effects.
- Select and justify suitable sensors and transducers for temperature, pressure, force, displacement, strain, acceleration, flow, speed, torque, and electrical measurements.
- Design signal-conditioning and data-acquisition systems using bridges, amplifiers, filters, analogue-to-digital conversion, sampling, multiplexing, grounding, and shielding.
- Diagnose the effects of noise, aliasing, loading, grounding faults, shielding deficiencies, and electrical-safety hazards in instrumentation systems.
- Quantify random and systematic error, propagate measurement uncertainty, construct confidence intervals, assess outliers, and interpret calibration curves and regression results.
- Calibrate sensors and instruments, acquire and visualize experimental data, and compare measured results with appropriate engineering models.
- Synthesize experimental findings in professional technical reports that communicate methods, uncertainty, limitations, conclusions, and recommendations.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 3 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | Second term |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Measurement-system analysis assignment | 10.00% |
| Quiz | Short quizzes (5 × 2%) | 10.00% |
| Deliverable | Experimental design and calibration plan | 15.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester test | 15.00% |
| Capstone | Instrumentation laboratory project and technical report | 25.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 25.00% |
Prerequisites
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
