The proper analysis of scientific data is the most powerful tool we have for separating scientific fact from fiction, and a key part of the process in the modern practice of science is getting the data into an electronic format. This class will provide an introduction to the electronics methods and techniques most useful in instrumentation and laboratory settings, along with an introduction to statistical and numerical techniques that are useful in the analysis and characterisation of data. Students will have the opportunity to learn and practice the methods of signal conditioning, analog to digital conversion (and the reverse), and low-noise circuit design that are key to the high-fidelity transformation of signals into data. When analysing data, a focus will be placed on conceptual understanding of how specific methods work and the situations in which they can and cannot be applied. A number of practical examples will be discussed during the course, providing the opportunity for hands-on learning through the processing of real data sets with statistical software and data evaluation programs. The experience gained in this course will help students approach their own research problems.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand of the principles of linear circuits, amplification and feedback, analog to digital conversion, digital to analog conversion, and the requirements of analog electronics to successfully interface with digital systems;
2. Analyse, design, and build practical circuits;
3. Interpret and evaluate electronic circuit diagrams;
4. Apply the basic principles of the design of electronic circuits to optimise signals to noise ratios in data acquisition systems;
5. Understand and perform a suite of statistical techniques;
6. Evaluate data sets using appropriate techniques;
7. Assess quality of data needed to obtain specific goals;
8. Apply effectively a variety of data analysis tools.

Research-Led Teaching

This course will involve in-class problem solving and a range of interactive examples. Laboratory practicals will have a "workshop" style that places a strong focus on "learning by doing". Topics 1-4 on Data Analysis will occur over three weeks preceeding mid-semester break. Topics 5-12 will occur in the three weeks immediate following mid-semester break.

Field Trips

Not applicable

Additional Course Costs

Not applicable

Examination Material or equipment

Laptop for use with Jupyter notebook python software installed for offline work. If class requests we can also install on RSES Python-based server.

Required Resources

Weeks 1, 2, & 3 (topics 1-4) will require a laptop for interactive Python-based processing examples. We can access Python via the RSES server if needed, although it has become common for students to use a jupyter python server installed on their local machine. In that case we advise you download and install Anaconda jupyter prior to course commencement. This option allows students to also work off line.

Recommended Resources

Weeks 1, 2 & 3 (topics 1-4) will assume some very basic knowledge of maths and statistics. Some familiarity with python is advised. Many students will have previously taken EMSC4033/EMSC8033 and Introduction to python, which will be sufficient.

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Hypothesis testing
2	Correlation and Regression	Associated python based in class practicals (non assessed)
3	Analytical Error propagation	Associated python based in class practicals (non assessed)
4	Cluster Analysis & Dimension reduction	Associated python based in class practicals (non assessed)
5	Introduction to Electronics	Short Quiz (covering material in Week 5)
6	Signal Conditioning	Short Quiz (covering material in Week 6)
7	Amplifiers and Feedback	In-class Assessment (covering material in Weeks 5, 6, & 7)
8	Digital to Analog & Analog to Digital	Short Quiz (covering material in Week 8)
9	Simple Control Systems	Short Quiz (covering material in Week 9)
10	Laboratory skills: Introduction to Test Equipment	Short Quiz (covering material in Week 10)
11	Laboratory skills: Operational Amplifiers	Short Quiz (covering material in Week 11)
12	Laboratory skills: Final Project	Assessed Project

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Data Science Homework Assessment	50 %	29/08/2022	5,6,7,8
In-Class Theory Exam - 1	12 %	*	5
In-Class Theory Exam - 2	12 %	*
Electronics Laboratory Reports	26 %	*	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to participate actively in all components of the course. The content of this course is delivered in two modules. The first module (weeks 1-3) will be delivered remotely during the three weeks preceeding mid-semester break; the second module (weeks 4-6) will be delivered on-campus immediately after mid-semester break, however adjustments will be made for remote participants.

Examination(s)

There will be written in-class assessments in Weeks 3 and 9. These will involve a series of short questions that must be answered under exam conditions.

Assessment Task 1

Data Science Homework Assessment

During the first half of the course (weeks 1-3; sessions 1-4) students will perform in class python based exercises and receive full solutions along with feedback on their performance.

At the end of the three weeks there will be a homework assignment that will involve processing a real data set using the techniques discussed in Weeks 1, 2, 3 of the course (topics 1-4). Your assignment should take the form of a Jupyter Notebook that contains both the code you developed to process the data and a Markdown-based explanation of the steps you took and techniques you used. This explanation is a key component of the assignment, which should be detailed and include, for example, the equations you used, a description of the terms included in them, etc. The assignment will be provided on the last day of class in the third week.

Due *****

Returned: *****

Assessment Task 2

In-Class Theory Exam - 1

An in-class exam (weeks 5-7) will assess the material discussed in the previous weeks.

Exam 1

Due:*****

Returned: *****

Assessment Task 3

In-Class Theory Exam - 2

An in-class exam (weeks 7 & 12) will assess the material discussed in the previous weeks.

Exam 2

Due: *****

Returned:1*****

Assessment Task 4

Electronics Laboratory Reports

You will be required to submit laboratory reports based on the practical classes in Weeks 10, 11 & 12. The format of these reports, word limit, etc., will be discussed in the laboratory sessions when you will be provided with detailed report guidelines.

There are 3 reports due over the semester. It is intended that the marked reports will be returned within 7 days/weeks after submission. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.?

?Lab report 1 Due: *****

Returned: *****

Lab report 2 Due: *****

Returned: *****

Lab report 3 Due:*****

Returned: *****

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Assessment grades will be either uploaded to Wattle by the return date stated above, or emailed directly to students as advised in class. Students are encouraged to request specific assignment feedback from the appropriate member of the teaching team.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No. Take home assignments may not be re-submitted, but time extension may be granted with permission of teaching team member.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students