Module Details

Module Code: PHYS6009
Title: Instrumentation & Measurement
Long Title: Instrumentation for Measurement and Calibration
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2015/16 ( September 2015 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the learner to the principles of measurement and calibration using a range of instruments. It will include the theory and principles of operation of instrumentation pertaining to process and other industries. The learner will also calibrate a selection of relevant transducers.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the essential measurement & instrument parameters-accuracy, precision,repeatability, sensitivity, resolution, range, hysterisis etc.
LO2 Describe the principles of operation of level, pressure, temperature and flow measurements
LO3 Operate pressure, level, temperature and flow instruments and report on their operation.
LO4 Demonstrate analytical skills in solving numerical problems associated with measurement instruments based on practised methodologies
LO5 Measure, record and evaluate calibration data and identify inherent errors
LO6 Apply analytical skills in solving numerical problems associated with measurement instruments based on practised methodologies
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
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Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
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Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
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Indicative Content
Measurement, errors and Instrument parameters
General Principles of Measurement. Errors in measurements, accuracy, repeatability, reliability, reproducibility, sensitivity, resolution, range, hysteresis. Sources of error, parallax, random and systematic errors. Calibration and calibration standards. Perfect instrument line.Traceability, certification, validation.
Temperature measurement
Temperature, scales and units. Thermometric properties of thermometers. Metal resistance thermometers, thermistors and thermocouples. Response time of temperature sensors.
Pressure measurement
Definition of Pressure and units. Pressure in a fluid. Absolute, Atmospheric and Gauge pressure. Manometers, Bourdon Gauges. Strain gauge transducers.
Flow measurement
Types of flow meter. Inferential and positive displacement including Pitot static, Orifice plates, venturis and turbine.
Overview of other measurement quantities
Brief description of density, force, strain, load cells and humidity.
Level measuremet
Sight glass, floats, hydrostatic head, purged dip pipe. Resistance guage.
Data acquisition and electronic systems
Overview of computerised data acquisition system. Digital and analog signals. Amplification, conditioning and filters. Analog -to-digital conversion. Computer software processing. Data loggers. Oscilloscopes and meters.
Laboratory practicals
Calibration and characterisation of resistance thermometer and thermistor, variable area flow meter, dip-pipe level measurement, varaible area flowmeter, strain guage pressure transducer, pneumatic dead weight tester, thermometer response time and a selection of others.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Testing theory knowledge
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 5
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Laboratory work/competence
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 15
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Laboratory reports
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Module content delivery Every Week 4.00 4
Lab Contact Laboratory programme Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of module material Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Alan S. Morris. (2001), Measurement and Instrumentation Principles, 3rd. Butterworth-Heinemann, [ISBN: 978-075065081].
  • Ramsay, D. C. (1996), Principles of Engineering Instrumentation, 1st. Arnold, London, [ISBN: 0340645695].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBIME_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering 4 Mandatory
CR_EBIME_6 Higher Certificate in Engineering in Biomedical Engineering 3 Mandatory