Electronics

Electronics is the science and technology concerned with the controlled flow of electrons and other carriers of electric charge.

Electronics covers a wide range of exciting modern developments ranging from microscopic electronic circuits and machines, mobile and computer communications, to advances in medical diagnosis and treatment, and development in the latest audio and video technologies.

Studying electronics will give you valuable skills in electronic engineering and design. You will have the option to specialise in some of the most progressive areas in electronics today such as optoelectronics or mechatronics.

Optoelectronics deals with the conversion of electrical signals to light or vice-versa. Examples such as solar cells, fibre optics and lasers are integral components of everyday devices like compact disc players, supermarket barcode scanners and long distance systems.

Mechatronics combines aspects of electronic and mechanical engineering to produce devices such as printers, cars, aircraft, photocopiers, and even washing machines. Optoelectronics and Mechatronics are fast-growing areas in which you can develop a productive and satisfying career.

Degrees

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science (Technology)

Electronics can also be taken as a second major or supporting subject within most degrees.

School subjects required

NCEA Level 3 Physics and one of Mathematics with Calculus, or Statistics with Modelling. Some first-year papers have specific prerequisites so check the paper list carefully.

Other subjects that may interest you

Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Physics.

Career Opportunities

• Design Engineer
• Electronic Engineer  
• Electronic Technician  
• Information Systems Engineer  
• Mechatronic Designer
• Programmer  

Potential Employers

• Electrotechnology and Electronics Industries
• Health and Biomedical Industries
• Information Technology and Telecommunications Sector

Papers

ENEL111 Introduction to Electronics
This paper is concerned with basic electronic concepts. Topics covered include fundamental DC and AC circuits, Boolean logic, digital circuits, analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion and computer architecture.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Physics, or Mathematics with Calculus, or Statistics and Modelling, or CIE Physics or Mathematics with a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

200 Level and Beyond
200 and 300 level papers examine analogue electronics and circuit analysis, digital electronics, microprocessor applications and control, optoelectronics and high-speed communications.