Electronic Engineering

Electronic engineering is concerned with the design, development, manufacture and application of electronic devices, circuits and systems.

Many of the products that are essential to our social, business and industrial lives are the result of ideas generated by electrical engineers. Products include personal computers, mobile telephones, pacemakers, and radio, television, industrial control and satellite communications systems.

New Zealand’s electronics manufacturing industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the country, and New Zealand has a shortage of skilled people. Companies are targeting niche markets, such as telecommunications, and exporting their products all over the world.

Degrees

• Bachelor of Engineering

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

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, Materials and Process Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Software Engineering.

Career Opportunities

• Consultant
• Electronic Engineer  
• Manager  
• Mechatronic Engineer  
• Product Design Engineer
• Programmer  

Potential Employers

• Agricultural Sector
• Electronics and Electrical Engineering Industries
• Health and Biomedical Industries
• Information Technology Industry
• Telecommunications Sector

Papers

COMP103 Introduction to Computer Science 1
This paper introduces computer programming (assuming no prior knowledge) and a variety of concepts in computer science including representation, storage and manipulation of computer-based information, algorithms for problem-solving and an introduction to information systems.

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.

ENGG180 Foundations of Engineering
An introduction to engineering analysis and design and the engineering profession. Topics include: the skills of a successful engineer, the nature of design and the design process, fundamental laws for engineering analysis, accounting principles applied to mass, energy and money. Includes design-build-test experience.

ENMP102 Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
An introduction to the basic laws and concepts of materials science. Topics include: relation of the structure of solids to the physical and mechanical properties of materials and uses of different type of materials. This paper is also a requirement for Materials and Processing Engineering.

PHYS103 Physics for Scientists and Engineers 1
An introduction to physics suitable for scientists and engineers. Applications of physics to the real world will be emphasised. Topics include: mechanics, dynamics, oscillations, waves, sound, light and electric and magnetic forces. This paper includes a compulsory laboratory component. Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Physics, CIE Physics with a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

MATH101 Introduction to Calculus
A study of the fundamental techniques of calculus, including differentiation and integration for functions of one real variable, with applications to rate problems, graph sketching, areas and volumes.
Prerequisite: 18 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Mathematics with Calculus or Statistics & Modelling plus some calculus background, or CIE Mathematics with a minimum C pass at AS or A level.

MATH102 Introduction to Algebra
A study of the fundamental techniques and applications of algebra including vector and matrix algebra, complex numbers, induction, and recursion.
Prerequisite: 18 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Statistics and Modelling, or Mathematics with Calculus, or CIE Mathematics with a minimum C pass at AS or A level.

PHYS103 Physics for Scientists and Engineers 1
An introduction to physics suitable for scientists and engineers. Applications of physics to the real world will be emphasised. Topics include: mechanics, dynamics, oscillations, waves, sound, light, and electric and magnetic forces. This paper includes a compulsory laboratory component.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Physics, or CIE Physics with a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

200 Level and Beyond
200 and 300 level papers cover topics from Computer Science, Electronics, Mathematics, and Physics, including optoelectronics, high speed communications and options such as mechatronics. Economic and professional training elements are also included in this programme.