Sensor data acquisition, processing and presentation in first year engineering programmes

The advancements of modern technologies have influenced the way laboratory components of engineering and science programs are conducted at universities. At the University of South Australia a series of experiments involving computerized measurements has been developed for the first year course Electrical and Energy Systems. The experiments are related to real world applications including heart pulse rate monitoring and four dimensional tilt sensing aiming to inspire and motivate students to engage better with equipment and measurement data analysis. This paper describes the experiments developed for this project and details experiences of their use in teaching the first electrical engineering course.