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general knowledge: the theoretical material is
constantly supported by practical measure-
ment problems, which strongly motivates stu-
dents, while the above mentioned general
knowledge is created, on which the specific
scientific areas may more successfully build
the knowledge of the specific subjects.
This material includes the basic elements
of network theory, systems theory, analog
electronics and digital technology, while also
presenting the most modern applications of
these areas such as GPS navigation technolo-
gy, wireless sensor systems and microcontrol-
ler embedded systems.
The authors intended to emphasize both
basic knowledge and its modern applications.
Because this material is introductory and
covers a huge topic area, the expert reader
might feel that it is incomplete, but this is on-
ly natural as this subject intends only to give
the most basic knowledge, the more specific
parts will be taught in different courses. By
studying all of the materials, the reader will
get a full view.
This material is important and useful in the
information technological, electrical engineer-
ing and medical fields, since measurements is
a defining and the most interesting part of
these fields. Through this can we approach the
more ”tangible” parts of our profession, which
is an important motivational element in our
concept.
III. R
ESULTS
We elaborated 12 chapters, 662 slides with
lots informative figures. The main chapters are
the following:
Introduction and principles of measure-
ments: This chapter discusses the requirements
of the course, presents the historical premises
of measurements, and discusses the basic con-
cepts of measurements (concept of measure-
ment, uncertainty of measurement, noise and
its sources, basic measurement setups and
methods).
Uncertainty of measurement: This chapter
discusses the questions of the noise and uncer-
tainty of measurements.
Measurement of voltage, current, time and
frequency: We present here the basic meas-
urement methods that traditionally give the
general modules of more complex instruments
and measurement systems.
Fundamentals of signal processing: The
chapter presents the basic elements of signal
processing and systems theory.
Positioning systems: This chapter primarily
discusses the GPS system and the positioning
techniques used in WSNs.
Theoratical approach to networks and sys-
tems: This chapter gives an overview of the
basic laws of electricity.
Semiconductor basics: The chapter intends
to give a high standard introduction to semi-
conductors.
Nonlinear resistive networks: Here we dis-
cuss the calculation of the operation point of
semiconductor instruments.
Logic and binary systems, basic opera-
tions: Here we discuss the foundations of the
chapter Microcontrollers.
Microcontrollers: In the lab courses, the
programming of microprocessors is practiced,
therefore its most basic foundations and func-
tions are presented within this chapter.
Basics of biological and medical measure-
ments: Starting from the traditional medical
measurement principles and methods, we pro-
ceed to the discussion of the most modern
measurement tools.
Laboratory exercises: This chapter gives a
brief summary to the LabVIEW programming
environment and to the dataflow concept pro-
gramming. It presents the ELVIS system and
its functions used in measurements.
The tendencies experienced in the course of
testing show that students find it difficult to
adapt to the requirements of this course. The
results of the first test do not show the ex-
pected outcome, which is an important warn-
ing for the students to take this course serious-
ly. According to the anonymous questionnaire
at the end of the year and later on, students
mainly give a positive feedback about the
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structure and material of the course, and about
the education during the semester.
IV. CONCLUSION
In addition to giving an insight to the engi-
neering approach, the material of this course
gives a practical knowledge that should be
used later on. The engineering candidates are
beginning to use a real equipped laboratory,
making their first experiments and measure
ment exercises. The course of measurements
thereby gives some kind of frame for their
studies, since the problems in the thesis are
usually closed by measurements and their
evaluation.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors would like to thank the students
that they reflected critically and truthfully,
thereby forming the structure of this course.