The learner feedback in October 2024 was 97% positive!
Location:
Our next course will be in Edinburgh!
UKCEH Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK.
We also run this course in Wallingford (Oxfordshire), Bangor and Lancaster, subject to demand.
Cost:
One-day course (beginner or advanced):
Students £299
Professionals £349
Combined beginner and advanced = full course:
Students from £499
Professionals from £549
Save £70! A limited number of early bird discount tickets must go by 31 January 2025!
Date:
25 & 26 March 2025 (from 9 am to 5 pm.)
Sign up online here now and save £70!
Short course description:
The one-day BEGINNER course will give you an introduction to electronics as applied to environmental sensors in the field (Overview of environmental sensor systems; Basic electronics concepts; Electronics measurements; Electronics components; Electronics troubleshooting and repairs; Construction project). It includes theoretical background knowledge essential to making the correct decisions in the field. You will practice the use and understand the function of various electric components by carrying out several practical exercises on circuit prototyping breadboards. The course will help you understand and apply the electronics principles needed to successfully install, troubleshoot and repair equipment in the field.
The one-day ADVANCED course will build on the Beginners course (Sessions include: Review of basic electronics principles used in field electronics; Specifications for the solar power component of the data logging system; Assemble and install the solar power component of the installation; Build and test a simple data logger; Add telemetry component to the data logger; Ruggedise the data logger for outdoor use).
We expect you to have all the knowledge and skills described in the Beginner course. You will learn about data logging systems, sensors, communication protocols and remote data downloading. Learners will practice their knowledge and improve their skills in designing, testing and installing an environmental monitoring station.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, you will be familiar with the basic principles of electronic circuits and their application using a multimeter. You will gain basic knowledge and skills to be able to troubleshoot and repair equipment in the field. (beginner).
By the end of the course, you will have experience of designing, constructing, testing and installing a small solar-powered environmental monitoring station. You will gain an understanding of the steps needed to successfully develop a data logging application (advanced).
Course objectives Beginner:
- Reviewed basic principles of electronic circuits and the relationship between voltage, current and resistance
- Understanding of theory through practical exercises
- Exploration of components used in field installations, including solar panels, batteries, cables and connectors.
- Learn the use of a multi-meter and the safe use of a soldering iron to troubleshoot and repair simple circuits
- Learn how to protect cables and components from the elements
- Practice knowledge in an exercise assembling and testing a simple electronic sensing circuit such as a moisture detector.
Course objectives Advanced:
- Learn how to design data logging systems and determine their power requirements
- Gain construction skills and an awareness of the various components required to deploy a data logging system outdoors
- Learn how to use a range of digital and analogue sensors for environmental monitoring applications
- Learn digital sensor communication protocols to acquire sensor data.
- Learn how to use internet servers and gateways to remotely download and monitor their data
Do you need the Beginner or the Advanced training or both?
To attend day 2 only, you need to have the following practical skills:
- Using a soldering iron
- Using a multimeter
- Crimping cables
- Troubleshooting and repair
To attend day 2 only, you need to have the following knowledge:
- Understanding of environmental sensor systems
- Basic electronics concepts
- Electronics measurements
- Electronic components
Target audience:
- Early and mid-career field technicians and researchers from organisations performing environmental measurements
- UK Water companies
- Environmental consultancies
- Statutory agencies
- PhD students
- Business customers in the technology sector
Level:
Beginner/ Intermediate
Places:
14 places
Hardware and software requirements:
We strongly encourage you to bring your own laptop for day 2 (advanced). We will work with the free open-source software Arduino IDE (please check if your employer's policy allows you to install new software on your laptop). We will explain in the joining instructions on how to download and install this software. If you cannot bring your own laptop, don't worry, we can also provide a laptop with the required software for you.
Accommodation:
The cost of accommodation is not included in the course fee. Please see our guide for accommodation near our Edinburgh site (updated 12/10/22). You can find accommodation guides also on our FAQs.
Course leaders:
Neil Mullinger - Neil Mullinger is a Field and Instrumentation Technician based at the UKCEH Edinburgh site. He focuses on technical aspects of environmental research but has a background in chemistry and environmental sciences.
Rob Nicholl - Research Associate - Environmental Instrument Engineer, UKCEH
Previous course participants said:
The learner feedback in October 2024 was 97% positive!
''Really useful and exactly what I needed. The trainers were very knowledgeable and really clear when answering questions!'' (learner feedback, October 2024)
''A very comprehensive course and presented in a progressive way, ideal for the aspiring Environmental scientist.'' (Andrew Retter, Instrument Technician, March 2024)
''I really enjoyed and found useful the range of practical activities to consolidate the learning.'' (Learner, March 2024)
"The trainer was very knowledgeable and has lots of experience deploying field sensors and electronics. The course has just the right amount of theory and is very hands-on, practical, relevant, and fun! " (Michael Tso, Environmental Data Scientist, January 2023)
"From an absolute beginner and amateur in electronics, the course was super easy to follow and it was really engaging. I really liked it." (learner feedback, January 2023)