IITM BS Electronic Systems Diploma Courses and Labs

The diploma level of the IITM BS in Electronic Systems has 8 theory courses, 3 labs and 2 project courses. Together they are worth 43 credits. You reach this level only after the foundation, and completing it gets you the Diploma in Electronic Systems.

Diploma theory courses

Each theory course is worth 4 credits, so the 8 courses give 32 credits.

Python Programming has two codes in the handbook. The main course table calls it CS1002. The prerequisite section calls it CS2102. The name and credits are the same in both places.

Diploma labs and project courses

"Taken with" means a corequisite. You take that course in the same term or finish it first. A few extra rules apply:

• The Sensors Laboratory also needs the Analog Electronics Laboratory as a prerequisite.
• The prerequisite section says the Digital System Design Laboratory needs the Electronics Laboratory from the foundation level. The main course table does not list this.

How the 43 credits add up

From the course list: 32 credits of theory, 7 credits of labs (3 + 1 + 3) and 4 credits of projects (2 + 2). That is 43.

The handbook also has a summary table that splits the diploma into 32 theory, 9 lab and 2 project credits. That also makes 43, but the lab and project split does not match the course list. The total is the same either way, so it only matters if you are counting credits by type.

Suggested order of diploma courses

The handbook's course table groups the diploma into three blocks.

Semester 3 also has Embedded C Programming and its lab from the foundation.

Look at the prerequisite chain. Analog Electronic Systems, Digital Signal Processing and the Signal Processing Project all depend on Signals and Systems. Sensors then depends on Analog. If you delay Signals and Systems, most of the diploma moves back with it. Python Programming, Computer Organisation and Electronic Testing and Measurement have no prerequisites, so they fit into any term.

Entering and finishing the diploma

• There is no direct entry. You must come through the foundation. See why ES has no direct diploma entry.
• The course table says you can register for semester 3 courses and above only after finishing the courses up to semester 2. The ES foundation courses post lists them.
• You can register for degree level courses only after completing every foundation and diploma course.
• If you finish the diploma and continue to the degree, the handbook says you get a provisional Diploma in Electronic Systems.

The diploma also has time limits and progress checkpoints. They are explained in ES checkpoints. For prerequisites across all levels, see ES course prerequisites.

Common questions

Which diploma course should I take first?

Signals and Systems, if you can. Analog Electronic Systems, Digital Signal Processing and the Signal Processing Project need it directly, and the sensors courses need it through Analog. Pair it with Python Programming or Computer Organisation, which have no prerequisites.

Does Signals and Systems have a maths corequisite?

The prerequisite section lists "MA2101" as a corequisite for Signals and Systems. That code does not appear anywhere else in the handbook. The main course table lists no corequisite. Ask support before you register.

Can I do the two diploma projects in the same term?

The course table puts both projects in the same block (semester 5). Each has its own corequisites, so you can only take a project once its linked courses are done or running in that term.

Do the diploma labs need campus visits?

Yes. ES labs are hybrid, with work at home and an in-person part at IIT Madras. See how ES labs work for which labs happen when.