1
Master Course Outline
PPO 103
Plant Design and Operations
Course Description: An introductory study of power generation, transmission and distribution and
electricity. The environmental impacts of hydro, gas and fossil fuel power generation, the transmission
grid and distribution of power to the meter will be discussed. The course is intended for the “nonengineering” student who has a desire to learn how electricity is generated and distributed to the
customer. It will consist of lecture, multimedia presentations, video, and hands-on projects. 5 lecture
hours.Vocational program course. May be used as a general elective for the AA degree.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: Grade of “B-” or better in PPO 102 or instructor permission.
Recommended Preparation: None
Co-requisites: Concurrent enrollment in PPO 130
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion students should be able to:
Explain the overall concept of a power grid
Explain the concept and advantages of overhead construction
Explain the concept and advantages of underground construction
Calculate the mathematical relationship between primary and secondary feeds
Explain DC transmission concepts
Explain what types of switches are used in electrical circuits
Explain conductors and insulators
Calculate how electric devices are connected in series.
Calculate how electrical components are connected in parallel
Explain service factors and maintenance
Explain the different ways to produce electricity
Explain the theory and operation of a transformer
Course Resources/Textbooks/Website: No book required. Handouts will be given in electronic format
which you will need to print.
Academic Integrity: All forms of cheating, falsification, and plagiarism are against the rules of this
course and of Grays Harbor College. Students who are unsure what constitutes academic dishonesty are
responsible for asking the instructor for clarification. Instances of intentional academic dishonesty will
be dealt with severely.
2
Disabilities: Students who have documented disabilities that require accommodations in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Disability Support Services coordinator as
well as the instructor of the course in order to ensure that together we create an optimal environment
for educational achievement.
W Day, the final day to officially withdraw from a course, is the Thursday of the seventh week (Thursday
of the fourth week for summer quarter). Students who do not withdraw by that date will receive the
grades they have earned, regardless of whether they are attending the course or completing the work.
Students who are considering withdrawal are strongly advised to consult with the instructor, advisor and
financial aid prior to withdrawing. The only withdrawals allowed after W Day are complete withdrawals
from all courses.