DC Fundamentals
ETC 101, INT 221, EET 103, ILT 160, ELT 108
Alabama
Department of
Postsecondary Education
Representing Alabama’s Public Two-Year College System
ETC 101, INT 221, EET 103, ILT 160, ELT 108
DC Fundamentals
Plan Of Instruction
Effective Date: 2005
Version Number: 2005-1
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides a study of atomic theory, direct current (DC), properties of
conductors and insulators, direct current characteristics of series, parallel, and series
parallel circuits. Inductors and capacitors are introduced and their effects on DC circuits
are examined. Students are prepared to analyze complex DC circuits, solve for
unknown circuits variables and to use basic electronic test equipment. This course also
provides hands on laboratory exercises to analyze, construct, test, and troubleshoot
direct current circuits. Emphasis is placed on the use of scientific calculator and the
operation of common test equipment used to analyze and troubleshoot DC and to prove
the theories taught during classroom instruction. This is a CORE course. Supports CIP
Codes: 15.0303, 47.0105, 46.0302, and 47.0609
CREDIT HOURS
(applicable if entire course is taught in a career/technical education degree or non-
degree program)
Theory
Lab
Total
1 credit hour
2 credit hours
3 credit hours
NOTE: Theory credit hours are a 1:1 contact to credit ratio. Colleges may schedule lab hours as
manipulative (3:1 contact to credit hour ratio) or experimental (2:1 contact to credit hour ratio).
DC Fundamentals
ETC 101, INT 221, EET 103, ILT 160, ELT 108
PREREQUISITE COURSES
Determined by college unless stated otherwise.
CO-REQUISITE COURSES
Determined by college unless stated otherwise.
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTE: Foundational academic skills in General Math such as
integers, percents, ratio and proportions, metric system and linear equations and
Technical Writing such as research, organization, composition, documentation, and
report presentation are used throughout this discipline.
INDUSTRY COMPETENCIES
 Use tools properly and safely
 Use common test equipment
 Troubleshoot DC Circuits
 Analyze DC Circuits
 Solder connections
 Interpret schematics
 Draw schematics
 Construct DC Circuits
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The cognitive objective of this course is for each student to comprehend foundational
knowledge needed to perform stated entry-level industry competencies.
The performance objective of this course is for each student to apply foundational
knowledge to DC electronic problems and exercises encountered in class.
INDUSTRY COMPETENCIES/STUDENT PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:
Unless otherwise indicated, evaluation of student’s attainment of cognitive and
performance objectives is based on knowledge gained from this course. During
performance evaluations, students will be provided necessary tools, equipment,
materials, specifications, and any other resources necessary to accomplish the task.
Specifications may be in the form of, but not limited to, manufacturer’s specifications,
technical orders, regulations, national and state codes, certification agencies, locally
developed lab assignments, or any combination of specifications.
2
DC Fundamentals
DC FUNDAMENTALS
INDUSTRY
COMPETENCIES
Use tools properly and safely
ETC 101, INT 221, EET 103, ILT 160, ELT 108
STUDENT PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Select the proper tools for use with the lab assignment.
Demonstrate lockout/tag out procedures.
Analyze DC Circuits
Use Common Test
Equipment
Use tools safely.
Measure the voltage, current, and resistance in a
series circuit
Measure the voltage, current, and resistance in a DC
parallel circuit
Measure the voltage, current, and resistance in a DC
series-parallel circuit
Troubleshoot DC circuits
Measure the voltage across a voltage divider
Troubleshoot a DC series circuit and identify the
malfunction.
Troubleshoot a DC parallel circuit and identify the
malfunction.
Draw schematics
Troubleshoot a DC series-parallel circuit and identify
the malfunction correctly.
Draw a schematic diagram of a DC series circuit.
Draw a schematic diagram of a DC parallel circuit.
Construct DC Circuits
Draw a schematic diagram of a DC series-parallel
circuit.
Construct a DC series circuit.
Interpret Schematics
Construct a DC parallel circuit.
Solder Connections
Construct a DC series-parallel circuit.
3
DC Fundamentals
ETC 101, INT 221, EET 103, ILT 160, ELT 108
ENABLING OBJECTIVES/KEY INDICATORS
 Define the atom
 Identify the components of atomic structure
 Explain the function of each atomic component structure
 Describe the atomic structure of a given element and including the contribution of
each atomic particle to the physical and electrical characteristics of the element
 Define metric notation
 State the purpose of metric notation
 Define electricity
 Identify the properties of electricity
 Explain the function of electrical properties
 Describe the relationship between metric notation and electricity
 State whether a potential difference exists between two charges given their
magnitude and polarity
 State the direction of electron movement between two charges, given their
magnitude and polarity
 Identify common electrical symbols used in schematics
 Define resistance
 Explain the function of resistance in electrical circuits
 Define resistors
 Explain the purpose of resistors
 Define a variable DC power supply
 Explain the use of a variable DC power supply
 Identify resistors value and tolerance by color code
 Determine a resistors power rating by examining its size
 Define the variable resistors
 Explain the purpose of variable resistors
 Explain the purpose of resistor power rating
 Identify resistor combinations
 Describe the function of resistor combinations
 Explain the purpose of a Rheostat
 Explain the purpose of a Potentiometer
 Identify common resistor troubles
 Define conductors
 Explain the function of conductors
 Identify types of conductors
 Define Insulators
 Explain the function of insulators
 Identify insulators
 Describe standard wire gage sizes
4
DC Fundamentals
ETC 101, INT 221, EET 103, ILT 160, ELT 108
ENABLING OBJECTIVES/KEY INDICATORS (continued)
 Identify types of wire connectors
 Describe the purpose of connectors
 Explain the purpose of fuses
 Explain the purpose of switches
 Define wire resistance
 Describe the temperature coefficient of resistance
 Explain the difference between insulators, conductors and semiconductors
 Identify troubleshooting hints
 Explain the purpose of each troubleshooting hint
 State Ohm’s Law
 Explain Ohm’s Law
 Identify the symbols of Ohm’s law
 Calculate current using Ohm’s Law
 Calculate voltage using Ohm’s Law
 Calculate resistance using Ohm’s Law
 Describe the linear proportion between current and voltage
 Explain electrical power
 Describe power dissipation in resistance
 Select the appropriate resistor for a given circuit
 Identify power formulas
 Describe common problems in circuits
 Identify a series circuit
 Explain the function of a series circuit
 Identify a parallel circuit
 Explain the function of a parallel circuit
 Identify a series parallel circuit
 Explain the function of a series parallel circuit
 State the definition of a voltage divider
 State the definition of a current divider
 Explain the function of a voltage divider
 Explain the function of a current divider
 State the relationship between resistance, voltage, current, and power
 Calculate current flows
 Calculate voltage drops and rises
 Calculate resistance
 Calculate power in series circuit, series parallel circuit, and a series parallel circuit
 Identify a multimeter
5
DC Fundamentals
ETC 101, INT 221, EET 103, ILT 160, ELT 108
ENABLING OBJECTIVES/KEY INDICATORS (continued)
 Explain the purpose of a multimeter
 Explain meter movements and scales
 Describe and demonstrate the correct method for using the following meters:
ammeter, voltmeter, ohmmeter
 State Kirchhoff’s Law
 Explain Kirchhoff’s Law
 State Thevenin’s Law
 Explain Thevenin’s Law
 Define the following terms: coulomb, scientific notation, ampere, ammeter,
voltmeter
 Describe open circuits
 Describe short circuits
 Describe series parallel circuits
 Recognize open circuits
 Recognize short circuits
 Recognize series parallel circuits
 Define the following terms: joule, work, power, watt, and dissipation
 State the definition of a battery
 Explain the purpose of a battery
 Explain the function of a battery
 Explain the procedures for testing a battery for serviceability
 Solve problems pertaining to resistance, voltage, current and power in DC circuits
 Analyze complex DC circuits using Ohm’s Law
 Analyze complex DC circuits using network theorems
 Analyze voltage dividers using both Ohm’s Law and network theorems
 Explain the function of soldering
 Describe the process of soldering
 Identify common types of solder
 Identify common types of flux
6
DC Fundamentals
ETC 101, INT 221, EET 103, ILT 160, ELT 108
COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
DC FUNDAMENTALS
 Safety

Introduction To Electricity

Resistors

Conductors And Insulators

Ohm’s Law

Series Circuits

Parallel Circuits

Series-Parallel Circuits

Voltage Dividers And Current Dividers

Direct-Current Meters

Kirchhoff’s Laws

Network Theorems

Batteries

Multimeter Measurements

DC Circuit Basics

Complex DC circuits

Schematics

Circuit Construction

Soldering

Troubleshooting
7
DC Fundamentals
ETC 101, INT 221, EET 103, ILT 160, ELT 108
RECOMMENDED METHODS OF EVALUATION: The table of specifications below
identifies the number of enabling objectives/key indicators per cognitive domain level of
learning (Knowledge, Comprehension, Application) per module. Instructors should
develop a minimum of 1-3 test questions per Knowledge Level of Learning, 2-4 test
questions per Comprehension Level of Learning, and 5-6 questions per Application
Level Learning. Instructors should use the following test item types for each level of
learning:
Knowledge: Multiple Choice, Alternative Response test items (true/false or yes/no)
Comprehension: Multiple Choice, Short answer
Application: Multiple Choice, Short Answer Exercises
The table of specifications below also identifies the number of objectives per module.
The instructor should ensure each student meets the performance and standards
published in each objective.
TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS
Domain of
Cognitive Domain
Learning/
Content
Knowledge
Comprehension
Application
DC
Fundamentals
49
45
12
Cognitive
Total
Performance
Total
106
19
8
DC Fundamentals
ETC 101, INT 221, EET 103, ILT 160, ELT 108
Northeast Alabama Community College
Form 1: Learning Outcomes Attachment for Career/Technical Courses
(Instructor Evaluation of Course)
Faculty regularly review the extent to which the course and program learning outcomes identified in a
course syllabus are being attained by students who complete the course. Each syllabus identifies the
assessment method that will be used to demonstrate student mastery of the desired learning outcomes
for that course. Before teaching a course, faculty should review the syllabus to understand how the
program learning outcomes will be evaluated. Once the course is complete, this form is used by the
instructor to report how well students demonstrated mastery of those course learning (and by extension,
program learning) outcomes.
Course Prefix & No.: ILT 160, INT 221
Instructor:
Semester:
Type of Delivery – Mark One*:
Course Title: DC Fundamentals
Date:
Section Number(s):
Dual Enrollment
Online
Traditional
*Double click on the appropriate box. When the form field menu appears, select “checked” under Default value.
Note: To insert or delete rows on the table, click on Table on the tool bar.
Learning Outcome
(Industry or Professional
Competency)
Use tools properly
and safely
Use common test
equipment
Troubleshoot DC
circuits
Analyze DC circuits
Solder connections
Interpret schematics
Draw schematics
Construct DC
circuits
Evaluation Method
Evaluation Results
Explain how each learning outcome for this course is
assessed.
Of the students who earned a grade of C
or better for the course, what percentage
demonstrated attainment of the stated
outcomes?
Given a lab assignment, the student will
select the proper tools and demonstrate
their safe use.
Given a lab assignment, the student will
accurately measure voltage, current, and
resistance in a parallel circuit.
Given a lab assignment, the student will
troubleshoot a DC circuit and correctly
identify the malfunction.
Given a lab assignment, the student will
accurately measure voltage, current, and
resistance in a series circuit.
Given a lab assignment in which a
schematic is provided, the student will
construct a DC circuit.
Given a lab assignment in which a
schematic is provided, the student will
construct a DC circuit.
Given a lab assignment that requires a DC
circuit, the student will draw schematics to
industry specifications.
Given a lab assignment in which a
schematic is provided, the student will
construct a DC circuit.
DC Fundamentals
ETC 101, INT 221, EET 103, ILT 160, ELT 108
Use of Evaluation Results
Explain specifically how evaluation results will be used to improve the course.
*Reviewed:
Division Chair or Program Supervisor
Date
*To be completed by Division Chair or Program Supervisor Only
10