Campus Location:
Georgetown, Dover, Stanton,
Effective Date: 2017-51
Course Number and Title:
ELC 125 – Electrical Circuits I
Prerequisite:
(ENG 090 or concurrent or ENG 091 or concurrent) and MAT 020
or concurrent, SSC 100
Course Credits and Hours:
4 credits
3 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
Course Description:
This course introduces applied electronic circuit analysis with the
study of fundamentals, including Ohm's law, Watt's law, and
Kirchhoff's laws. Topics include measuring instruments,
oscilloscope, switches, circuit breakers, resistance, capacitance,
inductance, series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits, transformers,
alternating and direct power sources, and magnetism.
Required Text(s):
Obtain current information at https://www.dtcc.edu/studentresources/bookstores, or visit the bookstore. (Check your course
schedule for the course number and section.)
Additional Materials:
Electronics Parts Kit, Digital Multimeter, TI-84+ or TI-89
Calculator.
Method of Instruction:
Face-to-Face
Disclaimer:
None
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Explain the fundamental elements of electric circuits. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3)
Assess direct current series circuits. (CCC 2, 6, 7; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
Assess direct current parallel circuits. (CCC 2, 6, 7; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
Assess direct current series-parallel circuits. (CCC 2, 6, 7; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
Explain the principles of magnetism, electromagnetism, and alternating current. (CCC 1, 2, 5,
6, 7; PGC 1, 2, 3)
6. Assess simple circuits containing resistors and capacitors. (CCC 2, 6, 7; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
7. Assess simple circuits containing resistors and inductors. (CCC 2, 6, 7; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
8. Assess series circuits with resistors, inductors, and capacitors. (CCC 2, 6, 7; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
9. Describe the principles and operating characteristics of transformers. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 2,
3)
10. Follow procedural directions in laboratory assignments and reporting. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC
1, 6)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the
syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs):
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
1. Explain the fundamental elements of electric circuits.
Use powers of ten and engineering notation.
Describe the basic structure of atoms.
Explain the concept of electrical charge.
Define voltage, current, and resistance and discuss their characteristics.
Describe the electrical characteristics of resistors.
Translate a resistor value from the color code.
Identify and explain the different types of resistors.
Explain Ohm's Law and describe its function.
Define energy and power.
2. Assess direct current series circuits.
Identify a series circuit.
Compute the total resistance of resistors in a series configuration.
Solve series direct current (DC) linear circuits in terms of voltage, resistance, current,
and power.
Apply Kirchoff's Voltage Law in a series circuit.
Use the voltage divider formula to calculate voltages in a series circuit.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in series circuits using acceptable
industry standards.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in series circuits using circuit analysis
software simulation tools.
3. Assess direct current parallel circuits.
Identify a parallel circuit.
Compute the total resistance of resistors in a parallel configuration.
Solve parallel DC linear circuits in terms of voltage, resistance, current, and power.
Apply Kirchoff's Current Law in a parallel circuit.
Use the current divider rule to calculate current in a parallel circuit.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in parallel circuits using acceptable
industry standards.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in parallel circuits using circuit analysis
software simulation tools.
4. Assess direct current series-parallel circuits.
Identify series-parallel circuits.
Compute the total resistance of resistors in a series-parallel configuration.
Solve a series-parallel DC linear circuit in terms of voltage, resistance, current, and
power.
Identify differences between series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits.
Solve a ladder network in terms of current, voltage, resistance, and power.
Solve a balanced and unbalanced Wheatstone bridge circuit in terms of current, voltage,
resistance, and power.
Identify short and open circuits.
Apply Thevenin’s theorem to simplify a circuit for analysis.
Apply the maximum power transfer theorem to determine when the maximum power is
transferred from a given circuit.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in series-parallel circuits using
acceptable industry standards.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in series-parallel circuits using circuit
analysis software simulation tools.
5. Explain the principles of magnetism, electromagnetism, and alternating current.
Define and explain magnetism and electromagnetism.
Interpret a sine wave based on frequency and write equations for sine waves, both
shifted and not, with respect to time.
Compute the peak voltage, peak to peak voltage, root-mean-square (rms) voltage, and
average value of a sine wave.
Use a graph, multimeter, and/or oscilloscope to read alternating voltage values.
6. Assess simple circuits containing resistors and capacitors.
Explain the factors determining capacitance.
Describe the characteristics of the basic types of capacitors.
Translate a capacitor’s value based on the coding labeled on the device.
Describe fields, energy, storage, and transient behavior in capacitive DC circuits.
Compute total capacitance of capacitors in a series, parallel, or series-parallel
configuration.
Compute currents and voltages in DC switching circuits containing resistors and
capacitors.
Compute capacitive reactance, currents, and voltages in alternating current (AC) series
circuits containing resistors and capacitors.
Compute capacitive reactance, currents, and voltages in AC parallel circuits containing
resistors and capacitors.
Compute phase shift in AC circuits containing resistors and capacitors.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in circuits containing resistors and
capacitors using acceptable industry standards.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in circuits containing resistors and
capacitors using circuit analysis software simulation tools.
7. Assess simple circuits containing resistors and inductors.
Explain the factors determining inductance.
Describe fields, energy, storage, and transient behavior in inductive DC circuits.
Compute total inductance of inductors in a series, parallel or series-parallel
configuration.
Compute currents and voltages in DC switching circuits containing resistors and
inductors.
Compute inductive reactance, currents, and voltages in AC series circuits containing
resistors and inductors.
Compute inductive reactance, currents, and voltages in AC parallel circuits containing
resistors and inductors.
Compute phase shift in AC circuits containing resistors and inductors.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in circuits containing resistors and
inductors using acceptable industry standards.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in circuits containing resistors and
inductors using circuit analysis software simulation tools.
8. Assess series circuits with resistors, inductors, and capacitors.
Compute total reactance, impedance, and phase angle of a series resistive-inductivecapacitive (RLC) circuit.
Compute component currents and voltages in a series RLC circuit.
Solve resonant frequency of a series RLC circuit.
Solve currents, voltages, and impedance at resonant frequency of a series RLC circuit.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in circuits containing resistors, inductors
and capacitors using acceptable industry standards.
Assemble and collect current and voltage data in circuits containing resistors, inductors
and capacitors using circuit analysis software simulation tools.
9. Describe the principles and operating characteristics of transformers.
Define various types of transformers.
Predict, given the turns ratio or the winding values, the voltage and current to a load
from a given input to a transformer.
Compute turns ratio using the input and output voltage of a transformer.
10. Follow procedural directions in laboratory assignments and reporting.
Use instructional material of the laboratory to assemble the circuits as designed in the
experiment.
Demonstrate the proper use of all tools and equipment required in your work
environment.
Compute the outcomes for each component.
Collect data for each of the components of the circuit.
Appraise, both orally and written, the comparisons, and discrepancies of one or more
laboratory assignments.
Write laboratory reports using Microsoft Word or similar word processing software to
describe the process and conclusions.
Use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or similar software to produce data tables.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies:
Students must demonstrate proficiency on all CCPOs at a minimal 75 percent level to
successfully complete the course. The grade will be determined using the DTCC grading
system:
92
83
75
0
–
–
–
–
100
91
82
74
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
F
Students should refer to the Student Handbook (https://www.dtcc.edu/academics/studenthandbook) for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy,
Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate effective problem solving and reasoning skills.
Work effectively in groups of people from diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrate ethical and professional understanding and conduct.
Apply appropriate information literacy skills to locate, evaluate, and use information
effectively.
6. Use computer technology appropriate to the field.
7. Use scientific and mathematical reasoning appropriate to the technology.
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop
specific to his or her major):
1. Perform the duties of an entry-level technician using the skills, modern tools, theory, and
techniques of the electronics engineering technology.
2. Apply a knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to electronics
engineering technology problems that require limited application of principles but extensive
practical knowledge.
3. Conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments using analysis tools and troubleshooting methods.
4. Identify, analyze and solve narrowly defined electronics engineering technology problems.
5. Explain the importance of engaging in self-directed continuing professional development.
6. Demonstrate basic management, organizational, and leadership skills which commit to
quality, timeliness and continuous improvement.