Course Prerequisites:

Math 0390 – (Intermediate Algebra) or higher or department approval

Required Textbook: Introductory Circuit Analysis - Robert L. Boylestad 13th edition

Lab Instructions: Provided for each lab on blackboard

Lab Kits:

Adafruit Parts Pal - http://www.adafruit.com/product/2975 - Supplied by the Dept.

The department will provide other tools needed for the labs.

LABS and LAB Write ups:

During the Lab exercise itself, students will work in teams. Teamwork is essential to accomplish the lab and capture the required data. Once the lab is completed and the data has been captured and shared with the team then it is expected that each student is to create/write- up his or her own lab report.

NOTE:  A good scientific calculator is absolutely essential.

Scientific Calculator: Example Included: Texas Instruments Model: TI-30Xa, Casio fx-260, TI 36X Pro, or Sharp EL-W516XBSL 556 Scientific Calculator.

Blackboard: We will be using Blackboard. Class materials will be made available. Grades will be entered in Blackboard so you can track progress on, “My Grades”.

Course Evaluation/Grading System:

Labs/homework           15% of final grade

Exams (3 @ 20% ea.)  60% of final grade

Project                          10% of final grade

Final exam (last day of class) 15% of final grade ** Final exam will be comprehensive (cover all course material).

Based on the total course score calculation as specified above, the final course grade will be as follows:

 90% ≤ “A” ≤ 100%

80% ≤ “B” < 90%

70% ≤ “C” < 80%

60% ≤ “D” < 70%

0%   ≤ “F” < 60%

Course Objectives/outcomes:

Apply safety techniques while working on and troubleshooting various circuits and components; interpret color codes and other descriptors used in electronics; identify various sources of electricity in DC circuits; interpret characteristics of voltage, current, resistance, and power in DC circuits; measure voltage, current, and resistance in DC circuits using measuring devices.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to...

Identify various components found in DC circuits

Interpret resistor color codes

Identify power sources

Read simple schematic diagrams

Analyze circuits using appropriate formulas, solving for voltage, resistance, current, power, energy and efficiency values using:

Ohm’s law

Series, Parallel, and Series-parallel analysis of resistors

Reduce and return approach

Block diagram approach

Kirchhoff’s voltage law

Kirchhoff’s current law

Voltage divider rule

Use measuring instruments to measure voltage, resistance, current

Present to the class the results of a semester project which involves the selection, purchase, assembly, soldering, and debug of a relatively simple electronic kit.

Semester Project

Each student is to pick out, purchase, build, and demonstrate to the class a small inexpensive

(< $20) electronic kit that requires soldering or built on the breadboard. The semester project will be assigned on the first day of class and is due towards the end of the semester. Some of the high-level expectations are for the student to demonstrate proficiency with soldering or breadboard and debugging a small electronic circuit and to be able to present the findings and project to the rest of the class. This is also an opportunity to develop skills with presentation enabling software like Microsoft Power Point, etc.

Please inform the instructor if you are unable to purchase the electronic kit for the final project.

Tests:

Tests are announced a week in advance. NO MAKE-UPS WILL BE GIVEN. If you have an

unavoidable emergency, you must let me know in advance of the test date if possible.

Course tentative schedule

Class Begins    Jan 16

Week 1            Course Introduction and Chapter 1

Week 2            Chapter 1

Week 3            Chapter 2

Week 4            Chapter 2 and Chapter 3

Week 5            Chapter 3 (Lab #2 Resistor Measurement and Tolerance)

Week 6            Chapter 4

Week 7            Review and Exam 1 on Chapter 1 to 3.

Week 8            Chapter 4 (Lab #3 Ohm’s Law and Multi-meter

Week 9            Chapter 5 (Lab #5 Series DC Circuit)

Week 10          Chapter 5 and Chapter 6

Week 11          Review and Exam 2 on Chapter 4 and 5

Week 12          Chapter 6 (Lab #6 Parallel DC Circuit

Week 13          Chapter 6 and Chapter 7

Week 14          Chapter 7 (Series-Parallel DC Circuit)

Week 15          Review and Exam 3 on Chapter 6 and 7

Week 16          Review and Final Exam

Class ends       

Attendance/Participation:

This course is fast paced. Attendance is very crucial and may make the difference between passing and not passing this class. You are expected to show up to every class and be on time, ask questions if anything is unclear.

There are a number of in-class exercises and labs where working in groups is key to the successful outcome. In these settings team work, cooperation, and patience is essential for success.

Housekeeping: Absolutely no eating or drinking at the lab stations. All tools and lab supplies must be returned to their appropriate location. Please keep chairs and tables where they belong. Return all equipment, tools, etc. back where they belong.

Missed or Late Work:

Exams, labs and homework: Exams may include material from any classroom activities. No late work will be accepted.  If you know that you will miss an exam in advance, contact me ahead of time in order to arrange the exam.

Use of ACC Email Communication:

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion.

ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.

Withdrawal Policy:

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may

have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state

law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or

university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their

undergraduate college education.

Required Text Book:

Introductory Circuit Analysis

Robert L. Boylestad 13th edition

ISBN: 978-013392360-5 (13th edition)

Identify various components found in DC circuits

Interpret resistor color codes

Identify power sources

Read simple schematic diagrams

Analyze circuits using appropriate formulas, solving for voltage, resistance, current, power, energy and efficiency values using:

Ohm’s law

Series, Parallel, and Series-parallel analysis of resistors

Reduce and return approach

Block diagram approach

Kirchhoff’s voltage law

Kirchhoff’s current law

Voltage divider rule

Present to the class the results of a semester project which involves the selection, purchase, assembly, soldering, and debug of a relatively simple electronic kit.

Course Objectives/outcomes:

Apply safety techniques while working on and troubleshooting various circuits and components; interpret color codes and other descriptors used in electronics; identify various sources of electricity in DC circuits; interpret characteristics of voltage, current, resistance, and power in DC circuits; measure voltage, current, and resistance in DC circuits using measuring devices.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to...

Do simple bread-boarding and soldering

Identify various components found in DC circuits

Interpret resistor color codes

Identify power sources

Read simple schematic diagrams

Analyze circuits using appropriate formulas, solving for voltage, resistance, current, power, energy and efficiency values using:

Ohm’s law

Series, Parallel, and Series-parallel analysis of resistors.

Reduce and return approach

Block diagram approach

Kirchhoff’s voltage law

Kirchhoff’s current law

Use measuring instruments to measure voltage, resistance, current.

Present to the class the results of a semester project which involves the selection, purchase, assembly, soldering, and debug of a relatively simple electronic kit.

DISTANCE EDUCATION (for online or hybrid courses only)

Advise students, many of whom may be new to online learning, about the differences between online and traditional face-to-face learning. In particular, advise students of the time management and study skills required to be a successful online student. Encourage students new to distance education to review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/ Likewise, use of the college approved learning management system should be clearly stated for hybrid and online courses.  Some suggested wording might be:

“Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.”

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

The methods of instruction include hands-on training as well as classroom instruction.

Labs will be performed during class time.

Classroom instruction will consist of interactive lectures, class discussions, exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and video illustrations. It will be based on the assumption that the student has done the reading assignments before class.

Computers with internet access are available in the classroom for in-class exercises.  Homework will primarily be reading assignments, pre-lecture review questions, post-lecture problem sets, and internet research.

GRADING SYSTEM

Participation, Team work, and Attendance will primarily consist of attendance on all class days.  There are a number of in-class exercises and labs where working in groups is very important for a successful outcome. In these settings team work, cooperation, and patience is essential for success. 

Labs/Homework includes the grading of formal lab reports and textbook chapter pop quizzes.

• Lab Results– These lab reports are used to document the results of the in class lab experiments. The lab hand out provides the background and procedures for conducting the lab experiment along with the criteria for documenting the lab results in a specific formal report. Grading is based on correctly answering lab related questions and meeting all of the objectives as described in the lab hand out. The instructor reserved the right to return the lab report as incomplete and request resubmission for any omissions on the report. 
• Homework Assignments – Homework assignments are done and submitted in Blackboard.

There will be 3 Chapter Exams each covering chapters worth of material from the textbook.  These chapter exams attempt to validate proficiency with learning the concepts from the textbook and to demonstrate an ability to work mathematical problems related to those concepts.  The exam times and content are announced in advance of the exam. Students are expected to take the exam at the scheduled time and place.  

For the Semester Project each student is to pick out, purchase, build, and demonstrate to the class a small inexpensive (< $20) electronic kit that requires soldering. The semester project will be assigned on the first day of class and is due on the specified date towards the end of the semester. A separate grading sheet will be provided to the student explaining the criteria for grading. Some of the high level expectations are for the student to demonstrate proficiency with soldering and debugging a small electronic circuit and to be able to present the findings and project to the rest of the class. This is also an opportunity to develop skills with presentation enabling software like Microsoft Power Point, etc.   

The Discipline Assessment Cycle (DAC) is the process whereby Austin Community College documents the extent to which students have attained the learning outcomes and objectives set before them. The framework of the DAC is designed to promote meaningful assessment. The data gathered is then forwarded to other processes and bodies within the College where such information is needed. A DAC evaluation is imbedded within this course and is included as part of the expected course work.

Attendance/Participation

Attendance and punctuality is expected and is considered when determining the final grade for this course.  You cannot develop the proficiency required for this course just studying the textbook.  Lectures may include material not covered in the textbook.  At my discretion, I may withdraw students who have three or more unexcused absences.   If you cannot attend a particular class session, please discuss the conflict with me in advance (in person, via phone or email).

Reference:  http://www2.austin.cc.tx.us./admrule/4.01.002.htm

Withdrawal

If circumstances arise such that you cannot complete this course, it is to your advantage to drop the class by the deadline to avoid getting an unsatisfactory grade on your permanent school record. Students or instructors may initiate withdrawals anytime during the semester before the official withdrawal deadline. Please note that the state of Texas limits students to a maximum lifetime count of six (6) withdrawals.

Students may be withdrawn from the course by the instructor for non-attendance.  However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to initiate the withdrawal process if they are unable to attend or complete their coursework as required.  Failure to withdraw by the established deadline will result in a grade of A, B, C, D, or F, based on the students recorded performance in the course.

Withdrawal forms are available from campus Admissions and Records offices.

Courses from which you withdraw will appear on your record as a grade of W.

Reference:  http://www2.austin.cc.tx.us./admrule/1.06.003.htm

Class Interaction:

Dialogue is a plus. Questions are best asked when thought of. Do not wait till after class to ask a question.

Quizzes/Exams:

Quizzes and Exams may include material from any classroom activities.  There are no make-ups without a note from a doctor or other relevant documentation. The decision to allow a makeup is at the discretion of the instructor. Quizzes will be given and will count towards your grade with the weight of a homework assignment.  The final exam must be taken when scheduled and is comprehensive. 

Missed or Late Work:

If a student is absent all work due on the date of absence must be provided at the beginning of the next class session.  The student should contact the instructor to receive assignments due on the date they return and have them completed when they return.  Missed labs cannot be made up and will receive a grade of zero.  Late work, not due to absence, will not be accepted and will receive a grade of zero. 

Housekeeping:

All tools and lab supplies must be returned to their appropriate location.

Please keep chairs and tables where they belong. Return all equipment, tools, etc. back where they belong.

Please do not move, remove, swap, or replace any equipment. If you suspect any equipment to be faulty, please bring it to your instructor’s attention.

Incompletes

A student may receive a temporary grade of I (incomplete) at the end of the semester only if the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.
2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed to earn at least a C by the end of the semester.
3. Arrangement for an incomplete must be made with the instructor.

A Report of Incomplete Grade form must be completed by the instructor and filed with the Program Coordinator.

To convert the incomplete I into a grade, the student must submit for grading all work required to complete the course to the instructor by a date specified by the instructor within the next immediately following semester, but absolutely no later than 2 weeks prior to the end of the semester.  Incompletes not completed by the date specified automatically become a letter grade of F for the course.

Scholastic Dishonesty

Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests or quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper, projects, either individual or group, classroom presentations, and homework. The penalty for any violation of this policy is withdrawal from the course.

Cases of suspected cheating or plagiarism will be reported directly to the Program Coordinators office.  College policies will be strictly followed regarding the investigation of suspected cases and punishments if warranted.  If you are unsure about the line between collaboration and cheating, feel free to talk to me before it is too late.

Academic Freedom

Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Student Discipline

ACC's policy on student discipline can be found under Policies and Procedures at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow/

Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include having the student leave class for the rest of that day. If there are any observed potential or actual academic or behavioral difficulties, the student may be referred to ACC Support Services or the Dean of Students

In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. ACC's policy on student discipline can be found in theStudent Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 32.

Classroom Conduct

Cellular phones and pagers are disruptive to the class and must be turned off or made inaudible during lecture. Any iPod / MP3 devices must be turned off during class. No texting is allowed during class.

Interpersonal skills are critical to both working with peers and leading others.  It is expected that you will be respectful of the opinions and property of others, be aware of and responsive to the effect of ones behavior on others; and, work with others to resolve problems.

You are encouraged to work together on lab exercises as collaboration and teamwork are important skills to learn.  Working on these exercises, as well as studying together for exams, are good opportunities to develop the ability to collaborate.  Ensuring that others within a group pull their weight is also a skill to be learned.  However, exams, quizzes, laboratory write-ups, and homework assignments are strictly the individual’s responsibility.

Food and Beverages

Other than seal-able bottles of water, food and beverage items are prohibited in the classroom and laboratory.

Dress Code

During lab, students are required to wear close‐toed shoes at all times. If you show up to lab in flip‐flops or any open‐toed footwear you will be asked to leave and you will be considered absent for that lab.

Student Accessibility Services & Assistive Technologies (SAS)

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students Accessibility Services on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester. There is a Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office at each campus.  If you have a disability, contact Accessibility Services at the campus that's most convenient for you.

Once you qualify for services, Accessibility Services staff meets with you to determine reasonable, appropriate, and effective accommodations based on the courses in which are enrolled and your disability. To request services, complete the Accessibility Services application steps the campus that is most convenient for you.

For more information, visit: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/services-for-students/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Safety Statement

Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found athttp://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/

You are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

Use of ACC Email Communications

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account.  Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php

Student and Instructional Services

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these services and support systems is available at http://www.austincc.edu/s4/

Links to many student services and other information can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/current/

ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored.  The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.autincc.edu/tutor/students/tutoring.php

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab:http://www.austincc.edu/tutor/locations.php

Test Center Policy

Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a testing center.  Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam.  To request an exam, one must have:

1. ACC Photo ID (info at http://www.austincc.edu/support/admissions/student_id.php)

2. Course Abbreviation (e.g., ENGL)

3. Course Number (e.g., 1301)                                 

4. Course Synonym (e.g., 10123)

5. Course Section (e.g., 005)

6. Instructor's Name 

Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center.  Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester.  ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

Concealed Handgun Policy

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online: http://www.austincc.edu/campus-carry