Instructor:                 Frederick Garia      Frederick.Garia@austincc.edu  512.436.0277

Office Hours:             Friday zoom from 1:30-2:30 pm by appointment   

Class Location/Time: Riverside RVSS, rm 103                                           5:30 pm – 8:10 pm  Th

  Distance learning ZOOM (see Blackboard)   5:30 pm – 8:10 pm  Fr

Textbook:                  Introductory Circuit Analysis, 13th edition, by Boyledstad

                                    ISBN: 9780133923605

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

                                    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

Thumb Drive:               2 GB or larger

Optional Hand Tools: (Example: Jo-Ann Fabrics – in the bead dept.)

- Wire side cutter (e.g., multi-strand (flush) Wire Cutter) (≈$10)

Soldering Lab Consumables: - Supplied by the Dept.

• Whadda – Flashing LEDs electronic kit – WSI102 -  Quantity = 1
• 9 Volt Battery – Quantity = 1

Course Calendar

Topics covered in week number:

1. Chapter 1 - Introduction
2. Chapters 2
3. Chapters 3
4. Exam 1 (Chapters 1-3)
5. Chapter 4
6. Chapter 5
7. Chapter 6
8. Exam 2 (Chapters 4-6)
9. Chapter 7
10. Chapter 8 (SKIP)
11. Chapter 9
12. Exam 3 (Chapter 7-9)
13. Chapter 10
14. Chapter 11
15. Chapter 12
16. Final Exam (Chapters 1-12)

Tentative Laboratory Exercises:

Week 2            Lab #2 - Resistor Measurement and Tolerance

Week 3            Lab #3 - Ohm's Law and Multi-meter

Week 5            Lab #4 - Power in DC Circuits

Week 6            Lab #5 - Series DC Circuits

Week 7            Lab #6 – Parallel DC Circuits

Week 9            Lab #7 – Series-Parallel DC Circuits

Week 10          Lab #8 - Voltage Dividers

Week 11          Lab #9 - Thevenin’s and Norton’s Theorem

Week 13          Lab #10 - RC and RL Circuits, Transient

Course Subjects: (from the textbook)

• Chapter 1 - Introduction
• Chapter 2 – Voltage and Current
• Chapter 3 - Resistance
• Chapter 4 – Ohm’s Law, Power, and Energy
• Chapter 5 – Series dc Circuits
• Chapter 6 – Parallel dc Circuits
• Chapter 7 – Series-Parallel dc Circuits
• Chapter 8 – Methods of Analysis (SKIP)
• Chapter 9 – Network Theorems
• Chapter 10 – Capacitors
• Chapter 11 – Inductors
• Chapter 12 – Magnetic Circuits (optional/time permitting)

Course Policies

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, collaboration, and taking Exams and Quizzes.

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.

In order to be successful in this class, the student is expected to spend 1to 2 hours per hour spent in 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, Teamwork, 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’ teamwork, cooperation, and patience is essential for success.

Labs/Homework/pop quizzes include the grading of formal lab report textbook-chapter pop quizzes.

• Homework - The expectation is that students show their work, circle their answers, check the answer in the back of the book and refer to the file, "Problems not in the back of course text or corrected problems".
• Lab Results– These lab reports are used to document the results of the in-class lab experiments. The lab handout 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 handout. The instructor reserved the right to return the lab report incomplete and request resubmission for any omissions on the report.
• Pop Quizzes – These are typically one or two-question quizzes that can be given at any time during in-class time. These pop quizzes are unannounced and can occur anytime during the class period.

There will be three 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 on mathematical problems related to these 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 (< $30) 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 PowerPoint, 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 embedded within this course and is included as part of the expected course work.

The Comprehensive Final Exam will occur on the last day of class and cover concepts and problems from chapters 1 to 11 in the textbook. Students are expected to take the exam at the scheduled time and place.

Grading

Homework/quizzes/Attendance          10%

Labs                                                    10%

Project                                                 10%

Exams (3 @ 16.67% ea.)                    50%

Final exam (last day of class)             20%     ** Final exam will be comprehensive (cover all

                                                                             course material).

Attendance

Attendance is very crucial and may make the difference between successfully completing this class or not. This course is fast paced.  Please attend every class date and ask questions if anything is unclear.   In addition, everyone is responsible for learning how to set up a lab and collect data.

All students are expected to attend every class and to be punctual. If you are late, leave early, or come in and out of the classroom, this will count as an unexcused absence. Coming in and out of the classroom is disruptive to the other students and the professor. If more than three unexcused absences or unsatisfactory compliance with other course policies, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. If you cannot attend a particular class session, please discuss the conflict with me in advance (in person, via phone, or by email). Lectures are not covered in an assigned textbook.

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 one’s behavior toward others and work with others to resolve problems.

NOTE:  If circumstances arise and 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 may initiate withdrawals anytime during the semester before the official withdrawal deadline. 

Students may be withdrawn from the course by the instructor. 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 student’s recorded performance in the course. Withdrawal forms are available from campus Admissions and Records offices, or a student may withdraw from the course by using online services.

The last day to withdraw is TBD.

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

The missed exam and late work policies are as follows:

Attendance and being on time are mandatory and do affect your grade. Students who have three or more unexcused absences may be dropped from the course. An unexcused absence is the following: If you are more than 15 minutes late, leave early (more than 30 minutes) or come in and out of the classroom where you disrupt the other students and the class lecture.

These grading criteria may be modified as needed for the class during the semester. I expect a very high level of professionalism in class and outside sites. Take advantage of this course to your fullest because it will best replicate and prepare you for work in many industries.

• Missed or Late Homework or Lab Results – Please turn in homework and lab results on the date specified. No Late homework/labs/assignments will be accepted unless a written medical reason is submitted to the instructor “prior to the due date.”
• Pop Quizzes – These are not announced beforehand and there is no make-up for a missed quiz. Missed quizzes result in a zero being entered into Grade Center.
• Chapter Exams – NO MAKE-UPS WILL BE GIVEN unless a written medical reason is submitted to the instructor “prior to Exam date”. It is up to the instructor’s discretion to allow a make-up exam or not. If a make-up exam is allowed, it may be the same or a similar exam and it might be administered at any of the ACC testing centers.
• Semester Project – Failure to present a semester project will result in the instructor, at his or her discretion, assigning an automatic “Incomplete” or an “F” for a final grade. In other words, this item is required for the successful completion of this course.
• Final Exam - NO MAKE-UPS WILL BE GIVEN unless a written medical reason is submitted to the instructor “prior to Exam date”. It is up to the instructor’s discretion to allow a make-up exam or not. If a make-up exam is allowed, it may be the same or a similar exam.
• All office hours will be recorded.

Incompletes

A student, under very rare and extreme circumstances, may receive an incomplete as the final grade for this course. It is highly recommended that students should withdraw from the class if they know prior to the withdrawal date that they will be unable to finish the course. See the section on “Withdrawal Policy” for this course.

A final grade of an incomplete is a temporary grade that allows the student additional time to complete the required course work. The time allotted is typical until the course withdrawal date of the following semester. If the incomplete status has not been changed to a regular grade by this date, the grade is automatically changed to an “F”.

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

• The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control. (e.g. major illness after the withdrawal date, etc.) Student time management-related issues (job, family, etc.) are not accepted circumstances for requesting an incomplete.
• The student must have a “weighted grade total” of a “C” or better out on Blackboard Grade Center on the course withdrawal date.
• Prior to the end of the semester, the student must request from the instructor that the final grade of an “I” (incomplete) be awarded. This request must take the form of an ACC email and the department chair must be copied on the email.
• It is up to the instructor’s discretion to allow an “I” (incomplete) grade to be awarded or not.

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 date specified by the instructor within the following semester, but absolutely no later than 1 week prior to the withdrawal date of that semester.

Under no circumstances

• will an “I” (incomplete) status be extended to a second semester for a student to complete the course work.
• will an “I” (incomplete) status be used to bureaucratically withdraw a student from the course after the withdrawal date.

MISC. COURSE POLICIES

Food and Beverages

Food and beverage items are prohibited in the classroom and laboratory.

Dress Code

During the lab, students are required to wear closed-toe shoes at all times. Open-toed footwear (flip-flops, sandals, etc.) is not permitted.

Personal Electronic Media devices

• Cell/Smartphones are to be turned off or muted during lab and class time unless the instructor specifically requests their use for a class-related activity. No text messaging is allowed in class unless specifically requested by the instructor.  If you need to make or take a phone call, please step out of the classroom to do so. 
• iPod/MP3 players are not allowed during lab and class time.
• Video recording is not allowed in the class.
• Lecture audio recording is not permitted. 
• Laptops, IPads, and kindle type devices are allowed but limited for note-taking and instructor-requested activities.  

Teamwork

There are a number of in-class exercises and labs, where working in groups is very important for a successful outcome. In these settings’ teamwork, cooperation, and patience is essential for success.

Student Learning 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...

1. Do simple breadboarding and soldering.
2. Identify various components found in DC circuits.
3. Interpret resistor color codes.
4. Identify power sources.
5. Read simple schematic diagrams. 
6. Analyze circuits using appropriate formulas, solving for voltage, resistance, current, power, energy and efficiency values using:
   1. Ohm’s law
   2. Series, Parallel, and Series-parallel analysis of resistors, capacitors and inductors
   3. Reduce and return approach.
   4. Block diagram approach
   5. Kirchhoff’s voltage law
   6. Kirchhoff’s current law
   7. Superposition theorem
   8. Thévenin’s theorem
   9. Norton’s theorem
   10. Current divider rule
   11. Voltage divider rule
   12. Maximum power transfer theorem
   13. Branch current analysis
   14. Mesh analysis
   15. Nodal analysis
7. Use measuring instruments to measure voltage, resistance, current, inductance, and capacitance.
8. Present to the class the results of a semester project which involves the selection, purchase, assembly, soldering, and debugging of a relatively simple electronic kit.
9. Analyze the steady state response of capacitor and inductor circuits.

STUDENT ADVISING ADDENDUM

• Engineering Technology & Advanced Manufacturing Students who are seeking a degree or certificate should visit with an Area-Of-Study advisor:
  • Vidal Almanza, (Hays Campus, Student Affairs, 512-262-6533; vman@austincc.edu)
  • Eriko Tyner, Advisor Supervisor (RVS Campus, Bldg. G, Student Affairs, 512-223-6319; eriko.tyner@austincc.edu)
  • C. Alex Rawlins, (RRC Campus, Student Affairs, 512-223-0042; calexan4@austincc.edu)
  • Laura Garcia (HLC, Student Affairs, 512-223-9485; laura.garcia@austincc.edu)

Additional Area-Of-Study advisors can be found using this link:

https://students.austincc.edu/advising/

For online advising, please go to the following site:

https://students.austincc.edu/advising/online-advising/

High School students taking classes in dual enrollment or as part of an academy or institute will have different advisors and counselors assigned to them.

• All students are expected to check their ACC gmail regularly throughout the semester. We will be sending pertinent information about scholarships, the course schedule, job & internship opportunities, Microsoft Azure free student software program, career fairs, special events, and etc.  Your instructor will also be communicating with you in this way.