Faculty Syllabus

• Credit Hours: 4
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 3

This course is a study of the fundamentals of direct electrical current including Ohm's law, Kirchhoff’s laws and circuit analysis techniques. Emphasis is on circuit analysis of resistive networks and DC measurements. This includes steady state analysis of inductance and capacitance.

This course is the first introduction to basic electronics and electrical circuits. It serves as the feeder to the majority of certificate and AAS degree programs of the Engineering Technology department, and is the pre-requisite for the subsequent course CETT-1405, AC Circuits. The competencies covered in the course serve as the foundational skills that are important to students pursuing a program in engineering technology area of study.

Course prerequisites:

It is assumed that the student will know how to:

• Perform basic math skills required: add, subtract, multiply, divide, fractions, decimals, percentages, use of formulas, algebra, and word problems
• Use a scientific calculator
• Use the Internet and Internet-based tools
• Use of Microsoft Office applications (word, excel, power point, etc.)
• Use of Adobe applications (PDF and PDF forms)
• MATD 0370/NCBM 0270 or higher; or departamental approval.

Requires textbook, materials and software: 

• Textbook: Introductory Circuit Analysis (14th Edition), Robert L. Boylestad, ISBN-13: 9780137594115
  • Don't purchase textbook, it will be provided though Blackboard.
• Lab Kit: Adafruit Parts Pal - http://www.adafruit.com/product/2975 - Supplied by the ACC Department
• Scientific Calculator: Example Included: Texas Instruments Model: TI-30Xa, Casio fx-260, TI 36X Pro, Calculator App
• Thumb Drive: 4 GB or larger
• 1 to1.5  inch to 1.5”  8.5 x 11 inch Loose leaf binder with pockets . or
• 100 to 200 page 8.5 inch x 11 notebook

Student Knowledge and Experience Assumptions:

• Math skills required: unit of measurement and SI prefix conversion, decimals, percentages, use of formulas, algebra, and word problems
• basic trigonometric identities
• Use of a scientific calculator
• Use of the internet and internet-based tools
• Knowledge of MS Word and Excel or similar applications

Required Textbook:

• Introductory Circuit Analysis – 14th Edition, Robert L. Boylestad, ISBN-13: 9780137594115

Don't purchase textbook, it will be provided though Blackboard.

Read chapters and laboratory exercises before the scheduled week.

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
Chapter 9 – Network Theorems
Chapter 10 – Capacitors
Chapter 12 – Magnetic Circuits

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 bread-boarding and soldering
2. Identify various components found in DC circuits
3. Interpret a resistor color code and tolerance labeling scheme.
4. Identify, Set-up, and Use DC power sources
5. Read and Interpret simple DC Circuit schematic diagrams
6. Analyze DC Circuits using appropriate formulas, solving for voltage, resistance, current, power, energy, efficiency, etc. values using the following approaches, laws, theorems, rules and procedures:

• Ohm’s law
• Series, Parallel, and Series-parallel analysis of resistors, capacitors and inductors
• Reduce and return approach
• Block diagram approach
• Kirchhoff’s voltage law, Kirchhoff’s current law
• Superposition theorem, Thévenin’s theorem, Norton’s theorem
• Current divider rule
• Voltage divider rule
• Maximum power transfer theorem

7. Use measuring instruments to measure voltage, resistance, current, inductance, and capacitance. Interpret the instrument reading and determine the value in proper units of measure, the correct number of significant figures, apply appropriate round off techniques, and documenting this value in proper Engineering Notation.

8. Analyze and plot the steady state response of capacitor and inductor circuits

9. Present to the class the results of a semester project which involves the assembly and debug of a relatively simple electronic kit. Prepare a presentation to present to the class on the research completed. Demonstrate to the class a working device.

Textbook:

The cost of required course materials, including an online version of the textbook access, has been added to your tuition and fees bill. The included textbook is: Introductory Circuit Analysis (14th Edition), Robert L. Boylestad, ISBN: 9780137594119 Copyright © 2023 by Pearson Education, Inc, or its Affiliates.

Access to First Day™ course materials is via your course entry on Blackboard. In the course menu click on the tab for Tools: First Day Course Materials. A DC Circuits (200035) icon should open up in the BNC portal. Click on the textbook icon.

A copy of the previous versions of the textbook may also be used if the student already has or wishes to acquire at their expense:

Introductory Circuit Analysis (13th Edition), Robert L. Boylestad, ISBN: 9780133923605 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc, or its Affiliates.

       OR

Introductory Circuit Analysis (12th Edition), Robert L. Boylestad, ISBN: 9780137146666 Copyright © 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc, or its Affiliates.

Lab Kit: Adafruit Parts Pal - Supplied by the Dept.

Multimeter: AstroAI Digital Multimeter – AM33D – Supplied by the Dept.

Scientific Calculator: Example: Texas Instruments Model: TI-30Xa (≈$12) – Student supplied

Thumb Drive: 2 GB or larger – optional student supplied

Soldering Hand Tools: –optional student supplied

• Wire side cutter (e.g. Multi-strand (flush) Wire Cutter) (≈$11)
• Needle Nose Pliers (e.g. Bent Chain Nose with spring) (≈$13)
• Spool of Stainless Steel Bead wire (22 gauge) (≈$7)

Soldering Lab Consumables: - Supplied by the Dept.

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

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.

The use of a calculator is mandatory for this course. Calculators will be available during class, but must remain in the classroom. It is very highly recommended that you obtain a scientific calculator for this course and learn how to use it. A significant portion of your final grade is based on solving problems so having the right tool will make all the difference.

Computers with internet access are available in the classroom for in-class exercises.  Homework will primarily be reading assignments, post-lecture problem sets, and formal lab reports.

The learning process for each module (chapter in the textbook) will be:

• Read the chapter prior to attending class
• Do the in-class Warm-up exercise at the beginning of class.  Note, the instructor will occasionally collect these exercises as a pop-quiz
• Listen to the lecture and work through the in-class problems throughout the lecture
• Do the graded Post-Lecture Review problems as homework.  These are typically mathematical problems that reinforce the concepts of the chapter, and are due on following Tuesday.
• Do the in-class lab work with a team.
• Complete the Formal Lab Report as homework.  These are typically due on the following Thursday.
• Complete the exam review homework.
• Complete the chapter exams (4 in total) in class.
• Select and complete a Final Semester Project.  This will be an individual lab project that you will build, debug, and present to the class.
• Complete the Final Exam in class on the last week of class

If you get stuck on a problem, please send me an email or plan to meet during my office hours.  Face-to-face and online tutoring is also available.

Please note: I estimate, and former students have acknowledged, that it takes a minimum of ten (10) hours per week to be successful in this course. I highly recommend you find a way to set aside that time to work on this course. Look at your schedule and figure out where this time is going to fit. If you are unable to put in the time, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Participation, Teamwork, and Attendance

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 are essential for success.

Labs/Homework/pop quizzes

Labs/Homework/pop quizzes include the grading of formal lab reports, textbook chapter post lecture review problems, and in-class warm-up pop quizzes.

• Formal Lab Reports –Lab reports are used to document the results of the in-class lab experiments typically completed by a team of students.  Teamwork is an essential skill in lab success.  The data captured during the lab is shared by the entire team, and each student is then expected to create their own formal lab report.  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 reserves the right to return the lab report as incomplete and request resubmission for any omissions on the report. The student is allowed to use a PDF form that has been specially designed to meet the formal lab report criteria. This PDF form is available on Blackboard.
• Textbook Chapter Post Lecture Review Problems – These problems help to illustrate the concepts that were brought out in the textbook. The Post Lecture Review Problems are assigned as homework and typically require a mathematical solution. These problems are located on the Blackboard.

IMPORTANT: The answers to the problems will be submitted on Blackboard.  You should use a piece of paper to write out your solution to the problems.  Attach a photo of your handwritten work to the “Additional Content” section at the end of the assignment.  Points will be deducted if your work is not attached.

• 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 is no make up for a missed pop quiz.

Chapter Exams

There will be four Chapter Exams each covering three 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. These exams may contain True/False, Multiple choices, completion, matching, and/or mathematical problems. The exam times and content are announced in advance of the exam. A pre-exam review is provided to help the student prepare for each exam and will count as a homework grade. Students are expected to take the exam at the scheduled time and place.

Semester Project

For the Semester Project each student will build, and demonstrate to the class a small electronic circuit. The semester project will be 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 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 Power Point, etc.

Discipline Assessment Cycle (DAC)

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.

Comprehensive Final Exam

The Comprehensive Final Exam will occur on the last week of class and cover concepts and problems from chapters 1 to 12d in the textbook. This test will have a format that is similar to the chapter exams. Students are expected to take the exam at the scheduled time and place. The DAC is integrated into the final exam.

Grading System Percentages

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

90% ≤ “A” ≤ 100%

80% ≤ “B” < 90%

70% ≤ “C” < 80%

60% ≤ “D” < 70%

0% ≤ “F” < 60%

Monitor your progress

You can check your grades throughout the course by selecting the My Grades link in the menu.

Attendance/Class Participation

Attendance is very crucial and may make the difference between successfully completing this class or not. All students are expected to attend every class and to be punctual. If more than three unexcused absences or unsatisfactory compliance with other course policies, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. Email the instructor to notify if you will be absent from class.

Withdrawal Policy

If circumstances arise such that a student cannot complete this course, it is to your advantage to withdraw from the class by the deadline to avoid getting an unsatisfactory grade on your permanent school record. The student or the instructor may initiate a withdrawal 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 Mon 4/27/2026

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

The missed exam and late work policies are as follows:

• Formal Lab Reports – The lab reports are typically due seven (7) calendar days after the lab was performed or scheduled to be performed. There is a late penalty of 1% per day. Missing lab reports will result in the instructor, at his or her discretion, assigning an automatic “Incomplete” or an “F” for a final grade. Labs are important and are required for successful completion of this course.
•  Textbook Chapter Post Lecture Review Problems – These problem sets have specific due dates and times. If the problem set is not completed prior to this date/time, there is a late penalty of 1% per day. Missing post lecture review problems will result in the instructor, at his or her discretion, assigning an automatic “Incomplete” or an “F” for a final grade. 
  •   Pop Quizzes – These are not announced before hand and there is no make up for a missed quiz. Missed quizzes result in a zero being entered as a grade in GradeCenter.
  • Chapter Exams – 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 or another location.
  • Semester Project – The semester project is an opportunity for each student to make a formal presentation to the class on an individually selected 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. The semester project is important and is required for successful completion of this course.
  • Final & DAC Exam - 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.

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 typically 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:

1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstance beyond their control. (e.g. major illness after withdrawal date, etc.) Student time management related issues (job, family, etc.) are not accepted circumstances for requesting an incomplete.
2. The student must have a “weighted grade total” of a “C” or better out on Blackboard Grade Center on the course withdrawal date.
3. 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 dept. chair must be copied on the email.
4. 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 a 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.

1. Introduction: The use of generative AI (GAI) is permitted in this course under certain
conditions and with instructor approval for the purposes of enhancing learning while
maintaining academic integrity.
2. Rationale: GAI is permitted to foster technological fluency and to leverage advanced
tools for research, projects and other relevant assignments, as long as it does not
substitute for the students’ original work, critical thinking and learning.
3. Definition of GAI: Generative AI encompasses technologies that create content through
learned patterns and data without direct human input.
4. Usage Permissions: Permitted: GAI can be used for initial research, idea generation,
and learning coding practices. It is not to be used for final submissions unless explicitly
cited and discussed. Students should check with their instructors for approval before
using AI in their assignments.
5. Resources: The ACC Library provides guidance on the ethical and effective use of GAI .
Additional resources may be provided by your instructor.
6. Assessment: Contributions of GAI must be clearly cited and will be assessed on the
student’s ability to critically analyze and integrate the AI-generated content.
7. Penalties: Misuse of GAI, including a failure to cite, will be considered a breach of
academic integrity, with consequences including a failing grade for the assignment and
academic review.
8. Exceptions: Should the technology be required as an accommodation, exceptions will be
made on a case-by-case basis.

(Last Update 1/07/2026)

Engineering Technology & Advanced Manufacturing Students who are seeking a degree
or certificate should visit with their assigned Area-Of-Study advisor. To find out who
your assigned advisor is, go to Find My Advisor and follow the steps using MyACC. If
you have not been assigned an advisor, then please visit the Advising Office on your
campus or fill out the Contact ACC Advising form and someone will get back to you.
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. For help
finding advising support for High School students, contact the ACC Office of College
& High School Relations.
 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 communicate with you through Blackboard
Announcement and Email.

Beginning with the Spring Semester of 2023 the sections on College Policies and Student Support
Services no longer needs to be included as part of the documented syllabus. Instead this information is
found via a direct link in the Blackboard course or by accessing the information directly via the ACC
web page at the following hyperlink or the listed QR code below:
https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies