Faculty Syllabus

Instructor Information:

Professor Rosalba Schramm

Cell Phone: (512) 289-9857

Email: rosalba.schramm@austincc.edu

Office Hours:

In Person: Monday & Wednesday - 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at HBC1, Room 406.0

Online: Schedule a tutoring time via email

CETT-1403-017 (28645) @ HBC1, Room 406.0
Meeting Times: LEC M & W:  1:30 PM  - 2:30 PM, and LAB M & W 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM

COURSE DESCRIPTION/REQUIREMENTS

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

A study of the fundamentals of direct current including Ohm's law, Kirchhoff’s laws and circuit analysis techniques. Emphasis on circuit analysis of resistive networks and DC measurements. Includes steady state analysis of magnetism, electromagnetism, inductance, and capacitance.

Course Information:

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

Course Prerequisites:  

Math 0390 - Intermediate Algebra or higher OR Math 1314-College Algebra.

“Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.”

Student Knowledge and Experience Assumptions:  

• Basic math skills required: Add, subtract, multiple, divide, fractions, decimals, percentages, use of formulas, algebra, and word problems 
• Use of a scientific calculator 
• Use of the internet and internet-based tools 

Readings

Required Textbook: Introductory Circuit Analysis Robert L. Boylestad 14th edition 

Pearson Publisher. You should have your etextbook, pencils & calculator with you at all times during the class sessions.

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

Required Class Material(s)

Final Course Project: School will provide OR Students will select and purchase an electronic/electrical kit project to be graded as a Final Course Project (Student must solder, troubleshoot and put together for grading).

Flash Drive – For saving all your work. Do not save your work on classroom computers. Notebook/Binder Recommended – For keeping copies of all your assignments/exams Adafruit Parts Pal - will be provided to you at no cost by department.

Scientific Calculator – non graphing; We recommend TI 36X Pro or TI 30X IIS.

Hand Tools: - School will provide during LAB time or students can purchase own hand tools: Wire side cutter (e.g., multi-strand (flush) Wire Cutter), - Needle Nose Pliers (e.g., Bent Chain Nose with spring), - Spool of Stainless-Steel Bead wire (22 gauge), and soldering kit with a good soldering sucker.   

Required Textbook: Introductory Circuit Analysis Robert L. Boylestad 14th edition 

Pearson Publisher. You should have your etextbook, pencils & calculator with you at all times during the class sessions.

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

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
• Chapter 9 – Network Theorems
• Chapter 10 – Capacitors
• Chapter 11 – Inductors
• Chapter 12 – Magnetic Circuits (optional/time permitting)

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. Thevenin’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.

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as an email.

Topics covered in week number:

1. Chapter 1 - Introduction
2. Chapters 2  
3. Chapters 3  
4. Chapter 4 
5. Exam 1 (Chapters 1-4) Thursday February 12
6. Chapter 5
7. Chapter 6
8. Exam 2 (Chapters 4(part)-6) Thursday March 12
9. Chapter 7

Class Project Due via email:  April 6 by 11:59 PM

Class Project Presentation Days: April 7 & 9

1. Chapter 8 
2. Chapter 9
3. Exam 3 (Chapter 7-9) Thursday April 16
4. Chapter 10
5. Chapter 11
6. Chapter 12
7. Final Exam (Chapters 1-12) Tuesday, May 12

Course Policies

Instructional Methodology:  

Lecture will be conducted in person and using Blackboard Collaborate.

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

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 assume that the student has done the reading assignments before class. 

In order to be successful in this class, the student is expected to spend 1 to 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.

Laboratory Exercises and Reports:

A laboratory booklet will be provided to you. Make sure that each question listed in the lab hand out is addressed in the write-up. The instructor reserves the right to return incomplete work for resubmission.

Grading System: Course Performance Measurements:

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 reports and textbook chapter pop quizzes.

• Homework - The expectation is that students show their work, circle their answers.                 Note: Homework will be collected randomly for grading.
• 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 as 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 and one Final Exam, each exam is 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 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, and or 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 middle 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 12 in the textbook. Students are expected to take the exam at the scheduled time and place.

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 

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 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.

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 for this class: APRIL 27.

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 late more than 15 minutes, 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 at 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 the 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 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.

 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.

To see the ACC College Policies, please click on the “College Policies and Student Support Services” or find this information 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

STUDENT ADVISING ADDENDUM

(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.

Artificial Intelligence Policy for the Departments of
Engineering Technology and Advanced Manufacturing

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.