Course Descriptions

Electrical Engineering Technology Course Descriptions

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(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)

ELEC-110 - BASIC ELECTRICITY 1  3 credits
Basic Electricity 1 is the first electrical course students will take in the Electrical Engineering Technology program at STCC. The purpose of the course is to give students a firm foundation in electrical theory. The course covers DC circuit theory with an emphasis on circuit analysis, practical application, and troubleshooting. The thorough presentation and use of laboratory test equipment throughout the course enhances the student’s understanding of electricity. PREREQUISITES: High school algebra 1 & 2, and placement in MATH-132.
ELEC-122 - PRACTICAL PROBLEM SOLVING FOR TECHNICIANS  3 credits
This entry level course is designed to provide students with a substantial foundation in applied mathematics and symbolism utilized in the field of electricity and electronics. Problems related to the electrical field are used to encourage the student to apply logical deduction to arrive at an answer. An awareness of electronic symbols, basic circuits, component terminology, and calculator use will be developed throughout the course.
ELEC-140 - BASIC PROGRAMMING FOR MICROCOMPUTERS  3 credits
This is an introductory course requiring no previous knowledge of microcomputers. The course contains two distinct topics: microcomputer fundamentals, and BASIC programming. Microcomputer fundamentals include what is a computer system, its operation, and applications such as word processing. The operation of DOS and Windows are also addressed. The programming section will utilize QBASIC and provide applications that will enhance the student’s ability to master other programming languages and the related field. This course builds the skills necessary for greater success in subsequent courses.
ELEC-210 - BASIC ELECTRICITY 2  3 credits
The continual expansion of knowledge opens new doors to employment opportunities. There is rapid change in the field of electricity. Behind all this change lies the basic core of electrical knowledge that a student must master. Basic Electricity 2 provides this basic framework with an introduction to alternating current and its comparison with direct current. The course covers AC circuit theory, AC circuit analysis, practical application, and troubleshooting. The lab associated with the course is intended to reinforce classroom theory. PREREQUISITES: ELEC-110, MATH-132.
ELEC-241 - FUNDAMENTALS OF MOTOR CONTROL  3 credits
A technologist in the electrical industry may be exposed to a great deal of information. Therefore, fundamentals of motor control, relay logic, and the related electrical theory are presented in a manner that is easy to understand and applicable to on-the-job situations. The theory of control, operation, and design is presented clearly and concisely. Students learn troubleshooting techniques related to real-world situations. PREREQUISITES: ELEC-110, ELEC-140, MATH-132; COREQUISITE: ELEC-210,
ELEC-260 - FLUID POWER TECHNOLOGY  3 credits
This course provides a fundamental understanding of the physical principles of hydraulics and pneumatics in a logical building-block manner, along with a practical working knowledge of the components normally utilized in designing, installing, operating, and maintaining hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
ELEC-280 - FUNDAMENTALS OF ROBOTICS  3 credits
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of Robotics Technology. It explores the basic principles of manipulator and actuator systems. One aspect of the course that makes it unique, is the attention given to hardware, which makes this course practical for training technicians. The course requires an understanding of simple mathematics and the basic use of computers. The laboratory will be used to perform real-time exercises in programming applications and techniques through the use of various training robots and systems. Attention will be given to type and style of robot, application, operational characteristics and control systems.
ELEC-320 - SOLID-STATE ELECTRONICS  3 credits
Industrial electronics is changing faster than ever because of the rapid changes in the electronics field. Large discrete solid state electronic devices with an emphasis on solid-state devices as they relate to specific applications are studied. Each device will have associated with it a laboratory exercise in order to provide a better understanding of the material at hand. Some of the topics covered will include diodes, diode applications, transistor switches, field effect transistors, DC biasing, switching circuits, thyristors, and voltage regulators. PREREQUISITES: ELEC-210, ENGL-100, MATH-232 may be taken as a prerequisite or concurrently with ELEC-320.
ELEC-332 - DIGITAL AND LINEAR CIRCUITS  3 credits
The goal of this course is to provide comprehensive and practical coverage of linear integrated circuits, digital circuits and applications. The extensive troubleshooting coverage and innovative system application serve as very important and necessary links between theory and the real world. It progresses from the fundamental circuit building blocks through to analog/digital conversion systems. The course is divided into two basic parts. The first part of this course will cover linear integrated circuits with considerable emphasis on the operational amplifier. The second will be devoted to the fundamentals of digital circuits. PREREQUISITES: MATH-132, ELEC-210, WRIT-202 or permission of Department Chair.
ELEC-350 - PROGRAMMABLE MOTOR CONTROL  3 credits
Control systems for electric motors are vital for the proper performance and protection of modern plant equipment. The programmable logic controller or PLC replaced many of the older relaying type logic systems; for this reason, this course deals only with programming of a modern PLC. Basic relay type logic is required for this course since the PLC will be used as a tool to simulate the older style relaying circuit. The laboratory associated with this course will be necessary for the complete understanding of programming the PLC and how a PLC interfaces with the modern industrial plant control systems. PREREQUISITES: ELEC-241.
ELEC-380 - ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATED SYSTEMS  3 credits
This course is a continuation of the second semester Fundamentals of Robotics. It proceeds into robot applications, work cells, interfacing and programming techniques. Real applications will be studied through student projects, which will be constructed and tested in the lab. Emphasis is given to the students’ creativity and ingenuity. Areas of special interest are: safety, part manipulation, programming, vision, Al and environmental/part sensing systems. Visits to area manufacturers and places of interest may also be a part of this course. PREREQUISITES: ELEC-320, ELEC-331, ELEC-340, MATH-132
ELEC-431 - CONTROL SYSTEM THEORY  3 credits
The goal of this course is to provide a state-of-the-art resource on control system technology. This includes the terminology, concepts, principles, procedures, and computations used by technicians to select, analyze, specify, design, troubleshoot, and maintain all established methodology with the aid of examples, calculator and control system components, Laplace transforms, instrument characteristics, signal conditions, and sensors. A laboratory period is included to help amplify the concepts learned in the classroom. Some of the topics covered will include manipulation, control, analysis, and design. PREREQUISITES: ELEC-331, MATH-232, ELEC-320, ENGL-100, ELEC-480.
ELEC-441 - SENIOR PROJECT  3 credits
This is a capstone course requiring the creation, design and application of electro-mechanical systems to real world applications through the use of automation, robotics and the latest manufacturing techniques. Assigned projects will require related research, documentation, presentation and teamwork. Emphasis will be on independent and interdependent group accomplishments in a cohesive process related to real world problem solving. Notebooks, timelines and team meetings with progress reports will be required. This course is 3 credits, requires senior standing in the department and each registered student must be a candidate for graduation in May. PREREQUISITES: ELEC-210, ELEC-320, ELEC-350, ELEC-331 and ELEC-480 or permission of department chair.
ELEC-451 - MICROPROCESSOR APPLICATIONS  3 credits
This course is directed to the application and use of microprocessors in industry, with emphasis on understanding basic operation, interfacing, and programming. Study includes basic architecture, developmental languages, bus structures, interfacing with peripheral devices, memory, input/output devices, and diagnostics. PREREQUISITES: MATH-232, ELEC-210, ELEC-320.
ELEC-485 - ADVANCED AUTOMATION  3 credits
This project oriented course provides expanded expertise and knowledge about the growing field of automation. It is a continuation of the ELEC-380 Robotics & Automation Course and provides the student with the opportunity to work in teams to devise and create various automation solutions to manufacturing problems and applications. Robots of all types and their related peripherals are studied and worked on in the lab. Closed-loop manufacturing systems, Hierarchical Control, PLC controls, hydraulics, pneumatics and vacuum (plasmas), and vision systems are utilized. Team work, creativity, research and presentation skills are emphasized in this capstone course. PREREQUISITE: ENGL-100, MATH-232, ELEC-320, ELEC-332 and ELEC-380