ES 110: Introduction to Engineering & Lab Experience
Instructor: Saeid Rahimi
Fall 2013

Lecture: Tue. 1-1:50 pm
Laboratory: Tue. 2.00-4:50 pm
Location: Salazar Hall 2003
Office Hours: Tue., Wed. 11:00 - 11:50 AM or by appointment
Office: Salazar 2008B
Phone: (707) 664-3390
Email: rahimi at sonoma dot edu

Course Catalogue Description: Laboratory, 3 hours. ES110 is the first course in electronics for electrical engineering majors and minors. The course is designed to introduce the basic principles of electrical engineering to the students and expose them to the electronics and computer laboratory environment. Students are given the opportunity to design and build some simple analog and digital circuits and make measurements using various types of electronic equipment. This course is also designed to provide an overview of the topics that the students will encounter in more advanced courses.

Course Textbook: No textbook is required for this class. The basic lecture and laboratory material will be presented in class and posted on the course web site. Students are highly encouraged to search online for alternative presentations and explanations of the topics of their interest.

Grading Policy: 50% lecture and 50% lab

Lecture grade: 20% homework; 40% Test 1 (Oct. 8); 40% Test 2 (Dec. 10)

Lab grade: The lab grade includes four components:
Lab performance, attendance & Reports 40%
Test 1 20%
Final project 20%
Test 2 20%

Students are strongly advised to start planning for their final projects during the early weeks of the semester. They are also encouraged to explore the Internet and find practical and interesting electronic circuits and applications relevant to each lab topic and the topic of their final lab presentation. Up to two students may collaborate on the final project. Each group is required to propose their plans for the final project to the course instructor on or before Tuesday Nov. 19. The necessary electronic components and materials may be obtained from local or online electronic stores. Students may keep their final project at the end of the course.

Missing Laboratory Sessions: To be considered as a justifiable absence, evidence of serious and compelling reasons for the absence is required. One make-up lab session is scheduled for Nov. 26. In case of additional justified absences, students are responsible for arranging make-up sessions with the course instructor.

Lecture Topics and Schedule
Date Lecture Topics
8/20, Lecture 0 Course Overview
8/27, Lecture 1 Electronic Components, symbols and Drawing Circuits
9/3, Lecture 2 Direct Currents and Voltages, and Ohm's Laws
9/10, Lecture 3 Circuit Laws
9/17, Lecture 4 Alternating Current (AC) Signals and Waves
9/24, Lecture 5 Capacitor Charging and Discharging
10/1, Lecture 6 Diodes and Transistors
10/8 Test 1
10/15, Lecture 7 Operational Amplifiers
10/22, Lecture 8 Digital Electronics
10/29, Lecture 9 Microcontrollers
11/5, Lecture 10 Basic Concepts of LabVIEW
11/12, Lecture 11 Renewable Power Generation
11/19, Lecture 12 Electronic Device Fabrication
11/26, Lecture 13 Lasers
12/3 Course Review
12/10 Test 2
Laboratory Topics and Schedule
Date Lab Topics
8/20, Lab 0 Orientation and Tour of Engineering Science Laboratories and Facilities
8/27, Lab 1 Electronic Components and Electrical Voltage, Current and Resistance
9/3, Lab 2 Ohm's Law, DC Power Supply, Series and Parallel Resistor Combinations
9/10, Lab 3 Voltage Dividers, Circuit Boards and Soldering
9/17, Lab 4

Introduction to AC Measurements Equipment

9/24, Lab 5 Capacitors I: Half-Wave & Full-Wave Rectifiers
10/1, Lab 6 Capacitors II: A Low-pass & High-pass Filters
10/8 Test 1
10/15, Lab 7 A Transistor Amplifier
10/22, Lab 8 Operational Amplifiers
10/29, Lab 9 Digital Electronics: Basic Concepts
11/5, Lab 10 Introduction to Microcontrollers
11/12, Lab 11 Introduction to Multisim
11/19 Project Group Discussions
11/26 Make-up Session
12/3 Project Presentations
12/10 Test 2

Course Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe “engineering” and the fields of engineering and various choices you can make
  2. Understand some basic electrical engineering concepts and terminologies
  3. Understand what would be expected from you as an electrical engineer at the work place.
  4. Expose to electrical engineering labs
  5. Receive some hands-on experience with measurement equipment and tools in electrical engineering labs
  6. Apply the basic engineering concepts in the lab
  7. Work in teams in the lab in preparation for project designs
Student Learning Outcomes vs. Course Learning Objectives:
ABET Student Outcomes Course Learning Objectives Level of Support
(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering B, F 3
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data B, D, E, F 3
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs B, E, F 4
(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams G 4
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems B, F 3
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility C 3
(g) an ability to communicate effectively   0
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context A 3
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning   0
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues   0
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice E 3
(l) one or more technical specialties that meet the electronic-related needs of  North Bay companies A-E 3

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