BE104 - Electrical Circuit Fundamentals

Credit Points: 15 credit points

Workload: 48 hours

Prerequisite: N/A

Co-requisite: BE101 Engineering Mathematics

Aims & Objectives

This is a core unit out of a total of 24 units in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Telecommunications) BEngTech (Tel). This unit addresses the appropriate BEngTech (Tel) course learning outcomes by giving students a solid ground in electrical circuit theory, which is the basis for electricity and electronics. For further information on the course please refer to: http://www.mit.edu.au/study-with-us/programs/bachelor-engineering-technology-telecommunications.
This unit introduces students to electrical circuit theory. Students acquire a firm foundation in the analysis of electrical circuits (both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC)), elementary electrical measurements and the ability to use computer software for schematics and circuit simulation and analysis.
The unit covers the following topics:

  • Basic laws in electric circuits analysis and design (e.g. Kirchhoff and Norton laws)
  • Methods of Analysis;
  • Circuit Theorems
  • Operational Amplifiers
  • Capacitors and Inductors
  • First-order and second-order circuits
  • Sinusoids and phasors
  • Sinusoidal steady-state analysis
  • Frequency response of signals and systems

Learning Outcomes

The Course learning outcomes applicable to this unit are listed on the Melbourne Institute of Technology’s website: www.mit.edu.au
4.2 Unit Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit students are expected to be able to:
a) Describe basic electrical circuits and circuit elements schematically and analytically, and analyse their steady states using phasor diagrams, including their voltage-current characteristics.
b) Apply electrical circuit laws to calculate currents, voltages and powers in linear and nonlinear AC and DC electrical circuits using a variety of analytical methods.
c) Connect correctly an electrical circuit according to a given circuit diagram and use the appropriate laboratory equipment to display and measure their basic electrical features.
d) Simplify complicated electrical circuits into their equivalent Thevenin and Norton circuits.
e) Design and simulate basic electrical circuits using software.
f) Write laboratory reports on experiments in a professional manner.
g) Understand basic electrical quantities and their units, as well as the relationships between them.

Weekly Topics

This unit will cover the content below:

Week Topics
1 Basis concepts and basic laws in electrical circuits (e.g. Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws,
2 Methods of circuit analysis
3 Circuit Theorems (e.g. Thevenin, Norton)
4 Operational amplifiers
5 Capacitors and inductors
6 First-order electrical circuits
7 Second-order electrical circuits
8 Sinusoids and phasors
9 Sinusoidal steady-state analysis
10 AC power analysis
11 Frequency response of signals and systems
12 Review

Assessment

Assessment Task Release Date Due Date A B Learning Outcomes Assessed
Class Participation and Contribution Each week in Lab Each week in Lab 10%   a-g
Individual Formative Assignment 1 Week 1 Week 3 08/04/2022 5%   a
In-Class Test During the lab session Week 7   10% b,d,g
Assignment 2 (Groups of 2-3 students) Week 6 Week 11 03/06/2022 25%   a,b,d,e,f,g
Final Examination (2 hours)       50% a,b,d,g
TOTALS     40% 60%  

Task Type: Type A: unsupervised, Type B: supervised.

Class Participation and Contribution
This unit has class participation and student contribution as an assessment. The assessment task and marking rubric will follow the Guidelines on Assessing Class Participation (https://www.mit.edu.au/about-us/governance/institute-rules-policies-and-plans/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/Guidelines_on_Assessing_Class_Participation). Further details will be provided in the assessment specification on the type of assessment tasks and the marking rubrics.
Presentations (if applicable)
For presentations conducted in class, students are required to wear business attire.

Textbook and Reference Materials

Note: Students are required to purchase the prescribed textbook and have it available each week in class.

Prescribed Text Book:

  • Charles Alexander and Matthew Sadiku, Fundamentals of Electric Circuits, McGraw-Hill Education, 2017.

Other recommended references:

  • Nicholas L Pappas, Electric Circuits - Analysis and Design, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 2014.
  • William H. Hayt, Jack Kemmerly, and Steven M. Durbin, Engineering Circuit Analysis, McGraw-Hill Education, 2011
  • Robert L. Boylestad, Introductory Circuit Analysis, Pearson Education, 2016.
  • Charles J. Monier, Electric Circuit Analysis, Pearson Education, 2001.

Adopted Reference Style: IEEEE (Information can be found in MIT library referencing)

Graduate Attributes

MIT is committed to ensure the course is current, practical and relevant so that graduates are “work ready” and equipped for life-long learning. In order to accomplish this, the MIT Graduate Attributes identify the required knowledge, skills and attributes that prepare students for the industry.
The level to which Graduate Attributes covered in this unit are as follows:

Ability to communicate Independent and Lifelong Learning Ethics Analytical and Problem Solving Cultural and Global Awareness Team work Specialist knowledge of a field of study

Legend

Levels of attainment Extent covered
The attribute is covered by theory and practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students always play an active role, e.g. workshops, lab submissions, assignments, demonstrations, tests, examinations.
The attribute is covered by theory or practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students mostly play an active role, e.g. discussions, reading, intepreting documents, tests, examinations.
The attribute is discussed in theory or practice; it is addressed by assessed activities in which the students may play an active role, e.g. lectures and discussions, reading, interpretation, workshops, presentations.
The attribute is presented as a side issue in theory or practice; it is not specifically assessed, but it is addressed by activities such as lectures or tutorials.
The attribute is not considered, there is no theory or practice or activities associated with this attribute.