Overview of ISU EE 185
Course Title and Code
ISU EE 185 is typically titled "Electrical Engineering Fundamentals" or similar, depending on the semester offering. The course code, EE 185, indicates its position within the Electrical Engineering curriculum, often designed for sophomores or introductory-level students.
Course Description
The course aims to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of electrical engineering, including circuit analysis, electrical components, and basic electronics. It provides a foundation for more advanced courses in the electrical engineering sequence and helps students develop problem-solving skills pertinent to electrical systems.
Prerequisites
Usually, there are prerequisites such as basic physics, mathematics (particularly calculus), or introductory engineering courses. Students are expected to have a solid understanding of algebra and basic physics principles.
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes
Objectives
- To familiarize students with electrical circuit components and their behaviors.
- To develop proficiency in analyzing DC circuits.
- To introduce AC circuit concepts and analysis methods.
- To cultivate problem-solving skills related to electrical systems.
- To prepare students for advanced electrical engineering courses.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Identify different electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
2. Analyze and solve DC circuits using techniques like Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, and equivalent circuits.
3. Understand the concepts of voltage, current, power, and energy in electrical circuits.
4. Analyze AC circuits, including sinusoidal signals and impedance.
5. Apply phasor analysis to AC circuit problems.
6. Use simulation tools for circuit analysis.
7. Demonstrate safety practices in handling electrical components and systems.
Course Content and Weekly Breakdown
Week 1-2: Introduction to Electrical Circuits
- Basic concepts of electricity and circuits.
- Voltage, current, resistance.
- Circuit elements and symbols.
- Ohm's Law.
Week 3-4: Circuit Analysis Techniques
- Series and parallel circuits.
- Equivalent resistance.
- Voltage division and current division.
- Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws.
Week 5-6: Circuit Theorems
- Superposition theorem.
- Thevenin and Norton equivalents.
- Maximum power transfer theorem.
Week 7-8: Capacitance and Inductance
- Capacitors and inductors.
- Energy stored in electric and magnetic fields.
- Series and parallel combinations.
- Reactance and impedance.
Week 9-10: AC Circuit Analysis
- Sinusoidal sources.
- Phasors and complex impedance.
- Power calculations in AC circuits.
Week 11-12: Transients and Frequency Response
- RLC circuits.
- Transient response analysis.
- Bode plots and frequency response.
Week 13-14: Circuit Simulation and Laboratory Work
- Using simulation software like SPICE.
- Practical circuit analysis.
- Laboratory safety and procedures.
Week 15: Review and Final Assessment
- Course review.
- Preparation for final exams.
Assessment and Grading Breakdown
Examinations
- Midterm exams (typically 2).
- Final exam at the end of the semester.
Assignments and Quizzes
- Weekly problem sets.
- Quizzes based on recent topics.
Laboratory Reports
- Hands-on experiments.
- Report submissions demonstrating understanding and analysis.
Participation
- Attendance and active participation.
- Engagement in class discussions.
Grading Scale
Most courses follow a grading scale similar to:
- A: 90-100%
- B: 80-89%
- C: 70-79%
- D: 60-69%
- F: below 60%
Specific weighting may vary but typically:
- Exams: 40-50%
- Assignments and Quizzes: 20-30%
- Labs: 10-15%
- Participation: 5-10%
Essential Resources and Textbooks
Recommended Textbooks
- "Electric Circuits" by James W. Nilsson and Susan Riedel.
- "Fundamentals of Electric Circuits" by Charles K. Alexander and Matthew N.O. Sadiku.
- Supplementary materials provided by the instructor.
Online Resources
- ISU Learning Management System (e.g., Blackboard).
- Circuit simulation tools like SPICE, Multisim.
- Educational websites and video tutorials.
Laboratory Equipment
- Multimeters.
- Oscilloscopes.
- Function generators.
- Circuit breadboards and components.
Course Policies and Expectations
Attendance and Participation
Active involvement in lectures and labs is expected. Absences should be communicated in advance, and make-up work may be arranged.
Academic Integrity
Students must adhere to ISU’s academic integrity policies, avoiding plagiarism, cheating, and unauthorized collaboration.
Late Submissions
Late assignments may incur penalties unless prior arrangements are made.
Safety Guidelines
In lab sessions, safety procedures must be strictly followed to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
Understanding the ISU EE 185 syllabus is vital for students aiming to excel in foundational electrical engineering concepts. The syllabus provides a structured roadmap covering theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and assessment criteria. By familiarizing themselves with the weekly topics, grading policies, and resource requirements, students can optimize their learning experience and achieve academic success. Engaging actively with the coursework, utilizing available resources, and maintaining discipline will enable students to build a strong foundation for subsequent courses and future endeavors in electrical engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main topics covered in the ISU EE 185 syllabus?
The ISU EE 185 syllabus primarily covers electrical engineering fundamentals, including circuit analysis, signals and systems, electromagnetism, and basic electronics principles.
How can I access the detailed syllabus for ISU EE 185?
The detailed ISU EE 185 syllabus is available on the official Illinois State University Electrical Engineering department website or through the university's student portal.
Are there any recommended textbooks for ISU EE 185?
Yes, commonly recommended textbooks include 'Electric Circuits' by Nilsson and Riedel, and 'Signals and Systems' by Oppenheim and Willsky, which align with the course content.
What are the assessment methods used in ISU EE 185?
Assessments typically include midterm and final exams, homework assignments, laboratory reports, and participation in class activities, as specified in the syllabus.
Is there a lab component in ISU EE 185, and what does it involve?
Yes, the course includes laboratory sessions that involve hands-on experiments related to circuit construction, measurements, and analysis to reinforce theoretical concepts.
How can I best prepare for the ISU EE 185 exams based on the syllabus?
To prepare effectively, review all lecture notes, complete assigned homework and lab reports, understand fundamental concepts, and practice solving previous exam questions provided in the syllabus.
