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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Xiaoyu Miao
E E 215
Seattle Campus

Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering

Introduction to electrical engineering. Basic circuit and systems concepts. Mathematical models of components. Kirchoff's laws. Resistors, sources, capacitors, inductors, and operational amplifiers. Solution of first and second order linear differential equations associated with basic circuit forms. Prerequisite: either MATH 126 or MATH 136; PHYS 122.

Class description

The goal of this class is to develop the methods and tools to analyze linear circuits. This course will focus on chapters 1-8 of the textbook (Nilsson and Riedel, Electric Circuits, 8th Edition. Prentice Hall, 2008). Students will learn how to use Ohm and Kirchhoff laws in circuit analysis. Students will also learn how to perform node and loop analysis as well as identify and model first and second order systems using differential equations to predict their transient behaviors.

Student learning goals

Identify linear systems and represent those systems in schematic form. Explain precisely what the fundamental circuit variables mean and why the fundamental laws governing them are true.

Apply Kirchhoff current and voltage laws, Ohm law, and the terminal relations describing inductive and capacitive energy-storage elements to circuit problems.

Simplify circuits using series and parallel equivalents and using Thevenin and Norton equivalents.

Perform node and loop analyses and set these up in standard matrix format.

Explain the physical underpinnings of capacitance and inductance. Identify and model first and second order electric systems involving capacitors and inductors.

Predict the transient behavior of first and second order circuits.

General method of instruction

Interactive lectures, quiz sessions to solve the problems mentored by TAs, lab sessions where you will work in a group to build circuits. Office hours with me and TAs.

Recommended preparation

Physics of electricity and magnetism. Algebra, trigonometry, integral and differential calculus, first and second order linear differential equations

Class assignments and grading

Homework, with the goal to solidify the understanding of the concepts covered in lectures. Lab reports - clear, concise and accurately written reports, contain narrative outlining the goals and outcomes of experiments. Midterm and Final - one each.

Details of the grading system will be posted on class website.


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Xiaoyu Miao
Date: 06/18/2008