Introduction to Electrical Engineering Technology

Course Description

EET1084C — Introduction to Electrical Engineering Technology is a college-credit, integrated lecture-and-laboratory course in Florida's Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) A.S. degree programs. The "EET" prefix denotes Electrical Engineering Technology — an applied technology pathway distinct from the theoretical Electrical Engineering (EEL) baccalaureate track. The "C" suffix indicates integrated lecture-and-lab. The course introduces students to fundamental electrical circuit theory, DC and AC analysis, electrical safety, basic test equipment operation, and circuit construction on prototyping boards.

This course is offered at Florida public colleges with EET A.S. programs, including Polk State College, Hillsborough Community College, Eastern Florida State College, Daytona State College, St. Petersburg College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Pensacola State College, and other institutions. EET A.S. graduates pursue careers as electrical engineering technicians supporting engineers in design, test, manufacturing, and field engineering roles.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of EET1084C, students will be able to:

• Apply basic DC circuit theory: voltage, current, resistance, power; Ohm's Law; series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits.
• Apply Kirchhoff's laws: voltage law (KVL); current law (KCL).
• Identify and use electrical components: resistors (color codes, tolerance, power ratings); capacitors; inductors; switches; relays.
• Operate standard electrical test equipment: digital multimeter (DMM); oscilloscope (introductory); regulated DC power supply; function generator (introduction).
• Apply introductory AC circuit theory: sinusoidal waveforms; RMS values; capacitive and inductive reactance; impedance.
• Construct circuits on solderless breadboards from schematic diagrams.
• Apply electrical safety practices: voltage ratings; fuse protection; lockout/tagout introduction; PPE; ESD awareness.
• Read and interpret basic electrical schematics and apply standard component symbols.
• Apply basic measurement and analysis: percent error; circuit verification against design; troubleshooting fundamentals.

Optional Outcomes

• Apply introductory circuit simulation using Multisim or LTSpice.
• Develop introductory familiarity with power and three-phase concepts.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Electrical Theory: Atomic structure; electron flow; voltage, current, resistance, power.
• DC Circuits: Ohm's Law; series, parallel, series-parallel circuits; KVL and KCL; voltage and current dividers.
• Electrical Components: Resistors (carbon, metal film, wirewound; color codes; power ratings); capacitors; inductors; switches; relays; fuses; circuit breakers.
• Test Equipment: Digital multimeter (voltage, current, resistance, continuity); oscilloscope (basic operation); function generator; DC power supply.
• AC Circuits: Sinusoidal waveforms; period, frequency, amplitude; RMS, peak, peak-to-peak; capacitive and inductive reactance; impedance.
• Circuit Construction: Solderless breadboards; component placement; wiring techniques; circuit verification.
• Electrical Safety: Voltage rating awareness; PPE (safety glasses, insulated tools); fuse selection; basic lockout/tagout; ESD control; OSHA introduction.
• Schematic Reading: Component symbols; wire and node identification; circuit topology; ground references.
• Troubleshooting: Systematic approach; voltage drop testing; continuity testing; common failure modes.

Resources & Tools

• Industry texts: Thomas L. Floyd Principles of Electric Circuits (Pearson); Bertrand Reno Electrical Wiring Practice; Charles Schuler Electronics Principles & Applications
• Lab equipment: digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, function generators, DC power supplies, component kits, solderless breadboards
• Standards awareness: NEC (NFPA 70) introduction; OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S (electrical safety)
• SkillsUSA CTSO

Career Pathways

EET1084C is foundational for electrical engineering technician careers in Florida:

• Electrical Engineering Technician (SOC 17-3023) at Florida manufacturers, defense contractors, utilities, and consumer electronics companies.
• Electronics Technician at electronics manufacturing and test facilities.
• Field Service Technician for industrial equipment, medical devices, or consumer electronics.
• Maintenance Technician at facilities, hospitality, and industrial operations.
• Continuation toward A.S. in EET, B.A.S. in Engineering Technology, or transfer to B.S. EE programs.

Special Information

Course Format

Typically 3 credits, 60 contact hours (integrated lecture and lab).

Articulation

EET1084C typically applies toward A.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology at Florida College System institutions. Articulation toward B.S. EE programs requires additional mathematics and physics prerequisites.

Industry Distinction

The Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) pathway is applied/practical and prepares students for technician roles. The Electrical Engineering (EE) pathway (EEL prefix) is theoretical/baccalaureate and prepares students for engineer roles. Both are valuable; students should consider their career goals when selecting a track.