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Printed on 4/18/2025

Electronics Fundamentals

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20-620-4 Certificate (C) 13 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

If you're looking for a strong foundation in fundamental electronics, this certificate program is a great choice. You'll learn the practical concepts of electronics and will study components, circuit theory and circuit assembly. You'll also learn how to operate test equipment used for powering and analyzing circuitry. Your training covers basic DC and AC, solid state and digital circuits. This hands-on program allows you to practice what you learn in the lab so you'll be job ready.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    General Studies (3 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • College Technical Math 1A
    10-804-113
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10804113
    • Credits: 3.00

    Topics include: solving linear equations; graphing; percent; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; and right triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. Successful completion of College Technical Mathematics 1A and College Technical Mathematics 1B is the equivalent of College Technical Mathematics 1.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • Accuplacer Algebra 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Math 18+ OR MATH 10804133 - Math & Logic OR Algebra Level 1 Coursework

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)

    Technical Studies (10 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • PLC 1
    10-628-151
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10628151
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)s and RSLogix 500 Programming Software. The PLC hardware will consist of Allen Bradley products. Students use the RSLogix 500 programming software to create logical solutions for real world applications. The applications will require students to create, download, and debug programs in RSLogix 500.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 30413305 - Electricity - Industrial 1

    OR ANY of the following options:

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • ELECTRNC 10605130 - Digital 1

    • ELECTRNC 10609170 - Ladder Logic & Control Devices

    • ELECTRNC 10660170 - Ladder Logic & Control Devices

    • ELECTRNC 10662101 - Digital Electronics Design 1
  • PLC 2
    10-628-152
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10628152
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)s and Studio 5000 (formerly RSLogix5000) Programming Software. The PLC hardware will consist of Allen Bradley products. Students will configure Ethernet communications to connect to the Allen Bradley PLC hardware. Students will use Studio 5000 programming software to create logical solutions for real world applications. The applications will require students to create, download, and debug their programs. Students will study industrial sensors and their uses. Students will wire and test sensor operations.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • ELECTRNC 10609173 - ProgrammableLogicControllers 1

    • TECINDUS 10628151 - PLC 1
  • DC Circuits 1
    10-660-110
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660110
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces electrical safety and program procedures. The course covers Ohm's Law, power law, series circuits, and voltmeter, ammeter and ohmmeter applications. Number powers, electronic notations, circuit component recognition and diagrams, resistor power ratings, color code, Kirchhoff's voltage law and atomic structure are also included.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • MATH 10804113 - College Technical Math 1A

    • MATH 10804115 - College Technical Math 1

    • MATH 10804118 - Interm Algebra w Apps

    • MATH 10804197 - College Algebra & Trig w Apps

    • MATH 31804308 - Industrial Maintenance Math
  • DC Circuits 2
    10-660-111
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660111
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers basic parallel and series-parallel circuits and their properties. Examines the theory, application and design of series-parallel circuits, such as loaded and unloaded voltage dividers and the Wheatstone bridge. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660110 - DC Circuits 1
  • DC Circuits 3
    10-660-112
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660112
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers capacitors and inductors including time constants and instantaneous voltage and current values of RC and RL circuits. Applications and various types of capacitors and inductors are discussed. Magnetism, electromagnetism, and devices, such as relays and solenoids, are also presented. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660111 - DC Circuits 2​
  • AC Circuits 1
    10-660-114
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660114
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers AC waveforms and different voltage values including Peak, RMS, Average and Peak to Peak. The operation of transformers is also included. Laboratory activities using the oscilloscope are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660111 - DC Circuits 2

    AND ANY of the following options:

    • ELECTRNC 10660112 - DC Circuits 3​

    • Student is in progress in Manufacturing Engineering Technology (10-623-3) Program of Study
  • Ladder Logic & Control Devices
    10-660-170
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660170
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces hardwired components found in industrial applications used to control simple circuits. Students will learn about switches, relays, contactors, timers, and indicator lamps. Students will use their knowledge of these devices to wire various circuits. Students will use ladder logic diagrams to interconnect and label devices to make complete circuits.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660110 - DC Circuits 1​
  • Semiconductor Devices
    10-662-108
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10662108
    • Credits: 3.00

    Covers semiconductor materials, the operation of diodes, Zener diodes, clipping and clamping circuits and the construction of rectifiers and filter circuits, fundamental transistors construction and operation, transistors operation as a switch, DC and AC analysis of transistors, bypass and coupling capacitor functions, along with circuit limitations due to circuit configuration. Operation of FET, MOSFET, SCR, DIAC, TRIAC, and IGBT are also covered.  SiC and GaN power semiconductor devices are also introduced. Laboratory experiments are performed to verify theory.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660114 - AC Circuits 1

    AND ANY of the following options:

    • MATH 10804113 - College Technical Math 1A

    • MATH 10804115 - College Technical Math 1

    • MATH 10804118 - Interm Algebra w Apps

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • ELECTRNC 10662107 - DC/AC Circuit Analysis 2

    • Student is in progress in Electronics Fundamentals (20-620-4) Program of Study
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Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
×

Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

×

Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.