Electricity - Electronics
21 courses · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ELCT-30 Exploring the World of Electricity and Electronics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is an overview of electricity and electronics presented in the context of the principles of science. Students will gain an understanding of electronic components and circuits and will learn how to use the scientific method to investigate the physical nature of electricity, magnetism and their applications. Topics such as electronics in biotechnology, communications, consumer electronics, and industrial technology will be addressed, along with the impact and context of the “electronic age” on modern society. (12/18)
ELCT-31 Foundations of Electronics - Dc and Ac Circuits
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-30
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of electricity and electronics including basic direct and alternating current circuits, passive components, measuring instruments, circuit testing and troubleshooting. Students will learn about resistance, capacitance, inductance, and transformer action in direct and alternating current circuits. Laboratory activities are designed to offer practical experience in circuit assembly, use of test and measuring equipment, circuit analysis and troubleshooting. (12/18)
ELCT-34 Digital Logic, Circuits, and Systems (Foundations of Electronics)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-30, ELCT-31, ELCT-41, ELCT-52
- Transfers to
- CSU
The aim of this course is to provide the student with an introduction to basic digital electronic devices (logic gates, flip-flops, seven-segment displays, counters, shift registers) and their applications in modern computing, mechatronics and automated systems. A/D and D/A converters and the basic operation of programmable logic controllers and microcomputers will be introduced. (12/18)
ELCT-36 Networking Topologies and Cabling
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-51B
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is a course designed to provide the student with information and knowledge to prepare for the industry-standard Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Register installer. Level I exam, and employment as a telecommunications cabling installer. Students will gain an understanding of the cabling industry, U.S. and international standards, basic networking, signal transmission, copper cabling, fiber optics, installation, safety, structured cabling system basics, cable management, cable testing, and emerging technologies. Students will also be prepared to read network design documentation, architectural blueprints, set up part parts lists, purchase components, pull and mount cable, choose wiring closets, install jacks, and perform cable testing. (5/13)
ELCT-41 Industrial Motor and Equipment Control (Applications of Electronics)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-52 or INDT-60
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to present the principles and applications of electrical motor and equipment control techniques used in industry. Ladder logic diagrams, contactors, motor starters, and electronic controls and sensors are among the subjects to be studied. Lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory experiments will be the methods used to present and enrich the material to be learned. (12/18)
ELCT-42A Principles and Applications of Programmable Logic Controllers
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-34, ELCT-52, ELCT-41
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides instruction in industrial type of computers called “Programmable Logic Controllers” (PLCs). The main topics introduce students to the PLC’s basic hardware configuration and programming techniques. During the course students will learn how to configure and use programming instruction to create various applications. The students will program and operate on industrial PLCs as a part of laboratory assignments. (10/24)
ELCT-42B Advanced Topics in Plc Configuration and Programming
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ELCT-42A
- Transfers to
- CSU
The course introduces students to a mid-size Programmable Logic Controller (Allen-Bradley SLC-500) hardware configuration, set-up and programming. During the course students will learn how to use advanced ladder addressing programming instructions as Math, Bit Shift, Compare, Jump, MCR and more, to develop various “real-world” industrial type of PLC applications. (10/24)
ELCT-43A Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-31, ELCT-34, ELCT-42A, ELCT-42B
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to study instrumentation, sensors and controls that are used in industrial process control and automation. The course includes the study of the principles of operation and the practical applications of instrumentation in industry. Topics such as: decibels, micro-controllers, levers, friction, clutches and brakes, tooth rotor tachometers, vision sensors, dynamic braking of Direct Current (DC) motors, linear motors, and flux vector Alternating Current (AC) drives may be addressed. (11/18)
ELCT-44 Electronics Project Design, Fabrication and Repair
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-30
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of electronic design, documentation, soldering, rework, and repair techniques necessary to prepare them for entry-level employment in the fields of electronic fabrication, assembly, and repairs. Throughout the course, students will work their way through hands-on projects and develop a final electronic design project and support documentation. (10/24)
ELCT-47 Electricalmotors, Generators, Transformers, and Ac Distribution
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-31, ELCT-41, ELCT-52
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the principles of AC and DC motors, generators, transformers, three-phase generation and AC distribution systems. The course content will include lecture, demonstration and laboratory projects using motors and transformers. (12/22)
ELCT-51A Personal Computer Configuration, Assembly and Repair
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
This is a course addressed to students without any previous knowledge of personal computers (PC). The course introduces students to the fundamentals of desktop computer installation through simple, step-by-step instruction based on the most recent CompTIA A+ exam objectives. The course will cover the basic principles of PC operation, maintenance and troubleshooting techniques through lecture and various hands-on activities. (5/13)
ELCT-51B A+ Certification Training
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-51A
This is a course designed to provide the student with a working knowledge of the hardware and software used with personal computers (PCs). The course will cover the basic principles of operation, established standards for maintaining compatibility between components and boards, the use of diagnostic software and hardware, various types of operating systems, and standard troubleshooting techniques. (5/13)
ELCT-52 Introduction to Electricity and Electronics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-30
This is an introductory course to basic electronics/electricity theory and applications including resistance, inductance, capacitance in the series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits with DC and AC power sources. Circuit analysis is accomplished through basic circuit formulas according to Ohm's and Kirchhoff's laws. Fundamentals of Magnetism, DC and AC Motors, Diodes, Transistors and Integrated Circuits and the utilization of basic test equipment in electrical circuit construction and troubleshooting are also covered. (12/22)
ELCT-53A Solar Installer Course 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-52, ELCT-30, and INDT-35
This is an introductory course that will examine and implement the design and installation of a working solar photovoltaic power system. Students will learn how to safely use appropriate tools, make electrical load and solar system size calculations, and examine installation techniques for both grid-tie and off grid photovoltaic systems. This course is intended for students who are contemplating a career in the solar photovoltaic industry. (12/22)
ELCT-55 Electrical Conduit Bending Theory and Techniques
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 0.5 hour lecture, 1.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- INDT-35 and INDT-49
This course provides a comprehensive overview of conduit bending, fabrication procedures and methods. It will develop basic competencies in electrical apprentices and beginning learners. It will discuss hand bending for 90 degree bends, offsets and kicks, saddles and corner offsets, segmented bends, threaders, benders and other conduit types. These conduit types will include electrical metallic tubing (EMT), galvanized rigid conduit (GRC), rigid aluminum, intermediate metallic conduit (IMC), various poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), and flexible plastic and metallic conduit. Wiring in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) will be stressed. Students may petition, through the Office of Admissions and Records, to retake the course as the National Electrical Codes change. (12/22)
ELCT-56 Introduction to Mechatronics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ELCT-42A
- Advisory
- ELCT-31, ELCT-42B
This course introduces students to mechatronics, the rapidly developing field that integrates mechanical, electronic and software engineering in the service of advanced manufacturing. Students will develop an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to design, manufacturing and troubleshooting mechatronics systems. Students will learn how various components such as electronic sensors, electro-pneumatic valves, actuators, motors, and robotic arms work, and how they can be integrated with other mechanical components into complex automated systems. OSHA safety training and certification will be included. Hands-on experience in building and programming a variety of mechatronics projects that simulate real-life industrial automated systems will be provided in laboratory activities. (12/22)
ELCT-58 Electrical Printreading for Installation and Troubleshooting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- ELCT-52
- Advisory
- ELCT-41, ELCT-42A, and INDT-35
This course is a study in electrical print reading for installing and troubleshooting electrical systems presents foundational print reading skills needed to install and troubleshoot commercial and industrial electrical systems and equipment. (12/22)
ELCT-59 Electrical Safety and Industrial Skills
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ELCT-47 and ELCT-52
This course is an introduction into basic electrical safety and industrial skills associated with the Electrical and Industrial Technology programs offered at Merced College. The course will give students an opportunity to learn industry standard safe working practices in the electrical and maintenance trades as well as the safe operation of industrial equipment. The student will be trained in the safe use of Merced College electrical trainer and equipment that will be used in more advanced Electrical and Industrial Technology classes. (10/24)
ELCT-60 Commercial Electrical Wiring and Installation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-30
This course details the concepts and procedures for commercial and residential electrical design and layout. This course covers the codes and ordinances for wiring, load calculations and clean energy integration to residential and commercial buildings. Students may petition, through the Office of Admissions and Records, to retake the course as the National Electrical Codes change. (10/24)
ELCT-61 Introduction to Residential Wiring Techniques and Devices
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ELCT-59, ELCT-60, ELCT-30
This course is a study of wiring and installation methods and practices used in residential and commercial electrical construction applications. Students may petition, through the Office of Admissions and Records, to retake the course as the National Electrical Codes change. (10/24)
ELCT-63 Industrial Systems Diagnostics Techniques
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Corequisite
- ELCT-41, ELCT-47, AND INDT-25
Diagnosis, Troubleshooting and Repair of complex Industrial/Advanced Manufacturing equipment. This Diagnosis, troubleshooting and repair will cover the following systems with-in the equipment Electrical, Mechanical, Automation and Computer Integration. (10/24)