vcc.ca
ELCO 1110: Fundamentals of Electricity
Effective date
January 2026
Department
Construction Elec Foundation
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
In this course, students will apply principles that govern the behaviour of electrical circuits and prove theories through the proper use of test equipment.
Credits
6.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply principles and concepts of electrical circuits.
- Describe common electrical devices and circuit components.
- Solve problems involving series, parallel, combination, and 3-wire circuits.
- Connect and test series, parallel, combination, and 3-wire circuits.
- Describe common conductors.
- Calculate conductor resistance and ampacity.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Methods of assessment may include a challenge exam, submission of a product or portfolio for review, or a practical demonstration. Please contact the Department for details.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 50
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 50
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 20
Total Hours: 120
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 50
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 20
Total Hours: 120
Instructional Strategies
A combination of lecture, demonstration, simulations, problem solving, practical lab activities and reflective discussion will be used throughout this course.
Grading System
Percentages-STBC
Passing grade
70
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Participation |
10 |
|
|
Assignments |
30 |
|
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20 |
|
|
Final Exam |
20 |
|
|
Lab Work |
20 |
|
Course topics
- Principles and concepts of electrical circuits
- Common electrical devices and circuit components
- Series, parallel, combination, and 3-wire circuits
- Circuit testing and troubleshooting
- Common conductors and their properties
- Conductor resistance and ampacity calculations
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.