ELCO 1210: AC Circuit Analysis
Effective date
January 2026
Department
Construction Elec Foundation
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
In this course, students will apply trigonometric functions towards vector addition and sine wave calculations. Learners will also use an oscilloscope to measure voltage, frequency, and relationships involved in alternating current circuits.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Solve problems involving right angle triangles and vectors
- Analyze alternating current waveforms and characteristics including associated terminology (Peak, Root Mean Square (RMS), Average, Period and Frequency)
- Measure voltage and frequency using an oscilloscope
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: 15
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 10
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 10
Total Hours: 35
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
Evaluation Plan
|
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
|
Participation
|
10
|
|
|
Assignments
|
30
|
|
|
Quizzes/Tests
|
20
|
|
|
Final Exam
|
20
|
|
|
Lab Work
|
20
|
|
Course topics
- Trigonometric functions and their applications
- Right angle triangles and vector calculations
- Alternating current waveform characteristics
- Sine wave calculations
- AC circuit terminology (Peak, RMS, Average, Period, Frequency)
- Oscilloscope operation and measurement techniques
- AC circuit relationships and measurements
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.