LIN155 NAB: Electronic Lab Instrumentation and Techniques

LIN155 - Electronic Lab Instrumentation and Techniques

Fall 2025 Syllabus, Section NAB, Class Nbr 1848

Course Description

This is the first course in electronic lab instrumentation and techniques. It is intended to introduce the student to a variety of electronic components including a method of producing a working electronic assembly using reasonably priced commercial kits. Electrical tests on the assembly are carried out using laboratory instruments such as a DMM, oscilloscope and a power supply. The course includes a survey of electrical safety and a practical course on soldering. Workplace safety and WHMIS are also covered.

Prerequisite(s)

None

Instructor Information

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In-Person Mode

This class will be taught via an in-person instruction mode. Students are required to attend all classes on campus.

Times and Location

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Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

  1. Understand and apply general workplace safety practices and procedures.
  2. Recognize and understand the elements of electrical safety in the workplace.
  3. Take necessary precautions when using hazardous materials, applying an understanding of WHMIS practices and procedures.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of proper soldering techniques using discrete components and a printed circuit board.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of and the proper use of electrical hand tools.
  6. Identify electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, integrated circuits, light emitting diodes (LEDs), switches, etc., their related schematic symbols, identifying marks and pin-outs.
  7. Explain in simple brief terms the function of electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, integrated circuits, light emitting diodes (LEDs), switches etc.
  8. Use a digital multimeter (DMM) to measure resistance, voltage and current.
  9. Use the oscilloscope for basic measurements, i.e., amplitude and period (frequency).
  10. Effectively set-up and use a D.C. power supply.

Course Topics

Electronic Lab Instrumentation and Techniques

  • Soldering
  • Electrical and Workplace Safety
  • Hazardous Materials and WHMIS
  • Component Identification
  • Use of Hand Tools
  • Electronic Project Assembly and Testing
  • Digital Multi-meter (Resistance, Voltage and Current Measurements)
  • Oscilloscope
  • D.C. Power Supply
  • Introduction to Microsoft Visio
  • Introduction to Mentor Graphics PADS
  • Function Generator

LIN155

  • Soldering
  • Electrical and Workplace Safety
  • Hazardous Materials and WHMIS
  • Component Identification
  • Use of Hand Tools
  • Electronic Project Assembly and Testing
  • Digital Multi-meter (Resistance, Voltage and Current Measurements)
  • Oscilloscope
  • D.C. Power Supply
  • Introduction to Microsoft Visio
  • Introduction to Mentor Graphics PADS
  • Function Generator

Prescribed Texts

Group Title Author ISBN
Required Electronics for Dummies, 3rd edition Cathleen Shamieh 9781119675594

To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.

Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.

Required Supplies

LIN155 lab kit must be purchased from Sayal Electronics, details will be provided by the instructor.

Modes of Evaluation

Assessment Type Percentage
Lab Quizzes/Assignments 20%
Lab test 25%
Term Test 1: Electrical & Lab Safety, OHSA* 10%
Term Test 2: WHMIS* 5%
Term Test 3 10%
Presentation 10%
Final Exam 20%
Total 100%

Note

* Student must pass TT1 AND TT2 in order to pass the course. In case the student attempts and fails either test,  one opportunity will be given to the student to re-write it and the re-test will be capped at 50%.
*Student must sign Safety Agreement and submit it to the faculty to pass the course.

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

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Missed Tests/Late Assessments

Due dates for all evaluations and assessments are posted. Evaluations can include projects, podcasts, videos, assignments, quizzes and/or tests and exams. Students are expected to meet the specified dates and deadlines. It is a best practice for all students to keep a copy of all submitted assignments.
 
Students who have extenuating circumstances that result in their being unable to meet the stated deadline are encouraged to contact their professor(s). A professor may (or may not) grant an extension to a posted due date. Such extension requests must be discussed prior to the due date, or very closely following. Late submission or completion of any assessments may be subject to a penalty grade deduction. Once feedback is posted and/or discussion of the assessment has taken place, students may not submit that version of the assessment for grading.

In case you missed a test or final examination, a medical note or any acceptable documentation is needed as justification to write the missed assessment on a later date.

Feedback on Assessments

Feedback to students regarding graded assessments can be provided in any of the following ways: posted on LEARN@Seneca, added to Grade Centre comments, taken up synchronously, and/or discussed with students.
 
Students are welcome to discuss feedback on completed and submitted assessments with their professor during a synchronous class, during posted "virtual" office hours, or by a mutually agreed upon appointment.
 
 

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

Letter Grade Percentage Grade
A+ 90% to 100%
A 80% to 89%
B+ 75% to 79%
B 70% to 74%
C+ 65% to 69%
C 60% to 64%
D+ 55% to 59%
D 50% to 54%
F 0% to 49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

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Technical Requirements

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Hardware checklist  

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  • high-speed broadband access (Cable or DSL) is highly recommended. Some programs or courses require more advanced systems. Please refer to the program information page for information on specialized requirements
  • headphones or speaker and a microphone for in-class conversations and meetings with your professors
  • a webcam (may be required for specific courses)
  • individual courses may have additional hardware requirements

Software checklist

  • a web browser, such as Safari, Firefox, MS Edge, Google Chrome. Please note: You may need to upgrade your web browser to access online learning tools
  • various applications are available to all full-time Seneca students, including Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Suite, and Trend Micro
  • Adobe Creative Suite includes a number of applications such as Premiere, Photoshop and more
  • online teaching tools, including Blackboard, MS Teams, Zoom, BigBlueButton, and Webex
  • individual courses may have additional software requirements for playing audio or video or other applications. You can also review the list of applications made available for home use on a Windows-based machine
    Note: Some applications may require you to install Student VPN to access licensed software
  • antimalware software must be installed on all personal devices that will be used with your Seneca account. Visit the Malware and Virus Protection page for free and paid antimalware software recommendations, or visit the Trend Micro Internet Security page for a free one-year license of this commercial antimalware software

Mobile devices checklist

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  • All students are required to install and use Microsoft Authenticator to access various services at Seneca. It’s an important measure that provides an added layer of security on top of the login credentials for devices. In addition to using your username and password to log into these secure services, a second factor of authentication is required so that if your password becomes compromised, the intruder will not be able to log in. Use of multi-factor authentication is currently required for Blackboard, Office 365 and VPN.
  • A compatible Android or iOS mobile device that can be used to install Microsoft Authenticator is required.
  • A cellphone data plan is not a mandatory requirement to use the Microsoft Authenticator app. The app can be used through a Wi-Fi connection or with no data connection.
  • If you have a basic cellphone, you can choose to receive an SMS or a phone call as verification for second factor authentication.
  • The Microsoft Authenticator app does not store any personal data.
  • Authenticating through a mobile device is the only available option.

Helpful sites to bookmark:

  • MySeneca.ca – access your Seneca email account
  • Learn@Seneca – Seneca’s learning management system and intranet portal

Seneca Polytechnic Library Resources

Be sure to begin all research, assignment support and career preparation at Seneca Polytechnic Libraries website.  Students can find information about our services and collections including, print and e-books, databases that will lead to thousands of articles in magazines, newspapers, journals, encyclopedias, carefully selected websites, how-to tutorials, streamed videos and much more.
 
Citation Style Guidelines: APA/MLA.  Please check with your professor on the preferred formatting.

Seneca Policies

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Academic Integrity

Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy   Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity at Seneca website to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

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All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate Seneca's Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

Seneca will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Accessible Learning Services Office (senecacnas@senecapolytechnic.ca) to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation supports for the classroom and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) environments.

Accommodated students are required to meet the expected learning outcomes of courses.  Accommodations do not surpass the need for safety, or supersede academic policies and requirements.

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Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

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