Electrical Service Technician (AOS): Fiber Optics Option
67 Total CreditsAn option in the Electrical Service Technician degree, graduates will have the skills to install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair fiber optic systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings
Goals & Outcomes
To prepare the student for a career as an electrical service technician
- Students are able to employ measurement techniques and laboratory apparatus for verification of circuit operation.
- Graduates obtain a career as a fiber optics technician.
To prepare the students to work effectively as part of a diverse technical team.
- Students will collaborate in laboratory activities to complete assigned projects.
- The student will demonstrate openness toward diverse points of view and draw upon knowledge and experiences of others to function as a team member.
To prepare the student to present technical materials in written form.
- The student will be able to present technical reports in written form in a clear and concise manner.
To prepare students to apply basic technical concepts and industry practices to implement electrical and electronic systems
- Students will be able to analyze, implement, and troubleshoot basic analog and digital circuitry.
To prepare the student to install, operate, and troubleshoot fiber optic components and systems.
- The student will be able to apply connectors, utilize test equipment, and troubleshoot fiber optic systems.
To prepare the student to utilize basic principles and resources in the development of solutions to technical challenges.
- The student will demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot and develop a corrective action plan.
To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy.
- Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
- Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.
First Semester16.5 Credits
ED100 College Seminar 1 cr
College Seminar is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to improve the chances for success in the college environment. General College procedures, the fundamental notions of time management and study skills, and the specific responsibilities of today's students in a variety of local and global environments are discussed. One or more collaborative projects will be an integral part of the course. Corequisites: The course must be taken in the student's first thirty hours of study. General first year courses would usually be taken at the same time.
MA106 Technical Mathematics 2 4 cr
This course is a continuation of MA105 Technical Mathematics 1, with further topics from algebra as well as from geometry and trigonometry, and an emphasis on technical applications. Prerequisite: MA105 Technical Mathematics 1.
MA105 Technical Mathematics 1 4 cr
This course covers the four fundamental operations on integers, rational numbers, and real numbers. It includes the study of weights and measures, exponents and radicals, factoring, and linear equations, with an emphasis on technical applications. Prerequisite: An appropriate placement test result or MA045 Basic Math Skills or MA050 Introductory Mathematics.
EN110 Oral & Written Communication 3 cr
This course prepares the student to perform effectively in both the oral and written contexts of occupational communications. A blend of formal lectures and student participation, the course includes practice in giving oral presentations, writing business letters, resumes, memos, instructional materials and reports, and using visual aids. This is a highly practical course specifically designed for students in A.O.S. degree programs. Prerequisite: A minimum score of 38 on the Nelson-Denny Reading Test and appropriate evaluation on the placement test writing sample; or succesful completion of DS050, DS051, or SL115 and succesful completion of EN099 or SL116; or permission of Humanities Department Head or designee.
ET101 Technical Electricity 1 3 cr
An introductory course designed to provide the student with basic knowledge and skills necessary for personal growth in any electrical service technician program. The course includes an in-depth study of electron theory, Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, electrical energy and power relationships. Methods of generation of electromotive force, electromagnetism, motor principles and capacitance as these apply to D.C. circuits are included in the course. Uses, construction and calibration of voltmeters, ammeters and wattmeters are also investigated. Corequisite: MA105 Technical Mathematics 1, or permission of instructor. (Fall semester only)
ET105 Computer Control Fundamentals 2 cr
This is an introductory course to familiarize service technicians with the personal computer and its software. A survey of fundamental personal computer hardware and software includes: the keyboard, the microprocessor, the mouse, disk drives, printers. The student will be introduced to the DOS and Windows operating systems and will receive "hands on" experience with a wide range of software packages such as word processing and spreadsheets. The Internet is introduced as a tool to gather information. The course ends with an introduction to the BASIC programming language which will be used to solve practical problems in the electrical/electronic field. Coverage of these topics will provide students with a minimal exposure to develop a working knowledge, proficiency and confidence in the personal computer use and capabilities. The laboratories use the IBM or IBM compatible personal computer. Quizzes, computer exercises and programs, and examinations will be the basis for grading. Corequisite: ET101 Technical Electricity I, or permission of instructor. (Fall semester only)
BM150 Small Business Management 3 cr
This course covers knowledge of the skill involved in operating a small business. It examines the necessary managerial and operational skills for proprietorship and the available resources for small business. Areas covered include self-assessment, planning, decision-making, legal forms of business, record-keeping, business insurance, taxes, financing, advertising, and promotion. A realistic business plan is developed.
EN147 Report Writing 3 cr
This course instructs the student in the preparation of written reports. The course is taught by lecture, discussion and in-class writing. The student will write several reports based on the types written in the fields of business, industry and science. Emphasis is placed on organization, format, language and purpose. Prerequisite: EN110 Oral and Written Communication or permission of the instructor.
PE Physical Education .5 cr
A wide variety of credit courses including but not limited to swimming, fitness center, badminton, tennis, golf, bowling and aerobic dance.
Second Semester16 Credits
BM150 Small Business Management 3 cr
This course covers knowledge of the skill involved in operating a small business. It examines the necessary managerial and operational skills for proprietorship and the available resources for small business. Areas covered include self-assessment, planning, decision-making, legal forms of business, record-keeping, business insurance, taxes, financing, advertising, and promotion. A realistic business plan is developed.
ET102 Technical Electricity 2 3 cr
A continuation of the introductory electrical course designed to reinforce and apply previously acquired information to alternating current (A.C.) circuits. This course investigates A.C. sine wave generation, mutual inductance, inductive and capacitive reactance, instantaneous values of voltage and current as well as real and apparent power. Uses, construction and calibration of A.C. metering equipment are an integral part of this course. Practical application of each topic in both introductory courses will be included in all laboratory experiments conducted by students. Prerequisite: ET101 Technical Electricity 1. Corequisite: MA106 Technical Mathematics 2, or permission of instructor. (Spring semester only)
ET103 Technical Electronics 3.5 cr
This course covers knowledge of the skill involved in operating a small business. It examines the necessary managerial and operational skills for proprietorship and the available resources for small business. Areas covered include self-assessment, planning, decision-making, legal forms of business, record-keeping, business insurance, taxes, financing, advertising, and promotion. A realistic business plan is developed.
ET104 Systems Diagrams 2 cr
The interpretation of diagrams is an important part of the maintenance and repair technician's job. The course will start with a review of basic electricity and schematic symbols. The course will then include interpretation of the four main types of drawings being used in the field: pictorial, schematics, wiring and ladder diagrams. Co-requisite: ET102 Technical Electricity 2, or permission of instructor.
ET265 Fiber Optics 1 3 cr
This is an introductory course in fiber optics in which the student acquires the skills to install and test fiber optic cable used in communication applications. The course content will include the theory of light transmission where it applies to installation techniques. The laboratory exercises provide the student with an opportunity to acquire the expertise of installing splices, connectors, OTDR operation and system loss analysis. Prerequisites: ET101 Technical Electricity 1. Corequisite: ET102 Technical Electricity 2. (Spring semester only)
PE Physical Education .5 cr
A wide variety of credit courses including but not limited to swimming, fitness center, badminton, tennis, golf, bowling and aerobic dance.
Third Semester20.5 Credits
ET287 Communications Electronics 1 4 cr
This is the introductory course for the Electrical Service Technician Fiber Optics option. Contents of this course include radio frequency amplifiers, oscillators, signal spectra, noise, amplitude modulation and frequency modulation in communications systems. Prerequisite: MA106 Technical Mathematics 2 and ET103 Technical Electronics or permission of instructor. (Fall semester only)
ET233 Industrial Electronics 5 cr
This course is a comprehensive study of electromechanical and electronic devices important to the operation of industrial equipment and manufacturing processes. Emphasis is placed on student opportunities to observe and study the operating characteristics and applications of discrete components such as solid-state devices, thyristors, trigger devices, relays, timers, amplifiers and transducers. Laboratory experiments are organized to assist the student to utilize skills and knowledge to diagnose and repair malfunctions in moderately complicated automated equipment. Periodic quizzes, exams, laboratory reports, a performance test and final examination will be the basis for grading. Prerequisite: ET103 Technical Electronics, MA106 Technical Mathematics 2. (Fall semester only)
ET234 Electrical Wiring and Codes 1 3.5 cr
An introduction to the art of electrical wiring. Installation of electrical equipment provides the student with the opportunity to combine related information and manipulative skills with the practical aspects of wiring methods for complete electrical systems. All temporary laboratory controlled wiring is installed in compliance with the current National Electrical Code and provides experience in cable, conduit, surface raceway, service entrance, low-voltage control, annunciator and intrusion detection systems. Prerequisite: ET102 Technical Electricity 2, or permission of the instructor.
ET235 Digital Logic 4.5 cr
An introductory course designed to provide the student with a broad overview of the basic logic circuits inherent in all digital electronics applications. Topics include the various numbering systems, encoders and decoders used in digital systems, binary logic gates, flip-flops, counters, shift registers and arithmetic circuits. Memories and interfacing of digital with analog devices are also investigated. Experiments supporting related information are designed to provide maximum hands-on experience for students with no prior training in electronics. Prerequisites: ET101 Technical Electricity 1, MA106 Technical Mathematics 2. (Fall semester only)
ET266 Fiber Optics 2 3 cr
This course is a continuation of the topics introduced in Fiber Optics 1. The student will acquire the skills to install and test fiber optic cable used in communications applications. This includes the theory of light transmission where it applies to installation techniques. The equipment, protocols and standards for connecting a telecommunications system or network such as a computer Local Area Network (LAN) will be covered. Laboratories will provide the student an opportunity to acquire the expertise of installing splices and connectors in industrial, computer network and telecommunications assemblies as well as gaining familiarity with OTDR operation and system loss analysis using telecommunications type fiber optic cables. Prerequisite: ET265 Fiber Optics 1 or permission of instructor. (Fall semester only)
PE Physical Education .5 cr
A wide variety of credit courses including but not limited to swimming, fitness center, badminton, tennis, golf, bowling and aerobic dance.
Fourth Semester17 Credits
ET245 Microprocessor Technology 4.5 cr
This is an advanced course organized to assist the student to utilize knowledge of binary logic and circuits to recognize the elements, diagnostic procedures and methods of operating and repairing microprocessor-based home and automated industrial equipments. Student experimentation includes using personal computers in a micro-facility to learn assembly language programming techniques, microprocessor architecture, and interface to peripheral devices. Assembly language programming includes use of subroutines, software and hardware time delays, stack and interrupt operations. Prerequisite: ET103 Technical Electronics, ET235 Digital Logic. (Spring semester only)
ET288 Communications Electronics 2 4 cr
This is the second course in the communications series for the Electrical Service Technician - Fiber Optics Option. Contents of this course include digital transmission, fiber optics transmission, transmission lines, and antenna and microwave transmission. Computer fee applies. Prerequisites: ET233 Industrial Electronics, ET235 Digital Logic, ET287 Communications Electronics 1 or permission of instructor. (Spring semester only)
ET246 Industrial Computer Applications 5 cr
This course includes an introduction to hardware and software applications of the personal computer (PC). Students will use PC's for applications involving interfacing, digital Input/Output, analog Input/Output, data acquisition and computer control of external electrical devices. The hardware components that make up the system unit are studied for an overall understanding of computer systems. The BASIC language will be used to write input/output instructions. Experiments include wiring, testing, and debugging of a digital/analog circuit board and trainer. Periodic quizzes, exams, laboratory reports, a performance test and final exam will be the basis of grading. Prerequisite: ET233 Industrial Electronics or permission of instructor. (Spring semester only)
ET267 Fiber Optics 3 3 cr
Fiber Optics 3 will use the data and knowledge acquired in Fiber Optics 1 to design Local Area Networks (LANS) and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANS). The course will use plastic and glass fiber cables, radio frequency (RF) cables and standard electrical wire cables. The student will be exposed to design and layout applications of typical computer networks, different types of cable interfaces and become familiar with Novell computer networking. Corequisite: ET266 Fiber Optics 2 or permission of instructor. Prerequisite: ET265 Fiber Optics 1 or permission of instructor. (Spring semester only)
PE Physical Education .5 cr
A wide variety of credit courses including but not limited to swimming, fitness center, badminton, tennis, golf, bowling and aerobic dance.






