Electronics Technology at Northwest-Shoals

Training Technicians for Today and Tomorrow

Northwest-Shoals Community College is about helping students gain the skills required for employment or career growth.

The electronics department adheres to that philosophy by offering quality and up to date courses, and instruction that allows students to gain technical skills in electronics to become successful entry level technicians. (or to advance in their career)

The electronics program is designed to help students gain proficiency in the field through both theory and laboratory methods. While new material is presented mainly through lecture, hands-on learning is heavily stressed through laboratory exercises.  All courses either have a companion lab course or a lab component built into the course.

The program has a long history.  Since its inception in 1966, at what was then called Muscle Shoals State Technical Institute, the program has had more than 800 graduates. Many other students have completed select courses for career enhancement.

It's all about getting jobs and when you mention jobs, it comes down to doing what, for how much and for whom.

Electronics is a very broad field with many different but related occupations. Our graduates find employment working in radio frequency (rf) and digital communications, industrial controls and instrumentation, business machines, broadcasting, sound engineering, computers, consumer electronics, aerospace, biomedical electronics, robotics, and military applications. Because of their technical abilities and the rapid growth of this field, many are often promoted to positions as managers, technical salespeople, and customer service reps.

You may find our graduates anywhere from coast to coast. Our graduates have or are working all across the country for companies or agencies such as Boeing, NASA, Lockheed, Adtran, DRS Technologies, Phase IV, Intergraph, Siemens, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, 3M, International Paper, Toledo Scale, Unisys, AT&T, Intergraph, Benchmark, Sanmina-SCI, WAFF, WHNT, TVA, GE Medical, and Norfolk-Southern Railroad. Local employers include AT&T,  Verizon, North American Lighting, Monarch Tile, Coffee Health Group, Florence Utilities, Muscle Shoals City Schools, Colbert County Schools, Radio Shop, and even Northwest-Shoals Community College. Yes, we even hire our own graduates and that's because we believe in our product. The college currently has four graduates of the program working in technical capacities at the college and two working as instructors in the program. We feel that is a great testimony to the college and to the program.

As was previously mentioned on the Electronics Home Page, the electronics field is very broad with an unlimited number of positions either directly involved with electronics or closely related.  This means that starting salaries vary tremendously. A bench technician in manufacturing generally starts around $28,000 to $35,000 in the North Alabama area.  This position is usually very entry level with the employer providing in-house training on their specific products and processes.  When a beginning tech is required to have considerable more responsibility, as in instrumentation or industrial maintenance, $45,000 per year is not uncommon.  In the field service positions that require considerable travel, especially if it requires multiple days away from one's home base, significantly higher salaries are to be expected.  When someone graduates from this or any other electronics program they are not yet an expert in the field, that comes later with much experience. But experience is greatly rewarded in this field, with techs making one-and-a-half to double their entry salaries after five years. 

Most of our students come to us with little or no experiences in electronics and that is perfectly okay. New students begin at a level that assumes they have never had any in-depth instruction in this career field. The main thing is that students can succeed if they have an interest in electronics and a desire to learn. One of the instructors who is also a graduate of the program was just that way when he discovered this program.  His story is as follows: "When I graduated from high school, I did not have a clue what I wanted to do. I was considered college bound by my peers and high school teachers alike but I didn't want to waste time and money going to college without a goal. Instead I went to work, first in a department store and then for one of the local garment industries. I did stay there two years, but I soon realized that I was not going to have the opportunity at a better job without some additional training.  I made the decision to study electronics because I had an interest in the field and believed that it was the wave of the future. I entered this electronics program at what was then named Muscle Shoals State Technical Institute  in 1971, and I will have to say that it changed my life. I have never regretted my choice to start here or to enter this field."

Some people ask if electronics is a suitable field for females and the answer to that is absolutely yes. While the field may have been traditionally a male dominated field, it is a perfect field with many career opportunities for females.  Another question often asked is if the work is physically challenging.  While there are some positions that require climbing or lifting fairly heavy objects, many positions are indoors and only require lifting a few pounds. This makes this field the choice of many who need to be retrained due to a physical challenge.

To see the outline of the program at Northwest-Shoals Community College continue on this page.  Below the outline are the course descriptions.   To see an introductory lesson on electronics technology go to DC Theory  or return to Electronics Home Page

Electronics Technology - Associate in Applied Science Degree                                               

 Available:    Shoals Campus

Advisors:    S. McGouyrk (331-5246), S. Harrison (331-5250), R. Reaves (331-5201) 

 This program is designed to provide the student with proficiency in electronic devices and equipment.  Theory and laboratory courses in basic electronics, electronic circuits, communications, computers, and industrial electronics, as well as general education courses in math, English, physics, psychology, and humanities provide the knowledge and skills necessary to gain employment in electronics with opportunities to advance to positions of greater responsibility.

The program prepares the student to observe necessary safety precautions; assemble, install, operate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, calibrate, and modify electronic circuitry, equipment and systems; construct breadboards, and mock-ups; set up test apparatus, conduct tests, and analyze test results; prepare reports, sketches, graphs, and schematic drawings; and perform necessary mathematical calculations.

Biomedical Equipment Technology (Advanced Option)                                                

This advanced option, in addition to the Electronics Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree, will prepare the student for employment in both the medical and industrial settings as biomedical equipment technicians.  The increasing complexity of biomedical equipment demands the availability of highly skilled technicians, knowledgeable in the theory of application, underlying physiological principles, and safe application of biomedical equipment.  To enter this certificate program, the student must have program advisor approval and have satisfactorily completed the requirements for the Electronics Technology AAS Degree at the College.

 Industrial Electronics Technology (ILT)                                                                

 Availability of courses in this program is dependent upon student enrollment. See master schedule of classes or advisor for further information.

ILT      100     Applied Electronic Computation             3-0-3

This course is an applied mathematics and algebra course for students in electronics or similar programs. Topics include decimals, fractions, negative numbers, powers and roots, the metric systems, logarithms, applied trigonometry and algebra. Upon completion of this course a student will be able to perform applied mathematics calculations needed in Electronics.

 ILT      101     Survey of Electronics                                3-0-3

This course, in a non-technical way, describes the history and implications of electronics in the modern world.  Topics include fundamental concepts of electronics theory, devices, digital and analog circuits, microprocessors, and modern test equipment.  Upon completion, students should be able to describe basic laws and circuit behavior for analog and digital circuits.

 ILT      106     Concepts of Direct Current                      3-6-5

This course provides a study of basic concepts and application of direct current (DC). Specific topics include but are not limited to: an introduction to electrical theory, units of electrical measurement, DC electrical components, and constructing various types of DC circuits. Students gain hands-on experience through various laboratory problems. Emphasis is placed on the use of scientific calculators and the operation of common test equipment used to analyze and troubleshoot DC circuits and to prove the theories taught during classroom instruction.

 ILT      107     Concepts of Alternating Current             3-6-5

This course provides a study of basic concepts and application of alternating current (AC). Specific topics include but are not limited to: an introduction to AC electrical theory, AC electrical measurements, and constructing and measuring various types of AC circuits. Students gain hands-on experience through various laboratory problems. Emphasis is placed on the use of scientific calculators and the operation of various test equipment used to analyze and troubleshoot AC circuits.

 ILT      112     Concepts of Digital Electronics               3-6-5

This course provides instruction in digital electronics. Topics include: number systems and codes, a review of Boolean algebra, logic elements, digital circuits, programmable logic circuits, and memory and computing circuits. This course provides laboratory exercises to analyze, construct, test and troubleshoot digital circuits.

 ILT      113     Concepts of Electronic Circuits              3-6-5

This course covers the commonly utilized circuits found in all areas of electronics. These include various rectifiers, filters, voltage regulating circuits, operational amplifier circuits, ICs, and oscillator circuits. Upon completion students will be able to construct and test various types of electronic circuits.

 ILT      125     Digital Communications                            3-0-3

PREREQUISITE: ILT 112.

This course provides the electronics technician with sufficient background in data and digital communications to enter this rapidly expanding field.  It includes telephone systems, error detection and correction, data link protocols, modems, multiple-channel systems, network architecture, fiber-optic communications, and data communications applications. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to describe the operation of various digital communications circuits and calculate all parameters.

 ILT      126     Digital Communications Lab                    0-6-2

CO REQUISITE: ILT 125

This course provides experimentation to verify theories of digital communication. Upon completion of this course and Digital Communications, students should be able to construct various digital communications circuits and make necessary measurements and adjustments.

 ILT      129     Personal Computer (PC) Hardware       2-3-3

This course covers PC Hardware terminology, component purpose, configuration, pricing and selecting components and systems, for assembling, repairing, and upgrading personal computers. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to describe the basic systems of a PC and be able to perform disassembly and assembly of same.

 ILT      130     PC Software Installation and Maintenance         2-3-3

This course will cover installation and maintenance for operating systems and application software on personal computers.  Upon completion of this course, students should be able to install and maintain common software packages found on personal computers.

 ILT      131     Personal Computer (PC) Problem  Determination        2-3-3

PREREQUISITE: ILT 129 and ILT 130.

This course will cover various hardware and software tools for diagnosing failures of personal computers. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to diagnose and prescribe the repair steps for a faulty personal computer.

 ILT      132     Programming Survey for Technicians             3-0-3

This course introduces the student to common programming languages which they may encounter as technicians. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to write simple programs in common programming languages encountered by technicians.

 ILT      133     Electronic Drafting                                     0-3-1

This course includes basic drawing techniques, interpreting schematic diagrams and recognizing electronic symbols. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to recognize electronic symbols and draw schematic, layout, and pictorial drawings.

 ILT      135     Local Area Networks (LANS)                   2-3-3

This course provides the student with knowledge of planning, installation, maintenance, and administration of local area networks. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to install and setup a basic local area network.

 ILT      164     Circuit Fabrication I                                    0-3-1

This course provides instruction in fabrication of functional circuits and is an introduction to device construction and fabrication. Utilizing discrete components, students will fabricate functional circuits. Topics include soldering, cable construction, coaxial cable connection and termination, component mounting, cases, and chassis, printed circuit board design, layout, fabrication, and repair, as well as soldering techniques, care of tools, wire splicing, wire wrapping, connector maintenance, and related shop safety. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to perform basic circuit and project construction.

 ILT      169     Hydraulics/Pneumatics                             2-2-3

This course provides an introduction to hydraulics and pneumatics. Topics include hydraulic pumps, pneumatic compressors, and system components such as valves, filters, regulators, actuators, accumulators, and lubricators.  Upon completion, students should be able to apply principles of hydraulics and pneumatics.

 ILT      175     Computer Fundamentals for Technology Students     3-0-3

This course introduces the student to applications of computers in the laboratory setting.  It will cover the computer from a hardware standpoint and introduce the operating system.  Application software will include word processing, spreadsheets, database managers, and other electronic related software.  Upon completion, students should be able to operate a personal computer in the technical setting.

ILT      180     Special Topics       0/3-0-9/3

PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

This course is designed to allow students an opportunity to study directly-related topics of particular interest which require the applications of technical knowledge and technical skills. Emphasis is placed on the application of skills and knowledge with practical experiences.  Upon completion, students should be able to solve job related problems using technical skills and knowledge.

ILT      194     Programmable Logic Controllers I         2-3-3

This course focuses on the use of PLCs.  Topics include operations, programming procedures, fault isolation procedures, and methods of entering, executing, debugging, and changing programs. The lab enables students to practice operations, programming procedures, fault isolation procedures, methods of entering, executing, debugging and changing programs. Upon completion, students should be able to apply principles of operations and programming of PLCs.

 ILT      196     Programmable Logic Controllers II        2-3-3

This course includes the principles of state-of-the art programmable logic controls (PLCs), including hardware, programming, and program design. Emphasis is placed on, but not limited to, the following: developing working programs, timers, counters, different special functions, and designing programs from existing hardwired systems.

 ILT      201     Industrial Electronics                                3-0-3

PREREQUISITE: ILT 205.

This course covers applications of electronics in industry with a major emphasis on microprocessors as applied to data acquisition and machine control.  Topics include A/D and D/A conversion, signal conditioning, sensors and transducers, control devices, stepper motors, and microprocessor interfacing. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to describe the operation of various sensors, signal conditioning, A/D and D/A conversion, and control devices, as well as, perform necessary calculations.

 ILT      202     Industrial Electronics Lab                        0-6-2

COREQUISITE: ILT 201.

This course demonstrates the concepts devices, and applications of electronics in industrial processes. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to construct, evaluate, and calibrate basic industrial sensing and control circuits.

 ILT      203     Biomedical Electronics I                           3-0-3

PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

This course includes the technical information necessary in learning to repair biomedical equipment. Topics include the human body, electrodes and transducers, bioelectric amplifiers, physiological pressure measurements, and electrical and patient safety.  Upon completion of this course, students should be able to describe the operation of various circuits and systems commonly found in biomedical equipment.

 ILT      204     Biomedical Electronics II                          3-0-3

PREREQUISITE: ILT 203.

This course combines theory gained from Biomedical Electronics I for a deeper understanding of biomedical equipment troubleshooting. Topics include respiratory therapy instrumentation, intensive and coronary care unit instrumentation, operating room instrumentation, medical laboratory instrumentation, and electrical safety. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to describe the operation of various circuits and systems commonly found in biomedical equipment.

 ILT      205     Microprocessors                                        3-0-3

PREREQUISITE: ILT 112.

This course introduces microprocessors and explores their applications.  This course emphasizes programming and interfacing the microprocessor chip.  Upon completion of this course, students should be able to perform binary arithmetic, perform computer arithmetic, describe the basic operation procedures for a microprocessor system, and write programs for a basic microprocessor.

 ILT      206     Microprocessors Lab                                0-6-2

COREQUISITE: ILT 205.

This course provides familiarization of microprocessor instruction sets.  Experiments in programming and interfacing provide an understanding of microprocessor theory. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to program and interface a basic microprocessor system.

 ILT      216     Industrial Robotics                                     3-0-3

This is an introductory course for robotics including the history of robotics, social implications, and reasons for implementing.  Robot classification, associated terminology, power systems, control systems, and end-of-arm tooling will be covered.  Upon completion, students should be able to explain the basic systems and operation of a simple robot.

 ILT      226     BMET Certification Preparation              3-0-3

This course includes the information necessary for the successful completion of the technician certification examination given by the International Certification Commission for Biomedical Equipment Technology.  Upon completion of this course, students should understand the preparation necessary to successful completion of the exam process.

 ILT      228     FCC General Radiotelephone License Prep                                               3-0-3

This course includes the information necessary for the successful completion of the Federal Communication Commission’s General Radiotelephone License Examination.  A comprehensive coverage of rules, regulations, and electronic theory is accomplished. Upon completion of this course, students should understand the preparation necessary to successful completion of the exam process.

 ILT      232     PC Repair Clinical                                     0-10-3

PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor.

This course allows the student to work in the technical capacity as a PC technician at the college or other local sites as approved by the college. Upon completion, the student should be able to perform specific job related skills associated with PC repair.

 ILT      234     Microprocessor Systems Troubleshooting                    1-3-2

PREREQUISITE: ILT 205.

This course provides familiarization with various techniques and test equipment required to troubleshoot microprocessor based designs to the component and module level. It provides hands on experience troubleshooting microcomputer trainers designed for fault insertion. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot a faulty microprocessor based system.

 ILT      239     Certification Preparation                          3-0-3

This course includes the review necessary before attempting technician certification examinations given by various non-government certifying organizations and pre-employment tests given by employers. Upon completion of this course students should understand the preparations necessary to successfully complete the exam process. 

ILT      267     RF Communications                                   3-0-3

PREREQUISITE:  ILT 113.

This course introduces the concepts of communications systems.  Topics include communications fundamentals, AM transmitters and receivers, FM transmitters and receivers, AM and FM transceivers, pulse modulation, antenna design, and advanced communication systems. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the operation of various RF circuits and calculate all parameters.

ILT      268     RF Communications Lab                           0-6-2

COREQUISITE:  ILT 267

This course verifies basic radio frequency theories through experimentation.  Upon completion of this course and RF communications, students should be able to construct various RF circuits and make necessary measurements and adjustments.

 ILT      271     Independent Study                               0/1-0/3-1

PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

This course is designed to allow students to independently study various topics related to instrumentation technology.  Emphasis is placed on the refinement or advancement of a particular skill or skills.  Upon completion, students should be able to perform specific job related functions according to standard operating procedures.

 ILT      272     Independent Study                               0/2-0/6-2

PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

This course is designed to allow students to independently study various topics related to instrumentation technology.  Emphasis is placed on the refinement or advancement of a particular skill or skills.  Upon completion, students should be able to perform specific job related functions according to standard operating procedures.

ILT      273     Independent Study                                     3-0-3

PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

This course is designed to allow students to independently study various topics related to instrumentation technology.  Emphasis is placed on the refinement or advancement of a particular skill or skills.  Upon completion, students should be able to perform specific job related functions according to standard operating procedures.

ILT      274     Independent Study                                     0-9-3

PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

This course is designed to allow students to independently study various topics related to instrumentation technology. Emphasis is placed on the refinement or advancement of a particular skill or skills. Upon completion, students should be able to perform specific job related functions according to standard operating procedures.

ILT      280     Special Topics                                             3-0-3

PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

This course is designed to allow students an opportunity to study directly-related topics of particular interest which require the application of technical knowledge and technical skills. Emphasis is placed on the application of skills and knowledge with practical experiences. Upon completion, students should be able to solve job related problems using technical skills and knowledge.

ILT      280A  Special Topics - A+ Certification  Preparation                                                              3-0-3

PREREQUISITE: ILT 129, ILT 130, ILT 131, and ILT 135,or by permission of the instructor.

This course includes the information necessary for the successful completion of Technician A+ certification examinations. A comprehensive coverage of core hardware and operating systems is accomplished. Upon completion, students should understand the preparation necessary to successfully complete the core hardware and operation systems technologies exams.

ILT      280B  Special Topics - Network+ Certification Preparation                                      3-0-3

PREREQUISITE: ILT 129, ILT 130, ILT 131, and ILT 135,or by permission of the instructor.

This course includes the information necessary for the successful completion of the vendor-neutral Computer Technology Industry Association’s (CompTIA) Network+ certification examination. A comprehensive coverage of all exam objectives is accomplished. Upon completion, students should understand the preparation necessary to successfully complete the exam process.

ILT      280E   Special Topics - EEI Test Preparation   3-0-3

This course includes the review necessary before attempting the Edison Electric Institute’s test battery used by employers to predict performance in training and on the job. Areas of review will include reading comprehension, mechanical concepts, spatial ability, mathematical usage, tables and graphs, and completing the background and opinion questionnaire. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the preparations necessary to successfully complete the test battery.

 ILT      291     Cooperative Education                            0-15-3

PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

This course provides students work experience with a college-approved employer in an area directly related to the student’s program of study.  Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom experiences with work experience.  Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.

ILT      292     Cooperative Education                            0-15-3

PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

This course provides students work experience with a college-approved employer in an area directly related to the student’s program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom experiences with work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.

ILT      293     Cooperative Education                            0-15-3

PREREQUISITE:  Permission of the instructor.

This course provides students work experience with a college-approved employer in an area directly related to the student’s program of study.  Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom experiences with work experience.  Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.

ILT      294     Biomedical Electronics Clinical I          0-10-3

PREREQUISITE: ILT 203.

Students will be assigned to a local hospital facility, working in the technical capacity as a biomedical electronic technician trainee. Upon completion, students have gained experience as a biomedical equipment technician.

ILT      295     Biomedical Electronics Clinical II         0-10-3

PREREQUISITE: ILT 204.

Continuation of the clinical on-site study I where students are assigned to a local hospital facility working in the technical capacity as a Biomedical Electronic Technician Trainee. Upon completion, students have gained experience as a biomedical equipment technician.

To see an introductory lesson on electronics technology go to DC Theory.

Return to the program outline

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