(Also see Computer Information Systems and Computer Networking and Systems)
Department Chair: Reza Dai, 847.376.7778, rdai@oakton.edu
This program provides knowledge of emerging technologies and hands-on skills to analyze, configure, design, test and trouble-shoot analog and digital circuits, install and service electronic equipment and systems, and install, operate and service modern electronic and data communication systems. Curriculum includes an introduction to AC/DC circuits and Ohm’s law, digital and semiconductor devices and circuits, microprocessors, CAD and fast track A+ certification.
Students can receive an A.A.S. degree or focus on technical courses in the Electronics and Computer Technology (ELT) certificate programs.
Prerequisites: High school graduation or High School Equivalency Certificate 1; one year of high school algebra.
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As of January 1, 2023, the High School Equivalency Certificate became the State of Illinois High School Diploma. High School Equivalency credentials received prior to that date remain valid.
Program Learning Outcomes
This program provides knowledge of emerging technologies and hands-on skills. After program completion, students will be able to:
- Analyze, configure, and design analog and digital circuits.
- Test and troubleshoot analog and digital circuits.
- Install and service modern electronic equipment and systems.
- Install, operate and service modern electronic and data communication systems.
- Communicate system issues and problem solving techniques.
- Exhibit productive team behavior in working on electronic equipment and systems.
Electronics and Computer Technology Courses
ELT 1015 credit hours (lecture: 4 | lab: 3)
Introduction to Electronics
Course introduces electronics curriculum with hands-on labs and simulations. Topics range from Ohm’s Law to semiconductor circuits, and include series and parallel circuits, capacitors, inductors, and magnetics, with focus on analog and digital circuits. Background in basic algebra recommended to understand electronics concepts.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ELT 1053 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Network Infrastructure Essentials
Course examines physical aspects of voice and data network cabling and installation. Topics include overview of industry and worldwide standards; types of media and cabling; physical and logical networks, as well as signal transmission. Focus of hands-on, lab-oriented course is documentation, design and installation issues, laboratory safety, on-the-job safety, and working effectively in group environments. Course helps prepare for BICSI Registered Certified Installer, Level 1 exam. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both ELT 105 and CNS 140.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
ELT 1063 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
Semiconductor Theory
Course presents basic study of diodes and transistors. Content includes grounded base, emitter and collector amplifiers; study of stability, gain and the impedance characteristics of the transistor.
Recommended: ELT 101.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $30
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ELT 1073 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Survey of Electronics
Course covers fundamentals of electricity and electronics. Overview of circuitry and devices used in industry, as basis for further study and practical application of skills Experimentation and demonstration for thorough understanding of principles. Of value for both the lay person and future professional in the field.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ELT 1083 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
Home Technology Integration
Course, sponsored by the Cisco Learning Institute, presents knowledge and skills in core competencies such as installation, integration, and troubleshooting, as related to the home networking technology industry. Lab equipment and online curricula are used. Content includes variety of residential subsystems including networking, lighting, structured wiring, HVAC controls, security, and home entertainment. Course helps prepare students for the CompTIA HTI+ Certified Exam.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $55
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ELT 1104 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 3)
Electronic Drafting Using CAD
Project-based course covering elementary principles of drafting as applied to electronics systems, using AutoCAD. Content includes block diagrams, schematics and printed circuit boards. Prior computer experience not essential.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ELT 1143 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
Residential Wiring
Course provides technical skills and knowledge of residential wiring, to conform to the National Electrical Code. Content includes safe installing, maintaining, replacing and repairing residential wiring and distribution systems. Hands-on labs, using of variety of tools and equipment to complete and troubleshoot residential electrical wiring projects.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ELT 1203 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
Introduction to Radio Frequency Identification
Course covers radio frequency identification (RFID) concepts and fundamentals, and how emerging electronic product code (EPCglobal) standards are influencing adoption. Content includes RFID capabilities, current applications of RFID in businesses, and practical ways to articulate use cases for this technology to potential employers and peers.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $40
ELT 1303 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
PC Hardware and Maintenance Concepts
Course introduces personal computer hardware and maintenance practices with potential applications toward IT career development. Content includes computer hardware components and their function, theory of operation, preventative maintenance, proper use of instruments in troubleshooting, limited repairs and an introduction to professional language.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $30
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ELT 1403 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
PC Operating Systems and Professional Management
Course introduces operating systems concepts from administration and use perspectives, as well as principles of PC management. Content includes operating system functions, types, and implementations, software management and troubleshooting, security concepts and practices, and professional IT policies, practices and procedures.
Recommended: ELT 130.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $30
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ELT 1502 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 0)
A+ Certification Preparation
Course builds upon the knowledge learned in ELT 130 and ELT 140, to prepare the student to pass the A+ Certification exam. Content includes sample exams and material covered on the exam. A+ Certification determines a level of competence in the computer hardware business, which may be required or considered an advantage when employing a computer technician.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $25
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ELT 1543 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
Fundamentals of Solar Energy Systems
Course covers the theory, operation, and application of photovoltaic and thermal systems and technologies. The content includes solar energy basics, site surveys, available technologies, installation options, cost estimation, and project justification. The course will include both lecture as well as hand-on lab sessions.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $30
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ELT 1603 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
Overview of Alternative Energy Resources
Project-based course covering renewable and alternative forms of energy. Content includes an overview of solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, geothermal and nuclear power. Includes hands-on labs on solar, wind and hydropower, and simulations of the others.
Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in ELT 101 or ELT 107 or ELT 130, or prior knowledge of electronics and electricity.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $30
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ELT 2043 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 0)
Wireless Technology Integration (WTI)
Course introduces wireless technology integration for wireless communication, and fundamentals of wired and wireless networks with a variety of devices. Content includes study of network protocols and standards, wireless security, advantages and disadvantages of wireless LAN, and an overview of installation and testing of wireless networks. Focus is on troubleshooting and use of measuring equipment.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ELT 2213 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
Digital Circuit Fundamentals
Course involves study of discrete devices and integrated circuits. Content includes application of inverters, AND, OR, NAND, and NOR gates, and all circuits necessary to operation of a computer including microprocessors. Focus is on analysis of functions from a systems and circuit standpoint.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $30
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ELT 2233 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
Integrated Circuits
Course covers integrated circuits and their applications. Content includes operational amplifiers and digital integrated circuits, both from monolithic and hybrid standpoints, application of integrated circuits to current industry situations.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $30
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ELT 2243 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
Industrial Circuit Applications
Course focuses on application of circuits to specific situations such as SCRs. Content includes welding, motor control systems and industrial antipollution systems.
Prerequisite: ELT 106.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $30
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ELT 2253 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
Digital Integrated Circuits
Hands-on course covers applications of digital integrated circuits. Content includes use of gates, registers, drivers, memory circuits and various circuits that are available as “chips” I.C.s are presented. Course involves lecture and lab experiments, and use of the applications manual.
Prerequisite: ELT 221.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $30
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ELT 2313 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 2)
Fundamentals of Microprocessors
Course focuses on hardware and software aspects of microprocessor/microcomputer systems, the nucleus of programmed digital systems. Content includes discussion of largescale integrated devices (LSI) with associated memory and input/output components, and rapid replacement of hardwired digital logic in industrial and commercial applications, with hands-on lab sessions.
Recommended: ELT 221.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $30
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ELT 2901-4 credit hours (lecture: 1-4 | lab: 1-4)
Topics in Electronics
Course explores major issues in the field of electronics. Topics will be selected from the following subspecialties as they relate to electronics, computer network systems, and computer service: network wiring, wireless technologies, semiconductors, and computer peripherals. Course has different focus and/or scope from other courses currently offered in the department. Course may be taken for credit up to four times on different topics. Fee Varies. Prerequisite may vary by topic.
Instruction Type: In-Person