Programmable Logic Controllers Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

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Course

ELMT-1301-001 Programmable Logic Controllers

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: IEIR 1310 - minimum grade of C

Course Description

An introduction to programmable logic controllers as used in industrial environments including basic concepts, programming, application, troubleshooting of ladder logic, and interfacing of equipment.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Amatrol LMS Seat 

Supplies

Basic tool kit with diagonal wire cutters, wire stripper, screwdrivers, multimeter

Thumb drive

Three ring binder.

Graph paper

Student Performance

Programmable Logic Controllers

As you know, participation in any career is essential for success. Showing up is 90% of what makes someone successful. Being an active participant and student  in this course will make all the difference and help you. Listen to your peers. Talk with them. Study with them. Active participation is essential. We encourage all students to engage fully, share perspectives, and contribute to a collaborative learning environment.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Learn about your rights and responsibilities in the AC Student's Rights and Responsibilities 

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

Stay updated and informed through the AC Connect Portal. This resource will help you access course materials and important communications. In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at AC Connect   

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Expected Behaviors

Notebook & Class Equipment
We encourage active learning through note-taking and classroom participation, helping you maximize your educational experience. To maintain a professional and respectful learning environment, we kindly request that students remove hats indoors, with the exception of safety equipment specific to certain technical courses (such as welding protective headgear during welding instruction).

Shop Policy
Our lab spaces are designed to be a safe and productive learning environment where every student can thrive. To ensure everyone's safety and success, we have the following collaborative guidelines:

1. Safety First
   1. Carefully review all provided safety materials.
   2. Demonstrate personal responsibility by practicing thoughtful safety awareness.
   3. Maintain a clean, organized, and well-maintained workspace.
       
2. Equipment Care
   1. Ensure all safety shields and protective guards remain in their proper position
   2. Quickly report any equipment concerns to the instructor, including:
      1. potential electrical issues
      2. worn or damaged tools
      3. missing or compromised parts
          
3. Respectful Collaboration
   1. Contribute positively during class and lab.
   2. Support instructors by staying focused on your learning.
   3. Be respectful and considerate of others.
       
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   1. Always wear safety glasses when entering the shop area.
   2. Follow lock-out/tag-out procedures for equipment safety.
       
5. Conduct
   1. Be professional.
   2. Avoid actions that compromise safety.

Together, we create a safe, supportive, and effective learning space where everyone can grow and succeed.

Tools & Equipment
 

1. Required Equipment
   1. Demonstrate professionalism and readiness to learn by coming prepared with your tools.
   2. Use calculators and laptops to support your learning. Laptops are available to you, if needed. Speak to your instructor.
   3. Understand that daily grades reflect your preparation.
   4. Reach out if you need support accessing required equipment.
       
2. Respect for Shared Resources
   1. Use tools in ways that they were designed to be used.
   2. Let your instructor know any missing or damaged tools or equipment to support a safe learning environment.
       
3. Clean Workshop Environment
   1. Enjoy food and beverages outside the lab workspace (e.g. breakroom).
   2. Keep the lab workspace clean and safe to protect our learning environment.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria

Grading is based on multiple assessments, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of student performance through various formats.

Course Evaluations

We believe in your ability to achieve excellence in your coursework. Here's how we'll measure and support your success:

1. Performance Excellence
   1. Demonstrate mastery through thorough completion of all learning tasks
   2. Take pride in delivering quality work that showcases your developing skills
   3. Each project provides an opportunity to build professional expertise
2. Assessment Criteria
   1. Technical accuracy and attention to detail
   2. Efficient time management
   3. Professional presentation and organization
   4. Safe work practices
   5. Equipment care and maintenance
   6. Resource management
   7. Documentation quality
3. Project Completion Standards
   1. Properly maintained and cleaned equipment
   2. Organized and tidy work areas
   3. Well-maintained tools returned to designated locations
   4. Materials and supplies stored appropriately
4. Class Preparation
   1. Coming equipped with necessary materials
   2. Being ready to engage in hands-on learning
   3. Managing time effectively with assignments due at the start of class

Your commitment to these standards helps build the professional skills valued in your future career.

End-of-Course Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of class, students will demonstrate the following:

1. Technical Skills (http://board.thecb.state.tx.us/apps/wecm//PubDispRegular.cfm?CRSID=3944)
   1. Define the relationship between voltage, current, and impedance.
   2. Calculate values of apparent, true, and reactive power.
   3. Calculate phase angle values of voltage and current.
2. Leadership Skills
   1. Leverage your unique strengths to exhibit and foster a collaborative environment.
   2. Engage as an active listener in support of team goals and quality in service and production.
   3. Learn to work effectively as part of a team, understanding the dynamics of teamwork and the importance of each member’s contribution.
3. Soft Skills
   1. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
      1. Through positive collaboration, identify, analyze, and resolve problems effectively and through proactive teamwork.
      2. Through teamwork, apply technical skills learned in this course to improve operational efficiency and safety to support organizational goals.
      3. Through adaptability, recognize in self and others diverse perspectives to achieve goals for the good of the organization and community.

Course Development of Knowledge and Abilities: Upon completion of Class, students will demonstrate the following:

1. Place electrical and mechanical tooling to a zero energy state (lock out / tag out).
2. Maintain and work in a safe environment.
3. Wear and maintain assigned professional attire.
4. Wear and maintain proper PPE.
5. Complete all projects on time according to instructions or schematics with zero defects.
6. Troubleshoot, repair & run malfunctioning circuit.
7. Write technical procedures.
8. Work as a team member.
9. Use test equipment to measure and troubleshoot circuits and components.
10. Measure and interpret electrical values in circuits using various test equipment.
11. Distinguish between short circuit and a ground fault.
12. Measure earth ground using an earth ground meter.
13. Explain the purposes of the grounded conductor (neutral) in the operation of over-current devices.
14. Explain the necessity of over-current protection devices in electrical circuits.
15. Define and describe the operation of a circuit breaker.
16. Define and explain the operation of single-element and time delay fuses.
17. Explain ohm’s law, power formula, conductance vs. resistance, capacitance, and inductance as applied to AC circuits.
18. Demonstrate and explain Counter EMF in AC circuits.
19. Interpret the effects of Skin Effect.
20. Operate Oscilloscope to determine voltages Peak, Peak-Peak, phase shift, and Frequency/Period.

The student's numerical course grade will be calculated according to the following:

Attendance                             10%

Unit Quiz                                 20%

Labs                                        30%

Mid-Term                                20%

Final Exam                             20%

Attendance

Attendance and Professional Development Guidelines:

Attendance is crucial for your learning. If you face difficulties attending, please communicate with me to explore options. Regular attendance empowers your learning and skill development. Active participation strengthens your understanding of course material. Each class session builds essential knowledge for your professional growth

Join us for all scheduled lectures and labs to maximize your learning experience. Connect with me before class if you anticipate being absent or delayed. After three absences, we'll meet to discuss strategies for your continued success. Please review the academic calendar for important withdrawal deadlines.

Your professionalism grade reflects your engagement in both lectures and labs

Demonstrate professional workplace habits by arriving on time and participating fully. Practice time management skills that employers value.

For chapter quizzes and exams, communicate with me before the scheduled time if you cannot attend. Alternative assessment times will be arranged as needed. Make-up assessments may use essay format to showcase your understanding. In-class activities like pop quizzes and the syllabus quiz occur only during scheduled sessions.

Late assignments will receive a grade no higher than 50%, no late work accepted after 3 days past due. Timely submission is expected. To support student learning, we allow for a 25% late penalty for assignments submitted late, with clear communication regarding deadlines. Late assignments will receive a grade no higher than 50%, no late work accepted after 3 days past due. It is the responsibility of the student to gain any materials missed in class by their tardy/absence(s). In the case a student misses, the material will be found on AC Connect, textbook, or from your fellow students. Hands-on labs cannot be duplicated and can not be made up, resulting in a zero for the lab.

It is the responsibility of the student to gain any materials missed in class by their tardy/absence(s). In the case a student misses, the material will be found on AC Connect, textbook, or from your fellow students.

Hands-on labs cannot be duplicated and can not be made up, resulting in a zero for the lab.

Lab Rules  

Participation

Active participation is essential. We encourage respectful engagement and value each student’s contributions to discussions. Hands-on experience is crucial for understanding alternating current circuits. Attendance is vital; students who miss labs will not be able to make them up, emphasizing the importance of participation.

Safety and cleanliness are priorities in lab settings. We will ensure that all students understand and adhere to safety protocols.

Exams

• Three exams will assess understanding and application of course material. Make-up exams are available only for legitimate medical reasons, fostering accountability and preparedness.

Calendar

Additional Information

STUDENT SIGNATURE______________________ DATE________________