A new design-oriented introductory circuits core course in the Electrical Engineering department at Penn State University, USA, is described. The course uses an integrated lecture-lab approach with modular lab assignments that are based on the design, construction and verification of the electronic components of a simple compact disk (CD) player. Each week, new circuit concepts, elements and topologies are introduced by relating them to a functional block of the CD player. In addition, the use of integrated design tools are emphasized. Initial student feedback indicates that the new course goals of providing a solid conceptual foundation for introductory electrical engineering circuit concepts while improving motivation and providing an exposure to integrated design have been met.
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