MITx: Circuits and Electronics 1: Basic Circuit Analysis course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
This course offers a rigorous introduction to electrical engineering fundamentals, designed to mirror MIT’s on-campus curriculum. Over approximately 12–20 weeks, learners will progress through foundational and advanced circuit analysis concepts, spending roughly 8–10 hours per week on lectures, problem sets, and analysis exercises. The curriculum emphasizes analytical reasoning and mathematical modeling of electrical systems, preparing students for further study in electronics and engineering.
Module 1: Foundations of Circuit Analysis
Estimated time: 30 hours
- Introduction to voltage, current, and power
- Ohm’s Law and resistance
- Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
- Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
Module 2: Network Theorems and Advanced Analysis
Estimated time: 40 hours
- Node-voltage method
- Mesh-current method
- Thevenin’s Theorem
- Norton’s Theorem
Module 3: Capacitors, Inductors, and Dynamic Circuits
Estimated time: 40 hours
- Capacitors and inductors as energy storage elements
- Transient analysis in RC and RL circuits
- Time constants and first-order system behavior
Module 4: Operational Amplifiers and Applications
Estimated time: 30 hours
- Ideal operational amplifier model
- Op-Amp circuit configurations
- Design of amplifiers, integrators, and differentiators
Module 5: Advanced Circuit Dynamics
Estimated time: 30 hours
- First-order and second-order circuit analysis
- Step response and natural response
- Applications in signal processing and filtering
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 20 hours
- Design and analyze a multi-stage resistive circuit
- Incorporate Op-Amp stages and dynamic elements
- Submit detailed analysis report with simulation or calculations
Prerequisites
- Proficiency in algebra and calculus
- Familiarity with basic physics concepts, particularly electricity and magnetism
- Ability to solve differential equations at an introductory level
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Analyze DC and AC circuits using fundamental laws
- Apply node-voltage and mesh-current methods to complex networks
- Use Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems for circuit simplification
- Design and evaluate circuits with operational amplifiers
- Understand transient behavior in capacitive and inductive circuits