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ELEC2070 – Linear Circuits and Devices

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Stuart Jackson
stuart.jackson@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
PHYS1520 and (MATH1020 or MATH1025)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit develops the fundamentals in electric and electronic circuits and the laboratory investigation and reporting. The unit covers the key electric circuit elements and their models, and analysing circuits including these models. Topics include: linear electrical components; energy dissipation, energy storage and power transfer; Kirchhoff's laws; transient versus steady-state. Linear electrical components include voltage and current sources, resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Time domain vs frequency domain circuit analysis, and impedance concept is introduced, leading to ac circuit analysis and ac power concepts.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Quality Education; Affordable and Clean Energy; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Calculate the response of circuits composed of linear circuit elements with a source of constant energy to determine all currents, voltages and power.
  • ULO2: Apply the method of time domain analysis of circuits composed of linear circuit elements with a source of constant energy to determine all currents, voltages and power when an abrupt change is applied to the circuit.
  • ULO3: Analyse circuits composed of linear circuit elements with a source of energy with a sinusoidal time dependence to determine the circuit’s response in terms of current, voltage and power.
  • ULO4: Apply the method of frequency domain analysis and the Laplace Transform to determine the circuit response for all applied frequencies.
  • ULO5: Physically construct and experimentally characterise circuits with one or more linear components
  • ULO6: Write concise reports summarising methodologies used and the results obtained.

General Assessment Information

Laboratory Reports

All reports must be submitted electronically through iLearn (in pdf format). Submissions are expected to be neatly written (or typed) in a logical layout and sequence. Markers WILL NOT grade poorly organised or illegible scans or drafts. The expected workload includes preparation of final copies, photos of equipment outputs when making measurements and clear diagrams. Re-submissions will be permitted up to the original due date. All assignments should be prepared individually by you. It is expected that students consult tutors, lecturers or other students while learning the concepts, but copying reports from others is not accepted. Students are expected to have read and understood the academic honesty policy.

 

Late Submission Policy

  • 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.

    • Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.

    • Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.

  • After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.

  • Extensions:

    • Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.

    • Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.

Need help? Review the Special Consideration page HERE

 

Grading

In order to pass this unit a student must obtain a mark of 50 or more overall or obtain a passing grade P / CR / D / HD.

 

Supplementary Exam

If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled. By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. Approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI assisted?
Final Exam 50% No Exam Period Individual No
Time domain measurements and calculations 25% No 22/04/2026 Individual No Open AI
Frequency domain measurements and calculations 25% No 27/05/2026 Individual No Open AI

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:

End of session final examination. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Calculate the response of circuits composed of linear circuit elements with a source of constant energy to determine all currents, voltages and power.
  • Apply the method of time domain analysis of circuits composed of linear circuit elements with a source of constant energy to determine all currents, voltages and power when an abrupt change is applied to the circuit.
  • Analyse circuits composed of linear circuit elements with a source of energy with a sinusoidal time dependence to determine the circuit’s response in terms of current, voltage and power.
  • Apply the method of frequency domain analysis and the Laplace Transform to determine the circuit response for all applied frequencies.
  • Physically construct and experimentally characterise circuits with one or more linear components
  • Write concise reports summarising methodologies used and the results obtained.

Time domain measurements and calculations

Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: 22/04/2026
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI

This is a take home activity and is based on laboratory measurements.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Calculate the response of circuits composed of linear circuit elements with a source of constant energy to determine all currents, voltages and power.
  • Apply the method of time domain analysis of circuits composed of linear circuit elements with a source of constant energy to determine all currents, voltages and power when an abrupt change is applied to the circuit.
  • Physically construct and experimentally characterise circuits with one or more linear components
  • Write concise reports summarising methodologies used and the results obtained.

Frequency domain measurements and calculations

Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: 27/05/2026
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI

This is a take home activity and is based on laboratory measurements.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse circuits composed of linear circuit elements with a source of energy with a sinusoidal time dependence to determine the circuit’s response in terms of current, voltage and power.
  • Apply the method of frequency domain analysis and the Laplace Transform to determine the circuit response for all applied frequencies.
  • Physically construct and experimentally characterise circuits with one or more linear components
  • Write concise reports summarising methodologies used and the results obtained.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

The unit will comprise of 12 lectures + Exam revision lecture in Week 13 with all the review material placed on iLearn.

There is no practical class in Week 1.

On-campus actvities start in Week 1.

Could students who are unable to get back to campus on time for the beginning of the semester please contact the convenor as soon as possible.

Textbooks

PRIMARY TEXT:

J. A. Svoboda, R. C. Dorf, “Introduction to Electric Circuits 9th edition,” Wiley, 2014 (or 8th edition)

SECONDARY TEXTS:

W. H. Hayt, J. E. Kennedy, S. M. Durbin, "Engineering Circuit Analysis," McGraw Hill 2007 (8th edition)

A. R. Hambley, “Electrical Engineering, Principles and Applications, International Sixth Edition,” Pearson, 2014.

 

Required unit materials: • The textbook J. A. Svoboda, R. C. Dorf, “Introduction to Electric Circuits 9th edition,” is the primary text. Hayt can be used to supplement the unit. • Lecture notes and worksheets for laboratory sessions (available from iLearn) • Bound logbook for all practical sessions

Technology used: Typical electronic and electrical laboratory instruments such as voltage and current sources, voltmeters, ammeters, oscilloscopes, simulation software such as MATLAB and LT Spice will be used.

Unit Schedule

Weekly Plan

A weekly plan of lectures, laboratory and workshop sessions will be posted on iLearn. Students are expected to consult it and be aware of possible minor variations.

Lectures

Week 1: Introduction + Review + Fundamentals

Week 2: Power transfer + Energy storage elements (capacitors + inductors)

Week 3: Ideal operational amplifiers

Week 4: The complete response of 1st order (RL and RC) circuits

Week 5: Complete response of 2nd order (RLC) circuits

Week 6: Review of complete response of RL, RC and RLC circuits + Stability

Week 7: Frequency domain analysis for steady state sinusoidal inputs 

Week 8: AC Thévenin + Norton Equivalents + Superposition + AC power

Week 9: Complex power and complex frequency

Week 10: Frequency response of simple circuits + Network Function

Week 11: Damped sinusoidal forcing function and the Laplace Transform AND unit review

Week 12: Inverse Laplace Transform and circuits in the complex frequency domain AND unit review

Week 13: 2017 Exam review

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

The number of assessment tasks has been reduced to 3. Assignments will be released and solutions posted on iLearn 2 weeks after the release date. These should be considered as example problems to help you prepare for the final exam. Please take the opportunity to do these as they will benefit you. They will not be marked.

Engineers Australia Competency Mapping

EA Competency Standard Unit Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Skill Base 1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4 
1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing. ULO5, ULO6
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions ULO5, ULO6
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice ULO5, ULO6
1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice.  
Engineering Application Ability 2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. ULO5, ULO6
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. ULO5, ULO6
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. ULO5, ULO6
Professional and Personal Attributes 3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. ULO5, ULO6
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. ULO6
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. ULO5
3.4 Professional use and management of information. ULO5, ULO6
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. ULO5, ULO6
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership ULO5

Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook