Overview

ECE 103 uses the C language to introduce software design and documentation, algorithms, and programming to solve science and engineering problems. In addition, students write code to control a hardware interfacing project.

Course structure:

• Lectures

• Homework

• Labs

• Exams

• Project

A formal course description can be found here:

https://www.pdx.edu/electrical-computer-engineering/ece-103-engineering-programming

Required TA Skills

1. You need to be VERY competent and confident with writing, testing, and debugging programs in the C language. Although many TA applicants list C or C++ on their resume, you must know C well enough to teach it to students, some of whom have rudimentary programming abilities. It is not enough just to know the syntax. You must be well-versed in general programming principles and be fluent in how C works. If your C knowledge is weak, then you should not apply for this TA position.

2. At minimum, you should know the ISO C89/C90 language standard, but knowledge of C99 or later is even better. The course assumes use of the GCC C99 compiler, though similar compilers are acceptable. You should be familiar with at least one integrated programming environment, such as Visual Studio, Code::Blocks, NetBeans, Xcode, or similar.

3. You should know basic circuit analysis and how to build circuits on a breadboard.

4. Some skills in interfacing small single board computers (e.g., using Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.) to sensors and actuators is highly desirable. The course utilizes a LabJack (see labjack.com) in this course, which is a simpler unit that can be controlled by a C program.

5. You should feel comfortable working with students. Your command of the English language should be good enough so that there are no communication issues when providing them with help.

TA Responsibilities

Teaching assistants are required to:

1. Attend labs during the term. Each week, the TA is responsible for two 2-hour lab sections (total = 4 hours/week).

2. Help students during each lab session and grade their submitted lab reports. There may be an undergraduate student assistant to help with the labs.

3. Grade homework sets. Each one has a short report and source code that must be reviewed, compiled, and tested.

4. Upload student scores and feedback to D2L.

5. Hold office hours for 2 hours per week.

Verifying Your Qualifications

To help determine the most qualified applicants, the course instructor asks you to do the following:

• Send a current résumé (C.V.) to the instructor by e-mail.

• Be interviewed by the instructor. You will be asked to answer a few C programming questions.