ELEN20005 Foundations of Electrical Networks

University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.

• Final exam 60%: exam-heavy
• 30% group work

Is ELEN20005 hard?

ELEN20005: About average. Makes it harder: Final exam 60%, You must pass the exam on its own.

What you learn

Analysing DC and AC circuits, power systems and op-amps, with hands-on breadboard labs and simulation.

After it you can

• Analyse electrical circuits from first principles
• Build and debug circuits on a breadboard
• Compare lab results with simulations

What you need first

None

Take in the same semester or earlier

((MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022 or MAST10018) and PHYC10004) or ((MAST10006 or MAST10021 or MAST10009 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10022 or MAST10008 or MAST10018) and PHYC10002)

What it leads to

• ELEN30009 Electrical Network Analysis and Design
• ELEN30011 Electrical Device Modelling
• ELEN30012 Signals and Systems
• ELEN30013 Electronic System Implementation
• ELEN30014 Analog and Digital Electronics Concepts
• MCEN30020 Systems Modelling and Analysis
• MCEN30021 Mechanical Systems Design

Careers

Helps toward: Chemical engineer, Environmental engineer, Mechanical engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Civil engineer, Electrical engineer, Digital infrastructure engineer, Mechatronics engineer, Biotechnologist

How it’s assessed

Final exam 60%, Tests 10%, Quizzes 30%

Student reviews and ratings

Summarised from 10 students on StudentVIP (2015–2026)

• Core foundation for electrical engineering; mostly DC/AC circuit analysis, interesting but hard at times.
• Hands-on labs (breadboards, LTspice, measurement kits) were widely enjoyed.
• Group assignments matter, so pick a reliable group; weekly quizzes are on the harder side and force you to keep up.
• Lectures and recorded content were widely praised as clear; the exam was seen as fair, though one recent midterm was very hard.

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A summary of public reviews, not scored here.

Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate ELEN20005

Quick answers

When is ELEN20005 offered?

Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.

What do I need before taking ELEN20005?

No prerequisites. Must be taken before or alongside it: ((MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022 or MAST10018) and PHYC10004) or ((MAST10006 or MAST10021 or MAST10009 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10022 or MAST10008 or MAST10018) and PHYC10002).

Does ELEN20005 have a final exam?

Yes, the final exam is 60% of the mark. You must pass the exam on its own. Assessment: Final exam 60%, Tests 10%, Quizzes 30%.

Is ELEN20005 hard?

From 10 student reviews on StudentVIP: Core foundation for electrical engineering; mostly DC/AC circuit analysis, interesting but hard at times.

What do students say about ELEN20005?

Core foundation for electrical engineering; mostly DC/AC circuit analysis, interesting but hard at times. Hands-on labs (breadboards, LTspice, measurement kits) were widely enjoyed. Group assignments matter, so pick a reliable group; weekly quizzes are on the harder side and force you to keep up.

Can I take ELEN20005 as breadth?

Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.

What can I take after ELEN20005?

7 subjects need it first, for example ELEN30009, ELEN30011, ELEN30012, ELEN30013.

Can I rate ELEN20005?

Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.

Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026

Always confirm in the official Handbook.

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