Planner for Mechatronics Engineering Technology (A.A.S.)
Title of Major: Mechatronics Engineering Technology, A.A.S.
Award: Associate of Applied Science degree, A.A.S.
Code: AAS.EGR.MECHATRONICS
Total Credit Hours: A minimum of 61
About the Engineering Department - see www.aacc.edu
Purpose: Mechatronics is a new field in engineering that integrates a variety of different technologies - mechanical, electronics, fluid power (hydraulics & pneumatics), and computer - to control machine movements. The student begins the program with courses in mechanics, sensors, basic electronics, pneumatics, control logic, and robot programming and control. The student goes on to learn how to program a specific Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), and then writes and troubleshoots programs to control five machines. The five tasks - Distribution, Gauging, Pick & Place, Pressing and Sorting - are integrated into an assembly line that produces a real product.
The courses in this program make extensive use of computers for class learning, PLC programming, machine control, troubleshooting and machine simulation. The program provides the knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in automation-related jobs. Examples would be robot installation and maintenance, automation equipment installation, troubleshooting and maintenance, and PLC programming. Examples of industries using these skills are pharmaceuticals, food processing, beverage bottling, automated warehousing, oil production, packaging, electronics assembly, medical equipment production and the military.
The U.S. Department of Labor has referenced mechatronics as a new and emerging growth area, and mechatronics has also been identified as one of the in-demand industry clusters. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not collect employment data or wage data on mechatronics technicians; however, industry sources suggest that the annual wage is about $50,000, and the job outlook is bright through 2018. The National Council on Competitiveness estimates that 100 million new jobs will be created in the 21st century at the intersection of disciplines rather than in individual disciplines. Mechatronics technicians exhibit this multi-disciplinary or multi-skilled requirement.
Faculty Contact (https://webapps.aacc.edu/directory/default.cfm): Beth Baran
Courses to improve skills and prepare for college-level classes may be needed. It is best to see an advisor as you plan your education.
Course/Advising Notes: ________________________________________________________________________
Term 1
| Course Name | Credits | Term Taken | Grade |
EET 130-Introduction to Electronic Circuits  |
4 credit hours | ||
| MEC 110-Mechanical Components and Electric Motors | 4 credit hours | ||
| ENT 260-Solid Modeling with SolidWorks | 3 credit hours | ||
| MAT 145-Precalculus 1 One of the following may be substituted for MAT 145: MAT 146-Precalculus 2 MAT 151-Accelerated Precalculus MAT 191-Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 |
3 credit hours |
Term 2
| Course Name | Credits | Term Taken | Grade |
| MEC 120-Pneumatics and Hydraulics |
4 credit hours | ||
| ENG 111-Composition and Introduction to Literature 1 OR ENG 115-Composition and Introduction to Literature 1 for Non-Native Speakers OR ENG 121-Composition and Literature (must have 60 credits to graduate) Successful completion of ENG 121 fully satisfies the English composition general education requirement. |
3 credit hours | ||
| PHY 111-Fundamentals of Physics 1 OR PHY 211-General Physics 1 |
4 credit hours | ||
| CTA 100-Computing and Information Technology OR CTP 103-Theories and Applications of Digital Technology |
4 credit hours | ||
| Arts & Humanities GER Students are required to complete one course that meets the diversity requirement. This can be accomplished as this general education requirement (GER) is being met.  |
3 credit hours |
Term 3
| Course Name | Credits | Term Taken | Grade |
| MEC 130-Programmable Logic Controllers |
4 credit hours | ||
| MEC 140-Introduction to Robotics |
4 credit hours | ||
| ENG 111-Composition and Introduction to Literature 1 OR ENG 116-Composition and Introduction to Literature 2 for Non-Native Speakers |
3 credit hours | ||
| Technical elective Choose from the following list: EET 118-Electronic Hardware and Assembly Techniques EET 150-Semiconductors and Linear Circuits EET 231-Digital-Electronic Circuits EET 250-Microprocessors and Microcontrollers ENT 241-Computer-Aided Drafting ENT 242-Advanced Computer-Aided Drafting and Design ENT 261-Rapid Prototyping Techniques MAT 146-Precalculus 2 MAT 191-Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 PHY 112-Fundamentals of Physics 2 PHY 212-General Physics 2 |
3-4 credit hours | ||
| Health/Fitness/Wellness GER Students are required to complete one course that meets the diversity requirement. This can be accomplished as this general education requirement (GER) is being met. |
3 credit hours |
Term 4
| Course Name | Credits | Term Taken | Grade |
| Technical elective Choose from Technical elective list in Term 3 |
3-4 credit hours | ||
| MEC 150-Mechatronic Systems Capstone |
4 credit hours | ||
| STM 103-Professional Skills for STEM |
1 credit hour | ||
| Technical elective Choose from Technical elective list in Term 3 |
3-4 credit hours | ||
| Social & Behavioral Science GER |
3 credit hours |
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