Nov 08, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [PAST CATALOG]

Mechatronics Engineering Technology (A.A.S.)


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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

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.

Range of Occupations

  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  • Maintenance and Repair Workers
  • Maintenance Workers, Machinery
  • Electro-Mechanical Technicians
  • Robotics Technicians
  • Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
  • Automation Technicians
  • Mechatronic Technicians
  • Manufacturing Technicians
  • Robotics Technicians
  • Field Service Technicians
  • Instrumentation and Control Technicians
  • Programmable Logic Controller Technicians

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses


 

 

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Graduation Requirements


See Academic Regulations for college-wide Graduation Requirements .

General Education Requirements: 23-26 credits


An approved list of general education courses can be found in the General Education Requirements and degree program required courses  section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

English: 3-6 credits


Arts and Humanities: 3 credits


See General Education Arts and Humanities Requirements  for a list of approved courses.

Biological and Physical Sciences: 4 credits


Health/Fitness/Wellness: 3 credits


See General Education Health/Fitness/Wellness Requirements  for a list of approved courses.

Mathematics: 3 credits


Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits


See General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences Requirements  for a list of approved courses.

Computer Competency Requirement


General education requirement CTA 100  and CTP 103  meets this requirement.

Diversity Requirement


Students may satisfy the diversity requirement simultaneously as they satisfy general education requirements for arts and humanities or social and behavioral sciences.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources


   

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