2023-2024 College Catalog

Associate in Applied Science #8700

Program Website: RockValleyCollege.edu/Mechatronics

 

Program Overview

Mechatronics is the intersection of mechanical systems, electrical systems, control systems, and computer technologies, which allows the creation of “smart” products that improve our lives. Computer-based learning enhances student abilities to problem solve and learn with simulators; hands-on lab class time reinforces skills, safety and career readiness.

Certificate 1 (Fundamentals of Mechatronics) - Courses introduce the beginner to electro-mechanical systems, graphics and print reading, robotic manipulators and concepts of end of arm tooling, gear drives, belt drives, and shaft systems.

Certificate 2 (Advanced Mechatronics) - Courses introduce programmable logic controllers (PLC's), industrial robots and sensors, conveyor systems, control panels, and using prior topics in system-level troubleshooting.

Program Description

Mechatronics courses introduce electro-mechanical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, print reading, robotics programming, PLC programming, and troubleshooting automated manufacturing systems. Industrial maintenance, manufacturing technicians, and machine builders are areas for employment. Options include certificates in Fundamental of Mechatronics which introduces the beginner to electro-mechanical systems, graphics and print reading, robotic manipulators and concepts of end of arm tooling, gear drives, belt drives, and shaft systems, and Advanced Mechatronics which introduces programmable logic controllers (PLC’s), industrial robots and sensors, conveyor systems, control panels, and using prior topics in system-level troubleshooting. The AAS Mechatronics Degree includes additional courses in General Education subjects for English and Speech for proper communication, Math for college-level mathematical skills, and further courses in manufacturing-related disciplines.

Work and Employment

Mechatronics is an emerging field that blends mechanical systems, electrical systems, control systems, and computer technologies to build, operate and maintain advanced manufacturing equipment. The employment opportunities may be referred to as mechatronics technician, industrial maintenance technician, or automation and robotics technician.

Graduates of the Mechatronics program are prepared for employment in areas of industrial maintenance technician, robotics automation technician, industrial maintenance mechanic, electrical maintenance technician, and the application of mechanical and electrical technologies. This includes building, maintaining and troubleshooting automated manufacturing systems, servicing and adjusting industrial robots, writing PLC programming, servicing pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, and monitoring manufacturing safety and quality. Automation and machine builders, warehouse and shipping distribution centers, manufacturing and assembly plants have need for skilled technicians with these varied skills.

Requirements

Core Requirements

MEC-100Mechanical Systems I

1

MEC-101Mechanical Systems II

1

MEC-102Mechanical Systems III

1

MEC-110Electrical Systems I

1

MEC-111Electrical Systems II

1

MEC-112Electrical Systems III

1

MEC-120Graphics I

1

MEC-121Graphics II

1

MEC-122Graphics III

1

MEC-130Robotics and Automation I

1

MEC-131Robotics and Automation II

1

MEC-132Robotics and Automation III

1

MEC-140Advanced Manufacturing I

1

MEC-141Advanced Manufacturing II

1

MEC-142Advanced Manufacturing III

1

MEC-150Fundamentals of PLC I

1

MEC-151Fundamentals of PLC II

1

MEC-152Fundamentals of PLC III

1

MEC-160Applications of PLC I

1

MEC-161Applications of PLC II

1

MEC-162Applications of PLC III

1

MEC-170Pneumatics and Hydraulics I

1

MEC-171Pneumatics and Hydraulics II

1

MEC-172Pneumatics and Hydraulics III

1

MEC-180Industrial Robots I

1

MEC-181Industrial Robots II

1

MEC-182Industrial Robots III

1

MEC-193Mechatronics Capstone

3

MET-106Metrology

3

MET-110Manufacturing Processes I

3

MET-162Applied Physics

4

STU-103Workplace Ethics

1

Total Credit Hours:44

Elective: Select 3 credits from the following

MET-105Materials and Processes

3

MET-111CNC Machine Setup/Operation/Programming

3

MET-226CNC/CAM Operations I

3

MET-247Manufacture Methods, Process Planning, and Systems

3

WLD-100Introduction to Welding

3

Total Credit Hours:3

General Education Requirements

ENG-101Composition I

3

SPH-131Fundamentals of Communication

3

- 

MTH-100Technical Mathematics

5

-Or

MTH-125Plane Trigonometry

3

-Or

MTH-132College Algebra and Trigonometry

5

Total Credit Hours:9

Science Elective

Must take 4 credits from the following courses

BIO-103Introductory Life Science

3

BIO-104Introductory Life Science Laboratory

1

BIO-106Environmental Biology

3

BIO-107Environmental Biology Laboratory

1

BIO-113Plants and Society

4

BIO-150Microbes and Society

3

BIO-152Microbes and Society Laboratory

1

BIO-201Fundamentals of Biology I

4

BIO-202Fundamentals of Biology II

4

AST-202Introduction to Astronomy

4

ATS-105Introduction to Atmospheric Science

4

CHM-105Chemistry and Society

4

CHM-110General, Organic and Biochemistry I

4

CHM-120General Chemistry I

4

GEL-101Introduction to Geology

4

GEL-103Fossils and Earth History

4

PGE-102Physical Geography With Lab

4

PHY-201Mechanics and Heat

5

-Or

PHY-202Waves/Electricity/Light & Modern Physics

5

Total Credit Hours:4

Liberal Arts Elective

Select 3 credits from the General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) / IAI Liberal Arts: ENG, SPH, FRN, GRM, SPN, LIT, PHL, ART, COM, HUM, MUS, THE, ANP, ECO, GEO, HST, PSC, PSY, SOC. See a full list here.

Total Credit Hours:3

Total Credit Hours: 60