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
Elective: Select 3 credits from the following
| MET-105 | Materials and Processes | 3 |
| MET-111 | CNC Machine Setup/Operation/Programming | 3 |
| MET-226 | CNC/CAM Operations I | 3 |
| MET-247 | Manufacture Methods, Process Planning, and Systems | 3 |
| WLD-100 | Introduction to Welding | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
General Education Requirements
| ENG-101 | Composition I | 3 |
| SPH-131 | Fundamentals of Communication | 3 |
| - | | |
| MTH-100 | Technical Mathematics | 5 |
| - | Or | |
| MTH-125 | Plane Trigonometry | 3 |
| - | Or | |
| MTH-132 | College Algebra and Trigonometry | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Science Elective
Must take 4 credits from the following courses
| BIO-103 | Introductory Life Science | 3 |
| BIO-104 | Introductory Life Science Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO-106 | Environmental Biology | 3 |
| BIO-107 | Environmental Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO-113 | Plants and Society | 4 |
| BIO-150 | Microbes and Society | 3 |
| BIO-152 | Microbes and Society Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO-201 | Fundamentals of Biology I | 4 |
| BIO-202 | Fundamentals of Biology II | 4 |
| AST-202 | Introduction to Astronomy | 4 |
| ATS-105 | Introduction to Atmospheric Science | 4 |
| CHM-105 | Chemistry and Society | 4 |
| CHM-110 | General, Organic and Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CHM-120 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| GEL-101 | Introduction to Geology | 4 |
| GEL-103 | Fossils and Earth History | 4 |
| PGE-102 | Physical Geography With Lab | 4 |
| PHY-201 | Mechanics and Heat | 5 |
| - | Or | |
| PHY-202 | Waves/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.