Principles of Engineering Technology (9-10)

• Prerequisite: None

Principles of Engineering and Technology is a foundational course for students interested in learning more about careers in engineering and technology. This course covers basic skills required for engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in the engineering design process. They can evaluate an existing engineering design, use fundamental sketching and engineering drawing techniques, complete simple design projects using the engineering design process, and effectively communicate design solutions to others. Mechanical engineering concepts are explored through challenging machine design projects. Electrical engineering is also explored through the coverage of Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Law, and Watt’s Law. Pascal’s Law and fluid power are also covered. In addition, bridge design and truss analysis calculations address the area of civil engineering.  

Digital Electronics (10) 

• Prerequisite: None

Honors Digital Electronics is intended to provide students with an introduction to the basic components of digital electronic systems and equip them with the ability to use these components to design more complex digital systems. Proficient students will be able to (1) describe basic functions of digital components (including gates, flip flops, counters, and other devices upon which larger systems are designed), (2) use these devices as building blocks to design larger, more complex circuits, (3) implement these circuits using programmable devices, and (4) effectively communicate designs and systems. Students develop additional skills in technical documentation when operating and troubleshooting circuits. Students will be able to design a complex digital system and communicate their designs through a variety of media.

MECH 1310  Electrical Components
This course is a study of the basic electrical components in a mechatronic system. Topics covered will include basic functions and physical properties of electrical components; the systematic flow of energy and measurement of components; troubleshooting techniques and strategies to identify, localize and correct malfunctions; and systematic preventive maintenance and electrical component safety. Technical documentation such as data sheets, schematics, timing diagrams and system specifications will also be covered.

MECH 1320 Mechanical Components and Electric Motors
This course is a study of the basic mechanical components and electrical drives in a mechatronics system.  Topics covered will include basic functions and physical properties of mechanical components and electrical AC and DC drives; materials, lubrication requirements, and surface properties; troubleshooting techniques and strategies to identify, localize and correct malfunctions; and systematic preventive maintenance and electrical component safety.  Technical documentation such as data sheets and specifications of mechanical elements and electrical drives will also be covered.

MECH 1330 Pneumatic and Hydraulic Control Circuits
This course covers the basics of pneumatic, electro-pneumatic and hydraulic control circuits in a complex mechatronic system.  Students will learn the functions and properties of control elements based on physical principles, and the roles they play within the system.  By understanding and performing measurements on the pneumatic and hydraulic control circuits, students will learn and apply troubleshooting strategies to identify, localize and correct malfunctions.  Preventive maintenance of pneumatic and hydraulic components as well as safety issues within the system will be discussed.

MECH 1340 Digital Fundamentals and PLCs
This course is a study of basic digital logic and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in a mechatronics system.  Topics covered will include basic PLC functions and testing; identification of malfunctioning PLCs; and troubleshooting techniques and strategies to identify and localize PLC hardware generated problems.  Emphasis is on writing small programs and problem-solving using computer simulations.

• Prerequisite: MECH 1 
• ENST 1311 Computer Aided Design I

This course is a study of engineering/manufacturing drafting focusing on CAD (computer-aided design). Students learn to create and read basic engineering/manufacturing drawings used for mechanical parts, area plans, sheet metal and 3D printing projects. Basic drafting concepts of 2-D and 3-D drawings, model building (part), assemblies, details and dimensioning are covered. Students will learn to define and document drawings using traditional dimensioning standards.

MECH 2320 Motor Control
This course covers the principles of AC and DC motors, motor control, and general machine operations in a complex mechatronic system. Topics covered will include general machine operations and motor control techniques; mechanical components and electric drives; motor sensors, braking and loads; motor efficiency and power; preventive measures and troubleshooting techniques.  By understanding and performing measurements on motors and motor control circuits, students will learn and apply troubleshooting strategies to identify, localize and correct malfunctions.  Safety issues within the system will also be discussed.

MECHATRONICS 4 (MECH2480 & MECH 1390) 

• Prerequisite: MECH 1 & Mech 2
• MECH 2480 Automation Systems

This course is a study of automation applications and techniques utilized within complex mechatronic systems.  Topics covered will include: manufacturing technologies, microcontrollers and programming, assembly robots, and interfacing those robots with PLCs. This class will use microcontrollers, robotics, man/machine and machine/machine interfaces to introduce learners to the capabilities and applications of modern automation systems.  Emphasis is on writing, executing, and troubleshooting programs designed to automate manufacturing processes and systems.

MECH 1390 Innovative Production and Problem-Solving

This is a problem-solving course in which students work in teams to develop an original solution to a well-defined and justified open-ended problem by applying knowledge and skills developed in previous courses.  Students will define or be presented with a real-world manufacturing problem and will create multiple solution approaches.  They will select an approach, and then create and test their prototype solution.  Student teams will present and defend their original solution.

• Prerequisite: MECH 1310, 1320, 1330, 1340

MECHATRONICS 5 (MECH2440 Process Control Technology & MECH 2441 Introduction to Totally Integrated Automation)

• Prerequisite: MECH 4 & college level math
• MECH 2440 Process Control Technology 

This course is a study of the Process Control technologies associated with a complex mechatronics system. Topics covered will include the Closed Loop Control; interaction between controllers, sensors and actuators; controller operating parameters; PID controllers; ON/OFF and PID controllers; and the differences between controllers typically used in mechatronic systems. The analysis of plant documentation and manuals, the creation and interpretation of charts with diagrams for time-based changes of measured values will also be covered

MECH 2441 Introduction to Totally Integrated Automation
This course is an introduction to Totally Integrated Automation. Topics covered will include the automation pyramid, analogue sensors and actuators, STEP 7 functions, MPI-Bus and PROFIBUS systems, and systems maintenance and troubleshooting. Not part of a TN Transfer Pathway

MECHATRONICS 6 

• Prerequisite: MECH 5
• MECH  CNC Manufacturing with MECH 2490 Manufacturing Applications (Capstone Course)

This course is a study of manufacturing improvement processes in a mechatronics system using the automation system for real world application. Topics covered will include basic statistics for improvement, manufacturing teams, process waste, OEE, process capability, continual improvement, fishbone diagrams, kaizen activities, TPM, and basic time study methods. Emphasis is using a team project with final presentation to apply improvement methods in real-world application.