B.S.
Mechatronics & Industrial Automation
A 93-credit bachelor's degree that builds on the Mechatronics & Industrial Automation A.A.S. Ten upper-level courses cover machine vision, advanced kinematics, multi-axis servo tuning, control systems engineering, SCADA and edge computing, industrial networks, predictive maintenance, lean project management, safety PLCs and functional safety, and a senior capstone.
Outcomes
What you will be able to do
- 01Design and tune multi-axis motion systems
- 02Deploy machine vision inspection
- 03Integrate SCADA, historians and edge devices
- 04Apply functional safety to machine design
Careers
Where graduates work
- Automation engineer (technologist)
- Controls engineer
- Manufacturing systems lead
Curriculum
Term 1
Process Measurement Fundamentals
This foundational course introduces the core principles and practical applications of process measurement, covering essential instrumentation for various physical quantities. Students will gain practical skills in selecting, installing, and calibrating common industrial sensors and transducers.
Robot Safety and Fundamentals
This foundational course introduces the critical safety principles and fundamental operational concepts for industrial robots. Students will gain essential knowledge and practical skills necessary for safe interaction and basic operation of robotic systems.
Introduction to Mechatronics
This foundational course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of mechatronics, combining principles of mechanics, electronics, control systems, and computing. Students will gain a practical understanding of how these elements integrate to create intelligent automated systems.
Technical Mathematics for Automation
This course provides essential mathematical foundations for technicians in automation, covering algebra, trigonometry, and vector analysis. Students will apply these concepts to practical machine-related problems, ensuring proficiency in calculations and technical problem-solving.
PLC Hardware, Wiring, and Ladder Logic Fundamentals
This course rigorously covers programmable logic controller (PLC) hardware, wiring principles, and ladder logic programming for industrial automation, integrating practical applications.
Applied PLC Programming: Timers, Counters, and Analog I/O
This course provides hands-on, in-depth programming skills for advanced industrial automation using PLCs, focusing on timers, counters, and analog I/O.
Term 2
Transmitters, Loops and HART
This course provides comprehensive training on industrial transmitters, control loops, and the HART communication protocol, equipping students with essential skills for commissioning, calibrating, and troubleshooting process instrumentation. It covers theoretical principles, practical applications, and safety practices vital for instrumentation technicians.
Control Valves and Final Elements
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of control valves and other final elements crucial for industrial process control. Students will learn the principles, selection, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of these essential components.
Servo Drives and Motion Control
This course provides an in-depth understanding of industrial servo drive systems, covering their principles, components, and practical applications in motion control. Students will develop troubleshooting skills and learn effective maintenance procedures for various industrial motion control scenarios.
Teach Pendant Programming and Coordinate Frames
This course provides comprehensive instruction in teach pendant programming fundamentals and the crucial concept of coordinate frames in industrial robotics. Students will gain practical skills necessary for robot setup, operation, and basic program development.
DC and AC Circuits for Automation
This course provides essential knowledge of DC and AC electrical principles fundamental to automation systems, building a solid foundation for industrial controls. Students will master concepts from Ohm's Law to three-phase power, preparing them for practical applications in control circuits.
Mechanical Systems and Power Transmission
This course provides a foundational understanding of mechanical power transmission components, focusing on their function, operation, and maintenance. Students will develop practical skills in inspection, troubleshooting, and servicing common mechanical systems.
HMI Design, Alarms, and Data Logging
This course provides senior electronics engineering students with rigorous, practical knowledge of HMI design, alarming strategies, and robust industrial data logging for modern control systems.
Industrial Networks, Drives, and System Troubleshooting
Comprehensive course covering industrial networking protocols, motor control drives, and advanced PLC troubleshooting techniques essential for modern automated systems.
Term 3
PID Tuning and Loop Troubleshooting
This course provides comprehensive instruction on the principles and practical application of Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control loop tuning and systematic troubleshooting techniques. Students will gain proficiency in optimizing process control systems for stability, performance, and efficiency.
Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance
This course provides comprehensive training in the diagnosis, repair, and proactive upkeep of industrial robotic systems, emphasizing systematic troubleshooting methodologies and preventative measures.
Fluid Power: Hydraulics and Pneumatics
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and applications of fluid power systems, covering both hydraulic and pneumatic technologies. Students will gain practical skills in component identification, circuit design, operation, and troubleshooting of common fluid power systems.
Motors, Drives and Motion Control
This course provides a foundational understanding of electric motors, variable frequency drives, and motion control systems essential for industrial automation and machinery applications. Students will gain practical skills in selecting, operating, and troubleshooting various motor types and control strategies.
Term 5
Machine Safety and Maintenance
This course covers essential principles and practices for ensuring safety and optimizing maintenance in industrial machinery operations. Students will gain practical skills in risk assessment, lockout/tagout procedures, safety circuit design, and various predictive maintenance techniques.
Industrial Machine Vision and Optical Inspection
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of industrial machine vision systems, covering fundamental principles and practical applications for automated inspection and quality control. Students will gain expertise in illumination techniques, camera technologies, advanced image processing algorithms, and system integration for diverse industrial challenges.
Advanced Kinematics and Robot Programming
This course delves into advanced topics in robotic kinematics, focusing on the mathematical foundations required for precise robot control and motion planning. Students will master forward and inverse kinematics, trajectory generation, and practical offline robot programming techniques.
Term 6
Mechatronics Integration Capstone
This capstone course integrates foundational mechatronics components—programmable logic controllers, industrial robots, diverse sensors, and fluid power systems—into a fully functional, automated work cell. Students will design, implement, troubleshoot, and document complex automation solutions, preparing them for advanced roles in industrial automation.
Multi-Axis Servo Tuning and Motion Control
This course delves into advanced motion control principles, focusing on the critical aspects of multi-axis servo system design and optimization. Students will gain practical skills in analyzing, tuning, and implementing sophisticated motion profiles using industry-standard techniques.
Control Systems Engineering
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the analysis and design of linear control systems, covering both continuous-time and discrete-time domains. Students will develop foundational skills in system modeling, stability assessment, and controller implementation for various engineering applications.
SCADA, Historians and Industrial Edge Computing
This course explores the foundational technologies and architectures for modern industrial data acquisition, storage, and processing, focusing on key communication protocols and data management systems. Students will gain practical skills in deploying and configuring industrial connectivity solutions, data historians, and edge computing platforms for real-world applications.
Term 7
Industrial Networks and OT Integration
This course explores the fundamental principles and advanced applications of industrial networks, emphasizing the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). Students will learn to design, implement, and troubleshoot robust communication architectures essential for modern industrial automation.
Reliability and Predictive Maintenance
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of reliability principles and predictive maintenance techniques essential for optimizing industrial operations. Students will learn to apply various diagnostic methods and management strategies to improve equipment uptime and reduce maintenance costs.
Lean Manufacturing and Automation Project Management
This course integrates lean manufacturing principles with automation project management methodologies to equip students with the skills needed to optimize production systems. It covers process improvement, performance measurement, project planning, financial oversight, and commissioning strategies for industrial automation projects.
Term 8
Safety PLCs and Functional Safety Architecture
This course provides an in-depth exploration of safety programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and the principles of functional safety architecture. Students will learn to design, analyze, and validate safety-related control systems according to international standards.
Mechatronics Senior Capstone
This capstone course integrates interdisciplinary knowledge from mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to design, build, and validate a complex automated system. Students will apply theoretical concepts and practical skills in a culminating project that demonstrates proficiency in mechatronic system development and documentation.
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