Associate in Occupational Studies Degree

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This program prepares graduates for entry-level positions that involve the operation and maintenance of electro-mechanical systems commonly found in automated manufacturing environments. It also includes advanced coursework in programable logic controllers (PLCs), vacuum systems, industrial electronics, and computer applications. Graduates are prepared to work in the operations, installation, and maintenance of automated and robotically-controlled systems. Systems-level analysis, assembly, and troubleshooting techniques are stressed with hands-on laboratory experiences to complement classroom-based instruction. Career-readiness and soft-skills are also emphasized throughout the program coursework.

Goal 1 Develop basic skills to prepare the student for a career as an electrical service technician

  • Students are able to employ measurement techniques and laboratory apparatus for verification of circuit operation.
  • Graduates obtain a career as an electrical maintenance technician.

Goal 2 Prepare students to work effectively as part of a diverse technical team.

  • Students will collaborate in laboratory activities to complete assigned projects.
  • The student will demonstrate openness toward diverse points of view, and draw upon knowledge and experiences of others to function as a team member.

Goal 3 To prepare the student to present technical materials in written form

  • 3 The student will be able to present technical reports in written form in a clear and concise manner.

Goal 4 Prepare the student to apply basic technical concepts and industry practices to implement electrical and electronic systems

  • 4 Students will be able to analyze, implement and troubleshoot basic analog and digital circuitry.

Goal 5 Prepare the student to install, operate, and troubleshoot industrial control systems.

  • The student will be able to read diagrams and troubleshoot PLC and motor control systems.
  • The student will be able to install and configure industrial control systems.

Goal 6 Prepare student to utilize basic principles and resources in the development of solutions to technical challenges

  • 6 The student will demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot and develop a corrective action plan.

Goal 7 To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy.

  • Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
  • Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

*A scientific calculator, a digital multi-meter, electronic breadboard, and hand tools are required.

* PE172 Health and Wellness is the recommended elective for the physical education requirement.

Total Credit Hours: 64

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This introductory course covers the personal computer and its software for electrical service technicians. It includes a survey of fundamental personal computer hardware: the keyboard, microprocessor, mouse, disk drives, and printers. It introduces DOS and Windows operating systems and hands-on experience with software packages such as word processing and spreadsheets. It concludes with an introduction to BASIC, which is used to solve practical problems in the electrical/electronic field. (Fall Semester)

This course presents a broad introduction of topics related to industrial and manufacturing environments. Topics include safety and workplace hazard awareness, quality practices and measurement methods, modern manufacturing processes and production methods, and an awareness of maintenance procedures in manufacturing environments.

This introductory course provides the basic knowledge and skills necessary within any electrical service technician program. It includes an in-depth study of electron theory, Ohm’s Law, series and parallel circuits, as well as electrical energy and power relationships. Also included are methods of generation of electromotive force, electromagnetism, and motor principles and capacitance as these apply to DC circuits. Uses, construction, and calibration of voltmeters and ammeters are investigated. Corequisite: MA105 Technical Mathematics 1.

This course covers the four fundamental operations on integers, rational numbers, and real numbers. It includes the study of weights and measures, exponents and radicals, factoring, and linear equations, with an emphasis on technical applications.

This course presents a study of fluid power technology using fluids or compressed air as the transfer media. Complete hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including power sources, reservoirs, pumps, compressors, lines, valves, and actuators. Additional topics include troubleshooting strategies used to identify, localize and correct malfunctions in pneumatic and hydraulic systems, preventative maintenance, and safety issues.

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Second Semester

This course is a continuation of ET101 Technical Electricity 1. It reinforces previously acquired information and applies it to alternating current (AC) circuits. It investigates AC sine wave generation, mutual inductance inductive and capacitive reactance, and instantaneous values of voltage and current as well as real and apparent power. Uses, construction, and calibration of AC metering equipment are an integral part of this course. Practical application of each topic in both introductory courses are included in all laboratory experiments. Prerequisite: ET101 Technical Electricity 1.

This course covers the types, application, and use of electrical/electronic drawings. It includes schematic diagrams and symbols as well as the operation of electro-mechanical devices. The course differentiates between schematics and wiring diagrams. It develops the use of block diagrams, schematics, ladder-logic diagrams, wiring diagrams, assembly drawings, and bills of material. Topics include Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Basic Relay PLC Instructions, PLC Timers and Counters, and PLC programs in the form of PLC ladder diagrams. Corequisite: ET102 Technical Electricity 2.

This introductory course investigates the construction, operation, and control of electrical equipment installed and maintained by the various electrical trades. Topics pertain to direct current equipment and include shunt, series, and compound motors and generators, manual and automatic DC controllers, stepping motors, and DC meters. It emphasizes the practical aspects of magnetic flux, counter-electromotive force, armature and field currents, motor and generator loading conditions, and the relationship of these electrical characteristics to specific types of mechanical, electrical, and electronic controllers. Corequisite: ET102 Technical Electricity 2.

This course provides hands-on experience in the control, maintenance, and simulation of a mechatronics system in a team environment to promote learning a broad array of job-ready troubleshooting skills in integrated technologies. Topics include system level programming/troubleshooting, application and calibration of hall-effect sensors, vacuum grippers, pneumatic robots, material feeding system, magnetic sensors, photoelectric sensors, magnetic reed switches, limit switches, inductive sensor, capacitive sensors, ultrasonic sensor, synchronous belt drive, ball screw drives, part rejection/transfer, stepper motors, homing sensors, GMR (Giant Magnetoresistive) sensors, pneumatic screw feeders, pick and place assembly, gravity feeders, servo robotics, and parts transfer.

This course is a study of the basic mechanical components in a complex mechatronics system. Topics include basic functions and physical properties of mechanical components and the roles they play in the system such as materials, lubrication requirements and surface properties, as well as troubleshooting techniques and strategies used to identify, localize and correct malfunctions. Concepts in systemic preventative maintenance and mechanical component safety are presented along with technical documentation such as data sheets and specifications of mechanical elements.

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Third Semester

This course is a study of the types, applications, and use of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). It includes methods for developing PLC ladder programs, PLC installation, wiring, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Experience is provided using Allen Bradley MicroLogix, SLC500, and Compactlogix PLCs, as well as the Logixpro PLC Simulator. Prerequisites: ET151 Circuits 1 and ET153 Introduction to Electronics or ET104 Systems Diagrams.

This course is a study of electromechanical and electronic devices in the operation of industrial equipment and manufacturing processes. Emphasis is placed on the operating characteristics and applications of discrete components such as solid-state devices, thyristors, trigger devices, relays, timers, amplifies, and transducers. Laboratory experiments use skills and knowledge to diagnose and repair malfunctions in moderately complicated automated equipment. Prerequisite: ET104 System Diagrams.

This course provides an introduction to electrical wiring techniques with emphasis on design and layout of single and polyphase systems. Topics include diagnosis and repair of equipment malfunctions, interpretation of the National Electrical Code (NEC), estimation of project costs and progress, and installation techniques. Electrical systems studied include lighting, heating, ventilation, interior and exterior power distribution, and emergency energy conservation. Activities are focused on commercial and industrial electrical systems. Prerequisite: ET102 Technical Electricity 2.

This course covers the effective oral and written contexts of occupational communications. It includes practice in oral presentations, business letters, resumes, memos, instructional materials and reports, and visual aids. It is designed specifically for A.O.S. degree programs. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition.

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Fourth Semester

This course is a continuation of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). The nature of the PLC programming framework, as specified by the IEC 61131-3, is explored as well as other PLC systems and Advanced Programming Interfaces (API). Student design and build PLC motor control circuits and discuss troubleshooting techniques for PLC based systems. Topics include Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controls, analog based circuits, motor controls circuits with Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), and Human Machine Interface (HMI). Prerequisite: ET141 Programmable Logic Controllers

This course introduces hardware and software applications of the personal computer. It covers applications involving interfacing, digital Input/Output, analog Input/Output, data acquisition, and computer control of external electrical devices. Hardware components are studied for an understanding of computer systems, and BASIC is used to write input/output instructions. Experiments include wiring, testing, and debugging of a digital/analog circuit board and trainer. Prerequisite: ET233 Industrial Electrontcs (Spring semester)

This course is designed to combine related information pertaining to AC machinery, electromechanical controllers, transducers, and electronic controls with the practical skills of equipment selection, installation, wiring, troubleshooting, and maintaining the machinery control systems currently used by industry. Topics include single and multiphase alternators, motors, transformers, and meters. Methods of machinery control include across-the-line starters, control relays, voltage and current transformers, limit switches, electronic switching, and speed or rotation sensors. Prerequisite: ET131 Electrical Machinery and Controls 1.

This course prepares students to install, maintain, operate, troubleshoot, and repair vacuum and high vacuum systems and demonstrate vacuum and cryogenic safety practices. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of vacuum and pressure, pressure measurement, vacuum technology components, and vacuum system configurations. They demonstrate familiarity with the vacuum generation, measurement and gas flow utilized in modern manufacturing based on hands-on assembly and testing of a basic vacuum system. This course provides knowledge and skills in basic vacuum system operation and troubleshooting, including identification of operational issues, acquisition of operational data, and formulation of possible solutions. Prerequisite: MT149 Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems, or permission by the instructor.

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