Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Location: West Campus (Leesport)
Instructor: Alan Blackburn | Seth Musco CIP Code: 15.0403
Students will earn an OSHA Safety certification as part of the Level I curriculum. This industry certification is highly recognized in the field and is portable. Some of the topics in the Level I and Level II curricula include: DC and AC circuits, various electrical components including: power supplies, switches, resistors, capacitors, inductors, motors, transformers, solenoids, fuses, circuit breakers and rheostats. Students will combine electric motors, electropneumatic, and electro-hydraulic control components with relays, timers, and counters to create logic and sequential control circuits.
Students will construct and evaluate mechanical systems based on calculated speed, torque, power, pitch, ratios, and mechanical efficiencies. Also, students will install, maintain, and troubleshoot V-belt drive systems, chain drive systems, and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. A variety of control systems are used to integrate the various electromechanical components to create functional operating systems.
The Level III curriculum will provide more in-depth instruction in robotics and automation. Students will complete coursework related to the following topics: pneumatics, hydraulics, basic mechanical power, electrical motors and controls, digital circuit, semiconductors, programmable logic controls, and robotics.
The Mechatronics Engineering Technologies Program integrates mechatronics, robotics, and electronics content to provide a robust foundation for students who are considering engineering, robotics, mechatronics, or automation as a career. This field continues to evolve creating an increasing demand for engineers, engineering technicians, electronic designers and robotic installation, maintenance and repair. The Mechatronics Engineering Technologies program prepares students for post-secondary education or immediate work in industry, based on the career aspirations of the individual student.
This field continues to evolve creating an increasing demand for engineers, engineering technicians, electronic designers and robotic installation, maintenance and repair.
Career Pathways - Overview
The Mechatronics Engineering Technology career pathway provides students with a number of career pathways to postsecondary education and industry work. Students who pursue a program in the Mechatronic Engineering Technology field will complete core courses and earn an OSHA certification during their first year. Upon completing the Level I curriculum students will select a career pathway in the field Mechatronics Engineering Technology, which includes robotics, automation, and electronics content.
Level I Core Curriculum
All Level I students, regardless of their career pathway, will complete the same core content their first year in the program. Students must earn the OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification. Additionally, students will complete the content required in the core course MET 130 – Industrial Electrical Systems. Students enrolled in the Technical Academy (mechatronics) can earn dual enrollment credits for their work.
Level II and II Career Pathways Curriculum
The level II students will continue to complete the content required in the core course MET 120 – Industrial Mechanical Systems and MET 140A – Introduction into Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s). Students will continue work in their individual pathway, including the option to participate in the Technical Academy.
Students will also be expected to earn recognized industry certifications in their chosen program area. These pathways are considered “high priority
occupations” by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor for Berks County. Successful students will find excellent job opportunities available in the region.
Students are expected to supplement their technical education program at BCTC with a “college prep” academic program at their participating high school. This is critical to being able to successfully complete the highly technical coursework in Engineering Technology. It will also enable students to pass college academic placement tests and earn advanced credits.
The Engineering Technology curriculum provides a relatively seamless transition to postsecondary education. Through articulation and partnership
agreements, successful students will earn advanced credits with Reading Area Community College, Penn State University (Berks), Lehigh Carbon Community College, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Pittsburgh Technical Institute.
Industry Certifications:
Planned – AMIST Certification (Advanced Manufacturing Integrated Systems Technology)
OSHA/CareerSafe 10-Hour Certification
Uniforms
Required/Optional Items |
Required Items |
Required Footwear |
Required Safety Gear |
REQUIRED: · One Black Short Sleeve Polo Shirt with BCTC LogoOPTIONAL: · Charcoal Crewneck Sweatshirt with BCTC Logo |
· One pair blue or black jeans or pants – proper fitting and no holes | Closed toe, appropriate casual business attire footwear | Safety glasses provided by BCTC (Non-prescription) |
Textbooks
The link provided for each book title will take you to Amazon.com. Please note that you are NOT required to purchase the books from Amazon. You may purchase the books from any vendor (Purchase of textbooks are optional).
Industrial Maintenance (2nd Edition) – by Michael E. Brumbach and Jeffrey A. Clade
ISBN 13 #: 978-1-133-13119-9
Lab Manual Experiments in Electricity for Use with Lab Volt (5th Edition) – by Stephen L. Herman
ISBN 13 #:978-1-111-53917-7
Tool / Supply / Protective Equipment
Quantity Needed | Level 1, 2, or 3 | Approximate Cost | Suggested Vendor | |
Footwear Requirement: Closed toed, appropriate casual business attire footwear | 1 pair | Levels 1, 2, & 3 | TBD | Any store |
Scientific Calculator | 1 | Levels 1, 2, & 3 | $15.00 | Any store |
Safety Glasses with Side Shields | 1 | Levels 1, 2, & 3 | BCTC supplies 1 pair of non-prescription glasses | Any store |
* BCTC will pay for one pair of safety glasses (if required) and may assist with payment for the testing fees or core certification tests (first time only). Additional safety glasses and testing fees must be paid by the student.
Program Entrance Recommendations:
- Reading at grade level
- Algebra I or Geometry
- Problem solving/troubleshooting skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Hand-eye coordination
- Mechanical aptitude
- Artistic ability/creativity
Career Pathways:
- Mechanical Drafter
- Architectural Drafter
- Civil Drafter
- Drafter
- Electronic Drafter (CAD Technician)
- Architect
- Civil Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Chief Design Drafter
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Designer
- Facility Manager
- Urban Planner
- Surveyor