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2023-2024 College Catalog

Mechanical Engineering Technology A.A.S. Degree [A40320]

This program has two tracks- the Technical Track and the University Transfer Track. The Technical Track is designed to give the education and skills needed to get a job as a Mechanical Engineering technician/ technologist in the local Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Drafting industry’s as well as many other similar job opportunities. The University Transfer Track is transferable to four-year schools in the UNC system that offer a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree. Graduates who complete their bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology should qualify for employment as a Mechanical/Manufacturing engineer and will have many other career paths to choose from. University graduates that finish Mitchell Community College’s program first will have an associate’s degree that will complement the university degree, making them more desirable to employers!

Program Information

These curriculums are designed to prepare students through the study and application of principles from mathematics, Natural sciences, and technology and applied processes based on these subjects.

Course work includes mathematics, Natural sciences, engineering sciences and technology. Graduates should qualify to obtain occupations such as technical service providers, materials and technologies testing services, process improvement technicians, engineering technicians, industrial and technology managers, or research technicians.

A course of study that prepares the students to use basic engineering principles and technical skills to design, develop, test, and troubleshoot projects involving mechanical systems. Includes instruction in principles of mechanics, applications to specific engineering systems, design testing procedures, prototype and operational testing and inspection procedures, manufacturing system-testing procedures, test equipment operation and maintenance, computer applications, critical thinking, planning and problem solving, and oral and written communications. Graduates of the curriculum will find employment opportunities in the manufacturing or service sectors of engineering technology. Engineering technicians may obtain professional certification by application to organizations such as ASQC, SME, and NICET. Students may be awarded a non-degree credential (i.e., certificate, diploma) after completing a specific portion of the Associate degree program.

Program of Study

TECHNICAL TRACK

General Education Required Courses

Required Courses

ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3
HUM 115Critical Thinking

3
MAT 171Precalculus Algebra

4
MAT 172Precalculus Trigonometry

4
SOC 210Introduction to Sociology

3

Communications (3 Credits)

Take one (1) course from:

COM 110Introduction to Communication

3
COM 231Public Speaking

3
Total Credit Hours:20

Major Required Courses

DDF 252Advanced Solid Modeling

3
DFT 151CAD I

3
DFT 152CAD II

3
DFT 154Intro to Solid Modeling

3
EGR 250Statics/Strength of Mater

5
ELC 131Circuit Analysis I

4
HYD 110Hydraulics/Pneumatics I

3
ISC 112Industrial Safety

2
MAC 122CNC Turning

2
MAC 124CNC Milling

2
MAC 232CAM: Computer Numerical Control Milling

3
MEC 110Introduction to CAD/CAM

2
MEC 111Machine Processes I

3
MEC 130Mechanisms

3
MEC 145Manufacturing Materials I

3
PHY 151College Physics I

4
Major Elective

2-4
Total Credit Hours:50-52

Note: See major electives below.

Major Electives

Select 2-4 credits

ATR 112Introduction to Automation

3
ELC 117Motors and Controls

4
ELC 213Instrumentation

4
ELC 135Electrical Machines

3
ELN 133Digital Electronics

4
ELN 260Prog Logic Controllers

4
MAT 172Precalculus Trigonometry

4
WBL 111Work-Based Learning I

1
WBL 112Work-Based Learning I

2
WLD 110Cutting Processes

2
WLD 141Symbols and Specifications

3
Total Credit Hours:70-74

Semester-by-Semester Plan for Technical Track

Applies to day offerings. Due to time restraints, evening students should expect to have fewer offerings each semester.

First Year

Fall Semester

DFT 151CAD I

3
MAT 171Precalculus Algebra

4
MEC 110Introduction to CAD/CAM

2
MEC 111Machine Processes I

3
Major Elective

2-4
Total Credit Hours:14-16

Spring Semester

DFT 152CAD II

3
ELC 131Circuit Analysis I

4
MAT 172Precalculus Trigonometry

4
MEC 130Mechanisms

3
MEC 145Manufacturing Materials I

3
Total Credit Hours:17

Summer Semester

COM 110Introduction to Communication

3
Or
COM 231Public Speaking

3
 
Humanities/Fine Arts

3
Social/Behavioral Sciences

3
Total Credit Hours:9

Second Year

Fall Semester

DFT 154Intro to Solid Modeling

3
EGR 250Statics/Strength of Mater

5
ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3
MAC 124CNC Milling

2
PHY 151College Physics I

4
Total Credit Hours:17

Spring Semester

DDF 252Advanced Solid Modeling

3
HYD 110Hydraulics/Pneumatics I

3
ISC 112Industrial Safety

2
MAC 122CNC Turning

2
MAC 232CAM: Computer Numerical Control Milling

3
Total Credit Hours:13

UNIVERSITY TRANSFER TRACK

General Education Required Courses

COM 231Public Speaking

3
ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3
HUM 115Critical Thinking

3
MAT 171Precalculus Algebra

4
SOC 210Introduction to Sociology

3
Total Credit Hours:16

Major Required Courses

DFT 151CAD I

3
DFT 154Intro to Solid Modeling

3
EGR 250Statics/Strength of Mater

5
ELC 131Circuit Analysis I

4
ELC 213Instrumentation

4
HYD 110Hydraulics/Pneumatics I

3
ISC 112Industrial Safety

2
MAC 122CNC Turning

2
MAC 124CNC Milling

2
MAT 172Precalculus Trigonometry

4
MEC 110Introduction to CAD/CAM

2
MEC 111Machine Processes I

3
MEC 130Mechanisms

3
MEC 145Manufacturing Materials I

3
PHY 151College Physics I

4
PHY 152College Physics II

4
Major Electives

3-4
Total Credit Hours:51-52

Note: See major electives below.

Major Electives

Select 3-4 credits

DDF 252Advanced Solid Modeling

3
MAC 232CAM: Computer Numerical Control Milling

3
MAT 271Calculus I

4

Note: MAT 271 is preferred.

College Transfer Track

Total Credit Hours:67-68

Semester-by-Semester Plan for College Transfer Track

Applies to day offerings. Due to time restraints, evening students should expect to have fewer offerings each semester.

First Year

Fall Semester

DFT 151CAD I

3
ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3
MAT 171Precalculus Algebra

4
MEC 110Introduction to CAD/CAM

2
MEC 111Machine Processes I

3
Total Credit Hours:15

Spring Semester

ELC 131Circuit Analysis I

4
HYD 110Hydraulics/Pneumatics I

3
MAT 172Precalculus Trigonometry

4
MEC 130Mechanisms

3
MEC 145Manufacturing Materials I

3
Total Credit Hours:17

Summer Semester

Humanities/Fine Arts

3
Social/Behavioral Sciences

3
Total Credit Hours:6

Second Year

Fall Semester

DFT 154Intro to Solid Modeling

3
EGR 250Statics/Strength of Mater

5
ELC 213Instrumentation

4
MAC 124CNC Milling

2
PHY 151College Physics I

4
Total Credit Hours:18

Spring Semester

COM 110Introduction to Communication

3
Or
COM 231Public Speaking

3
 
ISC 112Industrial Safety

2
MAC 122CNC Turning

2
PHY 152College Physics II

4
Major Electives

3-4
Total Credit Hours:14-15

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Employ 3D drafting software to aid in the design of a mechanical part.
  • Employ CNC software to aid in the production of a mechanical part.
  • Troubleshoot common mechanisms.

Technical Requirements

All Students in this program are expected to meet certain essential functions/technical standards which are essential for successful completion of all phases of the program and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the students’ ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the following technical standards:

 

Standard

Definition of Standard

Example(s) of Technical Standard

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

•Ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and integrate information and solve problems

•Demonstrate the ability to understand engineering and technical drawings, and interpret the information to solve problems.

MOTOR SKILLS

•Sufficient motor functions necessary to operate machining and manufacturing equipment in a safe manner
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to gain access and operate controls on a variety of electrical/mechanical equipment.
  • Maintain proper safety precautions while working on electrical and mechanical equipment with potentially lethal voltages and mechanical hazards.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

•Be able to effectively use a computer through the use of a manual keyboard, mouse, and viewing a monitor/screen to accomplish tasks requiring email and web browsers
  • Utilize email and web-based systems to complete and submit assignments and communicate with classmates, instructors, and college staff.
  • Use technology to access course content and complete assignments.

AUDITORY SKILLS

•Being capable of distinguishing various sounds, tones, and pitches emitted by machining and manufacturing equipment
  • Ability to respond to alarm indicators during the operation of some electrical/electronic equipment.
  • Ability to audibly discern unusual equipment noises that can indicate potential safety hazards.

VISION SKILLS

•Must possess good peripheral vision and have depth perception

•Ability to respond to visual alarm indicators during the operation of some electrical/electronic equipment.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

•Being able to effectively communicate with others in English, and to accurately gather, disseminate, and clarify specific information

•Effectively communicate orally and using written documents containing technical information.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

•Must be able to effectively communicate and work within a team

•Must work within a team setting to identify solutions to a problem.

BEHAVIORAL SKILLS
  • Behave in a professional, safe, and appropriate manner in both dress and action as required by the program
  • Ability to maintain a work space that is appropriate and actively moving toward quality project completion
  • Does not take risks to endanger equipment or personnel
  • Respectful to teachers and other learners
  • Follow all rules and regulations
  • Behaving safely and not roughhousing or playing during labs.
  • Being respectful of others and equipment.
  • Being attentive to task at hand for some dangerous situations.
  • Effectively utilizing the time in class to work on assigned tasks.
  • Not being easily distracted or distracting others.
  • Respecting instructors, students, and equipment.

WORK SKILLS

•Ability to participate in a work-based learning experience
  • Students will need to travel to a worksite.
  • Students may be required to pass a drug screening and/or background check.
  • Students may be required to obtain certain immunizations.