2024-2025 College Catalog

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

Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree 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. Students have the option to continue their studies at four-year schools in the UNC system that offer a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degrees. 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 Engineering principles from computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), rapid prototyping and reverse engineering processes.

Course work includes mathematics, Natural sciences, mechanisms, hydraulics, manual machining, manufacturing processes, engineering sciences, and technology, Algebra/Trig and Physical Sciences. Graduates should qualify to obtain occupations such as engineering technicians, design engineer, machine operator, research and development technician, quality control tech, and industrial manufacturing managers.

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, automotive, aerospace, motorsports or service sectors of engineering technology. Engineering technicians may obtain professional certification by application to organizations such as ASQC, SME, and NICET. Upon completion of first year courses, students can earn a CAD Drafting Certificate and Manufacturing Certificate along with industry recognized SolidWorks CSWA Certification.

Semester-by-Semester Plan

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

DFT 154Intro to Solid Modeling

3

MAT 171Precalculus Algebra

4

MEC 110Introduction to CAD/CAM

2

MEC 111Machine Processes I

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Spring Semester

DDF 252Advanced Solid Modeling

3

DFT 152CAD II

3

ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3

MEC 145Manufacturing Materials I

3

Major Elective

2-4

Total Credit Hours:14-16

Summer Semester

COM 120Intro to Interpersonal Communication

3

Or

COM 231Public Speaking

3

 

Humanities/Fine Arts

3

Social/Behavioral Sciences

3

Total Credit Hours:9

Second Year

Fall Semester

EGR 250Statics/Strength of Mater

5

MAT 172Precalculus Trigonometry

4

PHY 151College Physics I

4

Major Elective

2-4

Total Credit Hours:15-17

Spring Semester

ELC 131Circuit Analysis I

4

HYD 110Hydraulics/Pneumatics I

3

MEC 130Mechanisms

3

Major Elective

2-4

Total Credit Hours:12-14

Total Hours

Total Credit Hours:63-65

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.