Automation Engineering Technology Associate Degree

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

• Controls Designer
• Automation Technician
• Controls Technician
• Engineering Technician
• Controls Engineer in Training
• Automation Engineer in Training

Requirements for Program Entry

• Completed application.
• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
• Beginning courses require mastery of algebra skills. For a description of algebra skills, see the Basic Education section of this catalog.

Suggested Skills for Success

• Fluids 3: Inter Hydraulics, 10-620-165 Fluids 4: Adv Hydraulics, 10-620-166 Mechanics 1: Basic, 10-620-121 Mechanics 2: Intermediate, 10-620-122 Mechanics 3: Systems, 10-620-123

Curriculum

Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Automation Engineering Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.

First Semester

10-620-100

Fluids 1: Basic Pneumatics

1

10-620-100 FLUIDS 1: BASIC PNEUMATICS ...what fluid power is, differentiate between hydraulics and pneumatics, implement basic pneumatic circuits, utilize schematics, apply Pascal's Law, define properties of fluids, implement airflow control and hydraulics cylinder circuits.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-620-101

Fluids 2: Basic Hydraulics

1

10-620-101 FLUIDS 2: BASIC HYDRAULICS ...hydraulic pumps, basic hydraulics actuator circuits, hydraulic schematics, apply Pascal's Law, summarize the effects of fluids friction, define properties of hydraulic energy, design hydraulic circuits with directional control valves. (Corequisite: 10-620-100, Fluids 1: Basic Pneumatics)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-620-140

Machine Wiring and Safety

1

10-620-140 MACHINE WIRING AND SAFETY ...introduction to machine wiring, including basic documentation, labeling, and wiring practices; an overview of NFPA 79 machinery, safety and installation standards.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-660-104

DC 1: Introduction

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-660-104 DC 1: INTRODUCTION ...introduction to the concepts of DC electricity and simple series circuits. Voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's Law, power and Kirchoff's Voltage Law are defined.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-660-105

DC 2: Circuits

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-660-105 DC 2: CIRCUITS ...analysis of parallel and series-parallel circuits. Application of Kirchoff's Current Law to parallel circuit combinations. Introduction of current sources and source conversions. (Corequisites: 10-804-118, Interim Algebra w Apps OR 10-804-113, College Tech Math 1A; 10-660-104, DC 1: Intro)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-664-100

Automation 1: Control Logic

1

10-664-100 AUTOMATION 1: CONTROL LOGIC ...electric motor control components such as switches, relays, starters, transformers; and safely mount and install motor and motor control components and perform related wiring and troubleshooting of motor control circuits.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-664-101

Automation 2: Motor Control

1

10-664-101 AUTOMATION 2: MOTOR CONTROL ...electric motor control components such as sensors, timers and counters. (Corequisite: 10-664-100, Automation 1: Control Logic)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-620-144

Basic Mechanics

1

10-620-144 BASIC MECHANICS ...Introduction to basic mechanical devices and tools used for assembly, disassembly and adjustment.

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10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...this course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-804-113

College Technical Math 1A

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-804-113 COLLEGE TECHNICAL MATH 1A ...topics include solving linear equations; graphing; percent; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; and right triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arithmetic score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR TABE A 9/10 Math greater/equal to 12.7 AND Rdg greater/equal to 8.8; OR TABE 11/12 Math greater/equal to 780 AND Rdg greater/equal to 573; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

15

Second Semester

10-620-147

Intro to Predictive Maint

1

10-620-147 INTRO TO PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE ...introduction to different predictive maintenance practices including vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and precision balancing of flywheels or fans.

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10-660-107

AC 1: Properties

1

10-660-107 AC 1: PROPERTIES ...introduction to the properties of capacitors and inductors including types and behavior in switching circuits. Inductor basics include a study of magnetic fields. (Prerequisite: 10-660-105, DC 2: Circuits; Corequisite: 10-804-196, Trigonometry w Apps OR 10-804-114, College Tech Math 1B)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-664-170

Safety Devices and Application

1

10-664-170 SAFETY DEVICES AND APPLICATIONS ...introduction to the function of commonly used machinery safety devices, wiring of these devices to complete safety circuits, overview of safety system design. (Prerequisite: 10-664-101, Automation 1: Control Logic)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-664-102

Automation 3: PLC

1

10-664-102 AUTOMATION 3: PLC ...basic programmable logic controller programming and troubleshooting.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-664-103

Automation 4: PLC

1

10-664-103 AUTOMATION 4: PLC ...troubleshooting a PLC system, applying Event Sequencing, developing PLC applications, applying timer instructions and counter instructions. (Corequisite: 10-664-102, Automation 3: PLC)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-664-104

Automation 5: PLC

1

10-664-104 AUTOMATION 5: PLC ...application, troubleshooting, and implementation of program control, math and data move instructions, analog I/O modules, and producing a PLC program from specification. (Corequisite: 10-664-103, Automation 4: PLC)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-801-136

English Composition 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-804-114

College Technical Math 1B

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-804-114 COLLEGE TECHNICAL MATH 1B ...topics include: performing operations on polynomials; solving quadratic and rational equations; formula rearrangement; solving systems of equations; and oblique triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. (Prerequisite: 10-804-113, Tech Math 1A with grade C or better)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-806-143

College Physics 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-143 COLLEGE PHYSICS 1 ...presents the applications and theory of basic physics principles. This course emphasizes problem solving, laboratory investigation and applications. Topics include laboratory safety, unit conversions and analysis, kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, temperature, and heat. (Prereq: 2.6 GPA & Alg 2 or equiv w/C or better; OR Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 263, Arith greater/equal to 250, & QRAS greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Reading greater/equal to 17 & Math greater/equal to 21; OR Coll Tech Math 1A OR Int Alg w/C or better)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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Elective

Elective

1

Semester Total

15

Third Semester

10-605-157

Power Electronics 1: Drives

1

10-605-157 POWER ELECTRONICS 1: DRIVES ...This course provides the opportunity for the student to develop the knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of the power and control circuitry of AC drives and application and troubleshooting of these industrial AC drives (VFD's) to AC induction motors. This course concentrates on the AB PowerFlex 525 Variable Speed Drive.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-605-158

Power Electronics 2: Drives

1

10-605-158 POWER ELECTRONICS 2: DRIVES ...This course provide the opportunity for the student to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of the power and control circuitry of AC drives and application and troubleshooting of these industrial AC drives (VFD's) to AC induction motors. This course concentrates on the ABB ACS355 Variable Speed Drive.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-606-116

CAD-Intro

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-606-116 CAD (COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING)-INTRODUCTION ...CAD terminology, drawing preliminaries, basic inquiry and setting commands, layer setting and manipulation, basic drawing and display commands, basic edit commands, and plotting, using AutoCAD software.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-606-212

CAD-ECD

1

10-606-212 CAD-ECD ...utilizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical, creation of electrical schematics, bills of material and panel layouts (Corequisites: 10-606-116, CAD-Intro; 10-664-100, Automation 1: Control)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-620-159

Power Electronics 3: Drives

1

10-620-159 POWER ELECTRONICS 3: DRIVES ...This course provides the opportunity for the student to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of peer to peer AC drive (VFD) control and the integration of an AC drive into a PLC control system. This integration includes both hardwired remote PLC I/O control and direct Ethernet control. Integration concentrates on the AB PF525 VFD with an AB ControlLogix PLC and peer to peer control between the AB PF525 and the ABB ACS355 VFD's. (Prerequisite: 10-664-104, Automation 5:PLC. Corequisite: 10-605-158, Power Electronics 2: Drives)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-620-161

Power Electricity 1: Motors

1

10-620-161 POWER ELECTRICITY 1: MOTORS ...This course provides the opportunity for the student to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of: Causes and results of magnetism and magnetic fields, laws of magnetic/electric interactions, DC Series, Permanent Magnet, Shunt, and Compound motor performance and operating characteristics.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-620-162

Power Electricity 2: Motors

1

10-620-162 POWER ELECTRICITY 2: MOTORS ...This course provides the opportunity for the student to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of Single and 3-Phase AC Induction motor performance and operating characteristics, and Three-phase Power Systems. (Corequisite: 10-620-161, Power Electricity 1: Motors)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-664-105

Automation 6: PLC

1

10-664-105 AUTOMATION 6: PLC ...programming a PLC system to operate a discrete and analog process adhering to a functional specification or timing diagram. (Corequisite: 10-664-104, Automation 5: PLC)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-664-151

Automation 8: HMI

1

10-664-151 AUTOMATION 8: HMI ...the functions of Human Machine Interface, Operator Interface Terminal software and generation of PLC program and screens adhering to written specification using Operator Interface Terminal and PLC software. (Corequisite: 10-664-105, Automation 6: PLC)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-664-152

Automation 9: HMI

1

10-664-152 AUTOMATION 9: HMI ...advanced functions of Operator Interface Terminals, differentiation between Human Machine Interface and Operator Interface Terminal, basic setup, generation of PLC program, tags, and screen objects for Human Machine Interface system. (Corequisite: 10-664-151, Automation 8: HMI)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-664-160

Control 1: Discrete Systems

1

10-664-160 CONTROL 1: DISCRETE SYSTEMS ...applications and utilization of digital input and output devices through connection to and programming of PLC's. (Prerequisite: 10-664-101, Automation 2; 10-664-104, Automation 5: PLC)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-664-161

Control 2: Servo Systems-Intro

1

10-664-161 CONTROL 2: INTRODUCTION TO SERVO SYSTEMS ...introduction to components and operational functions of servo systems. Control of servo systems using PLC programming. (Corequisite: 10-664-160, Control 1: Discrete Systems)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-664-162

Control 3: Servo Motion Prog

1

10-664-162 CONTROL 3: SERVO MOTION SYSTEMS ...creation of PLC programming to complete basic motion tasks. (Corequisite: 10-664-161, Control 2: Servo Systems-Intro)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-801-197

Technical Reporting

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-197 TECHNICAL REPORTING ...principles of report writing and correspondence, proposals, feasibility reports, progress reports, investigation reports, evaluation reports, meeting reports, memos, and correspondence. (Prerequisite: 10-801-136, English Composition I OR 10-801-195, Written Communication with “C” or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

16

Fourth Semester

10-620-170

Robotics - Introduction to

1

10-620-170 ROBOTICS - INTRODUCTION TO ...introductory study of the application, operation, programming and troubleshooting of industrial robots.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-620-172

Robotic Vision Systems

1

10-620-172 ROBOTIC VISION SYSTEMS ...setting up user frames, calibrating robot camera, identifying objects with robotic vision systems, creating programs using object identification. (Co-requisite: 10-620-170, Robotics-Intro to)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-664-150

Automation 7: PLC

1

10-664-150 AUTOMATION 7: PLC ...timers, counters, and math instruction applications, creation of a function block program structure via written specification, and modification of existing PLC program to enhance operation utilizing advanced programming functions. (Prerequisite: 10-664-104, Automation 5: PLC)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-664-153

Automation 10: Network

1

10-664-153 AUTOMATION 10: NETWORK ...industrial networks used in today's manufacturing environment and their foundation, proper system hardware of an industrial network installation, and use of an industrial network to communicate data via Industrial Ethernet. (Corequisite: 10-664-152, Automation 9: HMI)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-664-163

Control 4: Servo System Camm

1

10-664-163 CONTROL 4: SERVO SYSTEM CAMMING ...introduction to components and operational functions of servo systems. Camming control of servo systems using PLC programming (Corequisite: 10-664-162, Control 3: Servo Motion Programming)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-664-164

Control 5: Servo System Regist

1

10-664-164 CONTROL 5: SERVO SYSTEM REGISTRATION ...registration control of servo systems using PLC programming. (Corequisite: 10-664-163, Control 4: Servo Systems Camming)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-664-165

Control 6: Process Control

1

10-664-165 CONTROL 6: PROCESS CONTROL ...specification, calibration and application of process control devices using PLC programming. (Corequisite: 10-664-164, Control 5: Servo System Registration)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-664-189

Automation Systems Integration

3

10-664-189 AUTOMATION SYSTEMS INTEGRATION ...coordination and application of automation technologies into an integrated and automated manufacturing system. (Prerequisites:10-620-159, Power Electronics 3:Drives; 10-620-162, Power Electricity 2: Motors; 10-664-152, Automation 9: HMI; 10-664-162, Control 3: Motion Systems; 10-620-101, Fluids 2:Basic Hydraulics)

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10-809-172

Intro to Diversity Studies

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-809-198

Intro to Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

16

Total Credits

62

Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.

It is acceptable for students to take 10-804-113, College Tech Math 1A and 10-804-114, College Tech Math 1B as alternatives to: 10-804-117, College Mathematics and 10-804-118, Intermediate Algebra w/Apps.

Students must pass 10-801-136, English Composition 1 with a "C" or better to take 10-801-197, Technical Reporting.

Program Outcomes

• Understand and apply knowledge of electricity, electronics and motors to industrial applications.
• Read and interpret technical specifications, detail and assembly drawings, schematics, and diagrams for machine control.
• Document technical information through descriptive writing, sketches/diagrams, mathematical expression, computation, and graphs.
• Analyze electrical, mechanical, fluid control functions for proper machine programming and operation.
• Apply a variety programming languages to the control of single manufacturing cells, programmable controllers, computer networks, industrial networks and information systems using a dynamic data exchange.
• Construct ladder diagrams, flow charts, timing diagrams, and basic computer control algorithms for machine control.
• Understand and apply computer hardware/software applications to industrial systems.
• Apply diagnostic tools to troubleshoot and resolve system problems.
• Apply critical thinking skills to solving problems.
• Effectively communicate and perform in a team environment.

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Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.