Mar 28, 2024  
2013-14 Academic Catalog 
    
2013-14 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mechanical Engineering Technology - MECH.AS


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Mechanical Engineering Technologies Video on YouTube

Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) is the practical application of engineering and scientific principles for the purpose of designing and manufacturing quality products, services, and systems. The majority of the MET’s training is centered around using today’s high-tech computer hardware and software. These computer skills are complemented with instruction in mathematics, science, and engineering analysis to provide the graduate with the sound foundation essential to implement design and manufacturing solutions.

Today, more than ever, industry is challenged to produce cost-effective, high-quality products at ever-increasing production rates. In order to stay competitive, companies are developing computer-integrated manufacturing systems, implementing concurrent engineering, and certifying to ISO 9000, and are also competing for the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award. These companies demand highly trained and knowledgeable employees to successfully implement these critical design and manufacturing initiatives. The associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology will give the student a competitive advantage in entering the job market, and will enable industry professionals to obtain the necessary skills to advance within their organizations.

The associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology provides the student with a unique combination of theoretical and practical knowledge of today’s design and manufacturing processes using CAD, CNC, CAD/CAM integration, and total quality management. Manufacturing engineering technicians must have a sound math and science foundation, possess a working knowledge of materials, exhibit good communications skills, and most of all be skilled in the latest computer technologies.

Using CAD, students learn how to create designs in two- and three-dimensional space, provide documentation according to current professional standards, and provide for seamless integration into computer-aided manufacturing systems. In addition, students are instructed in design for manufacturability, including the necessary design analysis methods required to ensure product function and reliability. During the final semester, the student’s career is punctuated with a capstone project. These competitive projects combine design and manufacturing students into small teams whose mission is to research, design, document, and ultimately manufacture a product or implement a system.

For information on career opportunities that are available in the precision manufacturing industry in the Pioneer Valley region visit the Western Massachusetts Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association (WMNTMA) website www.wmntma.org

Accreditation: Accredited by the TAC Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone (410) 347-7700.

 

 

3-year Graduation Rate (Cohort Entering Fall 2010)

Fall 2010 Enrollment

Fall 2011 Enrollment

Fall 2012 Enrollment

Fall 2013 Enrollment

 35%

 72

 82

 104

 127

Upon successful completion of the requirements for the program options, the degree of Associate in Science in Mechanical Engineering will be awarded.

MET Program Outcomes


Program outcomes are the specific skills, knowledge and behaviors that a student acquires while going through the curriculum. Upon graduation from the MET program, the student is expected to be able to demonstrate:

  1. Competence in the knowledge and skills of a mechanical engineering technologist
  2. An ability to apply current knowledge and skills and adapt to emerging applications in technology
  3. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as apply results to improve processes
  4. An ability to apply creativity to the design of parts and processes
  5. An ability to function effectively on single-discipline and multi-disciplinary teams
  6. An ability to identify and solve technical problems
  7. An ability to write, speak and listen effectively
  8. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning
  9. Knowledge of professional standards and ethics and an ability to apply them to his/her work
  10. A knowledge of the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
  11. A recognition of the need for and an ability to apply timeliness, a commitment to quality and continuous improvement to his/her work

Mechanical Engineering Technology Program Educational Objectives:


Faculty will work with honesty and earnestness to advise and assist students to be able to achieve their educational and career goals. MET graduates will be prepared to:

  • Apply the technical knowledge and problem solving skills required of mechanical engineering technologists
  • Be effective communicators: in writing, in speech and verbal presentations, in documentation of work
  • Demonstrate the skills and behaviors of engineering professionals, including lifelong learning, ethics and teamwork

(MECH.AS) Curriculum


Total: 15 credits


Total: 17 credits


Total (MECH.AS) Curriculum Program Credits: 69


Notes:


  • Note 1: Students must chose between PHYS-130 , College Physics or PHYS-180 , Physics of Light. See your advisor to discuss transferability of these courses.
  • Note 2: This course may be waived if the student shows proof of industrial CNC experience. Either a letter from an employer or a resume must be provided to the Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering Technology for consideration. MECH-251 , CNC Applications, may be used to replace MECH-339  and MECH-439  for students without industrial CNC experience.

Advising Notes:


  1. ACADEMIC ADVISING - Faculty advisors are required to hold advising hours, usually during the 9th and 10th week of the semester. Each student should make an appointment to see their advisor every semester before registering for the following semester’s classes. Please have your registration form completed, including the courses you wish to take, for this meeting.
  2. COURSE SEQUENCE - The semester-by-semester listing below gives the normal scheduling option for full-time associate degree students who plan to finish in two years. Some courses can be scheduled as beginning courses in other semesters depending upon course availability and advisor’s recommendation. Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 should be scheduled before Tech Math 1 by those whose preadmission placement test indicates the need for it. Algebra 1 and 2 and selected general studies courses are available summer term.
  3. TECHNICAL ELECTIVES - The MET program provides for some technical electives. Consult with your academic advisor to determine course availability.
  4. BACHELOR’S DEGREE - Depending on the transfer institution, some or all courses may be applied towards a bachelor’s degree in technology. Bachelor’s degree requirements and course transferability are controlled by the institution to which the student plans to transfer. Please inform your advisor if you plan on completing a bachelor’s degree after your STCC mechanical engineering technology degree.
  5. Students with several years of work experience in the mechanical engineering technology field with an interest in completing the associate degree during the evening must contact the department chair before registering for classes to discuss a course of study. Course credit may be granted for work experience closely resembling class work but this is at the discretion of the department chair upon review of a student’s performance on a challenge exam or portfolio of work. Students should speak to the department chair to discuss technical electives to satisfy specific career paths. The current chair is Gary Masciadrelli. He can be reached at 413-755-4602 or masciadrelli@stcc.edu.

Department Personnel


Name Title Office Phone Email
Ralph Disa Assistant Professor 111/100B 413-755-6142 redisa@stcc.edu
John LaFrancis Faculty 111/100B 413-755-6130 lafrancis@stcc.edu
Gary Masciadrelli Faculty/Chairperson 17/213 413-755-4602 masciadrelli@stcc.edu
Megan Piccus Faculty 17/215 413-755-4611 piccus@stcc.edu

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