Nov 08, 2024  
2019-20 Academic Catalog 
    
2019-20 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mechanical Engineering Technology - MECH.AS


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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. Design engineering technicians must have a sound math and science foundation, possess a working knowledge of materials, exhibit good communications skills.

Using CAD, students learn how to create designs in 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

Fall 2011 Enrollment

Fall 2012 Enrollment

Fall 2013 Enrollment

Fall 2014 Enrollment

2013 Graduates

2014 Graduates

2015 Graduates

 82

104

 127

132

14

28

27

 

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

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. An ability to competently apply the knowledge, techniques, skills and the modern tools of a Mechanical Engineering Technician;
  2. An ability to apply principles of mathematics, science, and engineering and extensive practical knowledge to engineering technology activities;
  3. An ability to design and conduct experiments, interpret results and apply results to improve processes;
  4. An ability to function effectively on technical teams;
  5. An ability to identify, analyze, and solve narrowly defined mechanical engineering technology problems;
  6. An ability to communicate efficiently in both technical and non-technical environments; including writing, speaking, effective listening and graphical communication; and an ability to identify and incorporate appropriate technical literature;
  7. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in self-directed continuing professional development;
  8. An understanding of professional, and ethical responsibilities, including a respect for diversity; and a commitment to apply them to his/her work;
  9. A recognition of the need for quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement and the ability to apply these to his/her work.

Educational Program Objectives


Faculty will work with honesty and earnestness to advise and assist students to be able to achieve their educational and career goals. Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering Technology program will be prepared to:

  • Apply the knowledge, problem solving skills and technical tools required of Mechanical Engineering Technicians
  • Be effective communicators in written, oral and graphical communications, and in documentation of work
  • Demonstrate the skills and behaviors of engineering professionals, including lifelong learning, professional development, ethics, teamwork, and quality improvement

(MECH.AS) Curriculum


Select one course with lab:


Total: 18 credits


Select one course with lab:


Select one course with lab:


Total: 19 credits


Total (MECH.AS) Curriculum Program Credits: 67-69


Notes:


  • Note 1: Students seeking entry into CPS’s Advanced Manufacturing Program must take PHY-221.
  • Note 2: Students seeking entry into CPS’s Advanced Manufacturing Program must take MET-267.
  • Note 3: Students must choose between MET-150  , Fundamentals of CNC or MET-152  , Intro to CNC Machining.  Students seeking entry into CPS’s Advanced Manufacturing Program must take MET-150.
  • Note 4: Students must choose between MET-100  , Intro to engineering technology or MET-101  , Essentials for manufacturing technicians.  Students seeking entry into CPS’s Advanced Manufacturing Program must take MET-101.
  • Note 5: Students seeking entry into CPS’s Advanced Manufacturing Program must take CHM-111.
  • Note 6: Humanities/Social Science Elective in Semester 4.  Students seeking entry into CPS’s Advanced Manufacturing Program must see their adviser for transferable courses.

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 John LaFrancis. He can be reached at 413-755-6130 or lafrancis@stcc.edu.

Department Personnel


Name Title Office Phone Email
Ralph Disa Professor TPRK/100B 413-755-6142 redisa@stcc.edu
John LaFrancis Professor/Chairperson TPRK/116F 413-755-6130 lafrancis@stcc.edu
Thomas Minor Instructor TPRK/116

413-755-6139

tominor@stcc.edu
Duane Parrette Instructor TPRK/116 413-755-4611 dlparrette@stcc.edu
Joseph Sipitkowski Assistant Professor TPRK/116 413-755-6138 jsipitkowski@stcc.edu

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