Overview and Award Outcomes
Overview
Mechatronics is a rapidly growing field that integrates electrical systems, mechanics, fluid power, robotics, and computer control systems to create new and improved automated manufacturing production systems. This program is designed for people who are interested in plant maintenance, set up, installation, and assembly. The Mechatronics program is designed to reinforce the core technical skills and real-world application needed in today’s manufacturing environment. Through alignment with PMMI’s (The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies) Mechatronics Certification Program, Hennepin Technical College’s Mechatronics AAS offers a set of stackable credentials that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturer’s Skills Certification System. This industry developed, third-party validated, nationally recognized credential is focused on ensuring graduates have the core technical skills with real world application for today’s high-tech manufacturing environment. These jobs are found in the packaging, medical, electronics, agriculture, biotechnology, and automotive industries.
Award Outcomes
Apply technical documents to the installation and troubleshooting of automated packaging equipment
Apply Mechatronics control concepts to automated machinery
Use technical documents to assemble, install, troubleshoot and repair automated packaging systems
Diagnose root problems impacting production flow
Solve root problems to maintain production flow
Integrate automated systems into new and existing packaging and manufacturing lines
Perform basic Mechatronics operations in a manufacturing environment
Apply communication skills to interact with people in business and industry
Manage time and resources
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities are wide-spread in Minnesota and throughout the United States. Extensive opportunities exist as Electrical and Electronics Technicians for industrial equipment, Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Industrial Engineering Technicians, Mechanical Engineering Technicians, and as Packaging Technicians.
Program Requirements
Technical Studies Required 48 Credits
General Education Required 12 Credits
| ENGL1070 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| or | |
| ENGL1100 | Writing and Research | 4 |
| | |
| MATH1150 | Applications of Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| or | |
| MATH1400 | College Algebra | 4 |
| or | |
| MnTC Goal Area 4 | |
| | |
| PHIL1100 | Critical Thinking for College Success | 3 |
| or | |
| MnTC Goal Area 2 | |
| | |
| PHYS1005 | Introductory Physics I | 3 |
| or | |
| MnTC Goal Area 3 | |
General Education Elective 3 Credits
Choose three credits from Hennepin Technical College’s Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) general education courses.
Technical Studies Elective 9 Credits
Any Automation Robotics Engineering Technology (ARET), Center for Manufacturing and Applied Engineering (CMAE), Fluid Power Engineering and Motion Control (FLPW), Machine Tool Technology (MACH), or Welding and Metal Fabrication (WLDG) course that is not required for this award may be used as an elective.
Total Associate in Applied Science Degree 72 Credits
Semester Sequence
Offered at Eden Prairie Only
First Semester
| ARET1126 | Mechanical Power Transmission | 3 |
| ARET1161 | Mechatronic Systems | 3 |
| ARET1175 | Industrial Electricity and Electronics I | 3 |
| ARET1200 | Introduction to Robotics | 2 |
| | |
| MATH1150 | Applications of Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| or | |
| MATH1400 | College Algebra | 4 |
| or | |
| Any course from MnTC Goal Area 4 | |
| | |
| PHIL1100 | Critical Thinking for College Success | 3 |
| or | |
| Any course from MnTC Goal Area 2 | |
Summer Semester
| PHYS1005 | Introductory Physics I | 3 |
| or | |
| Any course from MnTC Goal Area 3 | |
| | |
| General Education Electives | 3 |
Third Semester
| ARET1165 | Vision Systems for QA/SPC | 3 |
| ARET1185 | Sensor Applications | 2 |
| ARET1190 | Programmable Logic Controllers | 3 |
| ARET2105 | Fluid Power Motion Control | 2 |
| | |
| Technical Studies Electives | 6 |
Fourth Semester
| ARET1170 | Troubleshooting Mechatronic Systems | 3 |
| ARET2101 | Advanced Automation Controls | 3 |
| ARET2111 | Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers | 3 |
| ARET2200 | FANUC Robotics Operations | 2 |
| ARET2250 | FANUC Vision Systems | 1 |
| | |
| Technical Studies Electives | 3 |
Graduation (72 Credits)
Semester listings reflect the recommended sequence. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the information herein is subject to change without notice.
3/2/2022 : BP / EP 4013