Automated Machinery Systems (BP/EP) Diploma

Overview and Award Outcomes

Overview

Automated Machinery Systems emphasizes the full integration of mechatronics into modern manufacturing and distribution systems.  Mechatronics is the synergistic application of mechanical systems, electrical systems, control systems, and computer science to build and maintain high-tech equipment.  These skill sets are combined into the building, installing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of packaging systems, distribution systems, and other manufacturing systems.  Through the integration of technology into systems, students are prepared to fill many high-demand roles in packaging, distribution and manufacturing.  Emphasized areas of focus include electro-mechanical systems, programmable logic controllers (PLC’s), robotics, sensors (including machine vision), and troubleshooting procedures.  

Award Outcomes

Demonstrate safe work practices 

Create and troubleshoot programs for Programmable Logic controllers, robotics, and other industrial hardware

Install, maintain, and troubleshoot Industrial electrical systems

Install, maintain, and troubleshoot mechanical systems

Install, maintain, and troubleshoot motor control systems

Function effectively as a member of a technical team

Apply quality practices to the operation of automated manufacturing and distribution systems

Apply maintenance practices to the operation of automated manufacturing and distribution systems

Demonstrate critical thinking skills

Career Opportunities

Automated packaging machine mechanics and technicians are in high demand; surveys indicate even a greater demand as technologies advance. Before reaching the consumer, almost every product is packaged and packed in several forms. Automation in the manufacturing industry is a high opportunity field. This is a Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) approved program.

Program Requirements

Technical Studies Required 46 Credits

Course Number	Course Title	Course Credits
ARET1126	Mechanical Power Transmission	3
ARET1130	Maintenance Operations	2
ARET1140	Computer Integrated Manufacturing	3
ARET1155	Automation Controls	3
ARET1161	Mechatronic Systems	3
ARET1165	Vision Systems for QA/SPC	3
ARET1170	Troubleshooting Mechatronic Systems	3
ARET1175	Industrial Electricity and Electronics I	3
ARET1180	Industrial Electricity and Electronics II	3
ARET1185	Sensor Applications	2
ARET1190	Programmable Logic Controllers	3
ARET1200	Introduction to Robotics	2
ARET2101	Advanced Automation Controls	3
ARET2105	Fluid Power Motion Control	2
ARET2111	Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers	3
ARET2150	Engineering Design and Fabrication	2
ARET2200	FANUC Robotics Operations	2
ARET2250	FANUC Vision Systems	1

General Education Required 6 Credits

Course Number	Course Title	Course Credits
	Choose one course from MnTC Goal Area 1	3
	Choose one course from MnTC Goal Area 2	3

General Education Elective 0 Credits

 

Technical Studies Elective 8 Credits

Any combination of Automation Robotics Engineering Technology (ARET), Center for Manufacturing and Applied Engineering (CMAE) and/or Engineering CAD Technology (ENGC) courses listed below that are not required for this award may be used as an elective totaling 8 credits.

Recommended:

Course Number	Course Title	Course Credits
ARET1900	Specialized Lab	1 - 4
ARET2181	Internship	1 - 4
ARET2500	Industrial Networks	2
ARET2540	Project Management for Manufacturing	2
ARET2560	Instrumentation and Process Control I	3
CMAE1510	Print Reading	2
CMAE1514	Safety Awareness	2
CMAE1528	360 Career Success Skills	1
	or
ENGC1250	SOLIDWORKS I	4

Total Diploma Credits 60

Semester Sequence

Offered at Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie

First Semester

Course Number	Course Title	Course Credits
ARET1126	Mechanical Power Transmission	3
ARET1161	Mechatronic Systems	3
ARET1175	Industrial Electricity and Electronics I	3
ARET1200	Introduction to Robotics	2
	Choose one course from MnTC Goal Area 1	3

Total Credits  14

Second Semester

Course Number	Course Title	Course Credits
ARET1130	Maintenance Operations	2
ARET1140	Computer Integrated Manufacturing	3
ARET1155	Automation Controls	3
ARET1180	Industrial Electricity and Electronics II	3
	Choose one course from MnTC Goal Area 2	3

Total Credits  14

Summer Semester

Course Number	Course Title	Course Credits
	Technical Studies Electives	4
	Recommended:
ARET2181	Internship	1 - 4

Total Credits:  4

Third Semester

Course Number	Course Title	Course Credits
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	4

Total Credits  14

Fourth Semester

Course Number	Course Title	Course Credits
ARET1170	Troubleshooting Mechatronic Systems	3
ARET2101	Advanced Automation Controls	3
ARET2111	Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers	3
ARET2150	Engineering Design and Fabrication	2
ARET2200	FANUC Robotics Operations	2
ARET2250	FANUC Vision Systems	1

Total Credits  14

Technical Studies Electives

Any combination of Automation Robotics Engineering Technology (ARET), Center for Manufacturing and Applied Engineering (CMAE) and/or Engineering CAD Technology (ENGC) courses listed below that are not required for this award may be used as an elective totaling 8 credits.

Course Number	Course Title	Course Credits
	Recommended:
ARET1900	Specialized Lab	1 - 4
ARET2181	Internship	1 - 4
ARET2500	Industrial Networks	2
ARET2540	Project Management for Manufacturing	2
ARET2560	Instrumentation and Process Control I	3
CMAE1510	Print Reading	2
CMAE1514	Safety Awareness	2
CMAE1528	360 Career Success Skills	1
	or
ENGC1250	SOLIDWORKS I	4

Choose a Total of:  8 Credits

Graduation (60 Credits)

Semester listings reflect the recommended sequence.  Due to circumstances beyond our control, the information herein is subject to change without notice.

 

3/27/2023 : BP 4026 / EP 4005