Mar 28, 2024  
2022 - 2023 Cowley College Academic Catalog 
    
2022 - 2023 Cowley College Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

MEC3480 AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS COURSE PROCEDURE


MEC3480 AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS

3 Credit Hours

Student Level:  

This course is open to students on the college level in either the freshman or sophomore year and to area high school vocational students. 

Catalog Description: 

MEC3480 - Automation and Controls (3 hrs)

This course incorporates programming, interfacing, and troubleshooting of automated systems. Students will be introduced to the theory and application of computer aided manufacturing, operations, networks, programs, program designs, rapid prototyping and the different controls and systems used in manufacturing, food processing and agriculture. 

Course Classification: 

Lecture/Lab 

Prerequisites: 

None 

Controlling Purpose: 

This course is designed to help the student increase their knowledge regarding fundamentals of computer integrated manufacturing. 

Learner Outcomes: 

  1. Students will learn theory and application of computer integration in a manufacturing, processing and storage facilities settings.  

  2. Students will be able to describe operations of networks, program design and computer design.  

  3. Students will use these skills in virtual and rapid prototyping as it relates to various types of industries. 

Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation: 

The following outline defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other material as time allows. 

UNIT 1: Computers and Manufacturing

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully demonstrate knowledge of the application of computers, to industrial fields. 

  • Define just-in-time systems and their need for computer support. 

  • Explain the impact of automated manufacturing and materials handling to workers and companies. 

  • List and describe uses of computer integrated manufacturing in an industrial sector.  

  • Identify and explain the different types of computer systems used in automated manufacturing. 

  • Describe cellular and flexible manufacturing. 

  • Explain computer aided process planning and information systems, then describe how they have influenced manufacturing. 

  • Understand the computer aided design (CAD) as used in industry. 

UNIT 2: Software Development

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully use, develop and modify needed software. 

  • List and describe the techniques used in information system design. 

  • Understand numerically controlled machines and CAD/CAM integration.  

  • Understand basic NC programming. 

  • Describe the V-model of design. 

  • Understand object oriented software development.

UNIT 3: Communication Systems

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully utilize the communication network system. 

  • Utilize computer networking. 

  • Describe and utilize the OSI-reference model and OSI based implementation. 

  • Demonstrate and understand local area networks as they are applied in a manufacturing setting.  

  • List and describe common network protocols. 

  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the use of data bases such as object and distributed data bases. 

  • Identify the components of a closed loop system. 

UNIT 4: Virtual Prototyping

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully demonstrate use and function of prototyping.  

  • Utilize modeling and model analysis. 

  • Describe uses of virtual reality in prototyping. 

  • Describe uses of augmented reality in prototyping.  

  • Determine efficiency standards for integrated systems. 

UNIT 5: Laboratory

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to successfully apply and maintain basic operating systems and equipment. 

  • Demonstrate how to prototype a product. 

  • Utilize computer simulation software to design a computer integrated system. 

  • Describe and utilize computer simulation software to troubleshoot computer integrated system. 

  • Build and perform troubleshooting on computer integrated systems including programming and interfacing. 

  • Design and build a component using computer design and rapid prototyping.  

  • Describe, identify, install and troubleshoot wiring and cables of actuators and sensors. 

  • Demonstrate the operation of actuators and sensors in a closed system.

Projects Required: 

As assigned. 

Textbook: 

Contact Bookstore for current textbook. 

Attendance Policy: 

Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Grading Policy: 

The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Maximum class size: 

Based on classroom occupancy.

Course Time Frame: 

The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college.  A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.  The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format. 

Refer to the following policies: 

402.00 Academic Code of Conduct 

263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades 

403.00 Student Code of Conduct 

Disability Services Program:   

Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability.  If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.  

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR THE OFFICIAL COURSE PROCEDURE CONTACT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.