“Mechatronics” (Industrial Maintenance) Home Page

20-Month Model Proposed Curriculum

Course Descriptions

What is Industrial Maintenance?

Industrial Maintenance, known in the industry as “mechatronics,” is a concentration in the Engineering Technology program. It prepares students for careers in large manufacturing companies as multicraft, industrial machinery maintenance and repair technicians. The concentration integrates electrical and mechanical elements, including print reading, computers, machine shop practices, welding, fluid power applications, mechanical power transmission, preventive maintenance, industrial electricity and electronics fundamentals, AC and DC motors, robotics and motion controls, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). In addition, courses emphasize safety, teamwork, communications skills and efficient work practices.

What career areas use Industrial Maintenance knowledge and skills?

• Industrial machinery maintenance

• Industrial machinery repair

• Plant maintenance

• Commercial maintenance

• Machinery installation and testing

How long does it take to complete a degree?

The degree is offered as an AHEAD (Accelerated Higher Education Associate’s Degree) program.

• Five semesters, 20 months of evening courses (4:30-8:30 p.m. tentatively) September 1, 2009, through May 2011.

• Cohort system: Enroll and graduate with the same group of peers.

• Predetermined course sequence and class schedule (no cancellations).

• For the first two semesters, classes are scheduled two nights, Tuesdays and Thursdays. For five weeks (weeks 6-10), there will be three classes, the additional night being Wednesday. Four classes are scheduled per semester. One night of open lab time is scheduled in addition for those who need extra time.

• Taught by full-time faculty to ensure the quality of the learning experience.

What is a cohort?

A cohort is a group of people working together for some purpose. In the AHEAD program, the students move through the curriculum in a group so that the same people are in every class together.

Are AHEAD classes less demanding than regular semester-long courses?

DEFINITELY NOT! In fact, the successful AHEAD student needs to be highly self-motivated and disciplined in order to be successful in the program and to complete it on time.

May I schedule some fast-track courses and some regular 15-week courses?

All evening IMT courses are fast-track. Most of the other courses are offered in both formats. It is to the advantage of the AHEAD students to stay with the fast-track students for two reasons: If they do not stay with the AHEAD schedule, they may find themselves out of sequence and unable to complete the program in 20 months, as designed. Students moving through the AHEAD program as a cohort are more likely to be successful because of the bonding that occurs among cohort members and the consequent ability to work well together. The cohort members also provide emotional support when the challenges seem overwhelming. In addition, students doing well in a subject are better able to assist those who may find the course more difficult.

May I take a break—that is, skip a semester periodically?

No. This is a curriculum designed and scheduled so that all classes are guaranteed to make, and in the proper sequence. Skipping a semester would require students to wait and join the next cohort, which could delay their graduation for at least a year. In addition, they would lose the advantage of the cohort’s bonding, which is so important to successful completion of the AHEAD program. We understand that work demands and family responsibilities may require students to be away from classes occasionally. If that happens, the IMT advisor, instructors and cohort members will work to help the student stay current in his or her studies.

Are there summer classes in the AHEAD program?

Yes. Students attend classes five consecutive semesters—fall, spring, summer and the next fall and spring (20 months total).

Can I work full time and participate in AHEAD?

Yes, the AHEAD program is specifically designed for people working full time.

How much does the program cost?

Students who complete the acceptance process and qualify pay no fees.

• Full scholarship: Application fee, tuition, books, technology and campus access fees are paid by the College.

• Calculators and memory storage are supplied by student or outside sponsoring organization (TI- 83 Plus calculator and one-gigabyte or better flash drive memory recommended).

• Transportation and meals are paid by student or sponsoring organization, if applicable.

Who is qualified to start the program with the full scholarship?

• The College will award 20 scholarships, so space is limited. After the application and testing are completed, a committee will review all successful applicants. From this pool, only 20 will be selected on a case-by-case basis.

• Qualified applicants will be ready to begin college-level math and English.

• Students currently working toward an Industrial Maintenance certificate who have completed the acceptance process (below) and who are therefore prepared to take college-level math and English.

• Students who have taken courses in the Engineering Technology program and who have completed the acceptance process (below).

Will any college credits that I already have apply to the program?

Yes. Students who have an unofficial copy of their college transcript should submit it as soon as possible to Margaret Ann Jeffries or Remonda Swafford—call (865) 539-7084 or 694-6483 or fax (865) 694-6426. We can use an unofficial transcript to start the process, but we must have an official transcript before December 17. If a student has any general education (English, speech, etc.) credits, they normally will transfer as long as the student made a C or better.

How do I complete the acceptance process?

Step 1: Gain admission.

• Fill out application online at www.pstcc.edu/admissions/apply.html.

• Submit official high school transcripts or GED scores.

• Submit official college transcripts and test scores, if applicable, to the Records Office. Submit hepatitis B immunization form and measles/mumps/rubella immunization form as necessary.

• CONFIRMATION TESTING: Students with college-level transfer credit in English and math do not take the Confirmation Test. Students 21 and over who have not taken college-level English and math must take the test. All new degree-seeking students with valid ACT subject scores below 19 (or SAT equivalent) must also take the Confirmation Test in reading, writing and/or mathematics. This test confirms whether or not a student needs to take developmental (precollege-level) courses. Students who test into college-level math, reading and writing or who have college-level transfer credit in math and English will be included in the applicant pool. All applicants will be notified of their status.

Step 2: All successful candidates from the Confirmation Testing process will be interviewed for scholarships.

Step 3: All scholarship recipients will attend IMT orientation August 25, 4:30 p.m., McWherter Building, Room 118.

“Mechatronics” (Industrial Maintenance) Home Page

20-Month Model Proposed Curriculum

Course Descriptions