In today's global marketplace, a vast array of new products are emerging all the time. As varied as human inventiveness can devise, they have at least this in common: nearly all include mechanical and electrical components or rely on them in the manufacturing process.
Traditionally, the companies engaged in design and manufacturing form teams-usually made up of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineers and technicians. Each team member contributes specific expertise as needed at various stages of the project, but often with little insight into the requirements of the other disciplines. As a result, the process as a whole is less efficient than it might ideally be.
The bachelor degree in Electromechanical Engineering Technology (ELM) program bridges this gap with an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving in a design and manufacturing environment where, increasingly, the challenges are both mechanical and electrical. Graduates are prepared to bring this broader understanding to the design, development, manufacturing, and technical support of emerging products, integrating and improving both the product and the process. In larger firms, this might be as a member of the design or manufacturing team, while smaller companies might assign this role to a single individual.
The ELM program is the second leg of a "two-plus-two" curriculum. The junior year offers courses in advanced math, science, and sensor technology, along with "crossover" courses that vary according to a student's prior educational background-students with electronics backgrounds focus on mechanical processes and principles, and those with mechanical backgrounds concentrate on electronics.
Students from other majors may be required to take courses other than specified. This junior "crossover" year can accommodate students with a variety of academic credits and competencies.
Although the program is designed primarily for students who have completed an ABET-accredited associates degree in either Electrical Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology, the ELM curriculum may also be appropriate for graduates of other engineering technology associates degree programs. Students entering ELM on completion of one of these programs, or its equivalent at another institution, may be assigned additional course requirements and a course sequence that may vary in some other respects from that outlined below, depending on the student's academic background.
The fourth year of the ELM program incorporates computer programming, data communications, power systems, and control systems, along with the capstone course, a two-semester ELM senior project. This project provides an opportunity to research and develop a significant project that integrates mechanical and electrical subsystems.
Students in the program are also encouraged to add further depth to their technical backgrounds through elective courses in statistics, chemistry, business management, and advanced programming. General Education electives (a total of 24 credits over four years required) provide the exposure to the humanities and social sciences so important to the total educational experience.
This program is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
A graduate of Vermont Tech's Electromechanical Engineering Technology bachelor's degree should be able to:
- Use standard software engineering tools in the mechanical, electrical, and software areas (CAD, software development systems, circuit simulators, schematic editors).
- Exhibit a basic knowledge of classic mechanisms, manufacturing techniques, fluid mechanics, applied mechanics, material science, AC circuit analysis, analog and digital electronics, and microprocessors.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of various sensors and the circuitry needed to use them.
- Program in several languages including those related to microcontrollers and PLCs.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of control theory and control systems design, both analog and digital.
- Understand the fundamentals of electronic communication in and between systems.
- Research and evaluate new technologies (electrical, mechanical, or software), make recommendations about such technologies based on features, performance, and cost, and implement those new technologies in a design.
- Research, read, and understand relevant documents.
- Communicate clearly (in writing and orally) with his or her peers as well as with management level personnel.
- Apply engineering principles and design, develop, and troubleshoot electro-mechanical products.
Students admitted to the Electromechanical Engineering Technology program must have completed a strong two-year associate's degree program in engineering technology at an accredited college or university, preferably including electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering technology courses.
This program is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
The minimum number of credits required in the junior and senior years is 67.
Curriculum: