Electromechanical Technology

Program Narrative
Industrial Technology is growing at an amazing pace. The use of Electromechanical Automation to control our manufacturing processes is critical to ensuring high productivity and competitiveness in a global economy. The trend toward more automation and control, along with an aging workforce, has created a strong ongoing demand for technicians who can assist in servicing, maintaining, installing and retrofitting automated manufacturing equipment and machinery.

Program Features
Northampton's Electromechanical Technology Automated Systems program has been designed to help meet the demands of local and national manufacturers, process plants and utilities for entry-level employees who have broad-based hands-on maintenance, installation, retrofitting and troubleshooting skills. The program curriculum was developed with the assistance of many of the areas leading manufacturers and engineering firms.

The program is designed to be completed on either a full-time or part-time evening basis utilizing the labs in Hartzell Technology Hall and Lehigh Valley Industrial Park IV facilities (LVIP-IV).

Graduates of this program can transfer their coursework towards online Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Management through Franklin University and Industrial Management through California University of Pennsylvania. Check with your advisor for more information and options in course selection.

Automation Systems Major
Graduates with this major will be qualified to work on such technology as robotics, material handling systems, pharmaceutical packagers and most machines and equipment being controlled with programmable logic controllers. They will assist the modern industrial company in selecting, installing repairing and retrofitting equipment to keep the operation running efficiently.

The program ensures that individuals gain a strong understanding of the basic electrical, mechanical and computer skills before actual hands-on exposure to programmable equipment and instrumentation. Industry experienced instructors will introduce students to specific areas of expertise such as motor controls, fluid power, mechanisms, programmable logic controllers and industrial networks.

The two capstone courses in electromechanical systems allow the student to apply all of the specific areas of knowledge to solving problems within complex automation systems. The Practicum course provides an internship experience with an employer, allowing the student to experience the maintenance and plant engineering functions first hand. The general education coursework gives graduates an even greater edge as they are prepared to better communicate and work with all departments within an organization and to grow into a supervisory position.

Program Outcomes Automated Systems Major
Graduates of the Electromechanical Technology Program: Automated Systems will be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to work independently & collaboratively.
• Demonstrate competent speaking skill when working with diverse groups.
• Describe the operation and application of commonly used types of automated technology and instrumentation used in modern manufacturing and processing.
• Demonstrate observational, integrative and synthetic skills.
• Demonstrate proficient research and computer skills in data gathering and analysis.
• Demonstrate a basic framework of technical vocabulary and graphics interpretation applicable to the area of equipment maintenance and design.
• Describe the principles and function of the mechanical, electrical and fluid power components and assemblies used in automated equipment.
• Operate, program, troubleshoot, repair and modify programmable automation equipment and associated components commonly found in industry.
• Demonstrate the proper use of common mechanic tools and measuring gages used in automated systems.
• Apply mathematics to solving equipment related problems.
• Analyze and present data in an acceptable and standardized manner.
• Demonstrate the use of OSHA safety standards in servicing electromechanical equipment.
• Demonstrate competent technical writing skills.

Electromechanical Technology Program - Indoor Environmental Control

Program Narrative
Indoor environmental control sophistication is growing at an amazing pace. Sophisticated high efficiency equipment is being used to economically control our Indoor Environments. This is critical for providing affordable and reliable comfort in our factories, offices and homes. The trend toward increased construction, along with an aging workforce, has created a strong, ongoing demand for technicians who can service, maintain, install and retrofit this equipment.

Program Features
Northampton's Electromechanical Technology Indoor Environmental Systems program is designed to meet the demands of local and national HVAC dealers and fuel companies for entry-level employees who have broad-based hands-on maintenance, installation, retrofitting and troubleshooting skills. The programs curriculum was developed with the assistance of many of the areas leading HVAC/R organizations.

The program is designed to be completed on either a full-time or part-time evening basis utilizing the labs in the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park IV facilities (LVIP-IV).

Graduates of this program can transfer their coursework towards online Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Management through Franklin University and Industrial Management through California University of Pennsylvania. Check with your advisor for more information and options in course selection.

Indoor Environmental Control Major
Graduates of this major will be qualified to work on such technology as air conditioning, oil and gas burners, heat pumps, ventilation and commercial refrigeration systems located in residences, offices, industrial plants, medical and educational institutions and retail establishments. The student will assist their employer or customers in selecting, installing, troubleshooting and repairing the equipment to keep the operation running efficiently.

Industry experienced instructors provide the basic fundamentals of electrical and mechanical systems as well as over 400-hours of in-depth, hands-on study of actual refrigeration, burner and ventilation systems. Students are also prepared to take the EPA Refrigerant Technician licensure test held at NCC. The Practicum course provides an internship experience with an employer, allowing students first hand experience in HVAC and refrigeration field service. The general education coursework prepares the student to communicate and work more effectively with the diverse customers encountered in the field, along with suppliers and co-workers.

Program Outcomes Indoor Environmental Control Major
Graduates of the Electromechanical Technology Program: Indoor Environmental Systems will be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to work independently & collaboratively.
• Demonstrate competent speaking skill when working with diverse groups.
• Describe the operation and application of commonly used types of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems used in residential and commercial facilities.
• Demonstrate observational, integrative and synthetic skills.
• Demonstrate proficient research and computer skills in data gathering and analysis.
• Demonstrate a basic framework of technical vocabulary and graphics interpretation applicable to the area of equipment maintenance and design.
• Describe the principles and function of the mechanical, electrical and fluid power components and assemblies used in HVAC/R systems.
• Operate, program, troubleshoot, repair and modify equipment and associated components commonly found in air conditioners, heat pumps, gas burners, oil burners and commercial refrigeration systems.
• Demonstrate the proper use of common mechanic tools and measuring gages used in HVAC/R construction and troubleshooting.
• Apply mathematics to solving equipment related problems.
• Analyze and present data in an acceptable and standardized manner.
• Demonstrate the use of OSHA safety standards in servicing electromechanical equipment.
• Demonstrate competent technical writing skills.