Engineering (BS): Mechatronics Concentration draft
Program Overview
Engineering (BS): Mechatronics Concentration
Overview
The Joint NC State/UNC Asheville Engineering Mechatronics curriculum (JEM) combines the best that two nationally recognized universities have to offer. From NC State University comes the engineering component comprising course work from the Departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and mechatronics courses taught by NC State University faculty on the campus of the University of North Carolina Asheville. From UNC Asheville comes a Humanities and Social Science component with a rich liberal arts foundation and mechatronics courses taught by UNC Asheville staff. Hands-on laboratories are integral to the engineering course work. As an NC State site-based engineering program, students must attend classes on the campus of UNC Asheville. Transfer students should contact the program office in Asheville for information about the transfer of courses from other educational institutions.
Program Description
Mechatronics engineering is a unique, interdisciplinary field of study drawing on coursework in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. A vast array of products and systems incorporate aspects of each of these disciplines - in varying degrees - and the program goal is to produce graduates with significant proficiency in each to participate successfully in design efforts. Through mechatronics engineering, new avenues of thinking and design can greatly enhance the utility, performance, and efficiency of modern machinery.
Program Educational Objectives
Within a few years of graduation, successful alumni of the Joint NC State - UNC Asheville BS in E - Mechatronics Concentration degree should:
- Attain productive professional careers in mechatronics engineering or related fields.
- Be committed to upholding and advancing the integrity of the engineering profession.
- Make decisions with accountability for the social and environmental impact of their engineering practices.
- Interact effectively with a diversity of individuals while viewing their own work in the broader context of our global society.
- Attain technical excellence by engaging in life-long learning.
Accreditation
The Joint BS in Engineering - Mechatronics Concentration degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Plan Requirements
- A grade of C or higher is required for certain courses.
- A grade of C- or higher is required for other courses.
- Discuss options for Approved Advised Elective with Program Associate Director.
- All students must also satisfy the UNCA second language requirement through coursework or proficiency testing.
Semester Sequence
The following is a sample plan of study:
First Year
- Fall Semester:
- E 101: Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving (1 hour)
- JEM 123: Introduction to Computer Aided Design for Mechatronics Engineering (1 hour)
- MATH 191 (4 hours)
- CHEM 132 (3 hours)
- CHEM 111 (1 hour)
- FYS 178 (4 hours)
- Total Hours: 14
- Spring Semester:
- ECE 109: Introduction to Computer Systems (3 hours)
- JEM 180: Introduction to Mechatronics Laboratory (2 hours)
- MATH 192 (4 hours)
- PHYS 221 (4 hours)
- LANG 120 (4 hours)
- Total Hours: 17
Second Year
- Fall Semester:
- ECE 200: Introduction to Signals, Circuits and Systems (4 hours)
- ECE 209: Computer Systems Programming (3 hours)
- MAE 206: Engineering Statics (3 hours)
- MATH 291 (4 hours)
- PHYS 222 (4 hours)
- Total Hours: 18
- Spring Semester:
- ECE 211: Electric Circuits (4 hours)
- ECE 212: Fundamentals of Logic Design (3 hours)
- ECE 220: Analytical Foundations of Electrical and Computer Engineering (3 hours)
- MAE 208: Engineering Dynamics (3 hours)
- ECON 103 (4 hours)
- Total Hours: 17
Third Year
- Fall Semester:
- ECE 306: Introduction to Embedded Systems (3 hours)
- JEM 420: Mechatronics Systems Modeling (3 hours)
- MAE 201: Thermal-Fluid Sciences (3 hours)
- MAE 315: Fundamentals of Vibrations (3 hours)
- Course designated ARTS, FAD, or HUMANITIES (4 hours)
- Total Hours: 16
- Spring Semester:
- ECE 310: Design of Complex Digital Systems (3 hours)
- JEM 360: Advanced Mechatronics Design Laboratory (2 hours)
- MAE 214: Solid Mechanics (3 hours)
- MAE 435: Principles of Automatic Control (3 hours)
- Course designated ARTS, FAD, or HUMANITIES (4 hours)
- Total Hours: 15
Fourth Year
- Fall Semester:
- MAE 308: Fluid Mechanics (3 hours)
- MAE 310: Heat Transfer Fundamentals (3 hours)
- JEM 484: Senior Design Project in Mechatronics Engineering I (3 hours)
- Approved Advised Elective (3 hours)
- Course designated ARTS, FAD, or HUMANITIES (4 hours)
- Total Hours: 16
- Spring Semester:
- JEM 485: Senior Design Project in Mechatronics Engineering II (3 hours)
- MAE 316: Strength of Mechanical Components (3 hours)
- STAT 225 (4 hours)
- SYS 478 (4 hours)
- Total Hours: 14
- Total Hours: 127
Career Opportunities
Career Titles
- Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineer
- Aerospace Engineering Technician
- Agricultural Engineer
- Airport Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Ceramic Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Clinical Data Managers
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer Systems Engineer
- Cost Analysis Engineer
- Cost Estimator
- Electronics Engineer
- Energy Engineer
- Engineering Professor
- Environmental Engineer
- Factory Layout Engineer
- Fire Prevention Engineer
- Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
- Industrial Engineer
- Industrial Engineering Technician
- Industrial Safety and Health Engineer
- Irrigation Engineer
- Logistics Engineers
- Marine Engineer
- Marine Surveyor
- Materials Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Meteorologist
- Mining Engineer
- Model Maker
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Nuclear Engineer
- Nuclear Fuels Research Engineer
- Operating Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Photogrammetrist
- Physicist
- Product Safety Engineer
- Quality Control Managers
- Radiation Protection Engineer
- Sanitary Engineer
- Ship Engineers
- Software Developers - Applications
- Soil Engineer
- Solar Energy Systems Designer
- Solar Energy Systems Engineers
- Sound Engineering Technicians
- Structural Engineer
- Surveying Technicians
- Surveyor
- Sustainability Specialists
- Tool and Machine Designer
- Transportation Engineer
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Wind Energy Engineer
Learn More About Careers
Resources are available to explore career options, including NCcareers.org, the Occupational Outlook Handbook, and Career One Stop Videos. Focus 2 Career Assessment and Focus 2 Apply Assessment tools are also available to support students in exploring and choosing the right major and career path.