The Smart Manufacturing Technology Associate Degree is a 65–66 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

Get Started

The application takes just a few minutes to complete.

Credit for Prior Learning Available

MACHINE CONTROL 1: LADDER LOGIC FUNDAMENTALS (10620151)

1.00

Introduces ladder logic symbols and diagrams used in industrial control circuits. Safety standards and procedures are reviewed and implemented. Discrete industrial devices are also studied including switches, relays, timers, and motor starters.

Pre/Corequisites: 10-660-124 INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY 2 - ALTERNATING CURRENT ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS. Condition: Enrollment in the Electromechanical Technology Associate Degree, Automation Systems Technology Associate Degree, Smart Manufacturing Technology Associate Degree, Industrial Automation Technical Diploma, Industrial Electronics and Maintenance Technician Technical Diploma or Intro to Electrical Technology Certificate.

MACHINE CONTROL 2: MOTOR AND ACTUATOR CONTROL (10620152)

1.00

Develop motor and other actuator control and power circuits. The student will utilize typical industrial manufacturing controls. Basic machine sequence control circuits are developed using computer aided design and simulation software.

Pre/Corequisites: 10-620-151 MACHINE CONTROL 1: LADDER LOGIC FUNDAMENTALS.

MACHINE CONTROL 3: SENSORS AND MACHINE SAFETY (10620153)

1.00

Introduces solid state motor controls and proximity and photo sensors. Machine sequence control circuits are developed using programmable logic relays (PLRs) with computer based ladder logic programming and simulation software and then connected and tested in the lab.

Pre/Corequisites: 10-620-152 MACHINE CONTROL 2: MOTOR AND ACTUATOR CONTROL.

INDUSTRY WORKPLACE SAFETY (10620172)

1.00

Introduces General Industry Safety Practices and is intended to provide an entry level worker’s general awareness on recognizing and preventing hazards in a general industry setting. An OSHA 10 General Industry certification will be obtained with completion of the course. In addition, lab specific safety will be covered. OSHA has some very specific rules for receiving the certification card for OSHA 10. OSHA 10 Cards can only be issued to students in the face-to-face classes who attend every class. OSHA will not allow anyone taking this course in an online/flex format to receive a certification card. If you need the OSHA 10 card upon completion of this course, please be sure you are enrolled in the face-to-face section.

Condition: Enrollment in the Electromechanical Technology Associate Degree program, Automation Systems Technology Associate Degree, Smart Manufacturing Technology Associate Degree, Industrial Automation Technical Diploma, Industrial Electronics and Maintenance Technician Technical Diploma program, Electrical Maintenance Certificate or Industrial Automation Certificate.

Industry Credentials Accepted:
  • OSHA® 10 Certification

QUALITY ASSURANCE (10623119)

1.00

Analyzes the philosophies and strategies the American industry has been focusing on to improve the quality of their products and services. In this learning plan, the learner will explore their personal philosophy on Quality, the cost of quality, total quality management, and nonconforming products and materials.

NTC Assessments Offered:
Industry Credentials Accepted:
  • Quality Inspector Certification CQI

PRECISION MEASURING (10623203)

2.00

Introduces the importance of metrology in the manufacturing industry. Learners will investigate different measurement systems and procedures used to control measurement processes. Learning activities will include hands-on measuring activities, Gage R&R, and developing calibration procedures. In addition, learners will examine automated metrology and its application in the Smart Manufacturing environment.

INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY 1 - DIRECT CURRENT ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (10660123)

1.00

Introduces the fundamental principles of direct current (DC) and the effects of resistance, capacitance and inductance operating within the DC electrical and magnetic fields. Circuit analysis utilizes project based labs where students experience the practical application of Ohm’s, Watt’s, Kirchhoff’s and Lenz’s laws. Learning experiences in IET 1 will be continued and expanded upon in IET 2.

Pre/Corequisite: 10-620-172 INDUSTRY WORKPLACE SAFETY or 31-413-100 LINE ELECTRICIAN SAFETY 2 or 31-469-100 GAS UTILITY FIELD TRAINING 1 or Dean/Associate Dean approval. Condition: Accepted into Electromechanical Technology AD, Automation Systems Technology AD, Industrial Electronics & Maintenance Technician TD, Electrical Power Distribution TD, Automotive Technician TD, Gas Utility Construction & Service TD, Industrial Automation TD, or Electrical Maintenance Certificate, or with Dean/Associate Dean approval.

NTC Assessments Offered:

INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY 2 - ALTERNATING CURRENT ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (10660124)

1.00

Introduces the fundamental principles of alternating current (AC) and the effects of resistance, capacitance and inductance operating at 60 Hertz (Hz) single phase within the AC electrical and magnetic fields. Circuit analysis uses project based labs where students experience the practical application of Ohm’s, Watt’s, and Faraday’s laws. Learning experiences in IET 2 build upon those in IET 1 and will be continued and expanded upon in IET 3.

Pre/Corequisite: 10-660-123 INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY 1 - DIRECT CURRENT ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

NTC Assessments Offered:

GENERAL PHYSICS 1 (10806154)

4.00

Presents the applications and theory of basic physics principles. This course emphasizes problem-solving, laboratory investigation and applications. Topics include unit conversion and analysis, vectors, translational and rotational kinematics, translational and rotational dynamics, heat and temperature and harmonic motion and waves.

Pre/Corequisite: 10-804-118 INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA W/APPS or 10-804-195 COLLEGE ALGEBRA W/APPS.

National Exams Accepted:
  • AP Physics with Electricity and Magnetism
  • AP Physics with Mechanics

COLLEGE 101 (10890165)

1.00

Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.

NTC Assessments Offered:

COLLEGE ALGEBRA W/APPS (10804195)

3.00

This course covers those skills needed for success in Calculus and many application areas on a baccalaureate level. Topics include the real and complex number systems, polynomials, exponents, radicals, solving equations and inequalities (linear and nonlinear), relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities (linear and nonlinear), matrices, graphing, conic sections, sequences and series, combinatories and the binomial theorem.

Prerequisite: 10-804-118 INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA W/APPS.

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® College Algebra
  • AP Precalculus

INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA W/APPS (10804118)

4.00

This course offers algebra content with applications. Topics include properties of real numbers, order of operations, algebraic solution for linear equations and inequalities, operations with polynomial and rational expressions, operations with rational exponents and radicals, algebra of inverse, logarithmic and exponential functions.

NTC Assessments Offered:

FLUID POWER SYSTEMS 1: FUNDAMENTALS (10612120)

1.00

Introduces Fluid power systems used in industry. The advantages and disadvantages of fluid power compared to other power transmission systems are examined. The potential dangers are explored and the safety procedures related to fluid power are reviewed and implemented. The application of principles of fluid power transmission and the formulas used in fluid power system analysis and design are experienced in the lab. The fundamental principles, components, symbols and applications of hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power applications are introduced. Basic power and control circuits are developed using computer aided design and simulation software and then connected and tested in the lab.

SERVO SYSTEMS 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS (10620161)

1.00

Applies the principles of industrial control systems. Students learn the fundamentals of operating various industrial control systems including open/closed loop servo-hydraulics and PID control systems.

Condition: Enrollment in the Electromechanical Technology Associate Degree, Automation Associate Degree, Smart Manufacturing Technology Associate Degree or Industrial Automation Technical Diploma.

PLC 1: PLC FUNDAMENTALS AND BIT BASED INSTRUCTIONS (10620164)

1.00

Introduces PLC hardware setup, software applications and system configuration. Basic industrial control problems are solved using Bit Based Instructions. Various kinds of sensors and other input devices will be applied to the PLC. Output devices will be controlled by the PLC.

Pre/Corequisites: 10-620-153 MACHINE CONTROL 3: SENSORS AND MACHINE SAFETY.

NTC Assessments Offered:

PLC 2: TIMERS, COUNTERS AND PROGRAM CONTROL (10620165)

1.00

Incorporates PLC Timer, Counter and Program Control instructions used in industrial manufacturing processes.

Pre/Corequisite: 10-620-164 PLC 1: PLC LADDER LOGIC AND BIT BASED INSTRUCTIONS.

NTC Assessments Offered:

PLC 3: DATA, MATH, SEQUENCER AND SHIFT INSTRUCTIONS (10620166)

1.00

Incorporates Data, Math, Sequencer and Shift Register control instructions used in industrial manufacturing processes.

Pre/Corequisite: 10-620-165 PLC 2: TIMERS, COUNTERS AND MATH INSTRUCTIONS.

NTC Assessments Offered:

LEAN MANUFACTURING FUNDAMENTALS (10623147)

2.00

Analyzes the eight wastes of manufacturing. The learner will then explore concepts such as 5S, Total Productive Maintenance, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping. The learner will be given activities to implement concepts in their work setting.

NTC Assessments Offered:

INTRODUCTION TO SIX SIGMA (10623173)

3.00

Analyzes each step in the DMAIC process (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control). Learners completing this course will gain a fundamental understanding of the principles of six sigma and will be able to apply them in a work setting.

NTC Assessments Offered:
Industry Credentials Accepted:
  • Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

INTERPRETING ENGINEERING DRAWINGS (10623200)

1.00

Explores the foundational skills needed to read and interpret industrial prints. Beginning with the basics, the learner progresses in a logical order through orthographic, pictorial, assembly, section and auxiliary views of products. In addition, you will learn how to interpret part dimensions and tolerances. Emphasis is also placed on title blocks, change blocks and shop notes and symbols. The symbols of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing are introduced.

NTC Assessments Offered:
Industry Credentials Accepted:
  • Youth Apprenticeship Certificate

INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY 3 - ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS AND DEVICES (10660125)

1.00

Introduces the fundamentals associated with the properties of silicon controlled devices used in industry. Both DC and AC operating characteristics will be explored as well as the application of silicon controlled devices used in industrial circuit controls. Circuit analysis utilizes project based labs where students experience the practical application of skills learned in IET 1 and 2.

Pre/Corequisite: 10-660-125 INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY 2 - ALTERNATING CURRENT ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

NTC Assessments Offered:

INDUSTRY 4.0 FUNDAMENTALS (10664112)

1.00

Introduces the concepts of Industry 4.0 and the key aspects that workers will need to be prepared for in the intelligent factory setting. Robotic automation, smart manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts will be explored.

ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (10801196)

3.00

Focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communication and listening skills through individual presentations, group activities and other projects.

NTC Assessments Offered:

ROBOTIC APPLICATIONS 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF ROBOTIC CONTROL (10620154)

1.00

Introduces a basic understanding of a robot system. Topics studied include robot safety, controls and basic programming. The students will learn robotic program development.

Pre/Corequisites: 10-620-153 MACHINE CONTROL 3: SENSORS AND MACHINE SAFETY, and 10-620-164 PLC 1: PLC LADDER LOGIC AND BIT BASED INSTRUCTIONS.

ROBOTIC APPLICATIONS 2: ROBOTIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND SOFTWARE (10620155)

1.00

Develop a string understanding of the robot control system. Topics studied include creating and editing robot frames, branching and system IO and program control.

Pre/Corequisite: 10-620-154 ROBOT APPLICATIONS 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF ROBOTIC CONTROL.

SERVO SYSTEMS 3: ADVANCED POSITION CONTROL AND INTEGRATION (10620163)

1.00

Advanced servo integration is accomplished using industrial servo drives and programmable logic controllers. Servo gearing and camming is studied through hands-on activities. Learners solve real world servo related problems using advanced PLC and Servo programming.

Pre/Corequisites: 10-620-162 SERVO SYSTEMS 2: MOTION CONTROL SYSTEMS.

PLC 4: ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONS AND PROGRAMMING (10620167)

1.00

Introduces Advanced Instruction and Programming techniques by exploring and configuring analog and digital scaling values, data management, PLC vision and PLC Proportional Integral derivative (PID) process control. Learners will apply these PLC functions in real world industrial applications.

Pre/Corequisite: 10-620-166 PLC 3: DATA AND WORD BASED INSTRUCTIONS.

NTC Assessments Offered:

PLC 5: INDUSTRIAL NETWORKING (10620168)

1.00

Introduces PLC networking and data base collection. Learners will explore effective network communication schemes between PLC system components. Machine and process control systems require that programmable controllers be interconnected, so that data can be passed among them easily to accomplish the control task. Learners will explore these PLC Network communications through real world examples

Pre/Corequisite: 10-620-167 PLC 4: INDUSTRIAL NETWORKING.

NTC Assessments Offered:

PLC 6: PLC, PAC AND PC AUTOMATION INTEGRATION (10620169)

1.00

Introduces Integrated Manufacturing Systems (IMS). Learners will contrast Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) and Personal Computer (PC) programming environments. Typically PLCs are suited for machine control, PACs are bettered suited for complex automation and the PC programming environment offers purpose-built Industrial PCs for manufacturing flexibility. Learners will demonstrate PC programming techniques within the LabView programming environment and practice advanced programming and troubleshooting techniques.

Pre/Corequisite: 10-620-168 PLC 5: ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONS AND PROGRAMMING.

NTC Assessments Offered:

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES (10623175)

3.00

Explores the selected methods used in industry today to develop raw materials into the parts used in a range of products. The learner will analyze what the various machines and processes are and how they are used, not on how to operate the machinery.

NTC Assessments Offered:

INDUSTRIAL INTERNET OF THINGS (10664113)

1.00

Focuses on the interconnected systems utilized in industrial applications that can proactively communicate improvements in productivity and efficiency. Focus on configuring and Implementing smart sensors, gather configured data from PLC controllers to provide the ability for data collections will be studied. Other topics will include, identifying the correct hardware, installation and wiring, sensor configuration and control.

Prerequisite: 10-620-168 PLC 5: INDUSTRIAL NETWORKING

DESIGNING A SOLUTION IN A SMART FACTORY (10664114)

1.00

Provides the learner the skills necessary to engineer and design a product manufacturing solution using SMART manufacturing equipment, concepts & simulation.

Prerequisite: 10-620-168 PLC 5: INDUSTRIAL NETWORKING.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (10801195)

3.00

Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents.

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® College Composition
  • AP English Language & Composition

ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 (10801136)

3.00

Learners develop and apply skills in all aspects of the writing process. Through a variety of learning activities and written documents, learners employ rhetorical strategies, plan, organize and revise content, apply critical reading strategies, locate and evaluate information, integrate and document sources, and apply standardized English language conventions.

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® College Composition
  • AP English Language & Composition

INTRODUCTION TO DIVERSITY STUDIES (10809172)

3.00

Introduces learners to the study of diversity from a local to a global environment using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Encourages self-exploration and prepares the learner to work in a diverse environment. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relationships in a multicultural context, the primary topics of race, ethnicity, age, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability and religion are explored.

NTC Assessments Offered:

INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY (10809196)

3.00

Introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology: culture, socialization, social stratification, multiculturalism and the five institutions, including family, government, economics, religion and education. Other topics include demography, deviance, technology, environment, social issues, social change, social organization and workplace issues.

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® Introductory Sociology

TEAM BUILDING AND PROBLEM SOLVING (10196189)

3.00

Apply the skills and tools necessary to facilitate team development and effectiveness, solve complex problems, pinpoint the root cause of conflict, and resolve issues between team members. Each learner will demonstrate the application of the benefits and challenges of teamwork, perform the necessary roles in a team, facilitate the stages of team development, conduct conflict resolution, evaluate potential causes of a problem, develop multiple approaches to problem solving and decision making, exhibit the ability to build consensus and commitment, utilize a systematic approach to defining and solving problems and implement various methods for evaluating results based on established criteria and metrics.

NTC Assessments Offered:

MATERIALS OF INDUSTRY (10606132)

2.00

In this course, you will be involved in the in-depth examination of manufacturing materials related to the ultimate design decision involved in part and product design. You will learn the principles and theory of the methodology of material selection, the properties of materials, the structure of materials and specific materials and their function in product application.

STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL (10623112)

2.00

Explores elements of statistical process control with methods of securing and maintaining desired quality levels. Application of basic principles of statistics is presented as well as sampling techniques and variance analysis. The learner will also explore software that is used in manufacturing operations to provide a more efficient process in analyzing results.

NTC Assessments Offered:

COLLABORATIVE ROBOTS AND VISION (10664115)

1.00

Focuses on the concept of programming and using vision guided robotic systems. Both remote hard mounted vision systems and robot mounted vision systems will be introduced. Learners will learn how to create vision programs and configure the robot to work with the camera system to allow storage and bin picking applications. Both 2D and 3D camera systems will be introduced.

Prerequisite: 10-620-155 ROBOTIC APPLICATIONS 2: ROBOTIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND SOFTWARE.

SIMULATION AND AI (10664117)

1.00

Explores the Artificial Intelligence available in the world today and discusses how it has helped. We will look at modern A.I. (cell phones, televisions, internet companies, automotive applications and others) to see how it is already a part of everyday life. Autonomous robots will be controlled and reviewed to discover their capabilities. We will then utilize Oculus technology to review training options (fire extinguisher training, Lockout/tagout training). Microsoft Halolens units will be used to create mixed reality scenarios for class work and possible workplace training integration. 3D modeling will be used to develop simulations that will allow students to experience work that might not be conducive to our lab or too dangerous for us to do in the lab setting.

Prerequisite: 10-620-168 PLC 5: INDUSTRIAL NETWORKING.

PRODUCING PRODUCTS IN AN INTELLIGENT FACTORY (10664118)

3.00

Builds upon the Designing a Solution in a SMART Factory course, by allowing the learner to implement their design and produce product effectively and efficiently utilizing SMART manufacturing equipment & concepts. This course will produce products in an intelligent factory lab along with providing the learners opportunities for problem solving in a live manufacturing environment.

Prerequisite: 10-664-114 DESIGNING A SOLUTION IN A SMART FACTORY.

PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS (10809199)

3.00

Explores the relationship between the general principles of psychology and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding enables students to improve their relationships with others at work, in the family and in society.

NTC Assessments Offered:

INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY (10809198)

3.00

This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors and social influences. It directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social and vocational settings.

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® Introductory Psychology
  • AP Psychology

Test-Out Option Term Definitions

Test

An exam that is scored by faculty or staff in NTC’s Testing Center.

Skill Demonstration

A performance of your expertise that is evaluated by faculty.

Combination: Test & Skill Demonstration

A combination of both a test and a skill demonstration.

Portfolio

A collection and explanation of your past learning through work or life experience.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about this program, please contact our Career Coaches at 715.803.1645.

If you have further questions regarding our Credit for Prior Learning options, please contact Student Records at studentrecords@ntc.edu or 715.803.1796.