Riverland Community College

This course is an introduction to Mechatronic Systems. The focus of this course is the application of mechanical power transmission to modern manufacturing equipment, used by machine assemblers, maintenance mechanics, field service personnel, engineers, manufacturing technicians and technical salespeople. Mechanical systems covered include chains, belts, couplings, gear reducers, shaft alignment, gear trains, linkages, bearings, and machine timing. Instruction uses hands-on projects in addition to demonstration and lecture on actual packaging machines. This course is part of a 2-course sequence that leads to students being eligible to take Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s (PMMI) Mechanical Components 1 test. This test is one of eight Mechatronics certifications offered by PMMI.
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course explores how mechatronic systems are utilized in industry. This course will focus on the packaging industry, but can be applied to manufacturing and product conveyance as a whole. A wide variety of machinery will be examined as well as the tooling necessary for basic component fabrication and part modification. Basic metalworking and welding concepts will be examined. Students will receive a hands-on experience leading to a greater understanding of how machinery operates, and the skills needed to successfully work with complex machinery in industry.
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course is designed for all students in the Manufacturing & Engineering Technology courses of study. Through the use of modern training systems students will gain an understanding of how electrical principles apply to automated production machines, packaging machinery, and robots. Students will demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge of electrical principles to increase sustainability and energy efficiency in a manufacturing environment. Through extensive hands-on use of digital meters and electrical tools students will be given the opportunity to perform wiring and setup operations and to troubleshoot electrical circuits. This course is part of a sequence of courses leading to Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) Industrial Electricity Certification.
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

The focus of this course is to provide hands-on learning opportunities using both real and virtual industrial robots. The main emphasis in the course will be focused on safely programming and operating industrial robots. Students will be exposed to various End of Arm Tooling, robot types, the historical trends of robotics, programming methods components of robotic systems, and multiple coordinate systems. These skills and concepts are utilized throughout all of manufacturing and in many other areas.
(2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course will expose the student to maintenance practices and industrial safety common to many of the potential fields within Mechatronics. Mechatronics is a broad field in Industrial Maintenance with many unique specialties requiring technicians to have exposure to multiple mechanical maintenance procedures. This course is one of two courses aligned to Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s (PMMI) Mechanical Components I Mechatronics Certification test. Throughout this course, students will apply concepts to hands-on labs to reinforce the discussed topics.
(2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

The purpose of this course is to introduce students in all manufacturing fields to the manufacturing process. Students will examine the principles of manufacturing, manufacturing processes, the elements of automation, and the integration of manufacturing elements. These principles will be applied to manufacturing situations through the use of simulations, assembly of manufacturing systems, and through the use of robotics and Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) equipment.
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course will expose the students in the field of Mechatronics to common motor control equipment utilized in industrial maintenance occupations. Students will construct and troubleshoot motor control circuits utilizing ladder logic. Students will utilize manual starters, 2-wire control circuits, and 3-wire control circuits. This basic knowledge of automation control equipment is expected of an entry-level technician working in facilities maintenance or assisting in the assembly, test, startup, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair or upgrade of basic manufacturing machinery modules. This course is one of three courses aligned to Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s (PMMI) Electricity 1 certification exam.
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

In the field of Mechatronics, a basic knowledge of industrial electricity is needed to understand the operation of all types of commercial and industrial equipment and to gain further knowledge of more complex packaging machines and systems. This course will expand on the principles taught in previous courses and provide the student hands-on activities utilizing proper safety procedures while working with electrical tools, measurement equipment, electrical circuits, motors, and electrical components. This course is one of three courses aligned to Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s (PMMI) Mechatronics Certification Test for Industrial Electricity 1. Prerequisite: ARET 1175.
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

In this course, students will utilize various forms of Machine Vision Systems as applied in Quality Assurance (QA). Systems used will include Vision Cameras and Barcode Readers as well as the software and computer systems required for installation, calibration, and operation. The concept of Statistical Process Control (SPC) as applied to QA will be discussed. These skills are vital for technicians entering the fields of Mechatronics and Packaging.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course will introduce the students to the operation of a variety of sensors used in automated manufacturing and robotics. Students will work with a variety of sensors including Thru-Beam, Retro-Reflective, and Diffuse Reflective sensors. Students will have the opportunity to connect sensors and differentiate between current sinking Negative, Positive, Negative (NPN) and current sourcing Positive, Negative, Positive (PNP) sensors. Students will work with simulations, modern trainers, and various real-life sensors to complete the learning objectives.
(2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This course will introduce the student to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s). This course will utilize Allen Bradley’s software suite and introduce the student to logic and machine control common in Mechatronics Systems. Topics include hardware and software composition of control systems, input/output interfacing, basic logic commands and common programming instructions. Knowledge of relay logic, ladder programming and input/output devices is needed to understand and maintain all types of common packaging equipment. This course is aimed at entry level technicians who may be involved in the assembly, test, start-up, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair or upgrade of basic packaging machinery modules. This course is the first in a series of two courses, which will prepare the student for Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s (PMMI) Mechatronics Certification Test for PLC Level 1.
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course is intended for students entering the fields of Mechatronics and Packaging. This course covers the function, operation, and application of common components used in fluid power circuits and systems. It also assesses the understanding of how fluid power components and accessories are placed together to create circuits and systems for use in robotics, mechatronics systems, and packaging. The major emphasis is on pneumatics with a lesser emphasis on vacuum systems. Electro-fluid power troubleshooting is also emphasized. This course partially covers the outcomes of Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s (PMMI) Fluid Power 1 Mechatronics Certification exam.
(2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course is designed for manufacturing personnel preparing to enter the fields of Mechatronics and Packaging. Students will utilize schematics, test instruments, and proper safety procedures in the troubleshooting process. A variety of mechatronic systems, including electrical, mechanical, fluid power, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), will be examined.
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course is designed for those students in the fields of Mechatronics and Packaging. Students will work with modern automation control devices to explore how various motors are used to control position and timing on industrial machinery. Students will work on multiple labs designed to develop their knowledge of these devices and components. Industrial networking, Programmable Logic Controllers, Process Control and PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) Controls will also be examined. An examination of various motor drives will occur during this course. Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electric motors are commonly applied in multiple industrial operations including packaging equipment, machine tools, and processing equipment. The control of speed, torque and other parameters is growing in use, resulting in more complex motor drive systems. Technicians need to be proficient in the use of these technologies when they enter the workforce. Prerequisite: ARET 1155
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course will focus on Allen-Bradley Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs). Problem solving and troubleshooting factory controls will be stressed throughout this course. This is accomplished using up-to-date Rockwell Software. Students will acquire an advanced knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, logic concepts, programmable controller program development, Input/output (I/O) configuration and translation from hardware to programmed logic. Students will develop, edit and troubleshoot programs employing a large array of instructions found in typical Mechatronic Systems as applied in Manufacturing Systems, including logic flow, timers, counters, sequencers, math, and specialty functions. Prerequisite: ARET 1190
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course provides students entering the fields of Mechatronics and Packaging with an overview of Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) software and Computer-Numeric-Control (CNC) machines. Students will design basic parts and build the parts on CNC machinery. Emphasis will be on the interactions between software and machines and the troubleshooting process.
(2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course is intended for an operator, technician, engineer or programmer who may need to setup, modify, record and run a program on a FANUC robot system. This course covers FANUC Handling Tool Operations. Students will program, setup and operate the robots and end-of-arm-tooling. The FANUC Teach Pendant will be taught and utilized for programming and jogging the robot. Students will set up applications, write basic programs, and test them. These are the entry level skills a student should have to enter the fields of Mechatronics and Packaging. Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to take the FANUC Handling Tool certification test. Prerequisite: ARET 1200
(2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course covers the basics of college level algebra emphasizing understanding of the basic principles through investigation. The topics covered range from a basic algebra review to exploration of linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions along with a study of rational expressions, inverse relations, function operations, complex numbers, and systems of equations. Prerequisites: Math 0670 with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement in course based on Multiple Measures for Course Placement – Math Decision Band Chart. MnTC (Goals 4/MA and Goal 2/CT); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This is an introductory college writing course designed to help students develop effective writing skills for college level work.  Students learn to generate ideas and organize them into unified, coherent essays.  Methods of instruction vary, but most sections combine individual conferences and peer review with regular class meetings.  Prerequisites:  A grade of C or higher in ENGL 0960 or appropriate placement score.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and Goal 2/CT); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This is an introductory course covering basic physics concepts and laws that govern everyday physical phenomena. This course is intended for students with no previous physics experience. Topics include mechanics, properties of matter, heat, waves, and electricity. Students will learn to apply basic physics principles through problem solving and laboratory experiments. Prerequisites:  MATH 0660 (Intermediate Algebra I) or appropriate placement score.

 MnTC (Goal 3/NS and 2/CT); (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)   

This course introduces the worldwide effects of human occupancy of the earth and the influences of location on human behavior.  Topics include patterns in spaces, cultural influences, and means of livelihood, political spaces and human effects on the environment.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)