Applied Computing and Engineering Technology

Penny Jakes, Chairperson

The Department of Applied Computing and Electronics collaborates with business and industry to prepare graduates to compete in and contribute to a diverse and dynamic global society. Students acquire the practical skills necessary to pursue entry-level careers in STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) occupations. Students engage in experiential learning, embracing technical education, effective communication, problem solving, professionalism, and specific workplace skills. The department promotes lifelong learning to empower students in an ever-changing world. More details on programs available through the department can be found at: http://ace.mc.umt.edu.

Preparation to Enter Programs

Students entering programs in Applied Computing & Electronics are expected to have basic computing skills and adequate preparation in mathematics. Completion of M90  Introductory Algebra or equivalent placement scores are required for the following first year courses: DDSN 114 (DDSN Intro to CAD), CSCI 110 Programming – VB I, CSCI 113  C++ Programming, CSCI 172 Intro to Computer Modeling, ITS 165 OS Commands and Scripts, ITS 150 CCNA I, NRGY 101 Intro to Sustainable Energy and ETEC 105 DC Circuit Analysis. Underprepared students should allocate an additional semester to the suggested four semester sequence in completing programs of study.

Undergraduate Degrees Available

Subject Type Option Track
Computer Aided Design Certificate of Applied Science
Computer Support Specialist Certificate of Applied Science
Electronics Technology Associate of Applied Science
Energy Auditor Technical Certificate
Energy Technology Associate of Applied Science
Energy Technology Certificate of Applied Science
Health Information Technology Professional Certificate Computing
Health Information Technology Professional Certificate Health Professions
Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Information Systems Management
Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Network Management
Network & Info Security Prof Professional Certificate
Recycling Technology Technical Certificate

Department Faculty

Professors

  • Thomas Gallagher, IT Program Director/Professor
  • Dennis Labonty, Ph.D.

Associate Professors

  • Bradley Layton, Energy Technology Program Director/Associate Professor

Assistant Professors

  • Xueying Shen, Department Chair/Electronics Technology Program Director
  • Steven Stiff, Assistant Professor

Adjunct Faculty

  • Jonathan Bowe, Adjunct Instructor
  • Dianne Burke, Cybersecurity Program Director/Adjunct Instructor
  • Conor Darby
  • Alan Fraser
  • Corryn Greenawalt
  • Matt Grimes, FabLab Director
  • Wally Higgins, Adjunct Instructor
  • Eric Iverson
  • Brian Kerns
  • Kari McLean, Adjunct professor
  • Krista Milligan
  • Marc Olson, Adjunct Instructor
  • Zachary Rossmiller
  • Troy Savage, Adjunct Instructor
  • Craig Schaeffer
  • Alexander Sievers, Adjunct Instructor
  • John Taber
  • Lagan Todd, Adjunct Instructor

Course Descriptions

Computer Technology (COT)

  • CRT 188T - Computers and Law

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., CAPP 120 and LEG 185T. Intermediate concepts of computer systems, operating systems, graphical environments, electronic mail, Internet, and file management. A variety of applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and law-related software are included.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • CRT 205T - Food Serv Mgmt Comp App

    Credits: 2. Offered spring. Prereq., CAPP 120. Introduction to computerized applications relevant to the food service industry. Includes spreadsheet, recipe management and word processing software; appropriate industry reports, create menus and fliers; import, export and scale recipes; analyze nutrition; and calculate food cost.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course

Computer Science/Programming

  • CSCI 110 - Programming - VB I

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn and spring. M 090 or ALEKS score >2 recommended prior to taking course. An introduction to object-oriented programming using an even-driven paradigm. Basic concepts of control structures, data handling, documentation, and error control. Fundamentals of algorithm design and structured software development.
  • CSCI 113 - Programming with C++ I

    Credits: 3. Offered intermittently. M 090 or ALEKS score >2 recommended prior to taking course. Object oriented programming using C++. Implementation of structured programming concepts along with construction of classes to create data types for defining objects.
  • CSCI 120 - Programming - VB II

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., CSCI 110. Design and implementation of software using object-oriented programming practices. The class framework is used to apply the object-oriented techniques of encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance.
  • CSCI 215E - Social & Ethical Issues in CS

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., WRIT 101. Exploration of ethical issues in the field of computing. Skills needed to identify and analyze various ethical concerns. Standard ethical concepts and theories, methods of ethical analysis. Strong emphasis on practical application of the ethical process.
    Course Attributes:
    • Ethical & Human Values Course
    • Writing Course-Intermediate
  • CSCI 221 - System Analysis and Design

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq.,  CSCI 240. Analysis of the system development life cycle. Emphasis on planning, analyzing, designing, implementing and supporting information systems to meet business requirements. Covers feasibility studies, time and cost estimates, modeling tools, design tools, implementation and support strategies. A simulated business design project will be developed.
  • CSCI 240 - Databases and SQL

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., CSCI 172 or consent of instr. Relational database design including: requirements analysis, data structure, entity relationships, normalization, relational algebra and integrity. Physical implementation focusing on data storage; retrieval and modification; concurrency; optimization; security; SQL; and XML.

Drafting Design

  • DDSN 113 - Technical Drafting

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. An introduction to the techniques and standard practices of communicating technical graphics. The class studies and practices drawing skills and learns the drawing standards that support the needs of the design team in advancing ideas. It also provides the foundation for successful drawing communication in the CAD environment. Topics covered include; drawing media and tools, hand drawing skills, perspectives, views, sketching, standard scales, geometric construction, sections, dimensioning, and tolerances.
  • DDSN 114 - Introduction to CAD

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. M 090 or ALEKS score >2 recommended prior to taking course. An introduction to computer aided design and drafting software for production of drawings and plans for architecture and engineering systems. Fundamentals of two dimensional drafting and drawing management for professional design.
  • DDSN 116 - 3D CAD

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq. or Co-req., DDSN 114.  CAD II provides a project-based, in-depth study of the skills and concepts involved in Computer Aided Design and Drafting. Topics covered include object grouping and sharing; three dimensional modeling; animation; and interoperability with other software. This course is the second in a two-part series covering the core AutoCAD application.
  • DDSN 135 - Solidworks

    Credits: 2. his course aggregates fundamental concepts of Blueprint Reading and Interpretation (MCH 120) and Machine Quality Control and Precision Measurements (MCH 129) in the form of gaining practical application of concepts to 3D solid modeling. 3D models will include drawings with symbols, various schematics and diagrams, dimensioning techniques, section views, auxiliary views, threads and fasteners typical to shop drawings. Application of specifications and acceptable tolerance requirements to ensure quality control measures for design parts and assemblies will also be stressed.
  • DDSN 191 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • DDSN 192 - Independent Study

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr. Independent research in geography or planning.
  • DDSN 244 - GIS Mapping

    Credits: 3. Offered Spring.  Basics of geospatial technologies; remotely sensed imagery, GIS, and GPS and how each of the individual areas can be used together to analyze spatial datasets.  Students will explore a wide range of spatial data and will learn to apply these data sets to real-world solutions.
  • DDSN 245 - Civil Drafting

    Credits: 4. Offered spring. Prereq. DDSN 114.  Introduces students to computer aided design software for common survey and engineering design and drafting applications.  Topics include collection of survey data; the coordinate geometry system; surfaces; subdivision and land planning; road design and corridor modeling; utilities; site grading and drainage; mapping; and 3D visualization.

Electronics Technology

  • ETEC 105 - DC Circuit Analysis

    Credits: 4. Offered autumn and spring. M 090 or ALEKS score >2 recommended prior to taking course. An introduction to direct current (DC) and analysis of series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Topics include electrical quantities, units of measurement, measurement instruments, resistors, current, voltage, power, energy, network theorems, equivalent circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetism. Laboratory experiments include circuit analysis; the proper use of measurement equipment and techniques; and troubleshooting.
  • ETEC 106 - AC Circuit Analysis

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn and spring. Analysis of alternating current (AC) circuits and the behavior of capacitors, inductors, reactance, impedance, transformers, and signal filters. Laboratory experiments include circuit analysis, the use of proper measurement equipment, and troubleshooting.
  • ETEC 113 - Circuits Lab

    Credits: 1. Offered autumn. Prereq/Co-req., ETEC 105. Covers proper techniques of soldering and tool usage. Electronic technical language, hands on troubleshooting skills and basic electronic measurements are involved.
  • ETEC 120 - Electrician Fundamentals NCCER Level I with NCCER Core Curriculum

    Credits: 4. Students will learn the fundamentals of installing electrical systems in structures. These systems will include wiring, circuit breaker panels, switches, and light fixtures. Students will also learn to read and follow blueprints in accordance with the National Electrical Code® as well as state and local codes. The course largely follows the first level of NCCER’s 4-level Electrical curriculum that complies with DOL time-based standards for apprenticeship.
  • ETEC 191 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered Intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
  • ETEC 213 - Power Systems Technology

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., ETEC 106, M 121, Prereq/Co-req., M 122. A review of the principles of electricity, magnetism, and transformer action; the application of these principles in the operation of single-phase and three-phase ac/de motors, alternators, and generators; and the control methods for these electrical devices.
  • ETEC 214 - Energy Storage and Dist.

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq. ETEC 106, NRGY 101, and M 121 or consent of instructor. Studies storage and transport methods of different types of energy. Explores emergent technologies and mechanisms designed to enhance efficiency and safety, including ‘smart grid’ technologies; assesses relative social, ec\onomic and environmental merits of each type of energy system in terms of its storage and distribution.
  • ETEC 240 - Robotics

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq. or Co-req., ETEC 250. Explores physical and operating characteristics of a robot. Topics include robot configurations, power supplies, control systems, end effectors, sensors, stepper motors and stepper controls. Robot programming also is covered and a typical robot is programmed to perform repetitive actions. Includes hands-on labs.
  • ETEC 245 - Digital Electronics

    Credits: 4. Offered autumn. Prereq., ETEC 250. Explores digital electronic circuits and devices that make up a computer system. Topics include binary and hexadecimal number systems, Boolean algebra and digital logic theory, simple logic circuits, combinational logic, and sequential logic. Also covered is the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog interfaces between a digital system and the real (analog) world. Includes hands-on labs.
  • ETEC 250 - Solid State Electronics I

    Credits: 4. Offered spring. Prereq. ETEC 105.  An introduction to semiconductor technologies used in solid state electronics with an emphasis on diodes and transistors. Classroom concepts are reinforced through lab-based experiments.
  • ETEC 251 - Solid State Electronics II

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq. ETEC 250.  An introduction to semiconductor technologies used in solid state electronics with an emphasis on amplifier circuits, field effect transistors, thyristors, and operational amplifiers. Classroom concepts are reinforced through lab-based experiments.
  • ETEC 260 - Data and Network Communication

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., ETEC 250. Explores the principles, applications, and theory of data communication systems. Topics include communication concepts and terminology, analog and digital channel characteristics, signaling techniques for analog and digital data, communication codes, transmission media, and standards and protocols for various data communication systems including computer networks, and the public switched telephone network. Includes hands-on labs.
  • ETEC 265 - Control Systems

    Credits: 4. Offered autumn. Prereq., ETEC 250. The course provides a comprehensive coverage of components, circuits, instruments, and control techniques used in continuous and discrete automatic control systems, and focuses on basic principles, operation and applications. Programming, interfacing, and applications of programmable logic controllers are emphasized, including PLC hardware components, ladder logic diagram, fundamentals of PLC programming, and PLC interfacing and troubleshooting. Laboratory experiments and course projects are included in the course.
  • ETEC 270 - Wireless Communications

    Credits: 4. Offered autumn. Prereq., ETEC 250. Explores audio and radio frequency (RF) circuits. Topics include AM and FM signal modulation and demodulation, RF transmitters, RF receivers, RF amplifiers, audio amplifiers, oscillators, mixers, and antennas. Includes hands-on labs.
  • ETEC 275 - Microprocessors and Microcontrollers

    Credits: 4. Offered spring. Prereq., ETEC 250 and prereq., or Co-req., CSCI 113. The course introduces the fundamental concepts, basic principles of the architecture, organization, operation and applications of microprocessors and microcontrollers. Programming in assembly language and in C, and interfacing of microprocessor systems are emphasized. Laboratory experiments and course projects are included in the course to increase the hands-on skills of the students.
  • ETEC 291 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered Intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
  • ETEC 295 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered Intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
  • ETEC 298 - Internship

    Credits: 2. Offered intermittently. Consent of instructor required.  Extended classroom experience providing practical application of classroom learning through on the job training in a student's field of study. This experience increases student skills, prepares them for initial employment, and increases occupational awareness and professionalism. 
  • ETEC 299 - Electronics Capstone

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., ETEC 275. Completion of project prototypes. Includes comprehensive final project from conception to market.

Health Information Technology

  • HIT 101 - Intro to Healthcare Informatic

    Credits: 3. Introduces the discipline of healthcare information technology. An overview of the subject including history, basic knowledge of healthcare informatics and tools as applied in support of healthcare delivery. Students will gain an introductory level about the complexities of health care and how informatics fits within the US Healthcare System.
  • HIT 265 - Electronic Health Records

    Credits: 3. Prereq., HIT 101. An introduction to the electronic health record (EHR). Students will study the use of the EHR in improving healthcare quality, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. EHR implementation and its use within the internal clinical office will be examined. The EHR will be studied in the context of a comprehensive Health Information System (HIS) supporting our society’s interdisciplinary clinical healthcare system.

Information Technology Systems

  • ITS 150 - CCNA 1: Exploration

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn and spring. M 090 or ALEKS score >2 recommended prior to taking course. Introduction to networking field including terminology; protocols; local-area and wide-area networks; the OSI model; topologies; IP addressing; cabling and cabling tools; routers and router programming. Ethernet and network standards; and wireless technologies.
  • ITS 152 - CCNA 2: Exploration

    Credits: 3. Offered fall. Prereq., ITS 150. Covers router theory and technologies including configurations, IOS software management, routine protocol configuration, TCP/IP, access-lists and introduction to LAN switching.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • ITS 165 - OS Commands and Scripts

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Introduction to operating system concepts through the use of contemporary software. Emphasizes file system management, networking, installation, maintenance, management, and disaster recovery practices using both the command interpreter and graphical user interface.
  • ITS 191 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
  • ITS 210 - Network OS - Desktop

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., ITS 150. In-depth study of a secure, multi-user, client-based network operating system. Topics include installation, administration of resources, performance, network services, and security.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • ITS 212 - Network OS - Server Admin

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq./Co-req, ITS 210. Server technologies commonly used in local area networking. Topics include installation, administration, storage, application services, network services, security, reliability, and availability.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • ITS 214 - Network OS - Infrastructure

    Credits: 3. Offered fall. Prereq., ITS 212. Principles and implementation of enterprise networking services. Topics include Protocol Binding, DNS, DHCP, WINS, Remote Access, IP Routing, IP Security, Network Address Translation, and Certificate Services.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • ITS 221 - Project Management

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., CSCI 172.  Investigation of topics in project management including scope, definition, risk, procurement and the RFP.  Management of time, cost, quality, and human resources.  Concepts are reinforced with PM software.
  • ITS 222 - Enterprise Security

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq./Co-req, ITS 214. Examination of general information technology security concepts. Topics include access control, authentication, attack methods, remote access, web security, wireless networks, cryptography, internal infrastructure security, and external attacks. Security procedures, organizational policies, risk management and disaster recovery addressed.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • ITS 250 - CCNA 3: Exploration

    Credits: 3. Offered spring (first half). Prereq., ITS 152. Covers router configurations including advanced IP addressing techniques, variable length subnet masking, intermediate routing protocols, Ethernet switching, virtual LANs, spanning-tree protocol, and VLAN trucking protocol.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • ITS 252 - CCNA 4: Exploration

    Credits: 3. Offered (second half). Prereq., ITS 152. Project-based course in wide-area networking including advanced IP addressing techniques, network address translation, port address translation, DHCP, WAN technology and terminology, PPP, ISDN, DDR, Frame Relay, network management, and introduction to optical networking.
  • ITS 255 - IP Telephony

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq./Co-req. ITS 150. Provides an introduction to converged voice and data networks as well as challenges faced by the various technologies. Presents solutions and implementation considerations for signaling, quality of service, security, call control, dial plans, gateway protocols, messaging, congestion, and connecting to a PSTN network.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • ITS 271 - Securing Desktop/Mobile Dev.

    Credits: 4. Course provides advanced technical information and relevant skills to successfully secure end-user devices, including desktop and laptop systems, tablets, cellular phones, and other portable computing equipment. Building on existing knowledge and skills in the areas of server management, network management, and security, students will gain mastery-level knowledge of security issues and best practices. Course content covers client/server exposures and protections (authentication options, packet signing and encryption of network traffic, appropriate implementation of permissions and rights); malware threats and treatments; transmission choices and precautions (wired, wireless, remote desktop access, virtual private networking (VPN)); cloud computing considerations; and corporate mobile device best practices. Hardening of the operating system and application software is also covered. Course content will focus on business-focused security practices to prepare students for Security+, CISSP, and Security Pro industry certifications. Prerequisite Skills: Course builds upon established skills in security, server management, and network management. Students should be working as a network manager or have completed appropriate skills-based coursework using MS Server 2008/2012 & Mware.
  • ITS 273 - Securing Networks

    Credits: 4. Course provides advanced technical information and relevant skills to secure servers and business information. Building on existing knowledge and skills in the areas of server management, network management, and security, students will gain mastery-level knowledge of security issues and best practices. Students will examine and apply hardening techniques to operating systems and infrastructure-based applications. Strategies to ensure business continuity and data security are emphasized, including policy, data preservation, disaster preparedness, and disaster recovery. Legal guidelines and requirements, both domestic and international, are examined in the context of responsible and ethical computer use. Course content will focus on business-focused security practices to prepare students for the Security+, CISSP, and Security Pro industry certifications. Prerequisite Skills: Course builds upon established skills in security, server management, and network management. Students should be working as a network manager or have completed appropriate skills-based coursework using MS Server 2008/2012 & Mware.
  • ITS 275 - Border/Perimeter Network Sec

    Credits: 4. Course provides advanced technical information and relevant skills to successfully secure computer networks at the public/private interface. Material focuses on hardware- and software-based techniques to prevent and monitor unauthorized or malicious access to corporate networks and servers. Building on existing knowledge of border and perimeter security, students will develop and implement best practices guidelines for boundary-related devices and software. Students will establish baseline assessments of network security from public access points and identify known and/or potential security vulnerabilities. Course content will focus on business-focused security practices to prepare students for the Security+, CISSP, and Security Pro industry certifications. Prerequisite Skills: Course builds upon established skills in security, server management, and network management. Students should be working as a network manager or have completed appropriate skills-based coursework using MS Server 2008/2012 & Mware.
  • ITS 277 - Software Assurance and File Sy

    Credits: 4. Course provides advanced technical information and relevant skills to methodically secure software, including operating systems, custom application software, and commercially-available packages. Students will classify application software (including, but not limited to customer-facing, employee/partner, mobile/endpoint, database, and cloud-based), and perform risk analyses and common weakness assessments against these programs. Students will research various commercial, professional, and governmental security organizations and create a personalized repository of security-related checklists, toolkits, reference material, and resources. Students will investigate low-level file system structures such as master file tables, allocation tables, free space tables, file table entries, and metadata fields. Using common file signatures and checksums, students will verify internal content against external and metadata indicators. Students will examine ‘hidden’ disk space areas, including file, volume, and/or partition slack. Course content will focus on business-focused security practices to prepare students for Security+, CISSP, and Security Pro industry certifications. Prerequisite Skills: Course builds upon established skills in security, server management, and network management. Students should be working as a network manager or have completed appropriate skills-based coursework using MS Server 2008/2012 & Mware.
  • ITS 280 - Computer Repair & Maint.

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq./Co-req, ITS 150. In-depth study of personal computer hardware. Focus on field replaceable components. Topics include: storage devices, processors, system boards, memory, ports, cabling, power supplies, multimedia devices, printers, and troubleshooting.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • ITS 289 - Professional Certification

    Credits: 1. (R-4) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Review objectives of an information technology industry-based professional certification. Certification objectives, preparation strategies, and exam strategies included. Course can be repeated for different industry-based professional certifications.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • ITS 290 - Undergraduate Research

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Consent of instr. Independent research under the direction of a faculty member. Graded credit/no credit.
  • ITS 291 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one time offerings of current topics.
    Course Attributes:
    • Technical Course
  • ITS 292 - Independent Study

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr.
  • ITS 297 - Undergraduate Research

    Credits: 1 TO 10. Offered every term. Preq. consent of instr. Independent research under the direction of a faculty member. Graded credit/no credit.
  • ITS 298 - Internship/Cooperative Educati

    Credits: 2. Offered autumn and spring. Not open to non-majors. On-the-job training in positions requiring information technology competencies. This experience increases students' skills, prepares them for initial employment, and increases occupational awareness and professionalism. Students work a minimum of six hours each week at an approved site and attend a weekly one-hour seminar.
    Course Attributes:
    • Internships/Practicums

Sustainable Energy

  • NRGY 101 - Intro to Sustainable Energy

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. General Science Elective. A survey of traditional energy systems and technologies. Introduces conventional primary energy sources--coal, oil, gas, nuclear--and examines the technologies used to capture, convert, distribute, store, and utilize these energy sources. Consideration is given to physical and engineering aspects, as well as economic, social environmental, and political factors that determine the sustainability of these sources.
  • NRGY 102 - Intro to Sustainable Energy II

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn and spring.  Prereq., NRGY 101 or consent of instructor.  Same as CCS 102.  A survey of renewable energy systems and technologies.  Addresses physical and technical aspects of wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, tidal, biological, and wave energy systems.  Consideration is given to engineering, economic, social, environmental, and political factors that determine implementation and sustainability.  Credit not allowed for both NRG 102 and CCS 102.
  • NRGY 120 - Industrial Safety and Rigging

    Credits: 3. This course provides an overview of safe industrial practices and provides students with hands-on experiences in rigging for a variety of industries. Students will complete the requirements for an OSHA 10 certification, construct a scaffold system, identify equipment for shifting heavy loads such as may be used in the wind and solar industries. Load security, fall gear, arrest equipment, confined spaces, safety data sheets will be covered. Students will also learn elements of first aid, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and proper use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s).
  • NRGY 191 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 3. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
  • NRGY 192 - Independent Study

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Course material appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student.
  • NRGY 195 - Practicum

    Credits: 2. Offered summer only. Prereq., NRGY 101, M 121 or consent of instructor. Same as CCS 191. The practicum provides students with a supervised field experience. Students will gain hands-on experience with energy specific technologies in a fast-paced creative environment. This course increases students' occupational awareness and professionalism.
    Course Attributes:
    • Internships/Practicums
  • NRGY 196 - Independent Study

    Credits: 1 TO 6. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Course material appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student.
    Course Attributes:
    • Service Learning/Volunteer
  • NRGY 235 - Building Energy Efficiency

    Credits: 4. Offered Spring. Prereq., NRGY 101. Provides an overview of energy efficiency opportunities in residential buildings with an emphasis on the Passivhaus standard. Prepares the student to take the National RESNET Home Energy Rater Exam, which is a required final exam. Local home and industry tours, and hands-on exposure to HVAC controls and maintenance are also offered. Study of the analysis techniques used for reduction of energy consumption and energy management, including energy accounting and energy auditing. Residential and commercial building energy efficiency opportunities will be covered. Other topics addressed include motors, pumps, green building, and purchasing energy supplies. Career opportunities in energy efficiency will be discussed. Several local tours of energy-efficient homes will occur throughout the semester.
  • NRGY 241 - Alternative Fuels

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., NRGY 101, M 121. Identifies alternative fuel sources; explores fuel characteristics; identifies and evaluates the infrastructure required to produce, store, distribute, and use them; discusses emission and conversion efficiencies; assesses social, environmental, and economic impacts.
  • NRGY 242 - Solar Thermal & Wind Systems

    Credits: 3. Offered autumn. Prereq., NRGY 101, M 121, Prereq., or Co-req., M 122. Same as CCS 242. Introduction to the fundamentals of solar and wind energy for the design and installation of solar thermal and wind systems. Includes an overview of the physics and chemistry of the resource and the technology, and will prepare students for a career in renewable energy or for installing a renewable energy system on their own home. Credit given for NRG 242 or CCS 242, not both.
  • NRGY 243 - Fundmtl PV Design & Install

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., M 121, Prereq./Co-req., ETEC 105. An introduction to the fundamental principles and technologies of solar photovoltaic energy systems. Emphasis on system design and installation, including site and resource assessment, load analysis, troubleshooting, and cost analysis. The material covered prepares students for a career in renewable energy or for installing a renewable energy system on their own home.
  • NRGY 244 - Bioenergy

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereqs., SCN 175N, M 121 and NRGY 102, or consent of instructor. Investigates the physical nature of various biorenewable resources and the technologies currently employed to produce, harvest, refine and convert these into useable energy, feedstocks and products.
  • NRGY 245 - Fuel Cells

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. Prereq., NRGY 101, M 121. An introduction to the different types of fuel cells (hydrogen, biological, metal/air, proton exchange membrane, etc.) accompanied by a critical examination of their applications, operation, efficiencies, advantages and disadvantages. Students must purchase a fuel cell kit for a laboratory component.
  • NRGY 246 - Geothermal Energy Technology

    Credits: 3. Offered Autumn. Prereqs., NRGY 101, M 121, and NGRY 102. An introduction to the physical and technical aspects of geothermal energy systems. Topics covered include the fundamental principles of geology and hydrology, heat flow mechanisms, and a consideration of heat exchange systems including: dry steam, flash, binary systems, heat pumps, passive systems. The course also surveys political, economic, ecological, and social aspects of geothermal energy development.
  • NRGY 250 - Energy Finance

    Credits: 3. Offered summer. An introduction to the terminology, policies, and mathematical models for financing energy technology projects. Concepts covered include time value of money, tax code, triple bottom line, and cost-benefit analysis. Microsoft Excel will be used.
  • NRGY 260 - Smart Grid Technology

    Credits: 3. Prereq., ETEC 105 or equivalent. Provides an overview of smart grid technician opportunities at both the residential and industrial scale. Prepares the student to work in a variety of settings including programming a thermostat, monitoring a grid simulation system, building a simple timer to schedule when major appliances run, familiarity with Energy STAR appliances, and integration with both renewable and non-renewable primary energy sources. Local home and industry tours, and hands-on exposure to programmable logic circuits will be part of the course. Study of efficiency techniques used for reduction of energy consumption at the residential and industrial scale will be included. Career opportunities in a variety of industries related to grid-scale power management will be discussed. Possible projects include the building of a small circuit to coordinate the operation of a suite of appliances.
  • NRGY 270 - Recycling Technology

    Credits: 4. Prereq., Familiarity with general materials and their properties is assumed. Students must possess basic word processing skills, be able to download and open relatively large PDF files, and perform functions such as loading software and navigating between folders and files. Familiarity with basic computing skills is a must for online courses and will significantly influence your course experience. Provides an overview of recycling opportunities at both the residential and industrial scale. Prepares the student to work with a variety of materials including cellulosic, plastic, metal, glass and electronics waste. Students will be exposed to ANSI-IREC standards as well as LEED standards for repurposing and “upcycling” materials. Local home and industry tours, and hands-on exposure to materials processors such as glass pulverizer, cardboard grinders and plastics extruders will be part of the course. Study of efficiency techniques used for reduction of virgin material consumption and waste management, including materials auditing and accessing international materials reclamation will be included. Career opportunities in a variety of industries related to materials reclamation will be discussed. Possible projects include the building of a solar thermal forge.
  • NRGY 290 - Undergraduate Research

    Credits: 1 TO 10. Offered every term. Preq., consent of instr. Independent research under the direction of a faculty member.
    Course Attributes:
    • Research & Creative Schlrshp
  • NRGY 291 - Special Topics

    Credits: 1 TO 4. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of Energy Technology faculty and visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
  • NRGY 292 - Independent Study

    Credits: 1 TO 9. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Course material appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student.
  • NRGY 295 - Practicum

    Credits: 2. The practicum provides students with a supervised field experience. Students will gain hands-on experience with energy specific technologies in a fast-paced creative environment. This course increases students' occupational awareness and professionalism.
  • NRGY 298 - Internship

    Credits: 2. Offered every term. Prereq., M 121 and consent of instructor. Same as CCS 298. Extended classroom experience providing practical application of classroom learning through on the job training in a student's field of study. This experience increases student skills, prepares them for initial employment, and increases occupational awareness and professionalism.
    Course Attributes:
    • Internships/Practicums
  • NRGY 299 - Energy Technology Capstone

    Credits: 3. (R-9) Offered spring and autumn. Students participate in an energy technology design, building, testing, and competition. Previous examples include participation in the Shell EcoMarathon and the American Society of Mechanical Engineering Human Powered Vehicle Challenge. This course is very time intensive and will require meetings outside of regularly scheduled class times. Travel to competition is strongly encouraged, but not required.

Surveying

  • SRVY 230 - Intro to Srvyg for Engineers

    Credits: 3. Offered spring. M 090 or ALEKS score >2 recommended prior to taking course. Basic principles of civil surveying and the use of surveying equipment. Surveying introduces students to the link between field (construction) and office (design) practices. Students will become familiar with Global Positioning Systems (GPS), levels, level rods, total stations, basic survey computations, and their relationship to Computer Design Systems.