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Mechanical Engineering Technology


Location(s):  Saskatoon   

Mechanical Engineering Technology is a diploma program. It provides knowledge and skill development in applying scientific principles to solve basic engineering problems in various mechanical industries. Your studies will focus on mechanical design, industrial systems and instrumentation, and HVAC and controls. The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists' (CCTT) Canadian Technology Accreditation Board accredits the program at the Engineering Technologist level.

You will develop a fundamental understanding of:

  • power

  • fluids

  • materials

  • thermodynamics

  • air conditioning

  • engineering design

  • project management

  • industrial instrumentation

  • process control

  • computer applications


After two years of suitable industrial experience, you will be eligible to apply for membership with the Saskatchewan Applied Science Technologists and Technicians (SASTT) as an Applied Science Technologist.

Length: 74 weeks

Year 1 - 37 weeks; Year 2 - 37 weeks


Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work as technologists in mechanical design, drafting, product development and testing, production or technical sales.

You may find employment in a consulting engineering office working on the mechanical design of equipment, in a manufacturing or processing plant, in the equipment distribution field, or in a government agency.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

  • engineering assistants
  • operations supervisors
  • research technologists
  • technical sales representatives

Program Details

Start Date(s): August

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


*Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)


  • Minimum of 60% in Pre-Calculus 30
    (replacing Math B30 and C30 above)

  • All other admission requirements remain unchanged



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. You must review the details and program specific documentation concerning Special Admission.


The majority of SIAST programs have established ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post-Secondary Success Requirements. Depending on the program, additional specific admission requirements may still need to be met.


ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

85Arithmetic
40College Level Math
80Elementary Algebra
75Reading
75Sentence
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies plus a minimum of 60% in Physics 30, and in the mathematics requirement


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Online

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.





Transfer Credit and Future Study Options


  • Graduates are eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Technology Program offered at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. Graduates will be required to complete 13 courses (39 credit hours) to fulfill the degree requirements. The courses are available through distance delivery using Internet-based technology.

  • Graduates may be eligible to obtain advanced standing toward a degree in engineering at Lakehead University. The Faculty of Engineering at Lakehead University offers post-diploma programs which enable qualified engineering technology graduates from accredited Canadian technology programs to obtain engineering degrees. The post-diploma programs typically consist of two years of full-time study preceded by transition courses.



Year 1 - Semester 1
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  • CAD_ 181  CAD Drafting
  • Your studies will focus on the concepts of micro-based computer assisted drafting (CADD). Extensive hands-on training and lecture sessions will provide the knowledge you need to produce industrial standard CADD drawings, use 2-D drafting and draw from 3-D models. You will follow standard conventions while improving your skill and efficiency in using a CAD system.

    5.0 Credit Units
    68.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   COAP 172    DRFT 174   

    Equivalent Course(s):   DRFT 191   


  • COAP 172  Computer Applications
  • You will receive an introduction to computer applications (such as a word processor, spreadsheet and database application). You will also gain knowledge of electronic spreadsheets in detail.

    3.0 Credit Units
    51.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   COAP 122   


  • DRFT 174  Drafting Principles
  • You will learn the basic theory and skills needed to generate graphic representation of an idea, concept or entity. You will use engineering lettering and geometric construction, prepare engineering graphs with computer software, use sketching methods, use basic descriptive geometry and its applications, and develop orthographic drawings, dimensioning, pictorial drafting, auxiliary views and sectional views. You will also construct engineering technical drawings using the orthographic projection method with an introduction to piping drawings.

    6.0 Credit Units
    85.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   CAD 181   

    Equivalent Course(s):   DRFT 181   


  • ENGM 191  Applied Mechanics: Statics
  • You will learn how to use basic algebra and trigonometry to determine the forces in stationary machine and equipment members. The course content includes force systems, center of gravity, static friction and moment of inertia, and the application of these principles to engineering problems.

    5.0 Credit Units
    77.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   ENGM 190   

    Prerequisites:
    MATH 182 Minimum Grade of 60 or MATH 193 Minimum Grade of 60


  • FMEC 288  Fluid Mechanics
  • You will gain expertise in assessing and utilizing fluid properties such as temperature, pressure, density and viscosity in evaluating the behaviour of flowing and non-flowing fluids. The forces exerted on bodies and surfaces due to non-flowing fluids (fluid statics) and the characteristics of fluids in motion along with any resulting energy changes (fluid dynamics) will be examined. You will develop competency in analyzing simple pipe networks, classification and selection of associated mechanical equipment (pumps, blowers, etc.), and the principles of fluid flow measurement.

    5.0 Credit Units
    77.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   ENGM 191   


  • MATH 182  Technical Mathematics and Differential Calculus
  • You will review trigonometry, algebraic, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions and their graphs, and trigonometric identities. You will also receive an introduction to differential calculus involving algebraic functions.

    6.0 Credit Units
    85.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   MAT 122   


  • SEM_ 101  Technology Seminars
  • You will receive an orientation to your program and learn where and how the technician/technologist fits into the workplace and society. You will become familiar with the role of technicians/technologists in society, study and time management skills, increasing diversity in the workplace, principles of sustainability, the impact of technology on society and workplace safety requirements.

    1.0 Credit Units
    16.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

    Equivalent Course(s):   ENGM 181    ETHC 183    ORTN 120   


  • TCOM 102  Communication in Technology
  • Your studies will focus on the basic skills required of the technologist in the workplace. You will examine the communication process and interpersonal and workplace communication techniques. The course content includes technical writing and job search skills.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Learn Linc, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   JOBS 288    JOBS 290    TCOM 120    TMGT 180   


    Year 1 - Semester 2

  • CALC 181  Technical Mathematics and Integral Calculus
  • You will receive a sound calculus background for solving a wide range of problems in the field of mechanical engineering. You will receive an introduction to integral calculus and learn how to apply it in a variety of situations. Differential and integral calculus will be expanded to include transcendental functions.

    5.0 Credit Units
    68.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   MAT 221   

    Prerequisites:
    MATH 182 Minimum Grade of 60


  • COSC 181  Computer Science
  • You will be provided an introduction to computers and computer programming, a description of structured programming and the program development cycle. You will learn how to design modular event-driven programs using a top-down structured approach. Your lab work will include using the Visual Basic.Net language to develop applications for solving engineering problems. Your introduction to VB.Net and VB.Net environment will be followed by a discussion of object-oriented programming using an object oriented event-driven high-level language, event procedures, forms and form controls. You will learn techniques for coding event procedures using algorithms and flow charts to implement sequence selection and repetition control structures. You will examine functions, subprocedures and arrays. Examples used in the lab will be taken from engineeering applications.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Equivalent Course(s):   COSC 284   

    Prerequisites:
    COAP 172 Minimum Grade of 60


  • DRFT 175  Mechanical Drafting
  • The course builds on the skills you developed in DRFT 174 (Drafting Principles). You will acquire theory and facility in 2-D drawings of threaded fasteners, welding symbols and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. You will complete detail drawings and assembly drawings that combine the majority of the basic concepts into one project. Some structural drawings will allow you to focus on more practical problems.

    5.0 Credit Units
    80.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   DRFT 182   

    Prerequisites:
    CAD 181 Minimum Grade of 60 and DRFT 174 Minimum Grade of 60


  • DRFT 176  Drafting Project
  • Your studies will focus on piping drawings. You will learn how to use the different modules of a 3-D piping software program. You will use the program to produce piping and instrumentation drawings, orthographic piping drawings and isometric piping drawings. You will begin a piping project that will be used in FMEC 288 (Fluid Mechanics) and INST 288 (Instrumentation and Controls).

    3.0 Credit Units
    52.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   DRFT 182   

    Prerequisites:
    DRFT 175 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ELTR 182  Electricity and Electronics 1
  • You will study basic electricity and electronics from a functional point of view. The examination of components will be avoided in favour of a black box approach. The course content includes current and voltage (AC and DC), resistance, capacitance, inductance, Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, electrical power and energy, and digital electronic circuits.

    5.0 Credit Units
    77.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   ELTR 120   


  • ENGM 180  Materials of Engineering
  • You will gain practical knowledge of the fundamental structure, properties (physical, mechanical, chemical) and supplied form of common engineering materials. This knowledge will assist in the evaluation and selection of materials suitable for given design and/or manufacturing processes. Major focus will be directed towards iron and iron alloys (steels), with additional examination of non-iron metals and alloys (aluminum, copper, etc), ceramics, polymers, and composite materials. Your studies will also include areas such as material corrosion and non-destructive examination.

    5.0 Credit Units
    77.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   ENG 191    ENGM 288   


  • MACH 191  Machine Shop Technology
  • You will gain an understanding of machine shop principles and practices. This course will serve as a foundation for further studies in manufacturing. In addition to lectures and demonstrations, you will receive extensive hands-on experience.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Equivalent Course(s):   MACH 120   


  • TCOM 103  Workplace Communication
  • Building on the skills you developed in TCOM 102 (Communication in Technology), you will apply basic research skills to create workplace documents. Your studies will focus on the workplace skills of creating effective client relations, conducting meetings and giving presentations.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 181    COMM 190    TCOM 123    TCOM 190   

    Prerequisites:
    TCOM 102 Minimum Grade of 60


  • THER 180  Basic Thermodynamics
  • You will study the fundamental properties and energies associated with matter; primarily liquids, gases and vapours. The principles of mass and energy conservation will be used to define and examine the relationships between heat, work and other forms of energy. You will develop analytical competency in simplified thermodynamics processes and devices such as the piston-cylinder, heat engines, nozzles, turbines, compressors, etc. You will apply the concept of efficiency and its consequences explored. The impact of thermodynamic processes (energy transfer) on physical systems will also be assessed through an examination of resulting changes in pressure, temperature, volume, force and/or stress.

    5.0 Credit Units
    77.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    FMEC 288 Minimum Grade of 60 and MATH 182 Minimum Grade of 60


  • WELD 387  Welding for Technologists
  • You will observe and perform welding, thermal cutting and metal forming operations. You will develop an understanding of processes rather than skill. Supervised hands-on training will help you develop an understanding of Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Flux Cored Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Oxy-Fuel Welding and Submerged Arc Welding. Your metal cutting activities will include Oxy-fuel Cutting and Plasma Arc Cutting. You will perform metal forming activities on a plate roll, press brake and structural roll.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   WELD 102   


    Year 2 - Semester 1

  • CAD_ 281  Computer Aided Engineering 1
  • You will learn how to use computer software to solve mathematical/engineering problems. You will develop techniques for creating programs to solve these problems, discuss the limitations of these techniques and be introduced to commercially available software. The course content includes numerical methods, statistics, piping system analysis and design, and the design of cams. A commercially available software program is used for the piping analysis portion of the course. You will also learn about advanced features of Excel as a tool for solving engineering problems.

    5.0 Credit Units
    77.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    CAD 181 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ELTR 289  Electricity and Electronics 2
  • Building on the skills you developed in ELTR 182 (Electricity and Electronics 1), you will receive a general overview of electrical applications. The course content includes the power supply, transformers, AC and DC motors, electromagnetic and electronic control device symbols, basic PLC programming symbols and variable speed drives. You will be introduced to some basic automation ideas with respect to industrial plant control.

    5.0 Credit Units
    77.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 182 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ENGM 193  Applied Mechanics - Dynamics
  • Building on the skills you developed in ENGM 191 (Applied Mechanics: Statics), your studies will focus on kinematics and kinetics. In kinematics, you will analyze the geometry of rectilinear, circular and general plane motions. In kinetics, you will analyze the forces and movements associated with motion using the dynamic equilibrium method, the work, energy power method and the impulse-momentum method. You will learn how to solve engineering problems involving motion only and the forces causing that motion. You will also study linkage mechanisms and their motion.

    5.0 Credit Units
    77.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    ENGM 191 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ENGM 289  Strength of Materials
  • You will study the relationship between the external applied loads and the induced internal stresses in various structural members. You will also learn design and analysis techniques of axial and torsional loaded members, beams, columns and pressure vessels.

    5.0 Credit Units
    77.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   ENG 192   

    Prerequisites:
    DRFT 174 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENGM 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENGM 191 Minimum Grade of 60


  • HYDR 283  Fluid Power
  • The course provides an introduction to hydraulic components, circuits and standard symbols. Design problems will involve sizing and selecting hydraulic components for typical applications. Your major assignment will involve designing a hydraulic system. Your lab work will provide you with hands-on exposure to hydraulic pumps, motors, cylinders and various types of control valves.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    FMEC 288 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MANU 288  Fabrication
  • You will gain an understanding of the merits and limitations of the manufacturing and fabrication industry. You will study the use of engineering principles to solve manufacturing and fabrication problems. Your studies will concentrate on the metal industry but you will tour several manufacturing operations to gain a broad view of the different types of manufacturing. You will also gain an understanding of quality assurance principles and the ISO 9000 series of standards. You will learn how to use statistics to analyze quality problems.

    6.0 Credit Units
    85.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Corequisites:   ENGM 289   

    Prerequisites:
    ENGM 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and CAD 181 Minimum Grade of 60 and MACH 191 Minimum Grade of 60 and DRFT 174 Minimum Grade of 60 and WELD 387 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENGM 191 Minimum Grade of 60


  • THER 181  Applied Thermodynamics
  • You will apply thermodynamic theories of cycles/systems. Your studies will include examining power producing cycles (engines), refrigeration systems and industrial compressors. You will develop analytical techniques for unsteady and compressible/sonic flow systems. You will apply the principle modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation) and you will determine thermal resistances and heat transfer co-efficients.

    5.0 Credit Units
    77.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    THER 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and MATH 182 Minimum Grade of 60 and CALC 181 Minimum Grade of 60


    Year 2 - Semester 2

  • AIR_ 288  Air Conditioning
  • You will learn what is required to maintain human comfort in residential and commercial buildings. Using a step-by-step approach, you will design a complete year-round air conditioning system for an institutional building while considering available energy conservation techniques.

    7.0 Credit Units
    100.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    THER 284 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • CAD_ 282  Computer Aided Engineering 2
  • Building on the skills you developed in CAD 281 (Computer Aided Engineering 1), you will learn how to use computers in the engineering process. Design work in the field of mechanical engineering will be emphasized and will complement concurrent Year 2 - Semester 4 technical courses.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   AIR 288    ENGM 280    ENGM 281    INST 288   

    Prerequisites:
    CAD 281 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENGM 289 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ENGM 280  Mechanical Design
  • You will examine the techniques used in the design, analysis and selection of various machine components. Components you will study include shafts, belt and chain drive components, wire rope, fasteners, bearings, springs, couplings, gears, clutches and brakes.

    6.0 Credit Units
    90.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    ENGM 289 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ENGM 281  Mechanical Design Project
  • You will design a machine that is made up of several components you learned to design and select in ENGM 280 (Mechanical Design), along with other more specialized components. You will use specialized software programs as an aid in the design project.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   ENGM 280   


  • INST 288  Instrumentation and Controls
  • The course provides an introductory study of all aspects of industrial process control (including process signals, measurement devices, final control elements, controllers and control schemes). You will examine analog and discrete state processes. Laboratory exercises will supplement your study of pneumatic, electronic, digital and microprocessor-based measurement devices, transmitters, final control elements, PID controllers and programmable logic controllers (PLC's).

    7.0 Credit Units
    100.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    COSC 181 Minimum Grade of 60 and FMEC 288 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 289 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MGMT 285  Engineering Contracts
  • You will be provided an overview of the role of a technologist in an engineering team. As well, you will study documents associated engineering contracts.

    1.0 Credit Units
    10.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • PROJ 287  Project Management
  • You will be introduced to project management. You will examine the basic theory of project planning and control, from project initiation to project close out. You will apply research techniques and various tools to practice project management theory in a variety of projects. You will practice skills using project management software.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • PROJ 288  Project
  • The course provides instruction in the application of basic knowledge in the design of "real life" engineering problems from local industries. Based on your knowledge of several previous and concurrent courses, you will learn how to select and define a technical project, find design solutions for the problem and then prepare and present your technical solutions to the industrial client.

    4.0 Credit Units
    57.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   AIR 288    CAD 282    ENGM 280    ENGM 281    INST 288    PROJ 287    TCOM 104   

    Prerequisites:
    CAD 281 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 289 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENGM 193 Minimum Grade of 60 and MANU 288 Minimum Grade of 60 and THER 181 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENGM 289 Minimum Grade of 60 and HYDR 283 Minimum Grade of 60 and THER 284 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • TCOM 104  Applied Research in Technology
  • You will develop a technical proposal and apply advanced research skills to a technical problem. You will use the technical problem-solving process in an applied research project and present your research findings in a written report and oral presentation.

    2.0 Credit Units
    34.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 115    COMM 182    COMM 290   

    Prerequisites:
    TCOM 103 Minimum Grade of 60


  • THER 284  Energy Conversion Systems
  • You will study energy system engineering and explore how energy is employed to achieve beneficial functions in industry, transportation and in the home. You will evaluate thermal/fluid systems by studying principles of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer. Your studies will focus on design principles, industrial standards and governing agencies as they pertain to conventional and non conventional energy conversion, conservation and storage.

    5.0 Credit Units
    80.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    CALC 181 Minimum Grade of 60 and THER 181 Minimum Grade of 60



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