Online Engineering Technology Curriculum | Penn Foster College
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Program Details

Engineering Technology Details

The outlined courses will help you learn key skills and gain the knowledge to excel in various roles related to engineering technology. The program curriculum includes courses on drafting with AutoCAD®, manufacturing materials and processes, quality control systems, introduction to technical drawings, and more!

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Program Goal and Outcomes

Program Goal

The overall program goal for the A.S. in Engineering Technology Degree is to prepare students for entry-level positions as engineering technicians.

Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to...
  • Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
  • Demonstrate proficient computer and information literacy skills
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
  • Recognize the work habits and characteristics that are demonstrated by successful technicians, including the codes and standards that technicians must know
  • Read and interpret various types of technical drawings, including those used in engineering applications, and understand the basics of computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Develop engineering graphics, utilizing orthographic projections, dimensioning, sectioning, tolerance, and threads
  • Identify the basic terminology, theories, and applications relating to electricity and electronics, including the components and operation of electrical and electronic systems
  • Identify various types of electric motors and describe how they are controlled; list the steps to use when troubleshooting electric motors and controllers
  • Explain the methods, laws, and procedures used in engineering mechanics, including the branches of statics, dynamics, kinematics, and kinetics
  • Identify manufacturing systems and processes, and recognize different materials used in manufacturing and engineering applications
  • Describe total quality management (TQM), materials and inventory management, inspection plans, measuring tools that collect quality data, and various statistical process control methods
  • List the steps and materials used in the tool design process, including the design of workholding devices, jigs, presses, dies, and gages
  • Understand the basic concepts of pneumatic systems and how they compare and contrast with hydraulic systems; identify the concepts related to the delivery of compressed air
  • Recognize important safety facts and practices associated with electrical, chemical, fire, material-handling, and machine hazards
  • Understand the fundamentals of designing machine elements, including developing an awareness of procedures and materials, identifying how forces and stresses affect materials, and recognizing machine components
  • Demonstrate common technical skills employed by engineers, such as the use of manufacturing processing equipment, measuring devices and quality control equipment, and skills in the testing of materials

Semester 1

Basic Skills Assessment

All degree applicants are required to complete two Basic Skills Assessments, one in reading and one in math, to determine the level of readiness for beginning their selected program. Additional studies may be required.

Orientation to Engineering Technology (1 credit)
Succeed by learning how to use your Penn Foster program, and learn the basics of engineering technology.

Objectives:

  • Understand how to use your Student Portal.
  • Access the Penn Foster Community and use it to find answers.
  • Connect with Penn Foster on various social media sites.
  • Use a scientific calculator.
  • Learn about the development of engineering and engineering technology.
  • Understand technical mathematics.
Foundation Skills in Math

Objectives:

  • Learn the basic math skills you’ll need to succeed in your program.
  • Practice math functions using real-life examples.
  • Use the metric system and formulas.
Foundation Skills in Writing

Objectives:

  • Review basic grammar.
  • Use action verbs.
  • Learn how to construct paragraphs.
Essential Computer Skills

Objectives:

  • Study the basics of computers and the Internet.
  • Manage files and digital electronics.
  • Use basic functions of Windows® and word processing.
  • Search the Internet successfully using helpful techniques and shortcuts.
Introduction to Technical Drawings

Objectives:

  • Read and interpret technical drawings.
  • Interpret symbols and abbreviations.
  • Apply dimensioning and tolerancing to actual print reading.
  • Get an overview of computer-aided drawing and its role in modern technology.
Physical Science

Objectives:

  • Define the physical universe as you know it.
  • Get the foundation you need to understand chemistry, physics, and earth and space sciences.
Proctored Examination

You will be required to complete a proctored exam on selected courses each semester. These assessments will evaluate the knowledge and skills that you learned during the semester. You choose the time, the location, and the qualified exam supervisor.

Semester 2

Manufacturing Materials and Processes

Objectives:

  • Cover a comprehensive collection of manufacturing and materials processing techniques.
  • Learn the historical perspectives and basic science of manufacturing and its related materials.
  • Read about specific manufacturing methods as they are applied to specific materials.
  • Study the theory of the automation of today’s manufacturing environment, productivity, and quality improvement systems.
Intermediate Algebra (3 credits)
This course introduces basic algebraic concepts that you'll need to be successful in your career.

Objectives:

  • Understand the systems of equations, polynomials, and radicals.
  • Factor polynomial expressions.
  • Simplify rational expressions.

Additional Course Material:
Textbook: Intermediate Algebra

Drafting with AutoCAD®

Objectives:

  • Draft using AutoCAD.®
  • Learn computer-aided drafting and design systems.
  • Use AutoCAD® menus and features.
  • Create files and entities.
  • Organize and annotate drawings.
  • Modify displays.
English Composition

Objectives:

  • Review English grammar.
  • Free write and brainstorm to come up with new ideas.
  • Edit and revise your writing.
  • Learn techniques for getting the reader’s attention.
  • Write descriptive essays, first-person narratives, reflective essays, persuasive essays, and effective thesis statements.
Electrical/Electronics Theory

Objectives:

  • Get a foundation in electrical and electronics terminology, theory, and concepts.
  • Learn the basic principles of electricity and the fundamental applications of Ohm's law to circuit analysis.
  • Read about magnetism and electromagnetism, and alternating current theory and circuit applications.
  • Study theory and applications of most basic components, devices, and machines.
  • Explore capacitors, inductors, batteries, DC and AC motors, conductors, insulators, and basic rectification devices.
Proctored Examination

You will be required to complete a proctored exam on selected courses each semester. These assessments will evaluate the knowledge and skills that you learned during the semester. You choose the time, the location, and the qualified exam supervisor.

Semester 3

Engineering Mechanics

Objectives:

  • Learn about the branches of engineering mechanics.
  • Study free-body diagrams, kinematics, force-mass acceleration method, impulse momentum, and the collision of two bodies.
Quality Control Systems

Objectives:

  • Read about establishing quality systems.
  • Explore interpreting conventional and GD&T system drawings.
  • Learn about setting up and using inspection tools and equipment.
  • Discover how to develop part acceptance procedures.
  • Study the statistical process control (SPC) fundamentals and practical applications.
Precalculus

Objectives:

  • Learn about exponential and logarithmic functions.
  • Understand trigonometric functions and analytical trigonometry.
  • Explore systems of equations.
  • Read about inequalities.
Arts and Humanities Elective (6 credits)
Choose two ...

HUM102 - Art Appreciation

In this course, you will gain an understanding of artistic media, historical periods and artistic movements, the roles of the artist and the viewer, and the principles of art criticism.

Objectives:

  • Define the language, visual elements, and principles of design of art
  • Identify two-dimensional media
  • Identify three-dimensional media
  • Explain the evolution of art from ancient Mediterranean cultures through eighteenth century Europe
  • Identify features and popular examples of art throughout the history of African, Asian, Pacific, and American cultures
  • Compare the genres of the Modern and Postmodern eras of art from around the world

Additional Course Material:
Textbook: Living with Art, 11th Edition

HUM104 - Music Appreciation

In this course, you'll understand how to appreciate music by learning about the roles of the composer and the listener, the principles of music theory and instrumentation, musically significant historical periods, and varying styles of music.

Objectives:

  • Identify the building blocks of music a composer can use to create a piece, such as rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, form, and timbre
  • Explain the evolution of Western music through history, from the Middle Ages to the twenty-first century
  • Differentiate between the music of the baroque era and the musical styles of previous time periods
  • Recognize the major characteristics of classical music, including form, melody, and instrumentation
  • Discuss the musical trends and innovations that occurred during the romantic era
  • Trace the evolution of American popular music in the twentieth century
  • Recognize the influence of world music on modern Western composition

Additional Course Material:
Textbook: Experience Music, Fourth Edition

ENG115 - Introduction to Literature 

This course will allow you to develop your critical thinking skills and broaden your knowledge of literature.

Objectives:

  • Identify themes and forms of literature.
  • Define the main genres of literature—poetry, fiction, and drama.
Proctored Examination

You will be required to complete a proctored exam on selected courses each semester. These assessments will evaluate the knowledge and skills that you learned during the semester. You choose the time, the location, and the qualified exam supervisor.

Semester 4

AutoCAD® Applications – Engineering Technology

Objectives:

  • Get a broad introduction into 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional Computer-Aided Design (CAD), focused on engineering technology.
  • Learn about specific applications.
  • Use AutoCad® in hands-on exercises, assignments, and projects.
Technical Electives (6 credits)
Choose two ...

EST200 - Fluid Power

Objectives:

  • Get a comprehensive overview of hydraulics and pneumatics.
  • Explore the basic scientific principles and concepts necessary for understanding the operation and applications of hydraulic and pneumatic components and systems.
  • Learn about power system controls, system schematics, and essential troubleshooting practices.

IET232 - Programmable Logic Controllers

Objectives:

  • Identify PLC hardware components, systems, and codes
  • Apply basic PLC programming, logic, and wiring diagrams
  • Utilize programming timers and counters
  • Summarize data and program control instructions
  • Outline math and sequencer and shift register instructions
  • Interpret PLC installation practices, troubleshooting control processes, and ControlLogix controllers

IET237 - Materials Management and Inventory Control

Objectives:

  • Learn about production scheduling and material planning.
  • Read about how each factors into production management and control.
  • Explore purchasing, ordering, and inventory control procedures.

IET243 - Industrial Safety

Objectives:

  • Learn the procedures for handling various materials.
  • Explore performing job tasks safely.
  • Survey the regulations designed to improve industrial safety.

MET231 - Mechanical Design 1

Objectives:

  • Learn about stress analysis.
  • Study work, energy, and power.
  • Explore design stress, moment diagrams, friction, lubrications systems, and ball and roller bearings.

MET232 - Mechanical Design 2

Objectives:

  • Study shaft design, seals, fasteners, and couplings.
  • Explore welding and weld designs.
  • Read about belting, power screws, gears, cams, flywheels, fluid power, and governors.

MET240 - Electro/Mechanical Control Technology

Objectives:

  • Learn how to recognize control system types.
  • Study various types of feedback loops.
  • Learn about designing digital and analog systems.
  • Explore the operation of controlled and sensing devices.
  • Read about system evaluation and troubleshooting.

MET241 - Tool Design 1

Objectives:

  • Explore single-point, multi-point, and rotary tools.
  • Study the types of work-holding devices.
  • Learn about tool wear and failure.
  • Read about shearing and die-cutting.

MET242 - Tool Design 2

Objectives:

  • Understand the principles of gauging.
  • Read about the tools for soldering and brazing.
  • Explore mechanical joining processes.
  • Learn about safety and tool materials.

MET248 - Industrial Plastics

Objectives:

  • Learn about basic chemical principles that are relevant to the plastics industry.
  • Understand the properties and uses for various types of plastics.
  • Discover how to test and identify the plastic's properties, and the effects of introducing certain additives.
  • Learn about manufacturing processes, such as molding, machining, finishing, process control, and extruding. 
Social Science Elective (6 credits)
Choose two ...

BUS121 - Economics 1

Objectives:

  • Explain the economic systems and the economic perspective
  • Identify the key factors in macroeconomics and how economists study the economy as a whole
  • Explain the macroeconomic models and fiscal policies
  • Explain money, banking, and financial policy
  • Explain extending analysis of aggregate supply, current issues in theory and policy, and international economics
  • Analyze foreign exchange and investment and the effects each nation’s economy has on another nation’s economy

SSC125 - Introduction to Sociology

Objectives:

  • Describe deviance, crime, and social control.
  • Discuss the effects of stratification, racial and ethnic inequality, sex, gender, and sexuality.
  • Examine the role of health, family, education, and religion in human behavior.

SSC130 - Essentials of Psychology
This course will introduce you to the relationship between biology and behavior. You will learn about human development throughout the life span.

Objectives:

  • Identify major psychological theories.
  • Discuss consciousness, memory, thought, and language.
  • Define intelligence, personality, and stress.
  • Analyze the role of gender in psychology.
  • Explain how community influences behavior.
Resident Laboratory Training

You’ll be required to complete a series of comprehensive practical experiments using various measuring instruments. Experiments are designed to provide familiarization with instrumentation, equipment, preparation of data, and laboratory reporting techniques. You may earn credit for this by completing the course at an approved school or by submitting a life/work experience portfolio demonstrating completion of similar skills to those emphasized in the laboratory training.

Proctored Examination

You will be required to complete a proctored exam on selected courses each semester. These assessments will evaluate the knowledge and skills that you learned during the semester. You choose the time, the location, and the qualified exam supervisor.

Additional Details

Associate Degrees from Penn Foster College are awarded under licensing from the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

Penn Foster College Accreditation & Licensing Details

Penn Foster College has been nationally accredited for over 40 years, and has met the high standards of integrity and performance set by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) in Washington, D.C. Penn Foster College has been thoroughly reviewed and has earned several important accreditations and licensing. We also participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Accreditation
DEAC
SARA
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Progress Tracking and Goal Setting Tools
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Looking to connect with other Penn Foster students? Our Student Community is the perfect place for you to interact with your peers — as well as Penn Foster faculty and staff — to discuss your online learning experience, congratulate fellow students, and share your Penn Foster experience.

Sample Engineering Technology Lesson

Penn Foster courses are written in a way that is easy to understand, and materials are broken down into manageable lessons. Take a look at what a Engineering Technology course would look like.
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Penn Foster Sample Lesson
Computer Specifications
As you know this is an online academic program. This means you will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. In addition, you will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to participate in and complete your program.
Access to Microsoft® Office 365 is a requirement for this program.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Apple, Mac, and OS X are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
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