Mechanical Engineering Technology Program

Ontario College Advanced Diploma

Mechanical Engineering Technology

In the Mechanical Engineering Technology program, you will learn how to design, build and maintain mechanical systems through hands-on labs and real-world co-op experience.

CIP Code: 15.0805

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
0399
Fall
3 years
6 semesters
Full-Time
In-Person
Thunder Bay
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted

A 3-year Ontario Advanced Diploma Program.
Also see:

Build It. Fix It. Maintain It.

Is your goal to find employment in the rapidly expanding technological industry? Are you mechanically inclined?

Industry is experiencing a rapidly growing need for the expertise provided by the Mechanical Engineering Technology program. This three-year program of study will develop highly skilled personnel capable of meeting the constantly changing demands brought on by advancing technologies.

The program design is broad based, meeting the basic outcomes particular to the Millwright, Machinist, and Steam Fitter trades, while meeting the additional requirements associated with an academic program presented at the Technologist level. An optional co-op placement in industry will be an integral part of the program, giving you hands-on experience above and beyond what traditional classroom instruction and laboratories can provide.

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Top Highlights

  • Balance of practical and coursework – you might be getting your hands dirty with a wrench one day, then be designing with CAD the next!
  • Prepares you for further apprenticeship learning in a variety of trades

Contact Information

Program Files

Get detailed information about program requirements, courses, and student resources.

Admission Requirements

Fall

Fall (0399)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (C/U) Level.
  2. or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
  3. or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
  4. or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).

Other Courses Required

  1. Grade 11 Mathematics (M or U) or Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U), or equivalent, or ACE Core Math (UM602)

Admission Requirements for International Students

This intake is not available for international students.

Alternative Pathways

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements are encouraged to apply for the Pre-Technology-Technology/Aviation program to facilitate success in their Technology path.

Student Accessibility and Essential Program Requirements

Confederation College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and College policy.

Students who require accommodations are encouraged to engage with Student Accessibility Services and are responsible for initiating and participating in the accommodation process. Accommodation is a collaborative process involving the student, Student Accessibility Services, faculty, and the Academic School. Requests for accommodation are considered on an individual basis, and the College will work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access to learning while maintaining the integrity of the program.

Students are expected to demonstrate the essential knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, learning outcomes, and competencies required to successfully complete their program. While the manner in which these requirements are demonstrated may be accommodated where appropriate, the essential requirements themselves must still be achieved.

For programs involving laboratories, field work, clinical placements, aviation environments, trades training, equipment operation, simulations, community placements, or other environments where health and safety are critical, accommodations must also be consistent with applicable legislation, professional standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and workplace safety obligations.

In some circumstances, a requested accommodation may not be reasonable or possible where it would:

  • Fundamentally alter an essential program requirement, competency, or learning outcome.
  • Compromise the health or safety of the student or others.
  • Conflict with provincial or federal legislation.
  • Conflict with the requirements of an external regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or professional body.
  • Prevent the student from demonstrating competencies required for safe and effective professional practice.
Note

Where a particular accommodation cannot be provided, the College will work collaboratively with the student to identify whether an alternative accommodation can appropriately address the student’s disability-related needs while maintaining essential program requirements.

Courses

1 intake

Fall0399

Semester 1

CS 050

College Writing

42 hours

In this course, students will be introduced to academic writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will critically analyse assigned readings and express their thoughts. The course will also focus on the development of an academic paper utilizing the APA style of documentation.

MX 111

Engineering Graphics

42 hours

This course is designed to provide students with basic fundamentals of drafting and related numerical applications, line work, scales, orthographic projections, dimensioning, blueprint reading, drawing interpretation, using both hand and CAD techniques.

MX 121

Mechanical Practices

42 hours

The student will demonstrate safe and proper use of hand and power tools such as drill presses and grinding machines. The learner will be exposed to safe hoisting and rigging, layout methods, fasteners, the evolution of tools (with an emphasis to Northern Ontario) and rope use and care. Trade calculations and relevant shop projects will be included.

MX 141

Welding Practices I

42 hours

Students are introduced to safe soldering methods and welding procedures. Oxyacetylene, manual arc welding and electrode selections are covered. Types and applications of structural steels, pipes, tubing, weld layouts, and fastening techniques used in flat and horizontal welding for both manual arc welding and gas metal arc welding are discussed and practiced.

MC 165

Microsoft Office

28 hours

In this course, engineering technology students will be introduced to Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. Students will develop skills in creating polished, professional documents, format data, process numbers with formulas, or present data to find patterns of any other information that can be laid out in a grid. The course also familiarizes students with the college's data systems, including email, Blackboard, and the Local Area Network (LAN), using Windows 11 as the operating environment.

MX 132

Machine Shop 1 - Theory

14 hours

This course is designed to supply theory and background to the Machine Shop 1 practical course. Students will learn trade calculations, theory, safety, and operation. Using measuring tools, layout tools, drill press’, bandsaws, and metal lathes will be covered.

MX 133

Machine Shop 1 - Practical

42 hours

In this course machine shop safety and procedures will be applied. Students will learn to take precise measurements with the appropriate equipment, apply trade calculations, use layout tools and techniques while learning the use of the drill press, bandsaws, and lathe.

MX 110

Applied Physics I

28 hours

This course is designed to develop an understanding of fundamental concepts and applications in basic mechanics. After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to perform unit conversions and solve problems involving motion, forces, work, and energy. Vectors will be introduced at a conceptual level.

MA 170

Technology Math I

56 hours

In this introductory course, students will gain proficiency in fundamental mathematical concepts and apply problem-solving skills required in technology programs. Course content includes fractions review, algebra fundamentals, unit conversions, algebraic operations & equations, proportion & variation, factoring, algebraic fractions, functions & graphs, systems of linear equations, geometry, trigonometry, and vectors.

Semester 2

MX 241

Welding Practices II

42 hours

The student is introduced to safe welding procedures in manual arc welding methods, application and selection of electrodes for position welding, identification of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, steel numbering system, types and uses of sheet and structural steels, uses of various fastening methods used in steel and sheet metal fabrication, techniques in vertical position. Students will also be introduced to gas metal arc welding procedures in a fabrication set-up.

MX 261

Power Transmission I

42 hours

This subject allows the student to understand basic installation blueprints for machinery layout, leveling and coupling alignment. Students will be able to apply mathematical concepts relative to layout methods, identify couplings, shafts and keys, and examine the various types of fasteners, various types of bearings, lubrication and seals.

MX 271

Industrial Design I

42 hours

The goal of this course is to teach students how to use CAD, specifically SolidWorks to build parametric models of parts and assemblies. Production drawings and drawing standards will be introduced.

MX 210

Applied Physics II

28 hours

This course is a continuation of MX110 and is designed to develop a further understanding of concepts and applications in basic mechanics. After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to solve problems involving vectors using right-angle trigonometry, momentum, concurrent and parallel forces, torque, rotational motion, and simple machines.

MX 251

Introduction to Electricity

42 hours

This course is designed to introduce and develop basic knowledge of Electrical Theory and safe practices. It presents an overview of electrical instruments, devices, principles, operation, theory, and controls used in industry.

MX 232

Machine Shop 2 - Theory

14 hours

This course is designed to supply theory and background to the Machine Shop 2 practical course. Students will learn threading, milling, dividing and indexing, and grinding theory. They will gain materials knowledge, calibrations, and an introduction to sampling and quality assurance.

MX 233

Machine Shop 2 - Practical

42 hours

In this course machine shop safety and procedures will be applied. Students will learn to cut threads, how to use the milling machine, dividing and indexing, and grinding.

SY 066

Sociology of Community: The Indigenous Context

42 hours

This course will provide students with an introduction to the history of colonization of Indigenous communities in Canada. Contemporary Indigenous community issues within Northwestern Ontario (NWO) and Canada will be examined. Students will explore the unique socio-political relationships between Canada and Indigenous peoples with an emphasis on colonial, legal and political issues. With a broader understanding of the context of colonization, students will analyze contemporary relationships and efforts towards renewed relationships and reconciliation.

MA 270

Technology Math II

56 hours

In this course, students will continue to review and sharpen their proficiency in mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills necessary in technology programs. Course content includes radian applications, complex numbers, sine & cosine graphs, trigonometric identities & equations, factoring & algebraic fractions, quadratic equations, exponents, operations & equations with radicals, systems of equations, and logarithms.

Semester 3

CS 219

Communications for Technology

42 hours

This course emphasizes the importance of oral and written communication in an industrial and business setting. In Communications for Technology, students will work on independent and group projects and apply problem-solving techniques to develop both their individual and team building skills. Students will apply computer-technology and a variety of resources for researching, writing and presenting technical data into a clear and concise format.

MX 301

Statics

42 hours

The physical science course introduces the learner to a branch of mechanics that deals with the state of rest of bodies under the action of external forces. The first mechanics course; of a series, forms the foundation for most engineering principles and is an indispensable prerequisite to any technical analysis and design. In this course, the learner will examine in detail the relationship of the equilibrium of rigid bodies subjected to external forces. This concept forms the basis of the expression of Newton's 3rd Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Newton's other Laws of Mechanics will also be applied.

MX 341

Strength of Materials

42 hours

This course forms the second of a series of courses that introduces the student to Mechanics, a general science dealing with bodies subjected to forces. Statics deals with the Mechanics of Forces, whereas this course deals with the Mechanics of Materials. Through this field of study, the learner will examine the behaviours that loaded objects in equilibrium go through, depending on their type of material. This is a microscopic view of what is happening within the object due to external forces distributed internally, creating a cross-sectional phenomenon called stress. The course also examines how the object or structure reacts, resulting in another dimensional change called strain. This course will further expand the learner’s awareness to analyze complex structures and introduce other concepts of Advanced Structural Design.

MX 361

Power Transmission II

56 hours

This course is a system approach to industrial drive components that includes couplings, sprockets, chain drives, belt drives, gear drives, clutches and brakes. The student will also explore the trouble shooting and diagnosing equipment.

MX 371

Industrial Design II

42 hours

This course is a continuation of M271 and further develops the students CAD and production drawing abilities.

MX 381

Fluid Power

42 hours

The student will learn the basic characteristics of fluids and the laws regarding pressure, force, fluid/air flow, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics. Hydraulic and pneumatic components will be examined, including reservoirs, pumps, filters, control valves and accumulators. Symbols, circuit interpretation, trouble shooting, installation and maintenance of systems will also be covered.

MA 331

Mathematics III

42 hours

In this intermediate technical mathematics course, students will solve problems involving the conic sections and the fundamental principles of calculus. The course content explores concepts and skills necessary for a wide range of technology programs. Course competencies include: analytical geometry of the conic sections and applications; curve sketching and use of equations in rectangular and polar forms; binomial expansion; limits for functions; meaning of the derivative; derivatives and applications; and introductory integration.

42 hours

Semester 4

MA 431

Mathematics IV

42 hours

MA 431 focuses on the areas of differential and integral calculus. Topics covered include applications of differentiation and integration as well as methods of differentiation and integration for trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

MX 471

Power Transmission III

56 hours

In this course students will continue to build on their knowledge using technical and manufacturers manuals in rebuilding and maintaining various equipment and techniques not covered under Power Transmission one and two. Equipment includes items such as laser alignments, material handling, prime movers, pumps, compressors and fans.

MX 475

Advanced Structural Design

42 hours

This course completes the introductory concepts of Statics and Strength of Materials. The course will allow the student to examine a structural assembly in order to design structural and machine components to withstand applicable loadings by applying the appropriate principles and associated formulae.

MX 481

Fluid Mechanics

42 hours

This course is an introduction to fluids, their properties and coherent units of measurement. Pressure, vapour pressure, vacuum and Pascal's Law will be studied with an emphasis on pressure measuring devices. Buoyance, Bernoulli's equation, flow of fluids, velocity and flow measuring instruments will also be explored.

MX 410

Introduction to Thermodynamics

42 hours

The object of this course is to give the students destined for the mechanical trades an introduction to thermodynamics. This course covers temperature, pressure, volume relationships for gasses specific heat, the relationship between heat and work, heat engines, and heat transfer.

MX 432

Introduction to CNC

42 hours

This course is an introductory course to CNC machines their use and basic programming.  CNC part production, tooling and fixture design will also be covered while introducing concepts of quality assurance, sampling, continuous improvement, calibrations, and sustainability.  SolidWorks will be used to assist in CNC projects and assignments.

42 hours

Semester 5

MX 501

Advanced Calculus

56 hours

In this advanced course in calculus, students learn several methods of integration: Maclaurin, Taylor and Fourier series, various types of first and second order differential equations, an introduction to Laplace transforms and applications to the mechanical, electrical/electronic technologies.

MX 531

Advanced Dynamics

42 hours

In this course, students learn about kinematics of particles: rectilinear motion, planar curvilinear motion using various coordinate frames (such as rectangular, normal-tangential and radial-transverse), and analysis using Newton’s Second Law. Students also study the kinematics of rigid bodies: translation, rotation, general planar motion, forces and accelerations, mass moment of inertia, and static forces in machines.

MX 561

Research Project I

42 hours

In the two Research Project courses, students complete an independent technical project. These courses mirror working conditions that are frequently encountered in industry; that is, they are a self-directed, comprehensive study of a specific topic in the student's field, one not covered in other courses. In Research Project I, students prepare a detailed project schedule, meet weekly with faculty and industry advisors, prepare weekly progress reports, and deliver a formal technical project proposal. In the selected research project, students incorporate the following technology design aspects of a selected product: incorporate design synthesis process, apply some design methods, use some tools for designing the selected product, apply some graphical communication, related prototyping and proof of concept, introduce some related economic analysis and costing, ensure team organization, management and professionalism and ethics in the design process. Students begin work on the project in this course in preparation for project completion in Research Project II.

MX 571

Mechanical Lab I

28 hours

The Mechanical Lab 1 course supplements and supports the Advanced Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics courses with practical learning. Lab topics in Advanced Fluid Mechanics include application of the Energy Principle, experimental determination of minor losses and losses in series/parallel pipeline systems and pump selection through given parameters. Lab topics in Dynamics include rigid links, cams and gears.

MX 581

Advanced Fluid Mechanics

42 hours

In this course, students learn about fundamentals and advanced topics of fluid mechanics. Topics include the nature of fluids and the study of fluid mechanics, viscosity of fluids, pressure measurement, forces due to static fluids, buoyancy, flow of fluids, general energy equation, Reynolds number and energy losses due to friction, minor losses, series pipeline systems, pump selection and application, flow measurement, forces due to fluids in motion, and drag and lift.

MX 591

Engineering Operations and Management

56 hours

In this course, students learn concepts required to design competitive manufacturing systems. Topics include continuous improvement, cellular layouts, line balancing, equipment pay-back, cycle times, multi-product production and cost estimation. In this course students learn concepts required to design and operate competitive manufacturing/industrial systems. Topics include product-production design interaction, facilities location and layout, material handling, work measurement, financial compensation, human factors, operations planning and control, quality control, linear programming, inventory control, and project management.

Semester 6

MX 610

Applied Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

28 hours

In this course students build upon fundamentals from previous study in the application of thermodynamics and heat transfer. Concepts will include: phase-change processes, property diagrams (p-T, p-v and T-v diagrams), thermodynamic tables, work, heat and energy transfer, heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection, radiation), thermal resistance analogy, application of the 1st-Law of thermodynamics to (a) a process, (b) a cycle of a closed system, energy analysis of closed systems, applications of the 1st-law for steady-state-steady-flow processes and devices, and heat exchangers.

MX 611

Metrology & Quality Control

42 hours

This course is dedicated to quality systems and learning the theory behind basic metrology. Students gain a theoretical understanding of calibration techniques and learn calibration standards, statistical process control, and methods of measurement using different measuring devices.

MX 621

Machine Design

42 hours

In this course students learn how to design, select and integrate common machine elements found in mechanical devices and systems including shafts, bearings, springs, gears, cams, belts, and chains. Students will also analyze the performance of fasteners and welded joints in various loading conditions and be introduced to failure mechanisms.

MX 631

Advanced Dynamics of Machines

42 hours

In this course students learn Kinetics of particles, work of a force, kinetic energy, principle of work and energy, power and efficiency; potential energy, conservative forces and conservation of energy; principle of impulse and momentum, impulsive motion; impact, System of particles, Effective forces, liner and angular momentum, motion of mass centre, angular momentum about its mass centre, conservation of momentum; work-energy principle and conservation of energy, principle of impulse and momentum; Plane dynamics of rigid bodies, work-energy principle, momentum principles for a system of particles, work and kinetics energy, conservation of energy; principle of impulse and momentum, conservation of angular motion; impulsive motion and eccentric impact; Three-dimensional kinematics of rigid bodies, motion about a fixed point and general motion, velocities and accelerations. Students also learn mechanism displacement diagrams of machine members by relative velocity method, instantaneous centers, velocity polygon, relative acceleration polygon, coriolis acceleration, and straight and curved links; machine dynamics which includes inertia force method and analysis of translation, rotation, and plane motion, balancing rotating and reciprocating masses, and whirling of shafts.

MX 641

Advanced Strength of Materials

42 hours

This course builds on concepts students have learned in earlier courses. In this course, beams will be analyzed using first principles in terms of shear, bending and deflection with applications to statically determinant and indeterminate problems. Columns will also be analyzed for crushing (short columns) buckling (long slender columns). Euler's equation will be used to analyze columns with various end conditions.

MX 661

Research Project II

56 hours

In the two Research Project courses, students complete an independent technical project. These courses mirror working conditions that are frequently encountered in industry; that is, they are a self-directed, comprehensive study of a specific topic in the student's field, one not covered in other courses. Research Project II is a continuation of Research Project I, where students continue to work on their project, meet with faculty and industry advisors and prepare written progress reports. Students also learn the theory necessary for the preparation, writing and oral defense of a formal technical report. Students do a presentation of the formal technical report on their completed project.

MX 671

Mechanical Lab II

42 hours

The Mechanical Lab II course supplements and supports the Advanced Strength of Materials, Advanced Dynamics of Machines, Machine Design, and Applied Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer courses with practical learning. Lab topics in Advanced Strength of Materials include stresses in beams, deflection in beams, and columns. Lab topics in the Advanced Dynamics of Machines include forces in machines and balancing rotating/reciprocating masses. Lab topics in Machine Design include connections, material strength, and power transmission. Lab topics in Applied Thermodynamics include heat transfer and psychrometry.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Monitor compliance with current legislation, standards, regulations and guidelines.
  2. Plan, co-ordinate, implement and evaluate quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
  3. Monitor and encourage compliance with current health and safety legislation, as well as organizational practices and procedures.
  4. Develop and apply sustainability best practices in workplaces.
  5. Use current and emerging technologies to implement mechanical engineering projects.
  6. Analyze and solve complex mechanical problems by applying mathematics and fundamentals of mechanical engineering.
  7. Prepare, analyze, evaluate and modify mechanical engineering drawings and other related technical drawings.
  8. Design and analyze mechanical components, processes and systems by applying fundamentals of mechanical engineering.
  9. Design, manufacture and maintain mechanical components according to required specifications.
  10. Establish and verify the specifications of materials, processes and operations for the design and production of mechanical components.
  11. Plan, implement and evaluate projects by applying project management principles.
  12. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
  13. Apply business principles to design and engineering practices.

Meet the Program Staff

3 staff members

Careers

Graduates of the program go on to a variety of positions including apprenticeship in millwright, machinist, steam fitter trades, design drafting, mechanical sales, production operations, hydraulics servicing and engineering type support roles.

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Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

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