Curriculum
Industrial Electronics and Electrical Maintenance Technology Degree Curriculum
In our Industrial Electronics and Electrical Maintenance Associate Degree, you'll learn the skills that can help you prepare to begin a career in the industrial technology industry over the course of 4 semesters. Industrial maintenance and electro-mechanical technicians can often work for energy, plastics, computer, and aerospace manufacturing..
Industrial Electronics and Electrical Maintenance Technology
Associate Degree
4 months per semester
As low as $65/mo
Industrial Electronics and Electrical Maintenance Technology Degree Curriculum
- 4 semesters
- 64 credits
- 48 exams
- 5 submitted projects
Estimated completion time per semester:
- Fast track = 4 months
- Average time = 8 months
With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times per semester are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from November 2020 - October 2021, excluding withdrawals.
Semester 1
-
(1 CREDIT)
The development of engineering and engineering technology; technical mathematics; use of a scientific calculator.- Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner
- Categorize the infrastructure used in building automation, active traction control, web, and fire alarm systems
- Analyze the processes of generating electricity, transporting natural gas, and designing fire sprinkler systems
-
(3 CREDITS)
In this course, you'll learn the essential math skills necessary for future success in an AS technology program. The course of study includes a review of basic math functions, including trades-based examples, the metric system, formulas, introductory algebra, applied geometry, and some practical applications of trigonometry.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Define basic math skills to solve real-world skilled trades–related problems
- Illustrate your ability to effectively use the metric system
- Identify your knowledge of formulas to solve problems
- Identify algebraic concepts to solve problems
- Solve perimeter, area, and volume for a variety of geometrical shapes
- Define basic trigonometry functions such as sine and cosine to perform trades-related calculations
-
(3 CREDITS)
This course provides an overview of writing styles for technology applications. Students will review basic grammar, including parts of speech, active and passive voices, sentence structure, and paragraph construction. The course also includes practical information on writing memos and emails and organizing material.
- Describe the process of writing, as well as the parts of speech and how to use them
- Explain various types of punctuation, rules for capitalization and spelling, and documenting sources for research
- Construct complete, correct sentences and well-organized, coherent paragraphs
- Recognize how to plan, develop, revise, and present your work
- Prepare for the various kinds of writing most likely needed for a job
-
(3 CREDITS)
Microsoft® Office allows people to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases. This course will teach you how to use three popular tools from the Microsoft® Office Suite — Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®. In this course, you'll learn how to use Word™ to create and edit text documents, insert figures and tables, and format pages for a variety of uses. You'll then learn how to use Excel® to organize and format data, including charts, formulas, and more complex tables. Next, you'll learn how to use PowerPoint® to create and deliver slide shows. Finally, you'll complete a graded project, which will test the skills acquired in Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®.
By the end of this course, you'll be able to:
- Create various Microsoft® Word™ documents.
- Produce a thorough Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet.
- Identify the basic skills needed to use Microsoft® PowerPoint®.
- Synthesize what you’ve learned by integrating Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®.
-
(3 CREDITS)
This course provides students with an overview of visual communication skills necessary to successfully complete the wide range of courses in technology programs that require learning to read and interpret technical drawings. Students learn print reading, interpretation of symbols and abbreviations, dimensioning, tolerancing, and the application of these skills to actual print reading. The course also contains an overview of computer-aided drawing and its role in modern technology.
- Describe perspective drawing, projection drawing, and features of mechanical parts
- Differentiate between the various concepts of dimensioning and tolerancing
- Point out the various symbols and abbreviations used in technical drawings
- Categorize the purposes of CAD technology and the different elements in it
- Distinguish between the different sketching methods and their importance
- Analyze the geometries and print-reading applications involved in various drawings and prints
- Categorize the various types, layouts, specifications, and codes in construction drawings
-
(3 CREDITS)
Principles that define and govern the physical universe as we know it; chemistry; physics, earth and space sciences.
- Explain mechanics and properties of matter
- Describe heat and its effects on matter
- Analyze sound
- Apply the principles of chemistry
- Describe light
- Determine what scientific principles apply to electricity and electronics
-
(3 CREDITS)
This course covers biology and behavior, consciousness, memory, thought and language, intelligence, personality and gender, stress, and community influences.
- Explain various states of consciousness, learning theories, and thought processes and development
- Summarize the nature of human motivation and development, the human development cycle, and approaches to understanding and assessing personality
- Prepare an essay on the topic of conditioning, memory, or motivation and emotion
- Recognize psychological disorders and available treatments
- Explain social psychology as it relates to attitudes, influences, behaviors, and stress
- Use critical thinking skills to determine the likely causes of behaviors of individuals and groups discussed in case studies
Semester 2
-
(3 CREDITS)
This course introduces to the basic concepts, terminology, and applications relating to electricity such as circuits, capacitors and inductors, magnets and electromagnets, conductors, and cells and batteries. It also covers motors and generators, alternating current, alternators, and the overall electrical system.
- Analyze the functions of electromotive force, electrical notations, resistance, and DC circuits
- Show the process of measuring circuit resistance, Ohm’s law, and power in DC circuits
- Point out the various types and usage of capacitors and inductors in a DC circuit
- Analyze the properties and applications of magnetism, electromagnetism, and electromagnetic induction in various electrical components
- Analyze the types and the properties of various conductors, insulators, and batteries
- Point out the various operations and component functions of a DC motor and generator
- Analyze the various properties of alternating current in single-phase and polyphase systems
- Categorize the various fundamentals of alternating current circuits
- Show the various functions of inductors in series and parallel RL circuits
- Categorize the functions of capacitors in AC and DC circuits
- Point out the operation of various types of alternators as well as their components
- Analyze the functions of various systems associated with the distribution of electrical energy
-
(3 Credits)
In this course, you’ll explore the computer-aided drafting and design system, AutoCAD. AutoCAD provides a variety of features and functions including; file and entity creation; drawing organization; displaying, modifying, and annotating drawings; data exchange and output methods. This course will provide an overview of general commands, as well as advanced commands to draft projects.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Describe the fundamental elements of the AutoCAD environment
- Describe the different commands used to view drawings
- Identify procedures for creating line drawings and objects using commands, layers, and macros
- Identify procedures for selecting and modifying objects
- Describe how to modify object properties and drafting settings and perform object snaps in AutoCAD
- Describe how to use AutoCAD dimensioning tools and text tools
- Describe how to use templates, blocks, external references, and attributes in AutoCAD
- Describe AutoCAD layouts, viewports, and plotting tools, and use AutoCAD utility commands
- Describe how to create traditional isometric drawings and 3D modeling files in AutoCAD
- Describe how to perform 3D rendering and create walkthroughs in AutoCAD
- Create a drawing using various AutoCAD tools and settings
-
(3 CREDITS)
This course introduces the basic concepts, terminology, and applications relating to electronics such as rectification, basic semiconductor components, switching devices, electron tubes, optoelectronics and fiber-optic components. The course also covers electronic hardware, power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators, and modulation and demodulation.
- Analyze how rectification takes place in electronic devices
- Analyze the characteristics and the functions of the diodes
- Point out the basic functions of transistors
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different types of switches and relays
- Categorize the functions of various types of electron tubes
- Analyze the basic theories related to optoelectronic and fiber-optic components
- Distinguish between the various electronic hardware used in assembling electronic circuits and systems
- Point out the functions of rectifiers and voltage regulating devices in power supplies
- Analyze the functions of basic amplifier circuits
- Categorize the operations of oscillators with LC and RC feedback circuits
- Distinguish between the various functions of bandwidth modulation and detection circuits
-
(3 CREDITS)
Algebra is the mathematical language used to interpret and represent patterns in numbers by using variables, expressions, and equations. Algebra is an essential tool used in business, science, and computer technology. Throughout this course, you’ll be introduced to algebraic concepts, along with real-world application problems from a variety of fields. In addition to providing a springboard to the discovery of underlying mathematical properties, these applications illustrate the importance of mathematics in your world.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
- Solve algebraic equations, linear equations, inequalities, and absolute value equations
- Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities
- Solve polynomials
- Apply algebraic operations to rational expressions and rational equations
- Solve problems involving radicals and complex numbers
- Solve quadratic equations, rational inequalities, nonlinear equations, and nonlinear inequalities
- Calculate exponential and logarithmic functions
- Solve binomial expansions, sequences, and arithmetic and geometric series
- Prepare for the final exam
-
(3 CREDITS)
This course teaches the skills and techniques of effectively developing, drafting, and revising college-level essays toward a specific purpose and audience: active reading, prewriting strategies, sentence and paragraph structure, thesis statements, varied patterns of development (e.g., illustration, comparison/ contrast, classification) critical reading toward revision of structure and organization, editing for the standard written conventions, use and documentation of outside sources. Students submit three essays (process analysis, causal analysis, argumentation) and a course journal.
- Use writing skills to construct well-written sentences and active reading skills to understand and analyze text
- Develop paragraphs using topic sentences, adequate detail, supporting evidence, and transitions
- Describe the revision, editing, and proofreading steps of the writing process
- Write college-level journal entries
- Distinguish between different patterns of development
- Use prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing to write a formal, college-level essay
- Use division and classification to create an outline or graphic organizer
- Use prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing to write a formal, college-level essay
- Recognize how to determine the reliability of secondary sources and to give proper credit to sources referenced in an essay
- Effectively use techniques of drafting, evaluating, and creating a sound written argument
Semester 3
-
(3 CREDITS)
Transformer fundamentals; checking simple circuits; troubleshooting with basic meters; how a voltmeter works; how an ammeter works; AC measuring instruments; multi-purpose test instruments; oscilloscopes; component testers; digital test equipment.
- Analyze the importance and uses of operating the basic test equipment
- Point out the methods of industrial troubleshooting associated with Volt-Ohm-Milliamp meters
- Categorize the various types of oscilloscopes and their purposes
- Compare the operations of different types of transformers and the functions of their various components
- Point out the fundamentals and applications of manual multimeters
- Analyze the basic principles of digital logic and digital testing systems
- Distinguish between the testing process of passive and active components
- Apply your program learning to complete some suggested activities that related to electronics
-
(3 CREDITS)
Electronic systems; electronic devices and amplifications; audio and rf circuits; oscillators; feedback; electronic power supply systems; industrial receivers, transmitters and video systems; servo and control systems; pulse and logic circuits; troubleshooting electronic equipment and systems; logical troubleshooting methods; measuring techniques; interpreting data and results.
- Point out the applications of transducers in various electronic systems
- Analyze how resistors, capacitors, and inductors behave in different circuits
- Categorize the functions of resonant circuits in different electronic systems
- Analyze the application of resonant circuits in coupled circuits, traps, filters, and transmission lines
- Point out the fundamentals and the applications of amplification in various electronic systems
- Compare between audio frequency, radio frequency, and direct current signal transmissions
- Analyze the functions of oscillators in various types of electronic devices
- Categorize the basic components and circuits used for producing DC power from AC input sources
-
(3 CREDITS)
This course covers precalculus concepts that all college students need as prerequisites to calculus and other related courses required in many undergraduate majors. Specific topics include exponents, logarithms, sequences, series, trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, conic sections, polar coordinates, and limits.
- Solve and graph exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric equations
- Convert angles from radians to degrees and vice versa
- Verify trigonometric identities
- Use right triangle trigonometry, the Law of Sines, and the Law of Cosines to solve problems and plot points in the polar coordinate system
- Use multiple techniques to solve and graph systems of linear equations and inequalities
- Recognize, graph, and use equations for parabolas, hyperbolas, and ellipses
- Solve basic concepts of derivatives
- Demonstrate various analytical and problem-solving skills that involves math calculations related to precalculus
-
Economics 1
(3 CREDITS)
This course will provide an overview of macroeconomics and the modern market economy. Law of supply and demand, cost of living, monetary systems, international factors, and short run economic fluctuations will be examined and discussed.
- Explain economic systems and the economic perspective
- Identify the key factors in macroeconomics and how economists use them to study the economy as a whole
- Explain the macroeconomic models and fiscal policies
- Explain money, banking, and financial policy
- Explain the 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
Introduction to Sociology
(3 CREDITS)
In this introduction to the field of sociology, you’ll learn about social structure, forms of power, and social relationships, as well as deviance, crime, and social control. You’ll explore issues of identity and inequality regarding class, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, and sexuality. Social institutions including the family, religion, education, work, and the media are examined, as well as the topics of health, politics, social movements, globalization, and social change.
- Examine foundational concepts and theories of sociology and recognize how they inform research
- Analyze the ways in which culture, social structure, and power influence daily life
- Evaluate the effects of socialization, interaction, deviance, and social control on human behavior
- Develop an essay reflecting on the importance of cultural traditions amid increasing globalization
- Examine the ways in which class, race, gender, and sexuality influence identity and inequality
- Distinguish the various social institutions and issues in the current global system
- Develop an essay examining the ways in which social inequality informs social change and movements
Essentials of Psychology
(3 CREDITS)This course covers biology and behavior, consciousness, memory, thought and language, intelligence, personality and gender, stress, and community influences.
- Explain various states of consciousness, learning theories, and thought processes and development
- Summarize the nature of human motivation and development, the human development cycle, and approaches to understanding and assessing personality
- Prepare an essay on the topic of conditioning, memory, or motivation and emotion
- Recognize psychological disorders and available treatments
- Explain social psychology as it relates to attitudes, influences, behaviors, and stress
- Use critical thinking skills to determine the likely causes of behaviors of individuals and groups discussed in case studies
Semester 4
-
(3 CREDITS)
Students are presented with a broad introduction into 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional Computer-Aided Design (CAD) focused on electrical/electronics - specific applications. Students will use AutoCad® in hands-on exercises, assignments, and projects.
- Demonstrate how to create an AutoCAD Electrical workspace, save and close files, and exit the program
- Utilize editing features for schematics, drawing attributes, ladders, circuits, blocks, and the electrical audit
- Create panel layouts from a schematic list
- Create terminals, jumpers, blocks, and symbols using several AutoCAD Electrical techniques
-
Electric Motors and Controls
(3 CREDITS)
Principles of generator and motor operation; principles of induction motors and synchronous motors; performance and speed control; principles of motor control systems; solid-state drive systems; SCRs as AC to DC converters; installation and maintenance of drive systems.
- Analyze the basics of magnetic and electromagnetic principles related to DC motors
- Categorize the functions of various types of single-phase and polyphase AC motors
- Compare the operating processes and troubleshooting methods for different controlling motors
- Analyze the fundamentals of motor control, starter, induction, drives, and enclosure standards
- Point out the function of CPU, input/output system, I/O interfaces, and relay ladder logic
- Categorize the troubleshooting techniques for different PLC applications
Interpreting the National Electrical Code
(3 CREDITS)
Locating the applicable code section to identify specific electrical installation requirements; interpreting and applying code specifications during the electrical-system design process; evaluating sample installations to ensure code compliance.
- Describe how to use the NEC to find wiring codes for residential applications
- Summarize the NEC codes regarding load calculations, electrical service, and conductors
- Explain the NEC Articles pertaining to grounding, bonding, wiring, and raceways
- Summarize the NEC codes related to equipment, including switching devices, panelboards, fixtures, and appliances
- Summarize the NEC codes covering commercial and industrial installations
- Apply NEC codes to residential and light commercial wiring scenarios
Process Technology
(3 CREDITS)
Process control is critical in many industrial applications. This course will introduce fundamental concepts required to manage process control equipment and build process control systems. Many process control systems contain common equipment. Throughout the course, you’ll learn about equipment and systems typically used by process control technicians. Topics include electronic and mechanical control technology, thermal control technology, instrumentation, feedback systems, programmable control systems, and the theory required to understand these systems.
- Identify process control techniques in the energy, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries
- Identify process control techniques in the food, water treatment, and paper industries
- Explain basic process control theory and concepts
- Describe process control procedures involving pumps, compressors, and vessels
- Describe process control procedures involving electrical and mechanical equipment
- Explain how to use instrumentation in process control systems
Electrical Installations
(3 CREDITS)
How electricity is generated and distributed; interpreting blueprints that represent various types of electrical systems; evaluating industrial electrical system requirements; specifying the correct equipment, conductor type and capacity for electrical systems; the role of each major component in a utility’s electrical distribution system; the basic design characteristics of underground distribution systems.
- Describe the safety regulations, tools, test instruments, standards and codes, and drawings and specifications involved in commercial and industrial wiring systems
- Identify the types of conductors and cables, raceway systems, enclosures, boxes, and conduit bodies and fittings used in electrical installations
- Differentiate between commercial and industrial distribution systems, as well as devices and circuits
- Explain the various aspects of commercial and industrial installations and structured cabling systems
- Identify the common symbols, abbreviations, and other information used in electrical blueprints and wiring diagrams
- Describe the equipment, requirements, and methods used in primary and secondary electrical distribution systems
- Describe the equipment, requirements, and methods used in underground primary and secondary electrical installations
Basic Industrial Computer Systems
(3 CREDITS)
Programmable controllers found in motorcontrol and other industrial systems; hexadecimal and binary number systems; basic commands for PLCs; the role of computers in telecommunications systems; an introduction to common computer network installations, their key components and the role they play.
- Explain the operation of a motor starter
- Define the function of the central processing unit (CPU)
- Describe PLC system troubleshooting and how to use a PLC to find intermittent system problems
- Translate decimal numbers to binary, and binary numbers to decimal
- Explain how a file server functions
- Explain the fundamental concepts of networking
Pulse Circuits
(3 CREDITS)
Pulse Circuits; pulse techniques; pulse generators; timing and synchronization; troubleshooting pulse circuits.
- Understand pulse circuits and pulse techniques, generators, timing, and synchronization
- Learn how to troubleshoot pulse circuits
Digital Electronics
(3 CREDITS)
Digital Electronics provides in-depth coverage of number and logic systems, the essentials of Boolean algebra including OR gate applications, adders and collections gates, flip-flops and shift registers, counting and timing circuits, including D/A and A/D conversions and the application of these concepts to modern circuit designs.
- Identify digital electronics and numbers
- Identify Boolean theorems and logic gates
- Describe IC specifications, interfacing, encoding, decoding, and displays
- Explain flip-flop circuits, counters, and shift registers
- Explain how arithmetic circuits and computer memories function
- Describe digital and computer systems and how to connect the systems with analog devices
Programmable Logic Controllers
(3 CREDITS)
A factory assembly line, an amusement park ride, and a dishwasher have one important thing in common: they all use programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in their operations. A digital computer used to automate electromechanical processes, the PLC was invented in 1968 for the American automotive manufacturing industry. A PLC can handle multiple inputs and outputs, operate in a wide temperature range, and resist electrical noise, vibration, and impact. It’s an example of a real-time system since output results must be produced in response to input conditions within a limited time. Though a relatively recent invention, the PLC has revolutionized many aspects of modern industry.
- Distinguish between the various hardware components, systems, and codes used in PLCs
- Analyze the basic functions of programming and wiring diagrams in PLCs
- Point out the fundamentals of programming timers and counters in PLCs
- Analyze the functioning of programming control instructions and data manipulation in PLCs
- Categorize the various functioning of arithmetic operations, sequencer, and shift register instructions in PLCs
- Analyze the installation process and troubleshooting of PLC as well as the control process systems
- Prepare for the final exam
-
(6 CREDITS)
(Choose two) ...
Music Appreciation
In this course, you'll practice the skill of active listening. Learning to listen differently will allow you to experience all kinds of music in a new way. Most listeners are familiar with how music makes them feel, and we often say we like a particular piece of music because it has a "good beat" or a beautiful melody. This course will allow you to go deeper. You'll identify what the composer might have been trying to convey and listen for the way elements of musical composition and performance make each piece unique.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Identify the building blocks of music a composer can use to create a piece, such as rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, form, and timbre
- Differentiate between the music of the baroque era and the musical styles of previous time periods
- List the major characteristics of classical music, including form, melody, and instrumentation
- Describe the musical trends and innovations that occurred during the romantic era
- Relate musical styles of the early twentieth century to comparable movements in art and literature
- Explain the evolution of American popular music in the twentieth century
- Describe the influence of world music on modern western composition
- Synthesize research comparing composers' influence in their respective genres
Textbook: Experience Music
Introduction to Literature
This course will allow you to develop your critical thinking skills and broaden your knowledge of the main genres of literature — fiction, poetry, and drama.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Explain how to effectively read fiction for both knowledge and enjoyment
- Identify different styles and forms of poetry
- Use what you've learned in this course to discuss, write about, and understand literature
- Prepare a critical interpretation of fiction or poetry based on what you've learned in this course
- Discuss how literary dramas differ from fiction and poetry
- Identify different strategies of critical literary analysis
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.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- 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
-
(3 CREDITS)
In this course you’ll learn basic skills for DC theory and AC theory related to circuits, learn the electrical measurement skills needed to build a circuit, as well as learn how to create schematic drawings using AutoCAD.
- Apply basic skills to complete experiments with basic DC theory
- Apply basic skills to complete experiments with basic AC theory
- Apply electrical measurement skills to build a circuit using a simulation program
- Design a resonant circuit using a simulation program
- Create schematic drawings of a residential building floor plan with an electrical system layout and electronic diagrams using AutoCAD
Note: We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
Want more information about this program?
We're here to help.