Overview
Develop highly tuned analytical and design skills and gain specialized knowledge in sensors, instruments, actuators, industrial networks, process control and automation, SCADA, programming, statistical process control, internet technologies, and the integration of plant floor data with business systems.
The program also integrates core business and management skills and is an Accredited Business Degree (ACBSP). Read about ACBSP Accreditation here.
In 4.5 years, students graduate with a degree from McMaster University, an advanced diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology – Process Automation and Certificate in Business from Mohawk College, and 12 month of co-op work experience.
Sample Careers:
- Junior Controls & Systems Engineer, Polycon
- Manufacturing Engineer, General Motors
- Process Engineer, US Steel Canada
Further Study:
- M.Eng. Design, School of Engineering Practice & Technology, McMaster University
- M.Eng. Electrical and Computer Engineering, McMaster University
- M.Eng. Manufacturing, McMaster University

George – Automation Engineering Technology
“We get a lot of hands-on experience in labs and design courses and have small classes, where we have hte opportunity to talk more with professors. In our co-op, we interact a lot with industry and try to understand what they need to make improvements in their fields.”

The W. Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology is a member of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ABCSP) with its dedication to teaching excellence and student achievement in engineering technology management education. The Automation Engineering Technology program has been awarded ACBSP accreditation.
BTech Automation – Program Structure
The program is made up of technical courses that are specialized according to your chosen stream. In addition, courses in business, management, and communications complement your studies. Finally 12 months of co-op are integrated into your studies.
Fall | Winter | Summer | |
Year 1 | Level 1A | Level 1B | Optional Co-op Work Term |
Year 2 | Level 2A | Level 2B | Co-op Term 1 |
Year 3 | Level 3A | Co-op Term 2 | Co-op Term 3 |
Year 4 | Level 3B | Level 4A | Optional Co-op Work Term |
Year 5 | Level 4B |
Course List:
To view a list of required courses for the current academic year, please view the following page: https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/preview_program.php?catoid=53&poid=26843
Please note that requirements may change depending on when you started the program. Please view your ‘Academic Requirements’ in Mosaic for accurate information.
Level 2A Courses
Course Code | Course Title |
PROCTECH 2CA3 | CAD for Design |
PROCTECH 2CE3 | Chemical Engineering I: Mass Balance |
PROCTECH 2EE3 | Electricity and Electronics II |
PROCTECH 2IC3 | Instrumentation and Control |
ENGTECH 2MA3 | Mathematics III |
GENTECH 2MP3 | Management Principles |
Level 2B Courses
Course Code | Course Title |
PROCTECH 2EC3 | Chemical Engineering II: Energy Balance |
PROCTECH 2SE3 | Systems Engineering Fundamentals |
PROCTECH 2PL3 | Introduction to PLC Programming |
ENGTECH 2MT3 | Mathematics IV |
GENTECH 2EE3 | Engineering Economics |
GENTECH 2HR3 | Human Resource Fundamentals |
Level 3A Courses
Course Code | Course Title |
PROCTECH 3CT3 | Control Theory I |
PROCTECH 3PL3 | Advanced PLC Programming and Control |
PROCTECH 3CE3 | Chemical Engineering III: Unit and Process Design |
ENGTECH 3ES3 | Engineering Statistics |
GENTECH 3FF3 | Financial Systems |
GENTECH 3MT3 | Project Management |
Please note that students enter streams in 3B. The application process to the Smart Systems Stream occurs at the end of 3A.
Level 3B Courses by Stream
Industrial Systems Stream | Smart Systems Stream | Software Stream |
GENTECH 3LS3 | GENTECH 3LS3 | GENTECH 3LS3 |
Quality Control and Assurance Methods | Quality Control and Assurance Methods | Quality Control and Assurance Methods |
GENTECH 3MB3 | GENTECH 3MB3 | GENTECH 3MB3 |
Fundamentals of Marketing | Fundamentals of Marketing | Fundamentals of Marketing |
PROCTECH 3CE3 | PROCTECH 3CE3 | PROCTECH 3CE3 |
Chemical Engineering III: Unit and Process Design | Chemical Engineering III: Unit and Process Design | Chemical Engineering III: Unit and Process Design |
PROCTECH 3MC3 | PROCTECH 3MC3 | PROCTECH 3MC3 |
Motion Control and Robotics | Motion Control and Robotics | Motion Control and Robotics |
SMRTTECH 3DE3 | SMRTTECH 3DE3 | SFWRTECH 4DS3 |
Digital Electronics | Digital Electronics | Data Structures and Algorithms |
PROCTECH 4SS3 | PROCTECH 4SS3 | PROCTECH 4SS3 |
System Specification and Design | System Specification and Design | System Specification and Design |
Level 4A Courses by Stream
Industrial Systems Stream | Smart Systems Stream | Software Stream |
GENTECH 4EP3 | GENTECH 4EP3 | GENTECH 4EP3 |
Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation | Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation | Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation |
GENTECH 4OM3 | GENTECH 4OM3 | GENTECH 4OM3 |
Operations Management | Operations Management | Operations Management |
PROCTECH 4IT3 | PROCTECH 4IT3 | PROCTECH 4TR1 |
Internet Technologies and Databases | Internet Technologies and Databases | Capstone Design Project I |
PROCTECH 4TR1 | PROCTECH 4TR1 | SFWRTECH 4WP3 |
Capstone Design Project I | Capstone Design Project I | Advanced Web Programming |
PROCTECH 4IC3 | SMRTTECH 4ID3 | SFWRTECH 3IT3 |
Industrial Networks and Controllers | IoT Devices and Networks | Networking Principles |
PROCTECH 4CT3 | SMRTTECH 4ES3 | SFWRTECH 4SA3 |
Advanced Control Theory | Embedded Systems | Software Architecture |
Level 4B Courses by Stream
Industrial Systems Stream | Smart Systems Stream | Software Stream |
GENTECH 4FT3 | GENTECH 4FT3 | GENTECH 4FT3 |
Strategic Management | Strategic Management | Strategic Management |
GENTECH 4TE3 | GENTECH 4TE3 | GENTECH 4TE3 |
Technology Ethics and Sustainability | Technology Ethics and Sustainability | Technology Ethics and Sustainability |
PROCTECH 4TR3 | PROCTECH 4TR3 | PROCTECH 4TR3 |
Capstone Design Project II | Capstone Design Project II | Capstone Design Project II |
PROCTECH 4AS3 | SMRTTECH 4AI3 | SFWRTECH 4ES3 |
Industrial System Components and Integration | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | Real-Time Systems |
PROCTECH 4MS3 | SMRTTECH 4SC3 | SFWRTECH 4NS3 |
Manufacturing Systems | Smart Cities and Communities | Advanced Network Security |
PROCTECH 4MH3 | SMRTTECH 4HM3 (max 20 std) | SFWRTECH 4DM3 |
Machine Health and Remote Monitoring | Human Monitoring and Smart Health Systems | Data Mining |
OR | OR | OR |
SMRTTECH 4HM3 (max 20 std) | PROCTECH 4MH3 | SFWRTECH 4AI3 |
Human Monitoring and Smart Health Systems | Machine Health and Remote Monitoring | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning |
BTech Automation – Co-op & Experiential Learning
Gaining relevant co-op experience is an essential part of earning a B.Tech. degree. This required program component will allow students to gain valuable work experience and career connections.
While support and guidance is available through the Engineering Co-op and Career Services to assist students with your job search, resume writing and interviewing skills, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to satisfy the co-op program requirement.
Our top 5 co-op employers for the Process Automation Technology program are:
- ABB
- ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- ATS Automation
- Endress+Hauser
- Rockwell Automation
For further information, visit the co-op website »
BTech Automation – Admission Requirements
Please apply to the McMaster University Admissions Office through the online application form available on the Ontario Universities Application Centre website. The next available intake is Fall 2022. Some details are listed below.
Admissions for Bachelor of Technology – Automation Engineering Technology I
We require 6 grade 12 U/M courses including:
- English (ENG4U)
- Calculus (MCV4U)
- Chemistry (SCH4U)
- Physics (SPH4U)
The anticipated admission average is expected to be 80-82%.
OUAC Code: MPT
Degrees Acquired:
- Bachelor of Technology from McMaster University
- Advanced Diploma from Mohawk College in Chemical Engineering Technology
- Business Management Certificate from Mohawk College
Co-op: Mandatory – 12 months, 3 terms
Application Deadline for Fall 2022 Intake: January 13, 2022
Supplementary Application Deadline for Fall 2022 Intake: January 28, 2022
Target Enrolment: 240 students
Not a Canadian high school student? Email thinkeng@mcmaster.ca for details on international or transfer student admission requirements.
BTech – FAQs
What is a Bachelor of Technology? How does it differ from a Bachelor of Engineering? How is the program structured? Why does the program include a focus on “management”?
Have some burning questions about the Bachelor of Technology program within the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology?
Still have more questions? Contact thinkeng@mcmaster.ca!
BTech Automation – Future Directions
The Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) recently announced new application regulations for the P.Eng. designation coming into effect on July 1, 2023. The new rules exclude McMaster B.Tech. graduates from the application process. McMaster Engineering is working with the PEO in an attempt to maintain the previously approved pathways for our students described below. Please check back for updates. We apologize for any concerns and thank you for your patience.
Many B.Tech. students inquire about study opportunities available to them after completing their undergraduate degree. With your four year degree from McMaster University, you can now move on to pursue professional designations or further education at the graduate (Master’s or Doctoral) level.
B.Tech. Post-Graduate Pathways: A Summary
Note: The above chart is not a comprehensive overview of all available programs; rather, it outlines some popular options offered by McMaster University as a way to illustrate the variety of choices available to you as a B.Tech. graduate.
The following four pathways are typically of interest to graduates:
- Professional Engineer Designation (P.Eng.)
- Master’s level studies (M.Eng., M.Sc., or M.A.Sc.) in engineering
- Master’s level studies in technology and entrepreneurship (W.Booth)
- Master’s level studies in business (MBA)
Every program has different requirements for admission and a unique admission process. Some general information can be found below. Students are encouraged to contact the graduate programs of interest directly for more information.
Walter G Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology
Students can continue their studies within the Walter G Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology through any of the five professional Master’s programs offered:
- Master of Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MEEI)
- Master of Engineering and Public Policy (MEPP)
- Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering (MEME)
- Master of Engineering Design (M.Eng. Design)
- Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI)
B.Tech. students or graduates who are interested in any of the professional master’s programs offered by W Booth School should contact the relevant grad studies representative to arrange for an interview with a faculty member. The same advice would apply to those seeking graduate programs outside of W Booth School.
For interested fourth years…
There are now 400/600 level courses available for you to take in your final year of B.Tech!
What is a 400/600 level course?
These are 400 level courses in your program that are cross listed at the 600 (graduate level). The 600 level course is an undergraduate course with additional work, commonly extra assignments or a project beyond the requirements for the corresponding 400 level course.
The 600 level course can be taken by undergraduate students (with permission from the course Professor) or graduate students. If you wish to complete a 400 level course, with 600 level credit, speak with your instructor at the start of the term.
What is the advantage of taking a 600 level course?
Students in B.Tech. can take up to 2 courses at the 600 level. Upon successful completion of a course, a PASS/FAIL notation will be made in the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology (SEPT) Graduate Program office, which will allow you to receive credit for these courses should you enter into one of the SEPT Master’s programs.
What are some examples of 400/600 courses offered in Fall 2017?
AUTO TECH 4AS3/SEP 6AS3 AUTO TECH 4AT3/SEP 6AT3 PROC TECH 4SS3/SEP 6SS3 |
BIO TECH 4BI3/SEP 6BI3 BIO TECH 4BS3/SEP 6BS3 BIO TECH 4TB3/SEP 6TB3 |
*not ALL B.Tech. courses qualify for advanced credit for ALL M.Eng programs – consult your department head for more information.
For more information on your eligibility for M.Eng programs offered by W.Booth, please contact wbooth@mcmaster.ca!
Professional Engineer Designation (P.Eng.)
Please see the following FAQs for Professional Engineering Licensure as it relates to BTech students.
The following requirements were outlined by the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) for Automotive & Vehicle Engineering Technology graduates to satisfy the academic requirements for a Professional Engineering license as a Mechanical Engineer.
YEAR OF GRADUATION | SECTION A | SECTION B | COMPLEMENTARY |
September 2018 to present | Three of:
|
Any two exams | Engineering report |
All applicants must also complete the ethics examination and experience requirements as stated by the PEO.
Any questions regarding professional engineering license eligibility and requirements should be directed to the PEO (www.peo.on.ca).
Important Notes:
- Applicants must write one exam within two academic years following the receipt of an exam program from PEO; they must write at least one each year after commencement or file will close. The exam program must be completed within 8 years.
- Good Performance: A passing grade on a PEO exam is 50%. Students who achieve an average of 65% on two exams (one must be from Section A) at first sitting, with no mark below 60%, and both exams are completed in one sitting, may have the remainder of their exams waived.
- Poor Performance: Those who fail two technical exams or the same exam twice, may be assigned a new examination program at the discretion of the PEO.
- If 5 years has passed since completion of BTech, or an applicant has completed further Engineering studies (e.g. graduate school), they may be assessed by the PEO to have exams waived or reduced.
- If applicants choose to be assessed in another discipline, then more exams may apply.
For more information on PEO’s academic requirements for licensure, please contact PEO at (416) 224-1100, 1-800-339-3716 or Academics@peo.on.ca
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degrees are typically course-based (as opposed to research-based) and are also sometimes referred to as project-based master’s degrees, since M.Eng. degrees usually comprise a combination of course work and a project. The nature of the project is usually “professional” rather than “research” (e.g. dealing with design or manufacturing problems in industry).
These kinds of programs are considered to be an excellent fit for graduates of B.Tech. programs which concentrate on developing advanced technological skills in an environment which is more concerned with application than with research. The advanced coursework in the master’s degree program and the experience developing, conducting, and completing a major application-oriented project would provide a good educational base for technologically-focused positions in industry.
Most of the Engineering Departments at McMaster University offer M.Eng. degree programs; the details of these can be found in the calendar of McMaster University’s School of Graduate Studies or on departmental web pages.
Master of Science or Applied Science (M.Sc. or M.A.Sc.)
McMaster University’s research-based master’s degree programs in engineering lead to a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or a Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.). Typically, these programs require a relatively small number of courses and a major research project culminating in a thesis. A research-based master’s program is considered the ideal route towards doctoral studies.
Research-based master’s programs are suitable for B.Tech. graduates who have a very definite career objective in fundamental and/or applied research. B.Tech. graduates interested in these programs should have very strong mathematical abilities.
Most engineering departments at McMaster University offer M.A.Sc. degree programs; the details of these can be found in the calendar of McMaster University’s School of Graduate Studies or on departmental web pages.
B.Tech. students or graduates wanting to pursue a research master’s program at McMaster University are advised to contact the relevant department and arrange for an interview with a faculty member. A useful approach is to do some preliminary and preparatory investigation to identify professors whose research program aligns well with the interests and skills of the student. The same advice would apply to those seeking admission to programs at other universities.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
MBA programs offered at McMaster University and other universities provide an opportunity for university degree graduates in a variety of fields to develop a broad set of advanced business administration skills. Typically, these programs are course-based and may include a co-op component (e.g. the MBA program offered by McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business). MBA programs are suitable for B.Tech. graduates who wish to broaden their career opportunities to include leadership positions which require both technological and management education.
Note that successful completion of an MBA program could position the student for PhD studies in business.
BTech Automation – Related Courses
Code | Title | Instructor | Outline | Info |
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ENGTECH 1AC3 Undergraduate | Analytical Chemistry |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1CH3 Undergraduate | Chemistry |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1CP3 Undergraduate | C++ Programming |
Sessional Instructor: Dr. Nasim Muhammad
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1EL3 Undergraduate | Electricity and Electronics I |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1ET0 Undergraduate | Introduction to the Technology Co-op Program |
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More | |
ENGTECH 1MC3 Undergraduate | Mathematics I |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1ME3 Undergraduate | Statics and Mechanics of Materials |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1MT3 Undergraduate | Mathematics II |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1PH3 Undergraduate | Physics |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1PP3 Undergraduate | Python Programming |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1PR3 Undergraduate | Object-Oriented Programming |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 2EE0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience I |
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ENGTECH 2ET0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience I |
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ENGTECH 2MT3 Undergraduate | Mathematics IV |
Sessional Instructor: Dr. Nasim Muhammad
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 3EE0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience II |
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More | |
ENGTECH 3ES3 Undergraduate | Engineering Statistics |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 3ET0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience II |
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More | |
ENGTECH 3MN3 Undergraduate | Modelling and Numerical Solutions |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 4CT3 Undergraduate | Systems and Control |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 4EE0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience III |
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ENGTECH 4EX0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience |
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ENGTECH 4FD3 Undergraduate | Senior Engineering Project |
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GENTECH 1BZ3 Undergraduate | Foundations of Business |
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GENTECH 1PC3 Undergraduate | Professional Communications |
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GENTECH 2EE3 Undergraduate | Engineering Economics |
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GENTECH 2HR3 Undergraduate | Human Resource Fundamentals |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 2MP3 Undergraduate | Management Principles |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 3FF3 Undergraduate | Financial Systems |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 3LS3 Undergraduate | Quality Control and Assurance Methods |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 3MT3 Undergraduate | Project Management |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 4EP3 Undergraduate | Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 4FT3 Undergraduate | Strategic Management |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 4OM3 Undergraduate | Operations Management |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 4TC3 Undergraduate | Technical Communications |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 4TE3 Undergraduate | Technology Ethics and Sustainability |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 2CA3 Undergraduate | CAD for Design |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 2CE3 Undergraduate | Chemical Engineering I: Mass Balances |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 2EC3 Undergraduate | Chemical Engineering II: Energy Balances |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 2EE3 Undergraduate | Electricity and Electronics II |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 2I03 Undergraduate | Industrial Organic Chemistry |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 2IC3 Undergraduate | Instrumentation and Control |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 2PL3 Undergraduate | Introduction to PLC Programming |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 3CE3 Undergraduate | Chemical Engineering III: Unit and Process Design |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 3CT3 Undergraduate | Control Theory I |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 3MC3 Undergraduate | Motion Control and Robotics |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 3PL3 Undergraduate | Advanced PLC Programming and Control |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 4AS3 Undergraduate | Advanced System Components and Integration |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 4CT3 Undergraduate | Advanced Control Theory |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 4IC3 Undergraduate | Industrial Networks and Controllers |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 4IT3 Undergraduate | Internet Technologies and Databases |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 4MH3 Undergraduate | Machine Health and Remote Monitoring |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 4MS3 Undergraduate | Manufacturing Technologies |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 4MT2 Undergraduate | Materials Technology |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 4SS3 Undergraduate | System Specification and Design |
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PROCTECH 4TR1 Undergraduate | Capstone Design Project I |
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PROCTECH 4TR3 Undergraduate | Capstone Design Project II |
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SFWRTECH 4AI3 Undergraduate | Artificial Intelligence |
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SFWRTECH 4CG3 Undergraduate | Computer Graphics |
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