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Degree Options:

Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Co-op)

Automation Engineering Technology

Prepare yourself for a career in automation through this multidisciplinary program with subjects from chemical, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

Current Student Inquiries:

Email:
Phone:
+1 905.525.9140 x 27013
Office:
ETB 210
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Future Student Information

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.

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

Important information:

Degree Type

Combined Degree/Diploma Program

LENGTH

4.5 years

ACADEMIC Requirements

High School Diploma

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

View Calendar

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 sudies. 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:  

Level IA
WHMIS 1A00 Introduction to Health and Safety
ENG TECH 1CH3 Chemistry
ENG TECH 1CP3 C++ Programming
ENG TECH 1MC3 Mathematics I
ENG TECH 1PH3 Physics
GEN TECH 1CS3 Technical Communication: Concepts and Practices

Level IB
ENG TECH 1AC3 Analytical Chemistry
ENG TECH 1EL3 Electricity and Electronics I
ENG TECH 1MT3 Mathematics II
ENG TECH 1PR3 Object-Oriented Programming
GEN TECH 1CZ3 Technical Communication: Research and Information Design

Level IIA
PROC TECH 2CA3 CAD for Design
PROC TECH 2CE3 Chemical Engineering I: Mass Balances
PROC TECH 2EE3 Electricity and Electronics II
PROC TECH 2IC3 Instrumentation & Control
ENG TECH 2MA3 Mathematics III
GEN TECH 2PW3 Professional Workplace Practices

Level IIB
PROC TECH 2EC3 Chemical Engineering II: Energy Balances
PROC TECH 2I03 Industrial Organic Chemistry
PROC TECH 2PL3 Introduction to PLC Programming
ENG TECH 2MT3 Mathematics IV
GEN TECH 2EE3 Engineering Economics
GEN TECH 2MP3 Management Principles

Level IIIA
PROC TECH 3CT3 Control Theory I
PROC TECH 3PL3 Advanced PLC Programming and Control
PROC TECH 3SC3 System Control and Data Acquisition
ENG TECH 3ES3 Engineering Statistics
GEN TECH 3FF3 Financial Systems
GEN TECH 3MT3 Project Management

Level IIIB
PROC TECH 3CE3 Chemical Engineering III: Unit and Process Design
PROC TECH 3MC3 Motion Control and Robotics
PROC TECH 3SD3 PLCs and Networking
ENG TECH 3MN3 Modelling and Numerical Solutions
GEN TECH 3LS3 Quality Control and Assurance Methods
GEN TECH 3ET3 Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation

Level IVA
PROC TECH 4CT3 Advanced Control Theory
PROC TECH 4IC3 Industrial Networks and Controllers
PROC TECH 4IT3 Internet Technologies and Databases
PROC TECH 4MT2 Materials Technology
PROC TECH 4TR1 Capstone Design Project I (continues through Level 4B)
GEN TECH 4TS3 Technology and Society
GEN TECH 4OM3 Operations Management

Level IVB
PROC TECH 4AS3 Advanced Systems Components and Integration
PROC TECH 4MS3 Manufacturing Systems
PROC TECH 4SS3 System Specification and Design
PROC TECH 4TR3 Capstone Design Project II (continues from Level 4A)
GEN TECH 4FT3 Strategic Management
GEN TECH 4TE3 Technology Ethics and Sustainability

 

Co-op and 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 »

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 2019. 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 78-82%.

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

No supplementary documents required for admission.

Application Deadline for Fall 2018 intake: January 16th, 2019

Target Enrolment: 240 students 

Not a Canadian high school student? Email thinkeng@mcmaster.ca for details on international or transfer student admission requirements.

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 so much focus on "management"?

Have some burning questions about the Bachelor of Technology program within the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology? 

Get all your questions answered HERE

Still have more questions? Contact thinkeng@mcmaster.ca!

Future Directions

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
Advanced System Components and Integration

AUTO TECH 4AT3/SEP 6AT3
Conceptual Design of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

PROC TECH 4SS3/SEP 6SS3
System Specification and Design

BIO TECH 4BI3/SEP 6BI3
Bioinformatics

BIO TECH 4BS3/SEP 6BS3
Biotechnology Regulations

BIO TECH 4TB3/SEP 6TB3
Advanced Biotechnology

*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.)

Several B.Tech. students have obtained their P.Eng. status. Typically, B.Tech. graduates must:

  • Write a number of examinations as specified by the PEO
  • Write an engineering and ethics examination
  • Fulfill a Capstone Report requirement
  • Complete 4 years of engineering work experience, typically under a professional engineer

In preparation for these examinations, students often study either on their own or take preparatory courses. PEO offers a variety of seminar types, including both online and in-person consultation. For an updated list on available seminars, please visit PEO's seminar page. Past experience suggests that B.Tech. graduates are able to study independently and be successful.

A formal application with complete transcripts must be made through the Professional Engineers of Ontario. Candidates should be poised to participate in an interview process, particularly where candidates wish to negotiate a reduction in final examination requirements.

Students who complete graduate level studies in engineering or who achieve P.Eng. status may apply to receive an "Iron Ring" as an external applicant. Important Note: B.Tech. graduates can only apply for their "Iron Ring" after they have completed the necessary examinations. For more information on applying for your Iron Ring, please visit the Kipling Page of the Engineering Alumni Relations site.

We have had over 60 graduates successfully achieve their P.Eng. designation!

*PEO Review Update*

On March 2nd, 2018, the PEO (Professional Engineers Ontario) conducted an on-site review of the following Bachelor of Technology Programs:

  • Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology
  • Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology
  • Power and Energy Engineering Technology

We anticipate an assessment from the PEO by May of 2018, at which time we hope to communicate a formalized pathway to the P.Eng. designation (graduates of the above Programs are currently reviewed by the PEO on a case-by-case basis).

A review of the Automation Engineering Technology Program is likely to be completed later this year. 

The Manufacturing Program was reviewed by the PEO in 2012; most graduates must complete four (4) PEO Supplementary Examinations plus an Engineering Report.

Updates will be posted on this webpage.

Links of Interest:

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.