Cape Fear Community College

 

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: Course Descriptions


 

MEC 110 - Introduction to CAD/CAM
This course introduces CAD/CAM. Emphasis is placed on transferring part geometry from CAD to CAM for the development of a CNC-ready program. Upon completion, students should be able to use CAD/CAM software to produce a CNC program.
  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 1, Lab 2.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 2.

  • Prerequisites: MEC 111 and DFT 151

  • Corequisites: None

 

MEC 111 - Machine Processes I
This course introduces safety, hand tools, machine processes, measuring instruments, and the operation of machine shop equipment. Topics include safety, measuring tools, and the basic setup and operation of lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and saws. Upon completion, students should be able to manufacture a simple part to a specified tolerance.
  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 2, Lab 3.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 3.
  • Prerequisite: None.

 

MEC 112 - Machine Processes II
This course covers advanced use of milling machines and lathes. Emphasis is placed on safety and compound setup of milling machines and lathes for manufacture of projects with a specified fit. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proper procedures for manufacture of assembled parts.
  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 2, Lab 3.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 3.
  • Prerequisite: MEC 111.

 

MEC 130 - Mechanisms
This course introduces the purpose and action of various mechanical devices. Topics include cams, cables, gear trains, differentials, screws, belts, pulleys, shafts, levers, lubricants, and other devices used to transmit or control signals. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze, maintain, and troubleshoot the components of mechanical systems.
  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 2, Lab 3.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 3.
  • Prerequisite: None.

 

MEC 131 - Metalworking Processes
This course introduces the standard practices that are found in a metal workshop. Topics include the proper care/use of basic hand tools and precision measuring instruments and layout procedures/operation of lathes, drill presses, grinders, milling machines, and power saws. Upon completion, students should be able to work safely in the metal workshop and use basic metalworking equipment.
  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 2, Lab 3.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 3.
  • Prerequisite: None.

 

MEC 145 - Manufacturing Materials I
This course introduces a variety of manufacturing materials and common processing techniques. Emphasis is placed on the processing, testing, and application of materials such as wood, metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental engineering applications for a variety of materials including their process capabilities and limitations.
  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 2, Lab 3.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 3.
  • Prerequisite: None.

MEC 172 - Introduction to Metallurgy
This course covers the production, properties, testing, classification, microstructure, and heat-treating effects of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Topics include the iron-carbon phase diagram, ITT diagram, ANSI code, quenching, senescing, and other processes concerning metallurgical transformations. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the iron-carbon phase diagram, ITT diagram, microstructure images, and other phenomena concerning the behavior of metals.
  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 2, Lab 2.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 3.
  • Prerequisite: None.

 

MEC 180 - Engineering Materials
This course covers the physical and mechanical properties of materials. Topics include testing, heat treating, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, composites, and material selection. Upon completion, students should be able to specify basic tests and properties and select appropriate materials on the basis of specific properties.
  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 2, Lab 3.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 3.
  • Prerequisite: None.

 

MEC 231 - Computer-Aided Manufacturing I
This course introduces computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) applications and concepts. Emphasis is placed on developing/defining part geometry and the processing of information needed to manufacture parts. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate skills in defining part geometry, program development, and code generation using CAM software.
  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 1, Lab 4.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 3.

  • Prerequisites: MAC 124

  • Corequisites: None

 

MEC 232 - Computer-Aided Manufacturing II

This course introduces computer-aided design / manufacturing (CAD / CAM) applications and concepts. Topics include software, programming, data transfer and verification, and equipment setup. Upon completion, students should be able to produce parts using CAD / CAM applications.


  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 1, Lab 4.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 3.
  • Prerequisite: MEC 231.

 

MEC 250 - Statics and Strength of Materials
This course covers the concepts and principles of statics and stress analysis. Topics include systems of forces on structures in equilibrium and analysis of stresses and strains on these components. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze forces and the results of stresses and strains on structural components.
  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 4, Lab 3.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 5.
  • Prerequisites: PHY 131 or PHY 151.

 

MEC 265 - Fluid Mechanics
This course covers the physical behavior of fluids and fluid systems. Topics include fluid statics and dynamics, laminar and turbulent flow, Bernoulli's Equation, components, applications, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply fluid power principles to practical applications.
  • Course Hours Per Week: Class 2, Lab 2.
  • Semester Hours Credit: 3.
  • Prerequisite: MEC 231.