I have wondered how many colleges and universities offer programs that lead to a Bachelor's of Science degree in mechatronics. The HotcoursesUSA Website identified 12 colleges, but I suspect the list should include more, because colleges might not update their information frequently.
The degree programs include one at the University of Pennsylvania, which adds a couple of mechatronics classes to a standard mechanical-engineering curriculum and calls its program Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics - Mechatronics. At the other end of the academic spectrum, the University of North Carolina at Asheville offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Mechatronics. The latter program includes a mix of mechanical-, electrical-, and computer-engineering courses. (Why the curriculum includes a Java algorithms course beats me. Does anyone program mechatronics systems in Java?)
At present, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) does not list an accreditation for a mechatronics degree-granting program, although it does list mechanical and electrical engineering as well as engineering mechanics.
My first question, which I invite you to discuss below, is: If you have an interest in mechatronics, does a degree in mechatronics make sense, or would a degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in electrical engineering, or vice versa make more sense?
Second question: Given that colleges will create mechatronics degree programs, what courses would you mandate to satisfy requirements for an engineer with a solid academic exposure to mechatronics? In my opinion, a traditional engineering syllabus could use electives, such as a course on sensors, transducers, and signal conditioning, a course on simulation, and a course on data analysis (beyond statistics).
Regardless of the degree name, the multidisciplinary person will be more useful than the specialist in many areas. It's similar to job descriptions. There are several main jobs listed, but they always seem to end with the phrase "other duties as assigned." Starting from the basics and moving toward the specifics is a proven methodology. As when building a house, the general contractor is running the show. There may be specialists to dig foundations, lay block, pour concrete, frame, glaze, finish sheetrock, install plumbing, run wiring, and shingle the roof, but the general ties it all together.
I think even if universities and colleges don't formally label a program as a mechatronics degree, you're going to see a lot more university curriculum reflect the new (and not so new) reality of what Alex has aptly labeled "an interdisciplinary world."
I'm down with this idea, Jon. As I noted in "Are You an Interdisciplinary Engineer?," narrow specialists are on the wane. They're being replaced by generalist engineers who can work comfortably across the boundaries of hardware, software, and embedded. The rise of a Mechantronics degree reflects this reality.
The Machinist Calc Pro computes speeds and feed rates for milling, turning, and drilling: cutting speed, spindle speed, feed rate (inches/minute), cutting feed, etc.
During a recent meeting with engineering-school faculty and alumni, Contributing Technical Editor Jon Titus talked about whether colleges should educate generalists or specialists. What do you think?
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