Engineering Technology
Develop a broad knowledge base that is applicable to many industrial disciplines in our Engineering Technology program. While earning an Associate in Applied Science degree, you’ll become equipped with the core and specialized skills needed to pursue entry-level positions in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Whether you choose to pursue a career in industrial automation, process control or robotics, you’ll establish a strong foundation of skills and understanding of lean manufacturing principles right here at Iowa Lakes. Develop competence in electronics, programmable logic control, design, programming and advanced automated technology. You’ll also gain experience with renewable energy and power distribution.
When entering the workforce, you’ll be ready to design, program and install many different automation platforms. You’ll be familiar with the processes and equipment associated with production including mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, electronic and computers. Prepare to thrive as an application technician with plenty of hands-on experience to back you up.
Faculty Contact
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Chad Tischer Engineering Technology Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor 712-362-8366 | ctischer@iowalakes.educreate new email |

Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
CIS 141 – Computer Science
Introduction to the concepts of computer programming and Graphical User Interfaces. Includes structured design techniques for modern problem solving.
COM 753 – Technical Communications†
This course is designed to prepare students for the oral and written communication situations in the working world. The major areas of study include technical communication principles, oral communications, composing technical documents, and using Standard English. Writing projects require the use of a word processing program; therefore, computer experience is recommended.
EGT 114 – Introduction to Engineering Technology
This course helps students explore the different areas of engineering and engineering technology. This course gives students a basic understanding of how to create and read engineering drawings. This course will also prepare students, using sketching, to extend perceptual and visualization skills which in turn will later serve the student in producing CAD drawings and in the design process.
ELE 119 – Basic Electricity I
Electrical Theory I is an introduction to basic electrical theory and components that make up electrical circuits. Direct Current and Alternating Current will be introduced and basic laws for voltage, current and power relationships will be presented in lecture and laboratory format. Course content will include, but not be limited to basic circuits, electrical components and their applications. Hands-on reinforcement of theory covered during lecture is practiced in lab.
MAT 743 – Technical Math
Technical Math includes operations with real numbers, use of fractions, ratios, measurement conversion, algebraic equations, functions, geometry, and right angle trigonometry. Applications are designed around situations students may encounter in industrial settings
MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts
This is a general survey course which includes sets; number systems; elementary algebra; exponents; equations and inequalities; fractions; ratios; proportion and variation; probability and statistics; elementary graphing; consumer mathematics; and an introduction to geometry.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 054 – Math Strategies
MAT 120 – College Algebra
Operation of real and complex numbers; factoring; exponents; quadratic equations; inequalities; matrices; rational functions; logarithmic functions; and graphing or functions .
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts
MAT 127 – College Algebra and Trig
Course combines college algebra and trigonometry .Algebra top-ics covered include functions and their graphs; solving equations and inequalities; polynomial functions; conic sections; and exponential and logarithmic functions .Trigonometry topics covered are right triangle trigonometry; unit circles; trigonometric functions; graphing; verifying identities; solving trigonometric equations; and applications of trigonometry.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120 or MAT 121
SER 114 – Blueprint Reading
Fundamentals, principles, and practices involved in producing and reading blueprints utilized in the different sectors of the renewable energy industry with a focus on basic blueprint reading.
SER 116 – Career Seminar
A study of the careers available within the renewable energy sector, with an emphasis on analyzing renewable energy industries as related components of a dynamic system. Students will also learn about drafting cover letters, creating resumes, interviewing, and networking.
SER 124 – Industrial Safety
A study of principles and practices used to establish a safe and efficient environment for personnel in the renewable energy industry and various sectors thereof. The course focuses on general industrial safety, safety and health regulatory agencies and organizations, hazard recognition and correction, and first aid.
Choose MAT 743, MAT 110, MAT 120 or MAT 127
Term 2
ELE 136 – Basic Electricity II
Electric Theory II consists of instruction that will build upon experience gained in Electric Theory I. Students will be introduced to advanced concepts of electrical theory.
ELE 195 – Motor Control
This course discusses motor controls, components, operation, and service. Students will learn electric relay control of AC and DC motors along with troubleshooting motors in an industrial application.
ELE 242 – Programmable Logic Control Systems
Introduce students to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s), primarily the Siemens S7-200 processors, the Siemens LOGO smart relay processor and the Bachmann M1 Controllers. The course will provide students with experiences in the following: Numbering systems associated with programming and addressing PLC’s Hardware and software familiarization associated with PLC’s Using programming instruction sets to create and edit ladderlogic programs Troubleshooting techniques using a PLCTroubleshooting techniques using a schematic and drawings
ELT 309 – Digital Circuits & Systems
This course provides students with knowledge and understanding of digital logic circuit design and operation using integrated circuits. Studies include combinatorial logic circuits, flip-flops, arithmetic circuits, counters and registers, memory devices and logic families.
Prerequisites: ELE 119 – Basic Electricity I
SER 101 – Energy, Sustainability & the Environment
Introduction to Sustainable Energy Resources is designed to provide a basic understanding of energy, current trends in energy consumption, and the role of sustainable energy resources in today’s society. Topics covered will include matter and energy laws, the history of energy usage by humans, the categories of energy resources, and the environmental problems currently being caused by energy consumption.
Term 3
EGT 934 – Engineering Technology Internship II
Students will complete job contact experience in their field of choice. A minimum of 288 job contact hours is required by this 4-credit course.
EGT 946 – Engineering Technology Internship I
Students will complete job contact experience in their field of choice. A minimum of 432 job contact hours is required by this 6-credit course.
Choose either EGT 934 or EGT 946
Term 4
ATR 105 – Industrial Robotics
Industrial Robotics covers the pertinent subjects to understanding how robots work and how they are programmed. It covers the aspects of robot motion and how a robot can be integrated and synchronized with other counterparts in a manufacturing environment.
Prerequisites: ELE 136 – Basic Electricity II
CIS 125 – Intro to Programming Logic W/Language
Studies the most commonly used structured techniques of flow charting included with the concept of data flow in large integrated systems. Also included are systems design, systems analysis and systems development for data processing solutions.
EGT 138 – Intro to Fluid Power
This course will introduce students to the basic principles and components of fluid power systems including hydraulics and pneumatics. Students will also learn how to read fluid power schematics and troubleshoot basic systems.
ELE 226 – Electric Motors & Generators
Electric motors & generators is an introduction to types of motors and generators that are used today. The characteristics of Direct Current and Alternating Current motors and generators will be discussed and demonstrated through lecture and hands on laboratory sessions.
Prerequisites: ELE 119 – Basic Electricity I
ELT 125 – Advanced PLC
This course will introduce students to advanced programming commands through industrial applications. Concepts include sequencers, file moves, arithmetic functions and data communications from different PLC platforms.
Prerequisites: ELE 242 – Programmable Logic Control Systems
ELT 732 – Introduction to Industrial Instrumentation
Comprehensive introduction to components, circuits, instruments and control techniques used in industrial systems.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: ELE 119 – Basic Electricity I
Term 5
ATR 106 – Motion Control
This course provides the student with an understanding of the concepts, terminology, functionality and applications of motion control. This course will provide the foundation for learning the skills necessary to maintain and program motion control systems. Topics include servo motors, stepper motors, motion controllers, feedback systems and servo-mechanisms.
Prerequisites: ELT 125 – Advanced PLC
ATR 253 – Robotic Programming
Robotic Programming is a course that will cover the development of robotic applications and common basic programming instructions used in industrial robotic platforms.
Prerequisites: ATR 105 – Industrial Robotics
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
EGT 156 – Electrical Control of Fluid Power
This course covers fluid power electrical controls such as solenoids, programmable controls and servo controls. Troubleshooting and maintenance of servo valves and proportional control valves as well as other fluid power components are covered.
Prerequisites: EGT 138 – Intro to Fluid Power and ELT 125 – Advanced PLC
ELT 493 – Industrial Networking and Data Acquisition
Foundational training in local area networking technology, protocols and installation procedures. Introduction to supervisory control and data acquisition for industrial networks.
Prerequisites: ELT 732 – Introduction to Industrial Instrumentation
MFG 505 – Lean Manufacturing
This course covers the principles and techniques of lean manufacturing. Topics include lean principles, value stream mapping, total productive maintenance, manufacturing cells, office cells, setup reduction, pull systems and continuous improvement.
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.