Mechanical Systems

The National STEM ConsortiumMechatronics Technology Program

This Teaching Toolkit is part of the Mechatronics Technology program
created by the National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Mathematics) Consortium (NSC) Mechatronics Technology team. The
NSC, a collaborative of ten colleges in nine states, has developed one-
year certificate training programs in five technical fields. The
Mechatronics Technology certificate offers six core courses and six
“selective” courses from which colleges can choose to customize their
program. Mechanical Systems is one of the six core courses.
Developed by Margie Porter, NSC Mechatronics Technology
TeamCollege of Lake County, Grayslake, IllinoisOctober 2014
 © 2014 National STEM Consortium.

NSC Mechatronics Technology Team Lead:

College of Lake County, Grayslake, Illinois
Gary L. Morgan, Dean Emeritus and Adjunct Faculty,
College of Lake County and
NSC Mechatronics Technology Team Lead

NSC Curriculum Development Team Leads:

Dr. Peter J. Gray and Mary Elisabeth Voss

Course Introduction:
Mary Elisabeth Voss, author

Course Syllabus and Lesson Plans:

Margie Porter, author;
Elizabeth Pelcyger, Faith Sharp, editors
Table of Contents
Welcome to Mechatronics Technology...........................................................................................1
The National STEM Consortium.................................................................................................1
The NSC Mechatronics Technology Certificate.........................................................................2

Mechanical Systems........................................................................................................................2
Course Overview........................................................................................................................2
Learning Outcomes....................................................................................................................3
Safety...................................................................................................................................3
Technical Literacy................................................................................................................3
Applied Mathematics...........................................................................................................3
Mechanical Systems............................................................................................................3
Equipment............................................................................................................................4
Lesson Plans...............................................................................................................................4
Online Modules..........................................................................................................................5
Prerequisites and Requirements...............................................................................................5
Student Performance Standards...............................................................................................6
Student Texts and Materials......................................................................................................6
Required Textbook..............................................................................................................6
Recommended Textbook.....................................................................................................6

Using This Teaching Toolkit.............................................................................................................6

Adopting and Adapting This Course..........................................................................................6
Using and Disseminating Course Materials...............................................................................6

About These Materials.....................................................................................................................7

Copyright....................................................................................................................................7
License.......................................................................................................................................7
Attribution and Citation.............................................................................................................7
Accessibility................................................................................................................................7
Disclaimer..................................................................................................................................7

NSC Mechanical Systems Page i

NSC Mechanical Systems Page ii
Welcome to Mechatronics Technology
This Teaching Toolkit is part of the Mechanical Systems course created by the National STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Consortium (NSC) Mechatronics Technology
team. It includes a syllabus, lesson plans, and supplemental materials meant to serve as a
starting point for colleges adopting and adapting this course for their local needs.

The Teaching Toolkit is designed for an instructor with subject matter expertise and/or industry
knowledge. It incorporates recommendations, examples, best practices, and lessons learned
from NSC Mechatronics Technology partner colleges:

 College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois (Mechatronics Technology team lead college)
 Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland
 Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio
 Florida State College at Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida
 Ivy Tech Community College – Northwest Central in Valparaiso and South Bend, Indiana
 Roane State Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee
The NSC Mechanical Systems course also includes online modules that complement Toolkit
documents. Each module is designed to help students through a common “sticking point” in the
course and better prepare them for face-to-face instruction.

NSC Mechanical Systems can be found on Platform+, the online learning environment from
Carnegie Mellon University’s Open Learning Initiative (OLI) that works seamlessly with common
learning management systems:

 Visit the Mechatronics Technology section of the OLI course library to access the course:
http://oli.cmu.edu/learn-with-oli/see-our-free-open-courses/.
 Follow OLI instructions to create your own version of the course, enroll students, and track
their progress on the Instructor Dashboard: https://oli.cmu.edu/teach-with-oli/find-
educator-resources/creating-a-customized-course/

The National STEM Consortium

The National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Consortium (NSC) is a
collaborative of ten colleges in nine states funded by a U.S. Department of Labor grant to
develop new training programs in five career pathways: Composites Technology, Cyber
Technology, Electric Vehicle Technology, Environmental Technology, and Mechatronics
Technology. For information on NSC, visit the NSC website: http://www.nationalstem.org.

NSC Mechanical Systems Page 1

NSC programs are stackable academic certificates built on a one-year, 30 semester-credit model
to rapidly (re-)train workers while still providing the rigorous instruction that workers need and
employers value. NSC programs are built for student success, combining best practices such as
outcomes-driven instruction, cohort structure, block scheduling, compressed timeline,
enhanced student support services, blended delivery, and an embedded STEM Readiness
course to boost student skills in mathematics, communication, and professionalism.

The NSC Mechatronics Technology Certificate

NSC Mechatronics Technology is a one-year, 30-semester-credit certificate consisting of 18
credit hours of core classes that all students take plus 12 credit hours of selectives. Selectives,
unlike student electives, are courses selected by the offering college to meet local employer
and industry needs. Core courses (18 credits) include Electrical Systems, Mechanical Systems,
Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Introduction to PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers),
Mechatronics Capstone, and the embedded refresher course STEM Readiness. (See information
on STEM Readiness in the “Adopting and Adapting This Course” section below.) Selective
courses (12 credits) include Advanced PLCs, Autonomous Robots, Industrial Robots, Engineering
CAD (Computer Aided Design) and Drafting, Welding, Introduction to High Tech Manufacturing,
and Manufacturing Processes.

NSC Mechatronics Technology graduates are qualified to work in almost every industry and
prepared to sit for Siemens Mechatronics Certification Level I. While job announcements may
not say “Mechatronics” specifically, the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system lists
Mechatronics positions as Electro-mechanical Technicians, Electrical and Electronics Repairers,
Electronics Engineering Technicians, Automation Technicians, Maintenance and Repair
Workers, Maintenance Workers, Machinery, Mechanical Engineering Technicians, Robotics
Technicians, Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers, and Technical Sales.

For complete information, see the NSC Mechatronics Technology Program Guide. Visit Carnegie
Mellon University – Open Learning Initiative (OLI), then select the Mechatronics Technology
portion of the OLI free and open course library: http://oli.cmu.edu/learn-with-oli/see-our-free-
open-courses/.

Mechanical Systems
Course Overview
Mechanical Systems was developed by Margie Porter at the College of Lake County in
Grayslake, Illinois, and is one of six core courses in the NSC Mechatronics Technology

NSC Mechanical Systems Page 2

certificate. It is a study of the basic mechanical components in a complex mechatronics system.
This course consists of 15 lessons along with corresponding labs and/or class activities. Topics
covered include basic functions and physical properties of mechanical components,
troubleshooting techniques and strategies, systematic preventative maintenance, electrical and
mechanical component safety, and technical documentation.

Learning Outcomes
The NSC Mechatronics Technology program has “broad brushstroke” program-level learning
outcomes in the categories of Safety, Technical Literacy, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical
Systems, Electrical Systems, Computer Systems, Control Systems, Equipment, and
Communication. These categories represent goals and objectives to be achieved across multiple
courses in the program. For complete information on program-level learning outcomes and
which courses support them, please see the NSC Mechatronics Technology Program Guide in
the NSC Mechatronics Technology section of the OLI course library: http://oli.cmu.edu/learn-
with-oli/see-our-free-open-courses/.

Course-level learning outcomes are “medium brushstroke” goals and objectives to be achieved
in a specific course. Course outcomes are more detailed than program outcomes, and map to
program outcomes by nesting under and supporting them. Course outcomes can be achieved in
a single lesson or, often, across multiple lessons. They are student-centered and action-
oriented, describing what students should be able to do after completing the course based on
the knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed:

Safety
 Understand safety regulations and their importance.
 Use appropriate attire and protective equipment.
 Operate equipment according to safety protocols.
Technical Literacy
 Read, interpret, and use technical documents for equipment and components within a
mechanical system.
Applied Mathematics
 Explain the role of mechanical components in mechatronic systems, modules, and
subsystems.
Mechanical Systems
 Explain the role of mechanical components in mechatronic systems, modules, and
subsystems.
 Describe how a change to one part of a system can affect the rest of the system.

NSC Mechanical Systems Page 3

 Explain, trace, and describe the flow of mechanical energy in the mechatronic system.
 Describe the basic physical properties of mechanical components including materials,
lubrication requirements, and surface properties.
Equipment
 Correctly apply mechanical material analysis on shafts, couplings, and sealing devices to
determine proper lubrication.
 Describe the types, construction, and power limitations of clutches and brakes; types,
styles, and maintenance requirements of linear drives and power transmission; and types,
styles, and maintenance requirements of flexible elements.
 Differentiate between different types of gear drives, drive trains and sprocket systems, and
mechanical drives using belts; bushings, bearings, and seals; and oils and grease.
 Explain the effect of a breakdown on a business’s bottom line.

Lesson Plans
Lesson-level learning outcomes are “fine brushstroke,” that is, they are more specific and
detailed than course outcomes, and map to course outcomes by nesting under and supporting
them. Lesson outcomes are explained in each lesson plan. The following lessons are included in
Mechanical Systems:

 Lesson 1: Introduction and Safety 

 Lesson 2: Hand Tools and Fasteners
 Lesson 3: Mechanical Principles I: Potential and Kinetic Energy, Torque, Speed
 Lesson 4: Mechanical Principles II: Basic Machines, Efficiency, and Friction
 Lesson 5: Introduction to Troubleshooting; Lubrication
 Lesson 6: Bearing Basics: Bearing Principles and Bearing Types
 Lesson 7: Bearing Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Installation
 Lesson 8: Couplings: Coupling Types, Installation, and Coupling/Shaft Alignment
 Lesson 9: Belt Drive Systems I
 Lesson 10: Belt Drive Systems II
 Lesson 11: Chain Drive Systems I
 Lesson 12: Chain Drive Systems II
 Lesson 13: Gear Drive Systems I
 Lesson 14: Gear Drive Systems II
 Lesson 15: Seals and Gaskets

NSC Mechanical Systems Page 4

Online Modules
NSC online modules address common student “sticking points” and better prepare students for
face-to-face instruction. They offer mini-lessons and online drills for extra instruction and
practice in key concepts.

Two online modules support this course:

 “Determining Key Size and Shape”

 “Determining Key Tolerances”
To access and use NSC online modules:

1. Visit the Platform+ free and open course library: http://oli.cmu.edu/learn-with-oli/see-our-

free-open-courses/
2. For the companion modules, navigate to the Mechatronics Technology section, then select
the Mechanical Systems course.
3. Follow the instructions to create your own course, assign the online modules to your
students, and track students’ progress in the Instructor Dashboard:
https://oli.cmu.edu/teach-with-oli/find-educator-resources/creating-a-customized-course/

Prerequisites and Requirements

Mechanical Systems is given in the first term of the NSC Mechatronics Technology program; no
Mechatronics Technology courses are required as prerequisites.

However, to succeed in this course, students should be proficient in English and Technical
Mathematics, for example: Combined English Language Skills Assessment (CELSA) score of 50 or
higher, or Academic Proficiency Test (APT) score of 80 or higher, or college basic English and
Mathematics (basic Algebra) courses.

The NSC STEM Readiness course offers three one-credit units on Mathematics, Effective
Workplace Communication, and Professionalism, respectively; the Mathematics unit is
recommended as prerequisite to this technical course. NSC certificate programs are built
around STEM Readiness, which rapidly provides a skills refresher to ensure student success in
NSC technical courses. Colleges can deliver STEM Readiness in the first term as a standalone
three-credit course, throughout the program as any combination of its one-credit units, or
embedded into existing courses. For more information, see the NSC STEM Bridge Program
Guide and the NSC STEM Readiness course in the OLI course library: http://oli.cmu.edu/learn-
with-oli/see-our-free-open-courses/.

NSC Mechanical Systems Page 5

Student Performance Standards
NSC programs are developed to a 70% passing performance standard. Lesson plans note
specific cases where performance standards are higher, for example, when students must
perform perfectly on a safety assessment because safety is non-negotiable.

Student Texts and Materials

Required Textbook
Chastain, L. (2009). Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance (3rd edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentiss Hall. ISBN-13: 978-0135150962.

Recommended Textbook
Davis, T., and Nelson, C. (2004). Audel Millwrights and Mechanics Guide (5th edition). Hoboken,
NJ: Wiley. ISBN-13: 978-0764541711.

Using This Teaching Toolkit

Adopting and Adapting This Course
This Teaching Toolkit offers resources for implementing a Mechanical Systems course and is
meant to serve as a starting point for adopting colleges and instructors. The equipment and
recommended texts identified are those used by the developing college and are provided as
examples only. Instructors are free to edit Teaching Toolkit material to suit their local needs.
They are encouraged to complete the accompanying course syllabus with their local college
policies (attendance, academic integrity, campus civility, etc.) and resources (academic,
personal, social and financial aid counseling and special services for students with disabilities,
veterans, etc.).

Colleges have flexible options when adopting NSC programs. NSC curricula are modular,
allowing colleges to adopt the entire Mechatronics Technology certificate, individual courses
such as this one, or pieces of courses to embed in their own courses. For complete information
on the NSC Mechatronics Technology Program and how to adopt it, see the NSC Mechatronics
Technology Program Guide in the NSC Mechatronics Technology section of the OLI course
library: http://oli.cmu.edu/learn-with-oli/see-our-free-open-courses/.

Using and Disseminating Course Materials

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, as
described in the “License” section below. The CC-BY 4.0 license allows adopting instructors to

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reuse, revise, remix and redistribute materials following the guidelines in the “Copyright” and
“Attribution and Citation” sections below.

About These Materials

Copyright
© 2014 National STEM Consortium.

The National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Consortium (NSC), a
collaborative of ten colleges in nine states, was funded by a Trade Adjustment Assistance
Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to
develop new workforce training programs in technical fields. For more information about NSC,
visit the NSC website: http://www.nationalstem.org.

License

Unless otherwise specified, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons

Attribution 4.0 International License.

Attribution and Citation

To attribute this work, use: Margie Porter.

To cite this work, use:

Margie Porter (2014). Course Introduction Guide. Mechanical Systems. Mechatronics

Technology Program of the National STEM Consortium. Retrieved from http://oli.cmu.edu.

Accessibility
The NSC has made every effort to create accessible materials, following best practices and
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. For example, to ensure screen reader systems
can work with these materials, we write using plain English, heading styles in outline structure,
simple layout, minimal tables and charts, bulleted and numbered lists, high-contrast colors,
standard fonts, white space for ease of reading, and so on. For more information about ADA
compliance, see the 2010 Design Standards on the ADA website:
http://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm.

Disclaimer
This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s
Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does

NSC Mechanical Systems Page 7

not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of
Labor makes no guarantees, warrantees, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with
respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not
limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy,
continued availability, or ownership.

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