Department of Mechatronics Engineering

DEPARTMENTAL CONTENT OF MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

VISION

To excel and be fully focused on being a leading research and educational mechatronics engineering program with an emphasis on practical-oriented training, rich industrial partnerships, and dynamic entrepreneurial intelligence. To ensure continued fostering of this approach through sustained automation, process, increasingly multidisciplinary methods, and a highly engaged research faculty,

MISSION

To offer high-quality theoretical and application-oriented education and prepare our graduates to become innovators in their profession,

To pave the way to research and discovery in emerging disciplines and in related interdisciplinary areas to develop the next generation of innovative high-tech leaders

To inculcate communication skills, invaluable entrepreneurial and business experience, leadership, and ethics among students for their continuous growth

To promote the establishment of centers of excellence in emerging areas of technology, to nurture innovative ideas and kindle creativity among faculty and students

INTRODUCTION

The Mechatronics Engineering Technology is an engineering program that integrates the knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronic engineering with Computer technology. The study of Mechatronics involves relevant aspects of electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering together with an understanding of manufacturing methods. It is a relatively new field of engineering with many exciting developments such as internet control of machines, autonomous robots and engine management systems.

There is, and will continue to be, a strong demand for engineers who are capable of designing, implementing and operating these systems to meet an increasing need in industry where complexity of projects is done with limited resources. This document should provide the diplomates with skills and knowledge in rapidly developing fields such as digital electronics, manufacturing, information technology and robotics.

The target at the National Diploma level is to make the diplomates skillful in Automotive and related industries while at Higher National Diploma aim at producing technologists with knowledge and skills

to carry out design implementation, operations, troubleshooting and maintenance of mechatronics systems and equipment for both the public and private sectors of the economy.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The Diploma Program (ND and HND) in Mechatronics Engineering Technology with options in automotive and industrial mechatronics is aimed at producing technicians and technologists with knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to carry out design implementation, operations, troubleshooting and maintenance of mechatronics systems and equipment for both the public and private sectors of the economy.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT

Mechatronics Engineering Department of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede is one of the young departments of the Institution accredited in the year 2015, with good reputation in teaching both theory and hands-on automated application of Mechatronics Engineering Technology relevant to the demand of related industries.

From 2015 to date, the department has been headed by the following professionals and administrators:

Engr. J.E Nwaimo (Pioneer Head of Department),

Engr. A.U Affiah, Engr. Peter Makonjuola and

currently, Engr. Obioma C. Iwuamadi.

PROGRAM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants with any of the following qualifications may be considered for admission into the National Diploma Program by direct entry:

a. S.S.S.C or its equivalent (NTC, WASC, G.C.E, etc) with passes at credit level in Mathematics, Physics, a Science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Biology, or Agricultural Science), and one other

subject and an ordinary pass in English Language at not more than two sittings. In addition credit or ordinary pass in any of the following subjects will be an advantage: Wood Work, Metal Work, Auto-mechanics, Basic Electronics, Basic Electricity, Technical Drawing, Fine Art;

b. Four passes at credit level in relevant subjects as stated in (a) above obtained at the final examination of an NBTE recognized preliminary ND Program offered in a Polytechnic or similar post-secondary technical institution provided that students admitted into the Pre-ND have a Pass in English Language.

The general entry requirements for the Higher National Diploma program include:

a. All the requirements for admission into ND program in Mechatronics Engineering Technology.

b. A three year ND Mechatronics Engineering Technology program or a relevant ND in engineering discipline (Electrical/Electronics, Computer and Mechanical Engineering Technology) with one year post ND industrial experience.

c. A minimum of lower credit pass (CGPA) of 2.50 and above in the ND examination.

d. In exceptional cases, the ND diplomates with a pass grade (CGPA) 2.0 - 2.49) in the ND examination with one year post ND industrial experience for Mechatronics and two years post ND industrial experience for a relevant ND programme in engineering discipline

(Electrical/Electronics, Computer and Mechanical Engineering Technology). However, the

number of these candidates should not be more than 10% of the total student intake in each class.

ADMISSION POLICY

On admission into the program, each student is expected to comply with all the Polytechnic regulations as may be determined from time to time by the Polytechnic Academic Board. Each student is also to abide by the rules and regulations of the School/Department.

DURATION OF PROGRAM

National Diploma: The National Diploma program runs for three academic years which consists of four semesters of classroom, laboratory and workshop activities in the Polytechnic and two semesters (9-12 months) of Industrial Work Experience in recognized Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) industries and institutions.

Higher National Diploma: The Higher National Diploma program runs for two academic years which consists of four semesters of classroom, laboratory and workshop activities in the Polytechnic.

DESIGN OF PROGRAM

The program is designed to run on semester basis, under which each academic year consists of two semesters, ideally of a minimum of 16 weeks of lectures, laboratory, workshop, and examination activities. The calendar of events is usually designed/approved by the Polytechnic Academic Board and published by the Registrar.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

Automotive Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, the diplomates should:

a. Function as technologists in automotive mechatronics as well as other related industries.

b. Participate in the development of machines and equipment for automotive industries

c. Carry out necessary general tests procedures and standard trouble-shooting techniques in fault detection and rectification of automotive and related products.

d. Use intelligent diagnostic equipment in maintenance and repair of automotive products;

e. Observe relevant safety precautions in Mechatronics and other related Engineering practice;

f. Use relevant techniques to implement optimal designs and install automated machines and robots to meet the needs of the automotive and related industries;

g. Manage an enterprise effectively and efficiently.

Industrial Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, the diplomates should:

a. Function as technologists in industrial mechatronics as well as other related industries;

b. Participate in the development of machines and equipment for domestic and industrial applications.

c. Carry out necessary general tests procedures and standard trouble-shooting techniques in fault detection and rectification of Power plants, Pneumatic or Hydraulic plants, Biomedical and related products;

d. Use intelligent diagnostic equipment in maintenance and repairs of industrial machinery;

e. Observe relevant safety precautions in Mechatronics and other related Engineering practice;

f. Use relevant techniques to implement optimal designs and install automated machines and robots to meet the needs of the manufacturing and related industries;

g. Manage an enterprise effectively and efficiently.

REGISTRATION

Students shall register every academic year in accordance with the on line system, guided by the specifications from the Office of the Registrar. Only students who have duly completed the registration process are expected to proceed to the Department (for identification and documentation) with photocopies of all credentials, admission/registration documents, including receipts of payment of all prescribed fees.

OVERALL COURSE EXPECTATION FOR ALL ND AND HND STUDENTS

The major course expectation for all ND and HND students in Mechatronic Engineering Technology program at the Polytechnic is that they should:

a. Have studied each subject thoroughly through assigned readings in all required texts and supplementary literature provided in the subject area.

b. Be responsible for the entire course contents, both lecture subject matter and laboratory assignments.

c. Demonstrate attainment and retention of subject knowledge by successful performance on all written and/or practical examination of all courses.

EVALUATION OF STUDENTS IN THE POLYTECHNIC BASED COURSES

Each of the ND and HND courses taught in the Mechatronic Engineering Technology program at the Polytechnic may be evaluated for grading with the use of several of the following criteria:

a. Multiple choice final examination

b. Compulsory Laboratory practical assessment cum reports.

c. Attendance

d. Continuous assessment test

ATTENDANCE POLICY

a. Attendance (75%) is compulsory and absence from Class and/or Laboratories will affect a student’s final grade. Missed laboratory work and/or examination must be completed.

b. Make up laboratory works are most times not obtainable, so students are advised not to miss any laboratory session. Protracted illness (three consecutive days) should be reported to the Head of Department.

COURSE REGISTRATION

Each student shall offer and duly register for courses as stipulated by the Polytechnic depending on his/her performance in same semester of the preceding academic year.

GRADING SYSTEM

The grade obtained by the student in any of the courses he/she offers and is duly registered for, depends on his/her performances in the Continuous assessment test, Laboratory assessment and Final examination.

a. Continuous Assessment test: This shall be 10% for ND and 20% for HND of the total.

b. Laboratory Assessment: This shall be 40% for ND and 20% for HND of the total.

c. Final Examination: This shall be 50% for ND and 60% for HND of the total. Final written examination shall not be less than two hours (2hrs) and not more than three hours (3hrs) duration.

i. Grading scale for total course assessment

Total assessment in all courses shall be based on the following scale:

ii. Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade Point Average is calculated by dividing the sum of the product of all earned grade points and course units by the total course units attempted in this Polytechnic. It is given up to two decimal places.

iii. Cumulative Grade Point Average (Cgpa)

Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is the sum of all total grade points divided by the sum of total course units attempted in this Polytechnic. This is given in two decimal places.

CLASSIFICATION OF AWARD OF DIPLOMA

On the basis of the above performance levels and knowledge of the units attached to each course, sessional and cumulative grade point average will be calculated for each student. At the end of the program, the classification of the student’s diploma will be based on the student’s Cumulative Grade

Point Average (CGPA) as represented below:

CGPA Requirement for Graduation

A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in all units attempted and completed is required for graduation.

CONDITIONS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DIPLOMA (ND or HND)

The Diploma (ND or HND) will be awarded to candidates who successfully completed the program after passing prescribed course work, examination, diploma project and/or the supervised industrial work experience. Such candidates should have completed a minimum of prescribed credit units depending on the program.

CAREER PROSPECTS/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

On completion of their program, our students are well equipped to function independently or provide technical support and services in the design, development, testing, production, operation and maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment and systems in laboratories, factories / offices, on ships or oil platforms in the following capacities:

- Robotics technologist/technician.

- Automation technologist/technician.

- Control system design/troubleshooting engineer.

- Electronics design engineer.

- Mechanical design engineer.

- Data scientist/big data analyst.

- Instrumentation engineer.

- Software engineer.

PROFESSIONAL BODIES

- National Association of Technicians and Craftsmen (for ND holders)

- National Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) for HND holders.

- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (for HND holders)

- Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) (for both ND and HND holders)

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