Certificates offer the chance to explore a subject and build skills in less time than it takes to complete a degree program. You can also study a specific technique to build new career skills to help you launch or advance in your career.
Aims offers a variety of industrial technology certificates that cover critical aspects of working in manufacturing. Some certificates progressively build upon each other, while you can earn others as standalone certificates in a particular subject area.
These certificates can also serve as a starting point to begin an industrial technology degree program at Aims.
Advanced Automation Certificate
This automation certificate allows students to learn the fundamentals and more advanced techniques of PLC controlled lab trainers as well as how to program and troubleshoot industrial equipment. Students will also be exposed to the Lean Six Sigma DMAIC improvement approach used within the industry.
Certificate Requirements
ELT-2348 - Automation Control Circuits
Introduces the fundamentals of automatic controls including process control methodologies used to regulate a system or multiple systems for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a predictable manufacturing process. Course is not repeatable for credit.
Serves as the second in a two course sequence and covers advanced topics and applications for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as they are applied in robotics and automation. Includes advanced programming, diagnostics, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), introduction to automation networking, and system integration. Incorporates lab and project activities that address designing, operating, monitoring, programming, analyzing, troubleshooting, and repairing PLC controlled lab trainers as well as actual industrial equipment. Course is not repeatable for credit.
Course Prerequisites
ELT 2358 with a grade of "C" or better
3
ELT-2368 - Robotics Technologies
Introduces industrial robotics as well as a survey of the technologies and equipment used in manufacturing automation and process control. Includes axis configurations, work envelopes, programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Incorporates a survey of automation topics including history, computer and hardwired controls, sensors and transducers, motors and actuators, fluid power, etc. and provides a preview of the other ELT classes that cover those subjects. Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
MTE-2220 - Lean Six Sigma
Focuses on the statistical modeling approaches to process and product improvement through the reduction of waste (lean) and defects (six sigma) while introducing methodology such as the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC), common in the manufacturing and service industries. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
PRO-2700 - Industrial Troubleshooting
Provides instruction in the different types of troubleshooting techniques, procedures, and methods used to solve process problems. Topics include application of data collection and analysis, cause-effect relationships, and reasoning. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
Total Credits for Certificate 17
Advanced Maintenance Certificate
Students investigate a wide variety of topics related to manufacturing and process technology including: high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, equipment operation, quality within the process industry, troubleshooting methods to solve process problems, programming and repair of industrial equipment and more.
Serves as the second in a two course sequence and covers advanced topics and applications for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as they are applied in robotics and automation. Includes advanced programming, diagnostics, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), introduction to automation networking, and system integration. Incorporates lab and project activities that address designing, operating, monitoring, programming, analyzing, troubleshooting, and repairing PLC controlled lab trainers as well as actual industrial equipment. Course is not repeatable for credit.
Course Prerequisites
ELT 2358 with a grade of "C" or better
3
MTE-1220 - Lean Manufacturing Practices and Processes
Focuses on the study of the Toyota Production System (TPS). Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
PRO-1300 - Process Technology I: Equipment
Provides an overview or introduction into the field of equipment within the process industry. This course will introduce many process industry-related equipment concepts including purpose, components, operation, and the Process Technician's role for operating and troubleshooting the equipment. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
PRO-2700 - Industrial Troubleshooting
Provides instruction in the different types of troubleshooting techniques, procedures, and methods used to solve process problems. Topics include application of data collection and analysis, cause-effect relationships, and reasoning. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
PRO-2800 - Quality in Process Technology
Provides an introduction to the field of Quality within the Process Industry. This course will introduce many process industry-related quality concepts including operating consistency, continuous improvement, plant economics, team skills and statistical process control (SPC). Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
Total Credits for Certificate 17
Basic Automation and Maintenance Certificate
This comprehensive certificate program provides students with skills in computer terminology, experimental design, manufacturing, process operations and energy technologies. Best practices, collaborative techniques and ethical considerations within the industry will also be explored.
Required Courses:
CIS-1018 - Intro to PC Applications
This course introduces basic computer terminology, file management, and PC system components. Provides an overview of office application software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics. Includes the use of a web browser to access the Internet. Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
EGG-1051 - Introduction to Experimental Design and Engineering
Introduces the design and construction of scientific and/or engineering experiments. This course covers the entire life cycle of the experiment or prototype from concept generation and design through construction, making measurements, analysis of collected data, and communication of results. Course is not repeatable for credit.
2
ELT-1206 - Fundamentals of DC/AC
Introduces the basic skills needed for many careers in electronics and related fields. Covers the operations and applications of basic DC and AC circuits consisting of resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers and diodes. Emphasizes the use of common test instruments in troubleshooting. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
ELT-2358 - Programmable Logic Controllers
Covers the fundamentals of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as they are applied in robotics and automation. Includes history, terminology, typical applications, hardware, and software. Incorporates lab and project activities that address operating, monitoring, programming, troubleshooting, and repairing PLC controlled lab trainers as well as actual industrial equipment. Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
ENY-1000 - Introduction to Energy Technologies
Introduces the energy technologies in use today and those that are in the research stage as possible alternatives. This course presents technologies including active solar heating, passive solar heating, wind energy systems, biomass, photovoltaics, co-generation, low and high head hydro, hydrogen, geothermal, power towers and energy storage systems. Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
MAN-1002 - Business Ethics and Values
Explores the foundations of business ethics which includes influences and guidelines to help you make good decisions at work. Students will identify traits of ethical people and ethical organizations, such as, integrity, character, honesty, self-control, and self-sacrifice. Course is not repeatable for credit.
1
MAN-1017 - Time Management
Provides a clear sense of purpose for the following: structured goals, overcome barriers, leverage practical strategies, tools, and techniques to develop and implement an effective time management framework. Course is not repeatable for credit.
1
MAN-1025 - Team Building
Introduces the concept of working as a team member. This course emphasizes the ability to negotiate, collaborate, build consensus, and make quality decisions. Course is not repeatable for credit.
1
MTE-1101 - Introduction to Manufacturing
Focuses on the fundamentals of manufacturing and the responsibilities of the manufacturing technician, including design, procurement, assembly, maintenance, operations, accounting and the importance of Quality Assurance (QA) throughout the manufacturing process. Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
MTE-1102 - Safety Manufacturing Environment
Introduces Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) federal and state regulations, industrial practices, and accident investigation techniques; including topics such as hazard communication standards, lockout/tagout procedures, eye safety, lifting techniques, electrical safety, stored energy safety, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and safety program development and monitoring. Course is not repeatable for credit.
1
PRO-1000 - Introduction to Process Technology
Provides an overview or introduction into the field of Process Operations within the process industry. The course will introduce the roles and responsibilities of process technicians, the environment in which they work, and the equipment and systems in which they operate. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
PRO-1340 - Instrumentation I
Provides an introduction to the field of Instrumentation and covers process variables and the various instruments used to sense, measure, transmit and control these variables. This course also introduces control loops and the elements that are found in different types of loops, such as controllers, regulators and final control elements. The course concludes with a study of instrumentation drawings and diagrams and a unit on troubleshooting instrumentation. Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
Total Credits for Certificate 29
Energy Certificate
In this one-year certificate program, you’ll study today’s standard and alternative energy technologies including active and passive solar heating, wind, biomass, photovoltaics, co-generation, hydro, hydrogen, geothermal and more. Learn about the role of energy and energy management in business, socioeconomic issues, and the basic calculation methods for quantifying energy use and savings.
Certificate Requirements
ECO-1001 - Economics of Social Issues: GT-SS1
Examines major contemporary socio-economic issues and policies such as drugs and crime, education, health care, poverty and inequality, and globalization. These issues will be explored using economic tools and methods. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
ENY-1000 - Introduction to Energy Technologies
Introduces the energy technologies in use today and those that are in the research stage as possible alternatives. This course presents technologies including active solar heating, passive solar heating, wind energy systems, biomass, photovoltaics, co-generation, low and high head hydro, hydrogen, geothermal, power towers and energy storage systems. Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
ENY-2700 - Energy Management
Introduces the role of energy and energy management in business. Key subjects include energy statistics, reporting and goal setting, balancing business with sustainability, measurement and verificaion, fuel switching, financing and performance contracting, energy codes and legislation, and effectively communicating technical material to a variety of audiences. This course will demonstrate goal setting and measurement/ reporting activities suitable for the field of energy. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
ENY-2701 - Alternative Energy Systems
Introduces renewable alternatives to conventional fossil fuel energy supply sources. Topics include combined heat and power, photovoltaics, solar pool heating, passive solar and cool roof technologies, carbon footprint and embedded energy concepts, externalities, government roles and society cost tests. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
ENY-2721 - Quantifying Energy Use I
Introduces basic calculation methods for quantifying energy use and energy savings. Topics will include load profiles, parasitic and standby losses, compounding efficiencies, integrated design, design energy budgets, transport energy, benchmarks and end use pies for rough estimating, and reasonableness testing. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
Total Credits for Certificate 18
Manufacturing Operations Certificate
This certificate prepares a student to enter the workforce in an entry-level position or supplements existing skills to advance a career. Gain the manufacturing technician knowledge and experience needed to assess manufacturing safety and process quality and learn how to diagnose problems with the equipment used in a manufacturing environment.
Certificate Requirements:
MTE-1101 - Introduction to Manufacturing
Focuses on the fundamentals of manufacturing and the responsibilities of the manufacturing technician, including design, procurement, assembly, maintenance, operations, accounting and the importance of Quality Assurance (QA) throughout the manufacturing process. Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
MTE-1102 - Safety Manufacturing Environment
Introduces Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) federal and state regulations, industrial practices, and accident investigation techniques; including topics such as hazard communication standards, lockout/tagout procedures, eye safety, lifting techniques, electrical safety, stored energy safety, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and safety program development and monitoring. Course is not repeatable for credit.
1
PRO-1000 - Introduction to Process Technology
Provides an overview or introduction into the field of Process Operations within the process industry. The course will introduce the roles and responsibilities of process technicians, the environment in which they work, and the equipment and systems in which they operate. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
PRO-1300 - Process Technology I: Equipment
Provides an overview or introduction into the field of equipment within the process industry. This course will introduce many process industry-related equipment concepts including purpose, components, operation, and the Process Technician's role for operating and troubleshooting the equipment. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
PRO-1340 - Instrumentation I
Provides an introduction to the field of Instrumentation and covers process variables and the various instruments used to sense, measure, transmit and control these variables. This course also introduces control loops and the elements that are found in different types of loops, such as controllers, regulators and final control elements. The course concludes with a study of instrumentation drawings and diagrams and a unit on troubleshooting instrumentation. Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
PRO-2700 - Industrial Troubleshooting
Provides instruction in the different types of troubleshooting techniques, procedures, and methods used to solve process problems. Topics include application of data collection and analysis, cause-effect relationships, and reasoning. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
PRO-2800 - Quality in Process Technology
Provides an introduction to the field of Quality within the Process Industry. This course will introduce many process industry-related quality concepts including operating consistency, continuous improvement, plant economics, team skills and statistical process control (SPC). Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
Total Credits for Certificate 22
Robotics Certificate
This certificate prepares students to work in robotics across various industries in an installation, service or manufacturing capacity. Learn about robotic electronic controls, AC/DC motors, PLCs and some of the code that helps drive robotics. Students can earn this certificate to add to their job skills set or towards completing the Industrial Technology associate degree.
Certificate Requirements:
ELT-1206 - Fundamentals of DC/AC
Introduces the basic skills needed for many careers in electronics and related fields. Covers the operations and applications of basic DC and AC circuits consisting of resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers and diodes. Emphasizes the use of common test instruments in troubleshooting. Course is not repeatable for credit.
4
ELT-2348 - Automation Control Circuits
Introduces the fundamentals of automatic controls including process control methodologies used to regulate a system or multiple systems for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a predictable manufacturing process. Course is not repeatable for credit.
3
ELT-2358 - Programmable Logic Controllers
Covers the fundamentals of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as they are applied in robotics and automation. Includes history, terminology, typical applications, hardware, and software. Incorporates lab and project activities that address operating, monitoring, programming, troubleshooting, and repairing PLC controlled lab trainers as well as actual industrial equipment. Course is not repeatable for credit.
Serves as the second in a two course sequence and covers advanced topics and applications for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as they are applied in robotics and automation. Includes advanced programming, diagnostics, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), introduction to automation networking, and system integration. Incorporates lab and project activities that address designing, operating, monitoring, programming, analyzing, troubleshooting, and repairing PLC controlled lab trainers as well as actual industrial equipment. Course is not repeatable for credit.
Course Prerequisites
ELT 2358 with a grade of "C" or better
3
ELT-2367 - Introduction to Robotics
Introduces basic robotics. Enables the student to program a robot in a higher-level language to perform various tasks. Covers building and interfacing of sensor circuits. Course is not repeatable for credit.
1
ELT-2368 - Robotics Technologies
Introduces industrial robotics as well as a survey of the technologies and equipment used in manufacturing automation and process control. Includes axis configurations, work envelopes, programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Incorporates a survey of automation topics including history, computer and hardwired controls, sensors and transducers, motors and actuators, fluid power, etc. and provides a preview of the other ELT classes that cover those subjects. Course is not repeatable for credit.
