Course Descriptions | Bismarck State College

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Course Descriptions

Students choosing to complete all courses within the Industrial Automation (INAU) program can follow the recommended sequence below or create a customized schedule based on their needs. The NECE recommends that students consult with their academic advisor prior to registration for academic advice based on individual educational goals.

Please review the descriptions below for information on each course.
 

Industrial Automation (INAU) Pathway

Recommended Sequence - 1st Semester

ESRE 210 Electrical & Safe Work Practices
ESRE 216 Mechanical Drive Systems
ESRE 213 Hydraulic Fundamentals
ESRE 218 Distributed Grid Systems

Recommended Sequence - 2nd Semester

ENRT 224 Automation & Control
ENRT 221 Applied Electronics
ESRE 226 Analog PLCs
ESRE 228 Technician Applications & Troubleshooting

Recommended Sequence - 3rd Semester

ENRT 112 Print Reading
ENRT 105 Safety, Health & Environment
ENRT 240 Industrial SCADA
INAU 210 Automation Systems

Recommended Sequence - 4th Semester

INAU 220 Machine Vision & Identification
INAU 230 Industrial Robotics
INAU 240 Integrated Systems, Design & Setup
INAU 245 Integrated Systems, Troubleshooting and Quality Control

In addition to the courses listed above, 15 general education credits are required.

Please visit the Education Plan for additional information.
 

Industrial Automation (INAU) Pathway

1st Semester Courses - Fall semesters only


ESRE 210 Electrical and Safe Work Practices - 3 credits
This course covers specific work practices in the areas of basic electrical safety, principles of electricity, basic process controls, elevated work and rigging. OSHA standards and safe permitting practices are components of this course.

ESRE 213 Hydraulic Fundamentals - 3 credits
This course covers principles and operation of hydraulic systems. Hydraulic system analysis and troubleshooting in the lab setting is part of this course.

ESRE 216 Mechanical Drive Systems - 4 credits
Introducing the fundamentals of mechanical drives and the application of mechanical skills and knowledge to the industrial setting. Topics covered will include couplings, chain drives, pulley drives, motor leveling and alignment, bearings, gaskets and gear drives. Demonstration by the student in the areas of torqueing, measurements, gap adjustments and shaft alignments is included.

ESRE 218 Distributed Power Systems - 4 credits
This course includes an in-depth study of grid-direct solar arrays, small wind systems and other distributed grid systems. Curriculum also includes sizing and installation of systems.
 

2nd Semester Courses

ENRT 224 Automation and Control - 3 credits - FASPSU
This course includes an in depth study of discrete motor control devices and the assembly and programming of PLC discrete input and output modules. The application of these devices in energy and industrial environments is included. Understanding of real world control systems and student constructed systems is part of this course. Some of the equipment covered is switches, relays, contactors, motor starters, control transformers, discrete input devices, electronic input devices, and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).

ENRT 221 Applied Electronics - 3 credits - FASPSU
This course focuses on the electronic components and devices that are critical in the operation of energy, manufacturing and other industrial facilities. Students will understand the function of a variety of devices and how to troubleshoot them.

ESRE 226 Analog PLCs - 3 credits - SPRING
The operation and use of analog systems is the focus of this course. PLC analog modules are used to demonstrate analog system operation. Commercial wind turbine systems are used to discuss and demonstrate how analog systems operate. Commercial wind turbine subsystem operations, including the distribution of generated power are covered in this course. The technicians role in the successful operation of a facility is another component of this course.

ESRE 228 Technician Applications and Troubleshooting - 4 credits - SPRING
This course, primarily a hands-on course, takes the core skills learned and integrates them into practice. Lab systems included are hydraulic, mechanical, electric motors, PLCs, and other control systems. This course develops and tests the students troubleshooting skills and prepares them to work safely and effectively in an industrial or renewable power generation facility.
 

3rd Semester Courses


ENRT 112 Print Reading - 3 credits - FASPSU
This course covers schematics, prints, and piping and instrument diagrams used in various industries. Students will learn how to read and interpret block and single-line diagrams, which will prepare them for the logic and electrical schematics included in this course.

ENRT 105 Safety, Health and Environment - 3 credits - FASPSU
This course covers the personal protective equipment and proper safe work practices and procedures commonly used in the energy industry. Students will also gain a working knowledge of standard safety, health and environmental practices and regulations set by various government entities.

ENRT 240 - Industrial SCADA - 3 credits - FALL
An introduction to the design, assembly, programming and operation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, including Human Interface (HMI) systems. Wiring and networking of programmable controllers to SCADA software and an HMI device is one part of this course. SCADA system application, operation and troubleshooting in manufacturing and energy sectors is included.
 
INAU 210 Automation Systems - 3 credits - FALL
This course is focused on automated manufacturing systems, automated sorting and processing systems, and delivery systems. Other systems relevant to the workplace are also covered. In this course students configure machine communications systems and calibrate discrete, analog and smart sensors in these systems.
 

4th Semester Courses - Spring semesters only


INAU 220 Machine Vision and Identification - 3 credits
Students discuss and demonstrate the applications and uses of systems used by machines to identify objects or their environment. The vision systems covered include RFID systems, barcode systems, color recognition systems, 2D vision systems, 3D vision systems, and other systems as they become relevant to the workplace.

INAU 230 Industrial Robotics - 3 credits
Students develop and demonstrate an industrial robot, including application, operation and programming. Students also perform troubleshooting of basic robotics and discuss related safety issues.

INAU 240 Integrated Systems, Design and Setup - 3 credits
This is a project-based class in which students design, build, and program a complete automated system using smart sensors to control a process, robots to move products, and a monitoring system to provide process control.

INAU 245 Integrated Systems, Troubleshooting and Quality Control - 4 credits
Building on the Integrated Systems, Design and Setup course, students learn techniques for troubleshooting the systems to ensure the quality of the products is consistent with specifications.