Quincy College to unveil new Robotics and Engineering Associate Degree Program and Laboratory

An Investment in the Future: Quincy College to unveil new Robotics and Engineering Associate Degree Program and Laboratory dedicated to Robotics on May 4th
 
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Quincy, MA (4/27/2016) -  Quincy College is pleased to announce the Engineering Technology Program Inauguration and the Grand Opening of the Engineering Technology and Robotics Lab on Wednesday, May 4th from 12:00pm to 1:30pm at 24 Saville Avenue - Room 100 on the Quincy College - Quincy Campus.

Quincy College President Peter H. Tsaffaras will formally unveil the new Engineering Laboratory with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests are invited to join Quincy College Administrators, Engineering Technology Staff, and Computer Science students for a tour of the latest innovations available in the new Engineering laboratory.

3D printing demonstrations and robotics demonstrations with the College's Nao Robot, Jingles will round out the event with light fare and refreshments.

Work on the Quincy College Robotics and Engineering Program started in the Fall 0f 2014 with course development being spreaheaded by William Brennan, Dean of the Academic Division of Professional Programs, Vincent Van Joolen Dean of Natural and Health Sciences and Instructor of Engineering Technology, Richard Bramante. Together, they quickly identified the Quincy College Saville Hall Room 100 as a suitable space to convert to an Engineering Lab.  Work on the laboratory began in the spring of 2015 which continued into the fall of 2015.  The first engineering classes to utilize the space was the Spring semester of 2016.
 
The Engineering and Robotics lab was designed to facilitate 20 students per class.  There are 20 high powered workstations for students and one for the instructor.  The workstations have engineering software installed to provide for electrical circuit simulation as well as CAD that can be used for 3D printing.  The engineering lab equipment is designed for five  student laboratory stations each having an oscilloscope, waveform generator, Digital volt meter and power supply.  Each lab bench setup accommodates a max of four students in any one class, there are five lab bench setups in total for a max of 20 students per class.

"The Engineering Technology Program allows Quincy College to strengthen our Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) offerings for current and prospective students. By investing in innovation, we can enhance our students' futures and develop skilled workers in cutting edge industries." reflects William Brennan, Dean of the Academic Division of Professional Programs. "At Quincy College, we pride ourselves on creating pathways to advanced degrees and careers for our students.
Starting with a Certificate or an Associate's Degree at Quincy College, students can take advantage of our many articulation programs with some of the top 4-year colleges in the area, granting access to institutions like UMass, Northeastern University's Lowell Institute School, and twenty-three other institutions to pursue advanced degrees. Whether pursuing advanced degrees or a career in Engineering Technology, this new program helps Quincy College deliver the best education affordable to the South Shore.  Our new state-of-the-art Engineering & Robotics Laboratory includes humanoid robots and 3D printers for our students to experience as part of their academic programs."

The Engineering Technology Associate Degree provides students with the knowledgebase required to become Engineering Technicians in the areas of electrical and electronic systems.  Additional coursework in electromechanical principles and robotics will aid in pursuing employment opportunities in the emerging 3D printing and robotics engineering fields.  Upon successful completion of the program students will be able to provide the technical knowledge and know how to assist and support design engineers that develop new products in a variety of different fields.  Although the curriculum is designed to facilitate those students wishing to develop a career in Engineering Technology some students may find opportunity in continuing their education at institutions offering a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.   Additional college courses in science and mathematics may be required to build sufficient credits to transfer into a baccalaureate program.

Some of the courses offered as part of the Engineering Technology program include
Electrical Fundamentals, Digital Electronic Circuits, Computer Aided Design, and Robotics Engineering.

"It is an honor to be a part of the new Engineering Technology program at Quincy College, states Richard Bramante, Instructor of Engineering Technology. "It is exciting to have the ability to shape new curriculum that combines innovative technology with real-world practical experience in the classroom.  The focus of the program is to enable students to enhance their job opportunities in the many industries that have become technology driven and in need of qualified employees.  The new Engineering and Robotics Laboratory provides students with a classroom space that also allows for practical, hands-on training.  The ability for students to work with industry standard laboratory equipment will help foster a deeper understanding of electrical fundamentals, digital concepts and embedded microprocessor control that are in use in many of today's industries.  As an instructor, my role is to facilitate and instill in my student's the excitement of using their learned engineering fundamentals to create something, such as a robot that can move and function to do a task. Technology impacts many diverse fields from lighting city streets to medical devices that help to save lives. Due to the need for a technology aware workforce, Quincy College has built a state-of-the-art laboratory that will help foster excitement in students to pursue careers within technology."

This event is by invitation only; media is welcome to attend. For more information, visit: https://qctech.splashthat.com. For more information about the Engineering Technology Program at Quincy College, visit: http://quincycollege.edu/eng.