Automotive Engineering Technology

Undergraduate Programs

Description

Accreditation. The Automotive Engineering Technology program at Minnesota State University, Mankato is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.

The mission of the Automotive Engineering Technology (AET) degree program at Minnesota State Mankato, is to provide a broad-based education for graduates to enter globally competitive automotive careers to serve the citizens of Minnesota and the world by:

  • providing the highest quality education to prepare application-oriented graduates for a broad range of career opportunities in product research, design, development, and technical sales environments;
  • encouraging and supporting faculty and students to engage in scholarly research and activities through partnerships with government, industry, and other constituencies that support effective and ethical transfer of technology;
  • providing access to state of the art equipment, facilities, and methodologies, along with faculty expertise to benefit AET students; and
  • broadening access to the program for diverse populations and support of K-12 pipeline development.

Program Description. The Automotive Engineering Technology (AET) degree program awards a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) to successful students through a four-year curriculum.

Engineering technology has been defined as the part of the technological field which requires the application of scientific and engineering knowledge and methods combined with technical skills in support of engineering activities; it lies in the occupational spectrum between the craftsman and the engineer at the end of the spectrum closest to the engineer. Engineering technology is oriented less toward theory and more toward practical applications. - American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE).

The Automotive Engineering Technology degree program prepares graduates for careers in product research, design and development, manufacturing, and technical sales in the original equipment and aftermarket industries. Fields include passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, vehicle emissions, safety, fuels and lubricants, construction, industrial, and agricultural equipment. Graduates from the program are currently working for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), such as General Motors, Polaris, John Deere, AGCO, and Ford along with aftermarket companies such as Competition Cams, OTC, and S&S Cycle. A more complete reference to companies employing AET graduates may be obtained from the Department Chair.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (sae.org) and National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ase.com) are the lead professional societies used in developing program criteria, guiding program relevance, and making continuous improvement.

The primary goal of the AET program is to provide all graduates with the solid technical foundation necessary to insure their success in a wide variety of employment opportunities. To accomplish this goal, program outcomes and objectives are defined and assessed for continuous improvement.

Program Outcomes. Students at the time of graduation are prepared to:

  1. apply knowledge of science, math, statistics, and engineering technology to solve problems encountered in a professional career in the automotive industry.
  2. design, analyze and build virtual and real models, and conduct testing in product development environments through applied computer technologies.
  3. define and communicate a set of requirements for a system, component or process and develop solutions to satisfy given criteria in an optimal fashion using creativity in design.
  4. function effectively as a manager, leader, or member of a team.
  5. understand and practice professional, ethical, environmental, and global responsibilities.
  6. communicate effectively across all design and management interface levels of an organization.
  7. recognize the need for, and then develop, the skills for life-long learning.
  8. understand and engage in behavior which respects diversity and global cultures
  9. practice timeliness and quality with regard to work requirements.

Program Objectives. AET graduates two to three years into their careers should have the foundation to:

  1. deliver products, services, and support to both internal and external organizations by applying technical knowledge, problem solving techniques and hands-on skills in traditional and emerging technologies.
  2. actively participate in on-going professional development, professional growth, and increasing professional responsibility.
  3. effectively communicate ideas to technical and non-technical people.
  4. perform in or manage cross-functional teams.
  5. work within the accepted standards of professional integrity and conduct.
  6. design, analyze, build, and test virtual or real models in product development and continuous improvement environments.
  7. implement, and continuously improve cost, quality, time, and goals using world class management methodologies.

Majors

Program Locations Total Credits
Automotive Engineering Technology BS BS - Bachelor of Science
  • Mankato
128

Minors

Program Locations Total Credits
Automotive Engineering Technology Minor
  • Mankato
16

Policies & Faculty

Policies

Admission to the AET. Major is granted by the Department of AMET. Admission to the major is required to register for 300-level courses. Minimum requirements for acceptance into the AET major include a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and the completion of the courses listed in the Prerequisites to the Major in the AET section of this bulletin with a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher.

GPA Policy. A GPA of 2.5 or higher in the required courses for the major or minor in Automotive Engineering Technology is required in order to proceed in the program sequence and graduate. This GPA calculation is based on the following areas: Required General Education, Prerequisite to the Major, Major Common Core and Major Restricted Electives. Refer to the College of Science Engineering and Technology Student Advising Center regarding required advising for students on academic probation.

Department Grade Policy. All courses required for the AET major (Required General Education, Prerequisite to the Major, Major Common Core and Major Restricted Electives) must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better except for AET 387, AET 488W, and AET 489W.

P/N Grading Policy. No more than 1/4 of all undergraduate credits may be P/N, except those courses offered P/N only. 

Residency. A minimum of 50 percent of the credits for a major or minor in Automotive Engineering Technology must be taken at Minnesota State Mankato.

Prerequisites and co-requisites must be observed unless written permission is obtained from the instructor and the Department of AMET. A flow chart of prerequisites is available at the Department Office and on the AMET website.

The scheduling of all department courses is done bi-annually, based on enrollment and staffing. To obtain a current class schedule, contact the Department.

Contact Information

205 Trafton Science Center E
Department of Automotive & Manufacturing Engineering Technology
College of Science, Engineering & Technology

Phone (507) 389-6383
Fax (507) 389-5002
https://cset.mnsu.edu/departments/automotive-and-manufacturing-engineering-technology/automotive-engineering-technology/

Faculty

Chair
  • Gary Mead, Ph.D.
Faculty

100 Level

Credits: 1

An overview of careers, technology and requirements of the Automotive Engineering Technology program. Careers in engineering technology are examined along with professional organizations and ethics.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

This course is centered on the theory, operation and service of the systems found in modern automobiles. Lectures and demonstrations cover the course topics and open lab sessions allow students to practice procedures on their own vehicles in the completion of course assignments.

Prerequisites: none

200 Level

Credits: 4

This course focuses on the engine's mechanical, ignition, fuel, and emission system using a systems approach to diagnose problems. Test equipment used in the course includes: fuel and fuel system; emission system; ignition oscilloscopes; valve refurbishing and mechanical diagnostic equipment.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

This course is centered on the theory, components, and diagnostic procedures related to modern automobile electrical and electronic systems. The major emphasis of the course involves the computer, sensors, and actuators as used in vehicles to control the ignition, fuel, emission, ABS, and chassis systems.

Prerequisites: AET 160, AET 261, EET 113

Credits: 3

This is an introductory course to graphical programming and data acquisition using LabVIEW®. Fundamental programming concepts are introduced including variables and data types, conditions, loop structures, functions, and data file input/output. Students will learn how to use data acquisition equipment, acquire and analyze signals, and present results.

Prerequisites: EET 113, MATH 121

300 Level

Credits: 3

Course provides a fundamental understanding of the physical principles of fluid power, along with a practical working knowledge of the components utilized in designing, installing, operating, and maintaining hydraulic and pneumatic power systems.

Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 211

Credits: 4

This course is an exploration of the theory and design of chassis systems, in addition to evaluation of these designs. Research tools include software design simulators, chassis geometry gauges, and dynamometers.

Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 211

Credits: 3

This course focuses on the study of thermodynamics as it relates to internal combustion engines and their design. Static and dynamic engine measurements are thoroughly covered along with an introduction to fuel cell and hybrid application. Thermochemistry topics are covered including fuel characteristics, mixture ratios and emission characteristics.

Prerequisites: CHEM 104, MATH 121, PHYS 211

Credits: 3

An examination of automotive design and research along with a review of topics such as ethics, professionalism, measurement, statistics, and career development/placement. This course prepares the student for AET 488, Senior Design Project I, where the design proposal, design project and final report are completed.

Prerequisites: ENG 271W, STAT 154

Credits: 0

Curricular Practical Training: Co-Operative Experience is a zero-credit full-time practical training experience for one summer and an adjacent fall or spring term. Special rules apply to preserve full-time student status. Please contact an advisor in your program for complete information.

Prerequisites: AET 102. At least 60 credits earned; in good standing; instructor permission; co-op contract; other prerequisites may also apply.

400 Level

Credits: 1-4

Focuses on the design and construction of prototype vehicles. Topics include: vehicle design decisions, rules, budgets, chassis design, body and aerodynamics, drivetrain choices, construction techniques, and test procedures. An experimental vehicle will be built in the course. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Permission Required

Credits: 3

This course covers advanced vehicle propulsion systems within the electric and hybrid electric category. Fundamentals of the operation of electric motors, controllers, inverters, and batteries utilized in electric and hybrid platforms will be covered. In addition a significant focus will be placed on the application, modeling, integration, testing, and optimization of the systems in electric and hybrid electric vehicles.

Prerequisites: AET 366, MATH 122, PHYS 212

Credits: 2

This course is designed to provide experience in management, organization, supervision, and maintenance in a laboratory environment. Enrollment is limited. Sign up at least two semesters ahead.

Prerequisites: AET 364, Permission required

Credits: 4

Automotive research techniques and equipment form the basis of this course. Environmental measurement, air flow testing, dynamometer testing, emissions measurement and fuel efficiency testing is covered. Emphasis is placed on research procedures, data acquisition and interpretation.

Prerequisites: AET 366, PHYS 211, STAT 154

Credits: 3

The first of a two course sequence where students carry out their capstone design project. Weekly meetings are scheduled where the design team carries out the tasks required for completion. Formal design presentations and research papers are presented at the end of the course.

Prerequisites: MET 341, AET 364, AET 387

Credits: 3

The second of a two course sequence where students build upon the first semester's work. This course culminates with the completion of the capstone project with a formal technical paper following SAE format that would be ready to be submitted for publication.

Prerequisites: AET 468, AET 488W, MET 324

Credits: 1-4

Selected automotive topics.

Prerequisites: Permission required

Credits: 1-10

Automotive work experience in an area pertinent to the student's career objective. Consent of internship coordinator required prior to the beginning of employment and registration. Typically done between the junior and senior year.

Prerequisites: 40 earned credits in AET/MET

Credits: 1-4

Prerequisites: Permission required