Mechanical Engineering Technology

Program Overview

Mechanical engineering technologists help ensure the machines and systems our society depends on work the way they’re supposed to. You need an aptitude for all things mechanical, but you also need good problem-solving and analytical skills, because your job will involve troubleshooting problems; finding better, more efficient ways to do things; and ensuring vital systems stay up and running.

The job market is strong; the opportunities are diverse. You could work in mechanical design for a consulting engineering firm, as an engineering assistant at a manufacturing plant, as a systems inspector for a regulatory agency or as a technical sales representative for an equipment distributor.

Mechanical Engineering Technology is a two-year diploma program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus. The program focuses on mechanical design and drafting, industrial and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems and process instrumentation. You’ll learn how to apply scientific principles to solve basic engineering problems involving:

air conditioning
computer applications
engineering design
fluids and materials
industrial instrumentation
power and thermodynamics
process control
project management

Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s hands-on approach to learning means you’ll learn by doing. You’ll design a complete air conditioning system, use cutting edge software to design a machine, conduct an applied research project, troubleshoot solutions on a technical project and more.

Diploma to Degree

Use your diploma to ladder into bachelor of engineering or technology degree programs at Lakehead University in Ontario or Memorial University in Newfoundland or Queen’s University in Ontario.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates are working in many different industries—manufacturing, mining, transportation, the oil patch and more. There are entry-level jobs in mechanical design and drafting, product testing, process instrumentation, systems inspection, technical sales and support. Potential employers include consulting engineering firms, mining and manufacturing companies, equipment distributors, utilities, municipalities and government agencies.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Mechanical Engineering Technologist	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (2232)	$45,800 - $107,200
Design and Drafting Technologist	Drafting Technologists and Technicians (2253)	$45,800 - $91,600
Commercial / Industrial HVAC-R Salesperson	Technical Sales Specialists - Wholesale Trade (6221)	$35,100 - $90,100

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): August

Length: 74 weeks:

Year 1 - 37 weeks; Year 2 - 37 weeks

Locations

Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 with a minimum of 60% in Pre-Calculus 30*, and in Physics 30
English Language Requirement

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

Minimum of 60% in Math B30 and C30

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

250 Arithmetic
240 College Level Math
256 Elementary Algebra
250 Reading
245 Sentence

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Year 1 - $8,100
Year 2 - $8,600

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

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Year 1 - Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CAD 181

CAD Drafting

Your studies will focus on the concepts of micro-based computer assisted drafting (CADD). Extensive hands-on training and lecture sessions will provide the knowledge you need to produce industrial standard CADD drawings, use 2-D drafting and draw from 3-D models. You will follow standard conventions while improving your skill and efficiency in using a CAD system.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): COAP 172(concurrent) or DRFT 174(concurrent)
Corequisites(s): COAP 172, DRFT 174
Equivalent Course(s): DRFT 105, DRFT 191
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

COAP 172

Computer Applications

You will receive an introduction to computer applications (such as a word processor, spreadsheet and database application). You will also gain knowledge of electronic spreadsheets in detail.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 110, COAP 122
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

DRFT 174

Drafting Principles

You will learn the basic theory and skills needed to generate graphic representation of an idea, concept or entity. You will use engineering lettering and geometric construction, prepare engineering graphs with computer software, use sketching methods, use basic descriptive geometry and its applications, and develop orthographic drawings, dimensioning, pictorial drafting, auxiliary views and sectional views. You will also construct engineering technical drawings using the orthographic projection method with an introduction to piping drawings.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 75.0
Prerequisites(s): CAD 181(concurrent)
Corequisites(s): CAD 181
Equivalent Course(s): DRFT 106, DRFT 181
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ENGM 191

Applied Mechanics: Statics

You will learn how to use basic algebra and trigonometry to determine the forces in stationary machine and equipment members. The course content includes force systems, center of gravity, static friction and moment of inertia, and the application of these principles to engineering problems.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 77.0
Prerequisites(s): MATH 182 or MATH 193
Corequisites(s):
Equivalent Course(s): ENGM 190, ENGM 191CE, MECA 120
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

FMEC 288

Fluid Mechanics

You will gain expertise in assessing and utilizing fluid properties such as temperature, pressure, density and viscosity in evaluating the behaviour of flowing and non-flowing fluids. The forces exerted on bodies and surfaces due to non-flowing fluids (fluid statics) and the characteristics of fluids in motion along with any resulting energy changes (fluid dynamics) will be examined. You will develop competency in analyzing simple pipe networks, classification and selection of associated mechanical equipment (pumps, blowers, etc.), and the principles of fluid flow measurement.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 77.0
Corequisites(s): ENGM 191
Equivalent Course(s): HYDR 285
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

MATH 182

Mathematics

You will review trigonometry, algebraic, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions and their graphs, and trigonometric identities. You will also receive an introduction to differential calculus involving algebraic functions.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): MAT 122, MAT 226
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

SEM 101

Technology Seminars

Your orientation will include discussions regarding the role of technicians/technologists in the workplace and society. You will study time management skills, diversity in the workplace, principles of sustainability and safety requirements.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): ENGM 181, ETHC 183, ORTN 120, SEM 104
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

TCOM 102

Workplace Communication

You will examine the employability skills required in the workplace. You will discuss the communication process, and practice effective interpersonal communication techniques and conflict resolution. You will use workplace writing and job search skills.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 127, COMM 191, JOBS 190, JOBS 288, JOBS 290, TCOM 102CE, TCOM 120, TCOM 140, TMGT 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Learn Linc, Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

Year 1 - Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CALC 181

Technical Mathematics and Integral Calculus

You will receive a sound calculus background for solving a wide range of problems in the field of mechanical engineering. You will receive an introduction to integral calculus and learn how to apply it in a variety of situations. Differential and integral calculus will be expanded to include transcendental functions.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 68.0
Prerequisites(s): MATH 182
Equivalent Course(s): CALC 100, CALC 190, MAT 221
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

COSC 181

Computer Science

You will be provided an introduction to computers and computer programming, a description of structured programming and the program development cycle. You will learn how to design modular event-driven programs using a top-down structured approach. Your lab work will include using the Visual Basic.Net language to develop applications for solving engineering problems. Your introduction to VB.Net and VB.Net environment will be followed by a discussion of object-oriented programming using an object oriented event-driven high-level language, event procedures, forms and form controls. You will learn techniques for coding event procedures using algorithms and flow charts to implement sequence selection and repetition control structures. You will examine functions, subprocedures and arrays. Examples used in the lab will be taken from engineeering applications.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): COAP 172
Equivalent Course(s): COSC 193, COSC 284
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

DRFT 175

Mechanical Drafting

The course builds on the skills you developed in DRFT 174 (Drafting Principles). You will acquire theory and facility in 2-D drawings of threaded fasteners, welding symbols and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. You will complete detail drawings and assembly drawings that combine the majority of the basic concepts into one project. Some structural drawings will allow you to focus on more practical problems.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Prerequisites(s): CAD 181, DRFT 174
Equivalent Course(s): DRFT 182, DRFT 205
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

DRFT 176

Drafting Project

Your studies will focus on piping drawings. You will learn how to use the different modules of a 3-D piping software program. You will use the program to produce piping and instrumentation drawings, orthographic piping drawings and isometric piping drawings. You will begin a piping project that will be used in FMEC 288 (Fluid Mechanics) and INST 288 (Instrumentation and Controls).
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 52.0
Prerequisites(s): DRFT 175
Equivalent Course(s): DRFT 182
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

ELTR 182

Electricity and Electronics 1

You will study basic electricity and electronics from a functional point of view. The examination of components will be avoided in favour of a black box approach. The course content includes current and voltage (AC and DC), resistance, capacitance, inductance, Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, electrical power and energy, and digital electronic circuits.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 77.0
Equivalent Course(s): ELTR 120
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ENGM 180

Materials of Engineering

You will gain practical knowledge of the fundamental structure, properties (physical, mechanical, chemical) and supplied form of common engineering materials. This knowledge will assist in the evaluation and selection of materials suitable for given design and/or manufacturing processes. Major focus will be directed towards iron and iron alloys (steels), with additional examination of non-iron metals and alloys (aluminum, copper, etc), ceramics, polymers, and composite materials. Your studies will also include areas such as material corrosion and non-destructive examination.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 77.0
Equivalent Course(s): ENG 191, ENGM 288
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MACH 191

Machine Shop Technology

You will gain an understanding of machine shop principles and practices. This course will serve as a foundation for further studies in manufacturing. In addition to lectures and demonstrations, you will receive extensive hands-on experience.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Corequisites(s):
Equivalent Course(s): MACH 120
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

TCOM 103

Technical Communication

You will use research skills to find technical information and cite it correctly. You will conduct effective meetings and produce supporting documents. As well, you will discuss technical report purposes and formats, write short technical reports and present technical information.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): TCOM 102 or COM 170
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 181, COMM 190, TCOM 103CE, TCOM 106, TCOM 123, TCOM 141, TCOM 190
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

THER 180

Basic Thermodynamics

You will study the fundamental properties and energies associated with matter; primarily liquids, gases and vapours. The principles of mass and energy conservation will be used to define and examine the relationships between heat, work and other forms of energy. You will develop analytical competency in simplified thermodynamics processes and devices such as the piston-cylinder, heat engines, nozzles, turbines, compressors, etc. You will apply the concept of efficiency and its consequences explored. The impact of thermodynamic processes (energy transfer) on physical systems will also be assessed through an examination of resulting changes in pressure, temperature, volume, force and/or stress.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 77.0
Prerequisites(s): FMEC 288, MATH 182
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WELD 387

Welding for Technologists

You will observe and perform welding, thermal cutting and metal forming operations. You will develop an understanding of processes rather than skill. Supervised hands-on training will help you develop an understanding of Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Flux Cored Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Oxy-Fuel Welding and Submerged Arc Welding. Your metal cutting activities will include Oxy-fuel Cutting and Plasma Arc Cutting. You will perform metal forming activities on a plate roll, press brake and structural roll.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Corequisites(s):
Equivalent Course(s): WELD 102
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

Year 2- Semester 3

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CAD 281

Computer Aided Engineering 1

You will learn how to use computer software to solve mathematical/engineering problems. You will develop techniques for creating programs to solve these problems, discuss the limitations of these techniques and be introduced to commercially available software. The course content includes numerical methods, statistics, piping system analysis and design, and the design of cams. A commercially available software program is used for the piping analysis portion of the course. You will also learn about advanced features of Excel as a tool for solving engineering problems.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 77.0
Prerequisites(s): CAD 181
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ELTR 289

Electricity and Electronics 2

Building on the skills you developed in ELTR 182 (Electricity and Electronics 1), you will receive a general overview of electrical applications. The course content includes the power supply, transformers, AC and DC motors, electromagnetic and electronic control device symbols, basic PLC programming symbols and variable speed drives. You will be introduced to some basic automation ideas with respect to industrial plant control.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 77.0
Prerequisites(s): ELTR 182
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ENGM 193

Applied Mechanics - Dynamics

Building on the skills you developed in ENGM 191 (Applied Mechanics: Statics), your studies will focus on kinematics and kinetics. In kinematics, you will analyze the geometry of rectilinear, circular and general plane motions. In kinetics, you will analyze the forces and movements associated with motion using the dynamic equilibrium method, the work, energy power method and the impulse-momentum method. You will learn how to solve engineering problems involving motion only and the forces causing that motion. You will also study linkage mechanisms and their motion.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 77.0
Prerequisites(s): ENGM 191
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

ENGM 289

Strength of Materials

You will study the relationship between the external applied loads and the induced internal stresses in various structural members. You will also learn design and analysis techniques of axial and torsional loaded members, beams, columns and pressure vessels.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 77.0
Prerequisites(s): DRFT 174, ENGM 180, ENGM 191
Equivalent Course(s): ENG 192
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

HYDR 283

Fluid Power

The course provides an introduction to hydraulic components, circuits and standard symbols. Design problems will involve sizing and selecting hydraulic components for typical applications. Your major assignment will involve designing a hydraulic system. Your lab work will provide you with hands-on exposure to hydraulic pumps, motors, cylinders and various types of control valves.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): FMEC 288
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

MANU 288

Fabrication

You will gain an understanding of manufacturing systems and the diversity of fabrication processes. You will study and use engineering principles to solve fabrication problems. Your studies will concentrate on metal-working industries, and you will tour several manufacturing operations to gain a broad overview of different types of fabrication. You will gain an understanding of quality assurance principles and the ISO 9000 family of standards. You will learn to use statistics to analyze quality problems.
Credit Units: 6
Course Hours: 85.0
Prerequisites(s): ENGM 180, CAD 181, MACH 191, DRFT 174, WELD 387, ENGM 191
Corequisites(s): ENGM 289
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

THER 181

Applied Thermodynamics

You will apply thermodynamic theories of cycles/systems. Your studies will include examining power producing cycles (engines), refrigeration systems and industrial compressors. You will develop analytical techniques for unsteady and compressible/sonic flow systems. You will apply the principle modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation) and you will determine thermal resistances and heat transfer co-efficients.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 77.0
Prerequisites(s): THER 180, MATH 182, CALC 181
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

Year 2 - Semester 4

Code

Name/Description

Credits

AIR 288

Air Conditioning

You will learn what is required to maintain human comfort in residential and commercial buildings. Using a step-by-step approach, you will design a complete year-round air conditioning system for an institutional building while considering available energy conservation techniques.
Credit Units: 7
Course Hours: 100.0
Prerequisites(s): THER 284(concurrent)
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

CAD 282

Computer Aided Engineering 2

Building on the skills you developed in CAD 281 (Computer Aided Engineering 1), you will learn how to use computers in the engineering process. Design work in the field of mechanical engineering will be emphasized and will complement concurrent Year 2 - Semester 4 technical courses.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): CAD 281, ENGM 289
Corequisites(s): AIR 288, ENGM 280, ENGM 281, INST 288
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ENGM 280

Mechanical Design

You will examine the techniques used in the design, analysis and selection of various machine components. Components you will study include shafts, belt and chain drive components, wire rope, fasteners, bearings, springs, couplings, gears, clutches and brakes.
Credit Units: 6
Course Hours: 90.0
Prerequisites(s): ENGM 289
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

ENGM 281

Mechanical Design Project

You will design a machine that is made up of several components you learned to design and select in ENGM 280 (Mechanical Design), along with other more specialized components. You will use specialized software programs as an aid in the design project.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Corequisites(s): ENGM 280
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

INST 288

Instrumentation and Controls

The course provides an introductory study of all aspects of industrial process control (including process signals, measurement devices, final control elements, controllers and control schemes). You will examine analog and discrete state processes. Laboratory exercises will supplement your study of pneumatic, electronic, digital and microprocessor-based measurement devices, transmitters, final control elements, PID controllers and programmable logic controllers (PLC's).
Credit Units: 7
Course Hours: 100.0
Prerequisites(s): COSC 181, FMEC 288, ELTR 289
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MGMT 285

Engineering Contracts

You will be provided an overview of the role of a technologist in an engineering team. As well, you will study documents associated engineering contracts.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 10.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

PROJ 287

Project Management

You will be introduced to project management. You will examine the basic theory of project planning and control, from project initiation to project close out. You will apply research techniques and various tools to practice project management theory in a variety of projects. You will practice skills using project management software.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): MGMT 222
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

PROJ 288

Project

The course provides instruction in the application of basic knowledge in the design of "real life" engineering problems from local industries. Based on your knowledge of several previous and concurrent courses, you will learn how to select and define a technical project, find design solutions for the problem and then prepare and present your technical solutions to the industrial client.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 57.0
Prerequisites(s): CAD 281, ELTR 289, ENGM 193, MANU 288, THER 181, ENGM 289, HYDR 283, THER 284(concurrent)
Corequisites(s): AIR 288, CAD 282, ENGM 280, ENGM 281, INST 288, PROJ 287, TCOM 104
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

TCOM 104

Applied Research in Technology

You will develop a technical proposal and apply advanced research skills to a technical problem. You will use the technical problem-solving process in an applied research project and present your research findings in a written report and oral presentation.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): TCOM 103 or ENGL 101
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 115, COMM 182, COMM 290, TCOM 239
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

THER 284

Energy Conversion Systems

You will study energy system engineering and explore how energy is employed to achieve beneficial functions in industry, transportation and in the home. You will evaluate thermal/fluid systems by studying principles of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer. Your studies will focus on design principles, industrial standards and governing agencies as they pertain to conventional and non conventional energy conversion, conservation and storage.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Prerequisites(s): CALC 181, THER 181
Equivalent Course(s): THER 280
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

Cape Breton University

Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma may be eligible for 30 cu in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Manufacturing degree program, or 36 cu in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Petroleum degree programs

Lakehead University

Graduates of this program may obtain advanced standing toward a degree in engineering.

Memorial University

Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer into Bachelor of Technology Degree with 39 credit hours (13 courses) to be completed, including a technical project and report

Queen's University

Graduates of this program with a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (75%) may qualify for admission to Queen's University's BTech (Mining) Degree Program. Block transfer of 72 units less the required Customized Bridge Course units will be granted upon admission. Students must pass each prescribed bridge course with a minimum C- in order to progress to Year 3 of the BTech (Mining) Program.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Accreditation

Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) accredits the program at the Technologist level.

TAC is a bold, world class accreditation organization, delivering accreditation services for the engineering technology and applied science profession in Canada.