MEC 120 - Sensors and Instrumentation

Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 3 Credits: 3

Description: This course is a study of basic industrial instruments with particular emphasis on the devices utilized to control modern manufacturing processes. Emphasis is placed on various types of sensors and how they interface with computers and controllers with machines to accomplish a task.

Prerequisite(s): MEC 110, MEC 130, and MEC 102.

Course Topics:

Discrete sensors
Analog sensors
Vision sensors
Control Loop
Theory Controllers
Instrumentation Troubleshooting

Textbooks:
Textbook information can be found on the Chaser’s Bark Shop website

Required Materials:

Safety glasses
Closed toe/heel shoes
CAMIT Toolkit

Grading System:
An overall grade of C or higher is required for transferability.

A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = 0 - 59

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon competition of the course the student will be able to:

Demonstrate understanding and use of discrete sensors.
Demonstrate understanding and use of analog sensors.
Demonstrate understanding of various industrial instruments.
Describe the various process variables (flow, level, pressure, temperature, analytical, etc.) found in a plant.
Identify the types of control loops (simple and complex) and explain their operation.

For SCC Online Courses:
If the course you are taking is online, please review the SCC Online Course Policies that include:

Identity Verification
Required materials for all online courses
Mandatory Attendance Requirement
Orientation and Support
Proctored Exams

Standard SCC Course Policies:
Please review the Standard Course Policies on the following topics:

Academic Integrity
Add/Drop period
Attendance
Classroom Conduct
Equal Access
IT Access
Online Behavior
Online Confidentiality
Services For Students with Disabilities
Student Concerns
Student Help Services
Withdrawals

Official Course Syllabus
2025-2026