Shooting for Mechatronics at UNCA/NCSU
Posted on October 30th, 2008
There is a joint program for undergrads who want to do Mechatronics here in NC, I really, really, really want to do. It’s instate so tuition is barely 5k a year for me. It happens to be the only undergrad Mechatronics program in the state, and I am applying for it. I plan on applying really soon in November for early action. So far I have one letter of recommendation from the Mayor of Huntersville, and I’m working on getting more. I’m really excited about this program existing in NC, it’s like a dream come true.
Anyways, the program is between UNCA, and NCSU. Here is the information from the website abut it, I found when I did my research:
* Joint degree-related extension program between NC State in Raleigh and UNC-Asheville.
* Leads to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering – Mechatronics Concentration (EGM) from NC State University.
* No other such undergraduate degree now exists in the state.
* The BSE-Mechatronics Concentration is a unique, multi-disciplinary program that will eventually meet state-wide demands for increased access to engineering education.
* Requirement for this program was first proposed to the University by a group of business leaders representing the Western North Carolina Manufacturing Executives Association (MEA).
* NC State University is pursuing accreditation for the BSE Degree – Mechatronics Concentration in 2005.
I am hoping that afterward, I would be able to continue my education in the Mechatronics field, by going into Biomechatronics. Hopefully at MIT. This program here in NC, will hopefully get me there. So I’ve decided, that I really want to go to this school, it’s not expensive, and is a very nice school. My recruiter told me it was nice, I will also be able to visit the USMC reserve center there in Asheville where I will train most likely.
So what is Mechatronics? The name Mechatronics stems from Mechanical and Electronics, and is a relatively new approach to product design and development, merging the principles of electrical, mechanical, computer, and industrial engineering. It addresses the four interconnected disciplines of used for all complex modern devices. Mechatronic systems are typically composed of traditional mechanical and electrical components, but are referred to as “smart” devices or systems because of the incorporation of sensors, actuators, and computer control systems. Over the years, the term “mechatronics” has come to mean the integrated methodology for designing products that exhibit fast, precise performance. 
Mechatronics is an emerging field of engineering that integrates electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, control engineering and information technology. In layman’s terms, mechatronics combines these areas of engineering to allow the design, development and application of “smart devices” in an integrated, cross-disciplinary manner. The mechatronics concept establishes basic principles for a contemporary engineering design methodology. In this methodology, engineering products and processes have components that require manipulation and control of dynamic (moving) constructions to the required high degree of accuracy. Also, the design process requires integrating enabling technologies such as information technology and control engineering. A key factor for the design process involves integrating modern microelectronics and the engineering of software into mechanical and electromechanical systems.
4 Comments on “Shooting for Mechatronics at UNCA/NCSU”
I am going into this field in the fall. I was wondering if you are still there and if you are how you like it. It seems like a very exciting field and I’m looking forward to being there this fall.
Patrick
I’m at University Of Advancing Technology for Robotics and Embedded Systems, it’s equally exciting, but I’m not living in NC anymore. Although UNCA is an awesome school in every aspect. I think my sister is a student there or WCU, both good colleges.
So, you joined already or applied? I m joining the Grad Mech Engg program. Hope we can make awesome stuff together.
I’m at UAT living in AZ due to military reasons
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