The Advanced Manufacturing Sciences (AMS) baccalaureate degree is a multi-disciplinary major that emphasizes both theoretical and practical applications, providing MSU Denver students with a solid foundation in core skills, knowledge and dispositions to facilitate employability in advanced manufacturing (AM) professional positions. The practical applications emphasized in the degree plan consist of areas of study such as technical drawing and modeling, a broad base in computer-related courses, technical writing, electronics, mathematics, manufacturing materials and processes, and management basics.
The major requires a common core for all of the eight concentrations and the selection of electives from an approved list so that each concentration becomes an extended major and thus does not require a minor. The AMS bachelor’s degree is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5 within the major. A minimum grade of “C” is required for a course to count toward this program.
AMS Core Courses
The heart of the major comprises a set of core courses that are integral to the goal of preparing students for in demand roles as manufacturing professionals in a variety of industry sectors. The required core courses are designed to provide students with a targeted skill set, based on the following core competencies: subtractive manufacturing skills (CNC machining & inspection), additive manufacturing skills (including an opportunity to receive a Stratasys Certification), computer-aided design skills, quality assurance skills, soft skills (including critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, leadership and communication), math skills, computer skills (including manufacturing data protection), technical writing skills and basic electronics skills.
AMS Elective Courses
To assure a breadth of relevant content knowledge, all majors must select any elective courses from an approved list of AMS electives. These are all relevant courses selected from the contributing departments. Elective courses address content areas such as Aerospace studies, Engineering Law, Foundations of lnformation Systems and Problem Solving, basic Computer Science courses, Mathematics, Electronics courses, Design Thinking, Product Usability and computer modeling courses, Manufacturing Engineering and Physics courses.
AMS Concentrations
The major currently provides students with eight options for specializing in one of the involved disciplines. The following section highlights key components of the concentrations.
Aerospace Concentration
The aerospace track introduces the student to the prime operating settings, systems, and constructs affecting operations conducted in space or that rely on space-based infrastructure for commercialized applications. The track includes courses such as; Introduction to Space, Aerodynamics and Aerodynamic Design, Space Flight Operations and Commercialized Operations, as well as Orbital Mechanics and Aerospace Systems Simulations.
Civil Engineering Technology Concentration
Construction Engineering (as a focus of Civil Engineering) has an essential connection with advanced manufacturing in areas such as fabrication and project management. Construction projects using BIM (Building Information Management) are extremely common in the construction field with several applications linked to advanced manufacturing. Course work provides experience in BIM and Engineering Law.
Computer Information Systems Concentration
Computer Information Systems are integral components of an efficient manufacturing process. The management of a production operation is conducted with the assistance of computerized information systems as sophisticated as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems or as basic as in-house developed systems. A SAP Recognition Award Certificate is earned upon completion of the CIS track. Courses include: Foundations of Management and Problem solving in Information Systems, and background in Database and Management Information Systems.
Computer Science Concentration
Advanced manufacturing strongly relies on computer software. In advanced manufacturing, uses for software tools include: 3D modeling, automated control, sensing, and inter-machine communication. Industry is dependent on software developers who can create and modify software tools for current machines and create software for the next generation of machines. Course work for this track prepares students in these arenas and also requires higher level math courses such as; Algorithms and Algorithm Analysis, Computational Matrix Algebra and Calculus I and II.
Electrical Engineering Technology Concentration
Coursework focuses on providing students with the ability to design the controls systems required to control assembly line robots to properly build the various components. Additionally, these students will have the software knowledge to program Programmable Logic Controllers, which control the assembly process and to develop networks to control the overall process. Courses include; Electric Circuits and machines, Electronics, Circuits, Process Control Systems, Fiber Optics, Robotics and relevant programming courses.
Industrial Design Concentration
Courses in 3D computer modeling, the use of CNC equipment and the utilization of specialized materials such as composites are integral to an advanced manufacturing curriculum. Course work includes; Design Thinking for business applications, Product Usability and Ergonomics, Materials courses and provides experience in Direct Digital Manufacturing.
Mechanical Engineering Technology Concentration
This track provides practice in the ability to improve integrated systems, optimize manufacturing processes, adopt state-of-the-art materials, and produce superior quality products at minimal cost. Coursework provides students an opportunity to understand the operation and function of more complex technologies used in manufacturing, such as: Computer-Aided Manufacturing, Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, Robotics and Flexible Manufactured/ Automated systems, Computer Numerical Control Machining, Lean Manufacturing, Cost Estimating for Manufacturing and Composites Manufacturing.
Operations Management Concentration
The Operations Management Track provides students with a holistic perspective on the managerial and organizational systems that are used to make key decisions related to the planning for and day-to-day control of manufacturing operations. Beyond developing competence in analytical and planning skills, particular emphasis is given to the philosophy and methods of lean manufacturing, continuous quality improvement, effective supply chain management and Enterprise Planning.
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