CSM’s Robotics Adds Tech Value

The College of Southern Maryland is offering a Mechatronics Technology Robotics Certificate to enhance skills and knowledge not currently part of traditional engineering, engineering technology or computer science degrees.

“Based on recommendations from CSM’s Engineering and Technology Advisory Council and local  public school STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education coordinators, it was  determined that there was a need in Southern Maryland for a robotics certificate program to serve  students, technical professionals and teachers in the community,” said Business and Technology Division Chair Bernice Brezina.

This program is intended to be the first of additional certificate and degree programs in the field of mechatronics. The certificate provides an education in the concepts and application of robotics technology and includes an introduction to mechatronics where students will learn about basic electronics and electrical drives in mechatronic systems, basic motor control circuits and simple programming of a microcontroller.

The program provides knowledge and skills that will help engineering and computer science  professionals advance in their careers.

“The Navy is in the process of developing and fielding an increasing number of autonomous, robotic, and unmanned systems to support the men  and women who defend our country. The demand for graduates with education in these areas continues to grow,” said Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Systems Engineer and Director, Autonomous Systems Strategic Thrust Stephen Kracinovich, a member of CSM’s Engineering and Technology Advisory Council.

Core classes will be offered in the new Robotics Lab on the Leonardtown Campus. For information on prerequisites and requirements, contact Brezina at 301-934-7573 or [email protected].

For information on the mechatronics technology certificate, visit
http://catalog.csmd.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=8&poid=1971&returnto=1070