Student Success & The Northern Experience
Mechanical Engineering Technicians provide technical support and services including design, development, testing, manufacture, and maintenance of machines, tools, engines, heating and ventilating systems, piping, and electronic equipment.
In our program, you will learn to make sketches, layouts, 2D drawings, 3D models, record and analyze engineering data, make calculations & estimates and report their findings.
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Course Information
2024-2025 Academic Year
Semester 1
In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and the workplace. This course focuses on developing and strengthening oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking ability. During this course, students will engage in a variety of forms of communication with a focus on upholding the principles of academic integrity. Students will develop the skills necessary to create discipline-specific documents, practice business etiquette and professionalism, and apply critical thinking strategies to practical scenarios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan and draft concise, coherent and well-organized writing assignments that are tailored to specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
This course introduces the student to health and safety in their home, in society and within an occupational setting. Students learn about the social and personal benefits of safe work practices and the methods to best prevent accidents or injuries. Students will review the role, right and responsibilities of an individual in today’s health and safety conscious world. Students also learn how to read and interpret the Occupational Act and Regulations.
This course is an introductory course into the study of physics. It consists of 6 theory units and a corresponding laboratory component. The topics covered include: measurement, motion, forces, work and energy, fluids and heat. The lab component gives students the opportunity to connect with the acquired theory.
56 Hours
This course covers basic algebra properties, graphing the straight line, basic geometry and trigonometry, and solving a system of equations graphically and algebraically. It also covers vector addition by components and by the cosine and sine laws.
56 Hours
This course will enable the student to create and modify professional-quality engineering drawings by familiarizing themselves with information typically found in manufacturing manuals, drawings, and specifications. The student will be able to identify drawing symbols, dimensions, and tolerances as well as draw and sketch using orthographic, isometric, and sectional views. The student will also learn the principles and practices of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standard.
56 Hours
This course will develop the knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, alloys and non-metallic materials, thread systems for specific applications; select and install nuts, bolts, screws, dowels required to specifications, heat treat and stress relieve material if required.
28 Hours
This course will enable the student to protect self and others; comply with safety legislation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); wear and maintain safety clothing and equipment; report all hazards; apply confined space safety procedures; apply machinery and equipment lock-out procedures; use correct body mechanics when lifting loads; communicate with fellow workers; report all accidents and respond to emergency situations. In addition, the student will be able to plan lifts; perform calculations using load charts; estimate load weights; select and use correct rigging/hoisting equipment; inspect and maintain rigging/hoisting equipment; use hand signals; control, balance and direct loads; disassemble all equipment safely.
42 Hours
Semester 2
This is an introduction to engineering statics/mechanics tailored to the needs of Mechanical and Civil students. The major topics include vectors, moments, couples, centroids and moment of inertia. Students will learn how to find the reaction forces at the supports and the internal force in members using the method of joints and the method of sections. Students will also learn how to calculate the centroid and the area moment of inertia for simple shapes and some commercial shapes. Applied statics/mechanics is the basis for all calculations in areas such as stress analysis, machine design, hydraulics and structural design.
56 Hours
In this course, students will develop professional communication skills required for success in the workplace. Students will continue to develop and strengthen their oral and written communication skills and critical thinking abilities. During this course, students will use various modes of communication to complete assignments designed to meet program and professional expectations. Students will utilize a variety of technologies for the purpose of creating a professional presence in a digital environment. Students will develop the necessary skills to create polished workplace documents such as letters, resumes, cover letters and reports tailored to specific audiences. Students will learn to conduct themselves with professionalism in both workplace interviews and job searches. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create clear, concise and coherent workplace and employment documents that are error-free and designed for specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.
42 Hours
This is an introductory course designed to teach students the basics of using the AutoCAD drafting software to create 2 dimensional drawings. Lessons include using the draw, modify, layering and annotation commands.
56 Hours
MA2104 is the second course in the math stream for students in an Engineering Technician / Technology program. The emphasis of this course is on solving equations relating to quadratics, logarithms, exponentials, with sections on factoring, fractional equations, manipulating exponent and radical expressions, and complex numbers, and for some programs studying systems of linear equations and determinants. Applications of the basic concepts, to particular fields of study, will be covered.
The second semester Mathematics course is designed to give the student the mathematical tools required to function in his/her special field of study.
Students are encouraged to seek help after class hours if problems are encountered in the course. Every effort will be made to identify problem areas to the student, but in the final analysis, it is the responsibility of the student to ask for help.
Prerequisite: MA1100 – Mathematics I (with 60%)
56 Hours
This is an introductory course intended to give students a basic understanding of electronic devices and fundamental electrical concepts including current, voltage, resistance, ohm’s law, series/parallel circuits, combination circuits, Kirchoff’s Law, inductance, and reactance. The student will also be introduced to the general principles of motor controls, electronics and electrical safety considerations.
42 Hours
This course will develop the theories and practices taught during MM1002 while furthering their knowledge on conventional machine tools such as engine lathes, drilling machines, saws, pedestal grinders and various hand tools. They will learn the parts, various operations, cutting tools and the relationship of speeds and feeds applied to milling machines. They will manufacture parts to specified tolerances which reflect field operations.
28 Hours
Semester 3
The first part of this course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of computer and how they are networked. Topics include a basic overview of computer/network equipment, networking fundamentals and standards, and network design. The second part of the course provides the learner with an introduction to computer programming using embedded systems. Topics covered include syntax, variables, equations, data types, loops, conditional statements, logical statements, and ADC interfacing.
42 Hours
This course covers topics such as: graphs of trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and equations, the study of analytic geometry including the properties of the circle, the parabola and the ellipse. Students will also be introduced to Calculus. The course expands with the study of the rate of change and the derivative of algebraic functions with applications to graphing, optimization and minimum and maximum problems. Students will also be introduced to integration of algebraic functions with applications to area and centroids.
Prerequisite: MA2014 – Mathematics II
70 Hours
This course is designed to introduce the student to solid modelling, assembly construction and two-dimensional drawing construction using computer aided design (CAD) software. Standard drawing symbols, abbreviations, dimensioning, tolerancing, connections, and mechanical hardware will be covered. Both metric and US standard measurement systems will be used.
56 Hours
This course introduces students to the behaviour of fluids at rest and in motion. The physical properties of fluids and their measurement are discussed. Energy and Bernoulli equations are applied to problems involving laminar and turbulent flow of fluids in pipes.
42 Hours
This course examines the behaviour of engineering materials under various loading conditions. The concepts of stress and strain are critically examined with emphasis on the application of those concepts to practical design and analysis problems. Topics include direct normal and shear stresses; axial deformation and thermal stress; torsional shear stress and torsional deformation; shearing forces and bending moments in beams; pressure vessel stresses; welded and bolted (riveted) connections.
56 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
Semester 4
This course will cover such topics as: Measures of Central and Dispersion Tendencies; Distributions (Frequency, Probability, Binomial and Normal); Quality Process Control; Correlation and Regression Models and Hypothesis Testing. This course will have applications to various fields in engineering while using Microsoft Excel
Pre-requisites: MA1100 Mathematics I
42 Hours
The skyrocketing demand for clean, abundant energy has resulted in a need for comprehensive information that can be used by builders, technicians, energy industry professionals, and anyone else that wants to learn about alternative forms of energy and their everyday uses. This course explores solar, wind, and other sources and the technology available to harness them. Students will gain a better understanding on how these systems work as well as how they are put together.
56 Hours
This is an introductory course that deals with the correlation between manufacturing, mechanical properties, microstructure, and applications. The course addresses material structures at atomic, crystallographic, microstructural, and macrostructural levels. Also included are topics such as strengthening mechanisms, tensile and cyclic testing, failure mechanisms, solid state diffusion, solidification, and phase diagrams. The purpose of this course is also to provide students with hands-on experience in modern manufacturing processes. It introduces the learner to how each process works and its relative advantages and limitations. Major emphasis is on the fundamentals of production processes in order to produce quality products in a competitive manner.
56 Hours
Dynamics is the study of motion and force systems on bodies in motion. The course will be an overview of the application of Newton’s laws to rectilinear and curvilinear motion problems. Plane motion, work/energy, impulse/momentum and force analysis will also be studied.
56 Hours
Students learn to size, select, and analyze the economics of different types of heating and air conditioning systems. Topics include: human body comfort, heat loss, heat gain, humidity, load estimating, heat pumps, air duct sizing, etc. using computer software.
42 Hours
This course builds upon the skills learned in ME2014 Mechanical Design / CAD II. The student will learn advanced solid modelling techniques including surface modelling, freeform modelling, meshing, and finite element simulations. The student will also be introduced to computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and will learn how to set up and simulate a part for machining and additive manufacturing.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
Career Ready Graduates
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program coordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option.
Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List
CIP Code: 15.0805
International students: check the Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List to see if your program is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Complete all work in compliance with current legislation, standards, regulations, and guidelines.
- Apply quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
- Comply with current health and safety legislation, as well as organizational practices and procedures.
- Apply sustainability best practices in workplaces.
- Use current and emerging technologies to implement mechanical engineering projects.
- Analyze and solve mechanical problems by applying mathematics and fundamentals of mechanical engineering.
- Interpret, prepare, and modify mechanical engineering drawings and other related technical documents.
- Contribute to the design and the analysis of mechanical components, processes and systems applying fundamentals of mechanical engineering.
- Manufacture, assemble, maintain and repair mechanical components according to required specifications.
- Verify the specifications of materials, processes, and operations to support the design and production of mechanical components.
- Contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of projects.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may find employment with consulting engineering firms, manufacturing & processing companies, public institutions and government departments in a wide range of industries including mining, oil & gas, forestry, automotive, and construction.
- Mechanical engineering technician
- Employed by consulting engineering, manufacturing, and processing companies, institutions, and government departments.
Explore labour market information for related careers and employment trend data from the Government of Canada Job Bank.
Pathways to Success
Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering Technician Program may choose to continue their studies and complete an additional year in order to obtain a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology at the Timmins campus. Graduates of this program may be eligible to enroll in the Mechanical Engineering degree program at Lakehead University.
Admissions Information & Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Grade 12 English (C, U)
- Grade 12 Math (C, U) (MCT4C preferred; MAP4C is accepted with a minimum GPA of 60%)
- Grade 12 Physics (C, U) recommended
Or equivalent
Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.
Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.
For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.
Additional Requirements for International Students
In addition to the admission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.
1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate
2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):
- IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System: a minimum overall score of 6.0 must be achieved with no individual band score under 6.0; however, we will accept one band at 5.5.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet Based Test (iBT) overall minimum score of 79
- PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic – Graduate Diploma: 58+
If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.
All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.
For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.
Tuition, Fees & Payments
The tuition and fees information is typically updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year in May. The amounts are for the full academic year.
Amounts may be based on last years tuition and fees and are subject to change.
If you are a current student, please refer to your Student Account or see a Student Services Clerk for the most up-to-date information.
Tuition
Domestic: $2,720.56
International: $14,813.46
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary fees are paid in full for the entire academic year in the first semester.
The Convocation and Official Documentation Fee (GRA) of $100.00 only applies for the first year of each program.
Please see Detailed Ancillary Fees for more information.
| Ancillary Fees by Campus | Domestic | International |
| Timmins (PC) | $945.50 | $1,558.00 |
Find Your True North.
At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.
From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.
Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.
Each of Northern’s campuses boasts exercise facilities, a gym, cafeteria, study areas and a library – places that you can go to help keep you focused as you work your way through your studies. The communities we call home are incredible places, filled with amazing people and things to do.
Does Northern College sound like a good fit for you?
Here’s how to take your first steps on your new exciting and rewarding career path.