Instrumentation engineering refers to the
design, maintenance and production of electromechanical devices which
are used in various circumstances that require precise control and
measurement. Few online programs exist that focus solely on the skills
needed for this field, but degree completion programs at the bachelor's
level offer engineering courses that can prepare students for
instrumentation engineering positions.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Instrumentation Engineering Overview
Instrumentation engineering focuses on using instruments that measure
and control variables in automated systems, such as pressure, speed and
temperature. Online degrees in instrumentation engineering are rare,
but electrical or electronics engineering technology degrees are
available. These programs give students instruction in the same skills
found in on-campus instrumentation engineering programs.
Online bachelor's degree completion programs are most common and
generally take about two years to complete. Admission to these programs
requires students to transfer credits from an accredited associate's
degree program in a related field.
Most programs are delivered through a combination of audio and video
files, online forums and e-mails. Some schools offer real-time lectures
through streaming, online video that can be viewed with broadband
Internet. Additionally, students may be required to have software such
as Microsoft Office, Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader.
List of Common Instrumentation Engineering Courses
The online curriculum typically covers many facets of equipment
design and construction. Students also get fundamental lessons in
electrical circuits and programming.
Fundamentals of Electricity Course
This course examines practices inherent in working with electrical
systems and circuits. Topics covered include reactive and resistive
alternating (AC) and direct current (DC) circuits, transistors and
diodes.
Electronic Control Systems Course
Students explore various industrial automation controls. This course
covers a variety of hands-on and theoretical topics, including
programmable logic controllers, sequencers and control standards.
Programmable Logic Controllers Course
This course covers the setup and maintenance of a wide variety of
programmable logic controllers (PLC). Students learn how to select and
program a PLC for various industry applications.
Instrumentation engineering careers are available wherever complex
monitoring systems are required. The oil industry often needs
instrumentation engineers proficient in the maintenance of gas
chromatographs, control valves and sensors. The automotive industry
needs instrumentation engineers for the design of car controls as well
as factory floor testing instrumentation. Various manufacturing
facilities also require instrumentation engineers to maintain, install
and repair production monitoring equipment.
In addition to advanced engineering degrees, instrumentation
engineers can also earn credentials that quantify their knowledge of
control systems. The International Society of Automation (ISA) is an
industry-recognized body that certifies instrumentation engineers in the
service and installation of control systems. In addition to setting
industry standards for control engineering, the ISA also administers the
Certified Control System Technician (CCST) and the Certified Automation
Professional (CAP) exams. These nationally-recognized credentials
require documented work experience in addition to passing the exams.
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