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Mechanical Engineering Technology

Use your curious and creative mind to discover, design and apply technological and mechanical engineering solutions to various real-world problems.

A woman in protective goggles using her tablet as reference, works on a robotic arm machine.
Mechanical Engineering Technology student Ellen Edmonds working in the Design and Innovation Centre.
Start Date(s):
September 2027
Typical Length:
2 Years
Credential:
Diploma
International Students:
Post-Grad Work Permit (PGWP) eligible

Apply Now

Overview

Support engineering design and testing activities of electro-mechanical equipment and systems. Mechanical engineering technologists use technology to create solutions for leading sectors like aeronautical, manufacturing, marine and building construction.  

In this program you: 

  • Create machine designs and present solutions using 2D and D modelling software.
  • Design, model and analyze problems related to thermal or fluid power of energy systems (e.g. HVAC, power generation, transportation). 
  • Analyze electric controls, digital systems and electro-mechanical devices.
  • Test and specify materials.  
  • Use robotics software to support advanced manufacturing.
  • Further develop your written and verbal communications skills to align with a typical engineering and sciences working environment. 
  • Develop and apply collaboration and teamwork skills, building your confidence and self-assurance. 
  • Work with industry while in the program to help solve an existing issue.
  • Use Computer-aided design (CAD).

Work experience

  • Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
    • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
  • This program is eligible for a cooperative education (co-op) credit course between years one and two.
    • Students are responsible for securing their own co-op placements by applying to College-approved co-op postings or conducting independent job searches. All employers and co-op opportunities must be reviewed and approved by the student’s faculty advisor.
    • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
    • Co-op takes place in third term between years 1 and 2 and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
    • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
  • Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
  • For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Other info

  • This program is accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). TAC accreditation means that this program has been evaluated against standards designed by industry leaders across Canada and is recognized internationally. Graduates may be eligible for membership with TechNova, the certifying organization for Engineering and Applied Science Technicians and Technologists in Nova Scotia.
  • Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.
  • This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

September 2027

Campus Full time/part time Delivery Availability
Ivany Campus
Dartmouth
Full time In person Seats available

Admission requirements

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2026-27 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition (Domestic):
$3,800
Tuition (International):
$13,505

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

Career options

  • Graduates find employment in a wide cross-section of industry sectors, including marine, aeronautical, hydraulics, building systems, construction and manufacturing.
  • Work may include machine component design, mechanical building system design, estimating, technical sales, research and development or plant engineering and maintenance.
  • Learn more about labour market information. View career options

Future study options

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

COMM 1245 - Technical Communications I
This course introduces students to the writing, oral presentation, critical thinking and interpersonal communications skills required of technical professionals in the workplace. The fundamentals of clear, concise writing and presenting will be reviewed and refined. Experience will be gained in organizing, writing and presenting technical information. In addition, career development skills and portfolio preparation will be discussed. There will be several opportunities, through assignments and lab work, to develop portfolio components. Students will learn how to collect appropriate work samples and documentation from other courses in the program as well as from other sources.

COMM 2245 - Technical Communications II
This course focuses on the interpersonal, written and oral technical communication skills necessary for working independently and as part of a team in a technical environment. Further skill development in written forms of technical documentation required for the workplace as well as report creation and oral presentation skills will continue to be emphasized. Team building principles, group dynamics and collaborative writing will be discussed. Students will participate in meetings and take responsibilities in a group project from its inception to completion and evaluation. Students will continue to enhance and apply their research skills and project management principles will also be introduced. Successful job interviews and the portfolio will be discussed.

MATH 1055 - Calculus l
The course introduces learners to the study of differential and integral calculus. Differentiation topics include limits, slope of the tangent to a curve, differentiation by the delta process, derivatives of polynomials, applications involving derivatives, finding extrema and curve sketching. Integration topics include the concept of integrating polynomial functions and numerically approximating the area under a curve.

MATH 1070 - Applied Math for Engineering Technology
This course provides students with a basic understanding of applied mathematical principles for use by technicians and technology programs. Applied Math l is designed to cover basic algebra, geometry, functional notation, linear equations, quadratic equations, trigonometric functions, exponents, logarithms, complex numbers, analytic geometry and systems of equations. The use of computer software as a mathematical tool will be explored. Students will be encouraged to maintain a math journal that may become part of their personal College portfolio.

MATH 2055 - Calculus II
In this course, learners will use integration to determine volume, centroids, mean and root-mean-square (RMS) values, moments of mass and moments of inertia. Integral calculus will be applied to solve acceleration, velocity, displacement, exponential growth and decay and other rate of change problems. Differential calculus will be used to solve applied engineering problems using transcendental functions.

METG 1002 - Engineering Graphics
Students are introduced to graphical communication in Mechanical Engineering Technology, focusing on the preparation and interpretation of engineering drawings. The course covers manual drafting techniques using ANSI standards, including single and multi-view orthographic drawings, line conventions, and sectioning methods. Students apply knowledge of mechanical features such as chamfers, counterbores, countersinks, and threads, and transition to creating detailed, dimensioned drawings using AutoCAD. Training includes essential draw, edit, and dimensioning commands, as well as setup processes like layers, templates, and blocks, aligning with industry standards for mechanical drafting and design.

METG 1003 - Engineering Mechanics I
This course introduces the learner to engineering subjects and problem solving techniques. Topics such as scalars, vectors, forces, moments and couples, structures, machines and friction will be considered.

METG 1004 - Fundamentals of Heat, Light and Sound
This course introduces the fundamentals of heat, light and sound. Topics include thermal expansion, heat transfer, gas laws, wave motion, the nature of sound and hearing, the nature of light, and reflection and refraction of sound and light. Successful completion of this course will advance problem solving techniques and experimentation to basic engineering situations.

METG 1008 - Mechanical CAD I
Students develop advanced skills in computer-aided design (CAD) for mechanical applications using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor. The course covers creating single and multi-view layouts, applying geometric and dimensional constraints for parametric drawings, and producing assembly drawings using component libraries. Students progress to designing and modifying fully-constrained 3D solid models, applying features such as holes, fillets, and chamfers, and using pattern and mirror tools. Training includes generating detailed, dimensioned part drawings, managing associative file relationships, and using iProperties to populate title blocks, aligning with industry standards for parametric modeling and mechanical design.

METG 1009 - Engineering Mechanics II
This course introduces the learner to engineering subjects and problem solving techniques. Topics such as rectilinear, curvilinear, relative and plane motion will be covered. These topics will then be used to solve dynamic problems of various types using various processes.

METG 1010 - Mechanics of Materials I
This course introduces the learner to the basic concepts of strength of materials. Specifically stress and strain due to axial, torsion and bending loadings are studied. Analytical skills are applied to problem solving of various applications typical of mechanical engineering technology. Basic skills developed in material selection based on properties as they apply to problem solution.

METG 1012 - Principles of Electricity
This initial course in electricity introduces learners to the fundamental electrical concepts and passive devices used in electrical and electronic circuits. After completing the course, learners will have a working knowledge of passive DC and AC electrical circuits and applications. Electro magnetism and magnetic circuits will be introduced.

METG 1015 - Fluid Mechanics
Students explore the principles and applications of fluid mechanics as they relate to engineering technology. The course covers dimensional analysis, fluid properties, and pressure measurement, including the use of hydrostatic laws, Pascal’s Law, and submerged surface calculations. Students analyze fluid flow dynamics using continuity, Bernoulli’s equation, and the General Energy Equation, applying these concepts to pipe systems and open channels. Training includes determining flow regimes with Reynolds’ criterion, calculating friction and minor losses, and evaluating the ethical, environmental, and societal impacts of fluid mechanics technologies in alignment with professional standards.

METG 1016 - Mechanics of Materials II
This course builds on the basic skills developed in Mechanics of Materials I. Here the basic principles of stress and strain are applied but in situations of combined loadings such as axial, torsion and bending simultaneously. Advanced techniques are developed to analyze complex machine components and beams, specifically stress analysis at a point. Techniques are developed to determine principal stresses, maximum shear stress and the orientation of such stress conditions.

METG 1017 - Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning
Students are introduced to the principles and components of heating, cooling, and humidity control systems used in building environments. The course explores physiological factors related to comfort and health, psychrometric principles, and the use of tools such as sling psychrometers and psychrometric charts to analyze air handling processes. Students perform heating and cooling load calculations, interpret HVAC drawings and specifications, and apply industry standards to select, size, and draft basic ducting, piping, and equipment. This training aligns with recognized practices in HVAC system design and analysis.

METG 1018 - Workshop Practices
This course introduces the learner to fundamental conventional industrial shop practices and concepts and is divided between the machine shop (MS) and the heating, ventilation and refrigeration (HVAC) lab. The machine shop component gives the learner an appreciation of part production in a typical machine shop environment using traditional machining practices. The HVAC lab component exposes the learner to pipe fitting processes, sheet metal, soldering and basic welding. The learner will use a variety of conventional tools and processes to perform tasks commonly found in industry.

METG 1100 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

METG 3002 - Electric Machines
This course provides knowledge and techniques for analysis of the flow of energy from the electrical power distribution system through the electrical machine to the mechanical load. The principles of magnetism and electromagnetic induction are applied to the various types of AC/DC motors and generators. Their construction, operating principles and performance characteristics are studied. Learners will analyze three phase circuits and dynamic interaction between electrical machines and their mechanical loads.

METG 3004 - Applied Research Techniques I
This course initiates two major projects: the major technical report on a design/research project, and the technical seminar, a team oral presentation of a technical topic. To succeed in these projects, students will acquire planning and scheduling skills and the knowledge of project management and team building. Financial considerations including time value of money, cash flow and estimating are also included. In consultation with a technical supervisor, the learner will use problem solving techniques and formal design procedures. They will also access technical information efficiently and prepare and present a variety of technical documents including a proposal and a literature review.

METG 3005 - Thermodynamics I
Students learn fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and apply them to engineering systems and processes. The course introduces key terminology, laws of thermodynamics, and the relationships among pressure, temperature, volume, and energy transfer. Students analyze processes and cycles using property tables, charts, and software tools, applying principles to devices such as compressors, turbines, heat exchangers, and piston-cylinder systems. Content aligns with industry standards and emphasizes problem-solving, clear communication, and professional engineering practices.

METG 3006 - Instrumentation and Control
This course serves as an introduction to industrial instrumentation and control for Mechanical Engineering Technologists. The learner will understand the operating principles of common industrial instrumentation components as well as the fundamental operations of feedback control loops. Characteristics of various industrial processes will be studied and process drawings for real processes will examined.

METG 3007 - Machine Design I
Students review and extend principles from previous classes to include press fits, curved beams, the moment-area method, and column analysis. The course emphasizes failure theory, covering both static and dynamic (fatigue) conditions in machine elements. Lab activities involve disassembling a mechanical assembly, performing precision measurements, applying tolerancing concepts, and producing fully-toleranced working drawings. Content aligns with industry standards to strengthen design and analysis skills for mechanical systems.

METG 3008 - Mechanical CAD II
Students develop advanced skills in Autodesk Inventor for creating and analyzing complex mechanical designs. The course covers assembly modeling with fasteners, adaptive components, 3D sketches, and surface modeling techniques to produce fully parametric parts and assemblies. Students apply finite element analysis (FEA) for stress evaluation, create multi-position assemblies, weldment models, and annotated drawings with industry-standard symbols. Additional topics include power transmission design, structural frame generation, and table-driven part and assembly families using iPart and iAssembly tools. Content aligns with professional engineering and CAD standards to prepare students for design and manufacturing applications.

METG 3011 - Kinematics
This course deals with the synthesis and analysis of mechanisms. Primary topics are four bar mechanisms, Coriolis acceleration, motion curves and cams. Displacement, velocity and acceleration are explored using conventional graphical and mathematical methods, as well as CAD and proprietary kinematics packages.

METG 3012 - Machine Design II
This course combines the skills of stress analysis and failure theories with empirical and experiential data in the study of specific machine elements such as shafting, screw, and springs.

METG 3013 - Materials
This course introduces learners to the science and engineering of materials. Using metallurgical laboratory techniques, phase diagrams and classification standards, learners who successfully complete this course will describe the relationship between structure, processing, and properties of metals and other materials.

METG 3014 - Thermodynamics II
This course develops the fundamentals of thermodynamics using practical applications. Learners who successfully complete Thermodynamics II will analyze and evaluate steam, gas and cogeneration power cycles, and reciprocating internal combustion engines.

METG 3015 - Quality Assurance
This is a course to introduce learners to the fundamental concepts of quality assurance. Topics include definitions of quality, quality control, quality assurance, total quality management, ISO 9000 quality standards, statistical process control and process capability.

METG 3016 - Environment, Ethics and Society
This course deals with the environmental, ethical and societal aspects of the practice of Engineering Technology. Learners who successfully complete this course will identify ethical professional practices and recognize the impact of technology on society and the environment.

METG 3017 - Applied Research Techniques II
Learners will continue working on their chosen senior technical project and monitor their progress by submitting progress reports, participating in progress meeting minutes, and a research journal. They will also use project management tools such as flow charts and Gantt Charts. The project will culminate with a formal technical report and presentation. Workshops and tutorials will be scheduled as required by the learners.

METG 3018 - Hydraulics and Pneumatics
This course introduces the learner to fluid power. Topics such as hydraulic and pneumatic components, system operating theory and design, system logic and controls will be covered.

METG 3020 - Technology Integration I
This course introduces you to a broad spectrum of current and emerging technologies used for design, prototyping, manufacturing and inspection of mechanical components and assemblies. Component data will be developed and documented using CAD (Computer Aided Design) software and shared across platforms to facilitate CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, Additive Manufacturing and CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) inspection.

METG 3022 - Technology Integration II
Students explore the principles and applications of industrial automation, focusing on robotics, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and related equipment used in modern manufacturing. The course covers terminology and processes associated with Industrial Robotics, PLCs, Industry 4.0, and Smart Manufacturing, emphasizing compliance with current industry standards. Students gain hands-on experience programming industrial robots and PLCs to perform tasks typical in automated systems, while integrating Industry 4.0 concepts to enhance productivity and quality. This course aligns with recognized industry practices and standards for automation and smart manufacturing technologies.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1019 - Safety and Sustainability Basics
This course provides an overview of your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as those in the workplace under the NS Occupational Health and Safety Act. Topics such as duties and precautions, accident reporting, as well as personal and campus safety and sustainability initiatives will be explored.

SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1022 - Safety Basics – Working at Heights
The student is introduced to hazards and responsibilities concerned with working at heights in the workplace. Guardrails, travel restraints, roof work, fall arrest components will be discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

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