Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Energy Systems Operation
Furr, Douglas
Program Coordinator of Applied Process Technology
Instructor, Specialized Certifications
304-367-4911
217B Advanced Technology Center
500 Galliher Drive, Fairmont
Program Purpose:
This program is designed to meet the needs of local and regional power producers, natural gas mid-stream and downstream operations, chemical operators, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. The program covers a broad spectrum of technology including electrical circuits and machinery, mechanical fundamentals, hydraulics, pneumatics, process systems and components fundamentals, plant operations and instrumentation and controls. Students progress through a set of core general education and technical courses and may select one of three career paths that cover skills unique to each path. These include:
- Energy Systems Operations
- Instrumentation and Controls
- Advanced Manufacturing (Mechatronics)
Students may elect to complete multiple career paths within the 2 year time frame or in one additional semester. The program offers paid internships on a competitive basis.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Pierpont Community & Technical College’s motto of “Practical... Possible... Pierpont” focuses on creating practical learning experiences, while increasing employment opportunities for our graduates. By incorporating mathematics, physics, communication skills, computer technology, professional and industry safety standards to real-life learning experiences, graduates of this program will become successful entry level power plant or petroleum plant operators, instrument technicians or technicians at manufacturing facilities or distribution centers.
Upon successful completion of the Applied Process Technology A.A.S. degree program, graduates will be able to:
- Use written and spoken English effectively and professionally.
- Use a computer to perform work-specific duties.
- Apply mathematics and physics as a means of solving problems in the work environment.
- Apply appropriate safety precautions when working with various tools, machinery, or processes.
- Interpret schematic drawings, use appropriate measuring devices, and demonstrate the ability to perform basic troubleshooting of fluid and electrical systems.
- Perform mid-level and routine duties as a plant operator, instrument and controls technician or a manufacturing technician, depending on the career path chosen.
- Operate hand and power tools to repair electrical and mechanical systems.
- Demonstrate behaviors that reflect and support diversity in the workplace and skills that enable lifelong learning.
- Demonstrate basic workplace skills and responsibilities, including punctuality, etiquette and courtesy, and teamwork.
Opportunities:
Graduates of the Applied Technology Program can work in operations, maintenance, instrumentation and controls or other technically oriented positions in the electrical power generating industry, oil and gas industry, chemical processing industry, or manufacturing/distribution industry. Graduates may also find placement in water treatment facilities, or other industrial facilities that use components and systems taught in this curriculum.
The electrical power industry as a whole projects that approximately 50% of their workforce will be retiring in the next 3-5 years. Conservatively, this equates to approximately 150-200 jobs at local energy related facilities, which should become available within that time frame. The oil and gas mid-stream and downstream industry is rapidly growing in West Virginia and many positions are currently available in this industry.
Professions within this sector are among the highest paying, and most stable professions in the country. The average starting wage within this sector ranges from approximately $40,000-$60,000 per year. It is not uncommon for individuals to progress through the ranks and make $80,000 – $100,000 per year within their first 3-5 years of employment.
Program Specific Admission Requirements:
Students are accepted into this program on a competitive basis based on instructor approval and within class size limitations. Since the first semester of this program does not require any requisite math or English entrance scores, students may enter the first semester while completing remedial math or English courses. Successful completion of remedial courses will be required to progress into the second semester if test scores do not meet the following criteria:
Math
Compass Score: 20
ACT: Score: 15
SAT: 330
Accuplacer Score: 37
Asset Score: 30
English:
Compass: 28
ACT 13
SAT 430 (Critical Reading)
Notice to Students:
Written exams, homework assignments, written reports and oral presentations will be used to assess course and program cognitive outcomes. Lab exercises and evaluations, simulator evaluations, and troubleshooting exercises will be used to evaluate performance objectives.
Program Total Credit Hours:
60 CHs
Support Coursework:
6 CHs
Program Specific Required Coursework:
54 CHs
ENRG 1010
Fluids I
3
CH(s)
ENRG 1011
Process Fundamentals
2
CH(s)
ENRG 1020
Mechanics I
3
CH(s)
ENRG 1030
Electrical Machinery I
3
CH(s)
ENRG 1031
DC and AC Circuits
4
CH(s)
ENRG 1040
Energy Systems I
3
CH(s)
ENRG 1041
Print Reading
2
CH(s)
ENRG 1042
Energy Systems II
3
CH(s)
ENRG 1043
Basic Instrumentation and Process Control
3
CH(s)
ENRG 1044
Advanced Analytical Instrumentation
3
CH(s)
ENRG 1995
Applied Process Technology Internship
2
CH(s)
ENRG 2030
Electrical Machinery II
3
CH(s)
ENRG 2050
Emerging Energy Technologies
3
CH(s)
ENRG 2051
Communications and Leadership
3
CH(s)
ENRG 2052
Plant Simulation
3
CH(s)
OFAD 1150
Computer Concepts and Applications
3
CH(s)
MECT 1060
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC I)
3
CH(s)
PHY 1168
Technical Physical Science
3
CH(s)
Model Schedule
Fall Semester
Total Credit Hours:
15 CHs
Spring Semester
Total Credit Hours:
16 CHs
Summer Semester
ENRG 1995
Applied Process Technology Internship
2
CH(s)
Total Credit Hours:
2 CHs
Fall Semester
Total Credit Hours:
15 CHs
Spring Semester
Total Credit Hours:
12 CHs
