Studying Engineering at Loras is an experience in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering topics as well as some computer programming and controls engineering. The emphasis of our major is on mechanical engineering. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree fits very well into a liberal artscollege, whose goal it is to produce broadly-educated graduates.

Typical products created by electromechanical engineers are referred to as smart products, or intelligent products - these are products that make their own choices based on information they obtain from sensors. Smart products usually consist of mechanical linkages (such as the arms of a robot) that are moved with respect to a frame by means of electric motors, electrical actuators, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, gears, pulleys, belts, and chains. The position of the machine and its linkages is determined by various sensors (e.g., touch sensors, distance sensors, noise sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, magnetic sensors) which communicate with a microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed to make decisions based on the sensor information and to send control commands to the motors and actuators. The microprocessor or "brains" of the system is also called a microcontroller.

Examples of electromechanical (smart) products range from large systems like industrial robots to microelectromechanical systems like microscopic password-protected computer hard drive locks. Other examples include automotive fuel injection systems, implantable insulin pumps, pacemakers, artificial limbs, programmable thermostats, automatic microwave ovens, building elevators, amusement park rides, programmable robotic toys, maglev (magnetic levitation) trains, autonomous submarines, and automotive anti-lock braking systems (ABS).

A Suggested Four-year Program of Study in Engineering

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