They have studied physics, chemistry, CAD, surveying, and materials technology. Dedication and hard work in PCC's engineering technology Boot Camp prepare them for a slightly more conventional, but equally difficult, second year slate of courses. The students' first quarter is a busy one. They are immersed in courses designed to accelerate technical learning in a team environment. Centroids and moments of inertia, for example, are delayed until the third quarter applied calculus course.
Coverage does include the remainder of a regular statics course using vector analysis.
Statics instruction occurs while students are learning algebra and graphics. They learn about geometry, trigonometry, factoring, simultaneous equations, the quadratic formula and graphing of polynomials as they investigate the equilibrium of trusses, frames, and machines. Their graphics instruction, which includes both manual and CAD, builds their spatial geometry and 3D visualization skills so important in understanding mechanics problems. All three courses are taught by engineering technology faculty. The philosophy of immersing students in engineering science courses while improving math and science skills continues with more mechanics, math, and science in the second quarter.