Academy of Engineering

This pathway is designed for students interested in the exciting careers available in the high-demand fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This program of study is uniquely structured to offer students an overview of STEM fields, occupations, and applications, followed by more specialized study of the scientific inquiry or engineering design process.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Engineering Pathway is a part of the STEM career cluster. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Cluster involves planning, managing, and executing research, analysis, and technical services. This cluster includes laboratory testing, and research and development in the physical sciences, engineering, and math.

Pathway Courses

Level 1: Principles of Engineering and Technology

• Principles of Engineering and Technology is a foundational course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in engineering and technology. This course covers basic skills required for engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in the engineering design process. They can evaluate an existing engineering design, use fundamental sketching and engineering drawing techniques, complete simple design projects using the engineering design process, and effectively communicate design solutions to others.
• Aligned Industry Credential: OSHA 10 General Industry. The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the general industry workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights and employer responsibilities. OSHA training and certification ensures that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.

Level 2: Engineering Design I

• Engineering Design I is a fundamental course in the STEM cluster for students interested in developing their skills in preparation for careers in engineering and technology. The course covers essential knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to describe various engineering disciplines, as well as admissions requirements for postsecondary engineering and engineering technology programs in Tennessee. They will also be able to identify simple and complex machines; calculate various ratios related to mechanisms; explain fundamental concepts related to energy; understand Ohm’s Law; follow the steps in the engineering design process to complete a team project; and effectively communicate design solutions to others.
• Aligned Industry Credential: Autodesk Inventor Certified User. The Autodesk Certified User - Inventor certification measures users' knowledge and technical skills for the Inventor product, which provides a comprehensive set of design tools for producing, validating, and documenting complete digital prototypes.

Level 3: Engineering Design II

• Engineering Design II is an applied course in the STEM career cluster for students interested in further developing their skills as future engineers. This course covers knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to explain the differences between scientists and engineers, understand the importance of ethical practices in engineering and technology, identify components of control systems, describe differences between laws related to fluid power systems, explain why material and mechanical properties are important to design, create simple free body diagrams, use measurement devices employed in engineering, conduct basic engineering economic analysis, follow the steps in the engineering design process to complete a team project, and effectively communicate design solutions to others.
• Aligned Industry Credential: Autodesk Inventor Certified User
  • The Autodesk Inventor Certified User certification measures users' knowledge and technical skills for the Inventor product, which provides a comprehensive set of design tools for producing, validating, and documenting complete digital prototypes.

Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment Opportunity in this Pathway

• Credit Type: Industry Credential for Dual Credit - AutoCad
• Institution: Nashville State Community College (NSCC)
• Industry Credential for Dual Credit (by assessment): Students are enrolled in a high school course that is identified as a match with a post-secondary course. Students complete the aligned industry credential assessment at the end of the course to prove mastery of content. If the student passes the assessment and earns the aligned industry credential, the student can use the college credit at that institution or request a transcript to use at a different institution.

Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: TSA

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). TSA chapters take the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) beyond the classroom and give students the chance to pursue academic challenges among friends with similar goals and interests.

In this pathway, students will explore the occupations and educational opportunities associated with installing, serving, or repairing heating and air conditioning systems and also the fabrication, assembly, installation, and repair of sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings.

This pathway may also include exploration into preparing cost estimates for certain construction projects involving heating and air conditioning and sheet metal.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Systems Pathway is a part of the Architecture and Construction career cluster. The Architecture and Construction Career Cluster is focused on careers in designing, planning, managing, building and maintaining the built environment.

Pathway Courses

Level 1: Fundamentals of Construction

• Fundamentals of Construction is a foundational course in the Architecture and Construction cluster covering essential knowledge, skills, and concepts required for careers in construction. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to describe various construction fields and outline the steps necessary to advance in specific construction careers. Students will be able to employ tools safely and interpret construction drawings to complete projects demonstrating proper measurement and application of mathematical concepts. Standards in this course also include an overview of the construction industry and an introduction to building systems and materials. Students will begin compiling artifacts for inclusion in their portfolios, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in their selected program of study.

• Aligned Industry Credential: OSHA 10 Construction. The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the general industry workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights and employer responsibilities. OSHA training and certification ensures that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights

Level 2: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems

• Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems prepares students for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC careers by introducing students to the physical principles of these systems and the fundamental skills needed to work with them. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to follow safety procedures and use tools to perform basic operations with electrical circuits, as well as demonstrate understanding in fundamental concepts of electricity theory (i.e. Ohm’s Law). Students will be able to apply proper tools and procedures to perform basic operations with plastic piping, including measuring, cutting, and joining pipe. Furthermore, students will be able to apply mathematics concepts to solve HVAC, electrical, and plumbing problems. Standards in this course also include principles of the construction industry and business and project management. Students will continue compiling artifacts for inclusion in their portfolios, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study.

• Aligned Industry Credential: NC3 Snap-On Precision Measurements Instruments Certification. Earning this certification will enable a student to be able to show mastery of foundational knowledge in precision measurement instruments. Course content includes tape, rule, side caliper, gauge, angle, micrometer, and dial gauge measurement knowledge and applications. Students must pass all six subtests to fulfill the requirements of the promoted Precision Measurement Instruments Certification.

Level 3: HVAC

• HVAC prepares students for careers in residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skill in performing basic operations with HVAC systems, with emphasis on safety, tools, and equipment specific to HVAC. In addition, students will be able to explain the functions and components of heating, cooling, and air distribution systems. They will demonstrate basic techniques to prepare piping and tubing for HVAC systems including performing soldering and brazing. Students will understand proper refrigerant management in preparation for EPA Section608 Technician Certification. They will read and interpret drawings, specifications, and diagrams to determine materials needed to complete an HVAC project. Standards in this course also introduce basic troubleshooting and maintenance procedures and alternate power systems, and expand on principles of the construction industry, delving deeper into business and project management. Students will continue compiling artifacts for inclusion in their portfolios, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study.
• Aligned Industry Credential: EPA Section 608 Certification
  • To work in the HVAC industry, technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of refrigerant-containing equipment must be certified under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. This certification exam is designed to educate HVAC technicians on various methods and refrigeration products, providing a safe and eco-friendly outcome with each service.

Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA improves the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics.

Information and standards for the Welding pathway are coming soon.