Feb. 12, 2015
University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus will offer a mini certificate in 3D printing to meet industry needs, according to a Board Of Regents proposal.
UNM Valencia proposed to offer a one-semester, twelve-credit hour mini-certificate in 3D printing starting this fall. The program's goal is to provide students a working knowledge about 3D printing through hands-on experience using 3D printers.
Although 3D Printing is particularly relevant for students in pre-engineering and CAD degree programs, the courses are open to anyone interested in this technology, the document states.
New courses for 3D Printing Mini-Certificate:
- Intro to 3D Printing
- Modeling for 3D Printing
- 3D Printing Project
Upon successful completion of the required courses, students are expected to have the ability to:
- Identify and define concepts of 3D Printing and rapid 3D prototyping.
- Demonstrate basic 3D printer operations and functions.
- Properly prepare CAD files for 3D Printing.
- Utilize various 3D Printing software and hardware.
The courses will be delivered face-to-face. This new and innovative direction in CAD is funded by UNM Valencia campus Carl Perkins CTE grant. The courses will only charge a special $25 lab fee which will cover basic equipment maintenance and upgrades commonly associated with labs and studios.
The 3D Printing mini-certificate will offer Valencia Campus students a foundation of working knowledge to fully utilize the emerging technology as their studies and careers advance.
"Adding new programs of study in response to technological change and economic opportunity is one of our roles as a community college," said Professor Alex Sanchez, lead faculty for the program. "The hope is that these courses will give students the foundation needed to work for companies using this technology, to start their own businesses providing this service or to use the technology to prototype their own designs."
Sanchez has taught computer engineering and 3D computer modeling at Valencia campus since 1983.
"In general, we plan to use this technology to print objects that inspire, educate or serve a real need — the applications are seemingly unlimited," Sanchez said.
"Worldwide, 3D printing is being used in all the engineering disciplines, medicine, product design and art. Buildings are being 3D printed at the large end of the scale and super-efficient surfaces for solar PV cells at the nano end of the scale. Objects are being printed using plastic, metal, ceramic, living cells and food," Sanchez said.
According to the proposal, curriculum for the three courses has been developed and is waiting for implementation. With approval, UNM Valencia could begin offering new classes in fall 2015.
Posted in 3D Printing Technology
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