Process Technology A.A.S. Degree
Process Technology is a job-oriented program, preparing students for career opportunities in all process-related industries as process technicians. Process technologies such as food, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, chemical and petrochemical, paper mills, and power generation plants all employ process technicians.
The Process Technology Program offers students core courses related to the Process Operations that will prepare them to develop in their careers as safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible Process technicians in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Students entering the program should realize that Process Operators generally work rotating shifts, perform tasks requiring good mental and physical aptitude, climb tall structures and work around a variety of chemicals.
The Process Technology Program is committed to serving in partnership, the community and industry with a quality, industry-driven curriculum. In addition to developing technical knowledge regarding plant operations, Process Technology students will develop their curriculum and team building skills throughout the program.
Semester I
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Principles of General, Organic and Biochemistry
Course Code : CHM-107
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
An introduction to basic concepts of inorganic, organic and biochemistry. Topics include the metric system, ionic and covalent bonding, acids, bases and salts, radioactivity, solutions, colloids, emulsions, gases and important organic compound classes such as alcohols, ethers, esters, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and enzymes. This course is required for students in Dental Hygiene, Pharmacy Assistant and Respiratory Care.
Prerequisites :
One year of high school laboratory chemistry or CHM-010
- Credit : 4
Short Title : GE Math Elective
Course Code : MAT-EL1
Department Description : Mathematics
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Computer Applications and Systems
Course Code : CSC-105
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
This course defines computers and computer applications and their use in business, industry and government. Students completing this course will be computer fluent. Students will understand the capabilities and limitations of computers and know how to use them. In addition, students will understand computers and their ethical, legal and societal implications. Topics include the history of computers, hardware devices, software programs, terminology, privacy of information, ethical behavior and the influence of computers on people and society. Hands-on experience includes: using a Windows operating system, a word processor, designing and implementing spreadsheets and producing presentations. This course is recommended for anyone who will be involved with computers and the use of computer application software.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Introduction to Chemical Process Technology
Course Code : CPT-100
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : This course serves as an introduction to the process industries - chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food. The course focuses on technician duties, responsibilities and expectations; process terminology, plant organization and a general overview of process equipment, systems and operations. Plant tours will be conducted.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Semester II
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description : Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Principles of Occupational Safety and Health
Course Code : SCI-222
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
An introduction to industrial hygiene. This course examines the sampling and analytical techniques required to evaluate the safety and health hazards associated with the chemical, physical, biological and other stresses in the industrial environment. This course gives the student an understanding of the Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health and prepares the student for further training in Industrial Hygiene.
Prerequisites :
CHM-107 or equivalent
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 2
- Lab Hours : 2
Short Title : Process Technology Equipment
Course Code : CPT-206
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
The purpose of this hands-on course is to introduce students to practical fluid, heat and mass transfer theory as evident in typical industrial processes. The course will introduce the student to all aspects of equipment used in the process industry. Students will learn about the operation of processing equipment such as: reactors, dryers, filters, motors, pumps, valves, gauges, transmitters, utilities, piping, tubing and computers. A simple pilot plant will be designed, built and tested.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 4
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Semester III
Short Title : Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Course Code : SPE-121
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Process Technology Instrumentation
Course Code : CPT-205
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
This course will introduce the student to all aspects of instrumentation used in the process industry. Students will be introduced to a variety of common terms, relationships between process variables and pertinent concepts and definitions. Students will learn about process instruments that control pressure, temperature, flow and level. The concept of control loops and how each component of a control loop acts individually and together to sense, measure, compare and control or convert signals between the various components will be examined.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Process Technology Systems
Course Code : CPT-210
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
The interrelation of process equipment and process systems. Specifically, students will be able to arrange process equipment into basic systems; explain how factors affecting process systems are controlled under normal conditions; and recognize abnormal process conditions. In addition, students are also introduced to the concept of system and plant economics.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 4
Short Title : Principles of Physics
Course Code : PHY-101
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
Includes an introduction to Newtonian mechanics with application of the conservation laws to physical systems. Electromagnetism and geometrical optics are introduced at an elementary level. Topics in wave propagation, thermodynamics, atomic and nuclear physics.
Prerequisites :
MAT-101, MAT-102, MAT-123 or equivalent
- Credit : 4
- Lecture Hours : 3
- Lab Hours : 2
Semester IV
Short Title : Process Technology Operations
Course Code : CPT-212
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
To provide an overview or introduction into the field of operations within the process industry. Students will use existing knowledge of equipment, systems and instrumentation to understand the operation of an entire unit. Students study concepts related to commissioning, normal setup, normal operations, normal shutdown, turnarounds and abnormal situations, as well as the process technician's role in performing the tasks associated with these concepts within an operating unit.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 4
Short Title : Process Technology Troubleshooting
Course Code : CPT-214
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
This course will provide an overview of the field of quality within the process industry. Students will learn about many process industry-related quality concepts including operating consistency, continuous improvement, plant economics, team skills and statistical process control. Methods to ensure operating consistency, process variables, waste issues and techniques used to prevent process safety incidents will also be covered in the course.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Process Control
Course Code : CPT-216
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : A course in process control will introduce students to the real-world operation of a chemical plant and/or a refinery. Students will develop practical skills necessary to operate a variety of processes typically found in a chemical plant or a refinery. The course will completely rely on the use of a computer based process control simulator system. In addition, there are several virtual reality modules that enhance the basic simulator program.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 4
- Lecture Hours : 2
- Lab Hours : 4
Short Title : Technical Elective
Course Code : TEC-EL1
Department Description : Engineering Technologies
- Credit : 3
Short Title : First Aid, CPR and Safety Education
Course Code : PED-225
Department Description : History and Social Sciences
Course Description :
The theory and practice of professional rescuer CPR and basic first aid skills. Topics covered include accident and disease prevention, body systems, respiratory and cardiac emergencies and sudden illnesses. The ability to recognize serious medical emergencies and the course of action are the basic components of this course. American Red Cross certification(s) will be presented to qualified students.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Demonstrate up-to-date understanding of technical aspects of process technology.
- Demonstrate appropriate use of common equipment and tools applied in the process technology industry.
- Develop operation procedures and technical reports.
- Demonstrate understanding and develop basic skills of instrumentation applied in process technology industry.
- Develop and apply knowledge to process troubleshooting.
- Demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures, hazards, housekeeping, and appropriate cautions. Demonstrate knowledge of data management using necessary computer skills.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Donna Howell, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2592
Contact Email: dhowell@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/natural-sciences/
Frequently Asked Questions
What will students learn if they study Process Technology?
They learn how to monitor and control mechanical, physical and /or chemical changes throughout many processes to produce a final product made from raw materials. Process technicians are responsible for start up, maintenance, troubleshooting, and shutdown of process equipment. Upon successful completion of this program, students will know how to analyze, evaluate, and communicate process-related data, understand various processes, troubleshoot process equipment and instruments, and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Algebra I competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or completion of the appropriate course.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Transfer Information
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.