COURSE SYLLABUS
RBTC 1305 (3:2:3)
Robotic Fundamentals
Industrial Manufacturing and Emerging Technologies
Industrial Technology Department
Technical Education Division
Levelland, Reese and Plainview Campus
SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE
SPRING 2025
COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE: RBTC1305 Robotic Fundamentals
INSTRUCTOR:
Bill Tackett
Wheeler Osborne
Salvador Molinar
OFFICE LOCATION: ET Building, Reese Center, and Plainview Room # IM103, IM104, RC215C, PTB112
(806)894-9611 ext: 2297 E-Mail btackett@southplainscollege.edu
(806)894-9611 ext: 2352 E-Mail wosborne@southplainscollege.edu
(806)894-9611 ext: 2334 E-Mail smolinar@southplainscollege.edu
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment
SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE IMPROVES EACH STUDENTS LIFE
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I GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION:
A. Course Description: An introduction to flexible automation. Topics include installation, repair,
maintenance, and development of flexible robotic manufacturing systems.
B. Course Learning Outcomes: Describe the history of robotics and its impact on production and the
labor force; define the term "robot" and describe general characteristics; explain the physics of robot
motion and use different teaching pendants; and describe the characteristics of different types of robot
control systems, applications of robots, and end-of-arm tooling.
C. Course Competencies: Students must demonstrate the ability to master the concepts and techniques
covered in the classroom and lab. Each student must attain a minimum level of 70% as an average on
written tests, both daily and final, and on assigned lab projects.
D. Tutoring: Students who do not pass their first exam will be required to attend three hours of tutoring
each week until they pass their exam. This is a course requirement and will be reflected in the course
grade.
E. Academic Integrity: It is the aim of Industrial Manufacturing and Emerging Technologies faculty of
South Plains College to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt
of any student to present as his or her own work, which he or she has not honestly performed, is
regarded by the faculty and administration as a most serious offence and renders the offender liable to
serious consequences, possibly suspension. Students should refer to the SPC General Catalog policy
regarding consequences for cheating and plagiarism (see “Academic Integrity” as well as “Student
Conduct” sections in the college catalog). At times, working with other students is encouraged for some
assignments and meets SCANS competencies C-9 through C-14. If you have a question as to whether
you may work with other students on any assignment, ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR.
F. SCANS and Foundation Skills: The appropriate competencies and foundations skills (SCANS) have
been integrated into the IMET program. The following competencies and foundation skills have been
specifically integrated into the Course. C-1, C-3 through C-8, C-17, C19, F-1 through F-3, F-5, F-6, F11, F-16, and F-17.
II SPECIFIC COURSE/INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS:
A. Textbook and other materials: Larry T. Ross, Stephen W. Fardo, James W. Masterson, Robert L.
Towers; Robotics Theory and Industrial Applications, Second Edition, The Goodheart-Willcox
Company Inc. Publishers, ISBN 978-1-60525-32-1-3
Arduino Uno Microprocessor kit: Available at the SPC Bookstore SKU#: 76401521100
B. Tools: TI-30Xa Scientific Calculator, ANSI approved Safety Glasses, Pocket knife (Lock Blade) Or
Multi-Tool, Digital Multi-meter, USB Jump-drive (Memory Stick), Earphones with standard audio jack
for listening to computer audio files with, Ear Plugs or some type of hearing protection, and a class G
Hard hat and a Windows based laptop or desktop computer with internet access for online assignments
and meetings.
C. Consistent with the latest CDC recommendations, we have revised
our guidance for students, faculty, and staff who have a known
exposure or have tested positive. Anyone with a known exposure
should wear a mask for 10 days and should seek a COVID-19 test on
day five after exposure. If you test positive or develop symptoms, you
should immediately self-isolate and seek a COVID-19 test. Please
immediately notify your instructor, supervisor, and DeEtte Edens,
Associate Director of Health and Wellness, any time you test positive
for COVID-19. Anyone who tests positive is required to self-isolate for
five days. Following the five-day isolation period, if you are
asymptomatic or your symptoms are resolving, you may return to
work or class but should wear a mask for five additional days. If you
are still symptomatic, please contact DeEtte
Edens at dedens@southplainscollege.edu or 806-716-2376 prior to
your return date.
D. South Plains College Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all classes in order to be successful in a course. The student may be
administratively withdrawn from the course when absences become excessive as defined in the course
syllabus.
When an unavoidable reason for class absence arises, such as illness, an official trip authorized by the
college or an official activity, the instructor may permit the student to make up work missed. It is the
student’s responsibility to complete work missed within a reasonable period of time as determined by
the instructor. Students are officially enrolled in all courses for which they pay tuition and fees at the
time of registration. Should a student, for any reason, delay in reporting to a class after official
enrollment, absences will be attributed to the student from the first class meeting.
Students who enroll in a course but have “Never Attended” by the official census date, as reported by
the faculty member, will be administratively dropped by the Office of Admissions and Records. A
student who does not meet the attendance requirements of a class as stated in the course syllabus and
does not officially withdraw from that course by the official census date of the semester, may be
administratively withdrawn from that course and receive a grade of “X” or “F” as determined by the
instructor. Instructors are responsible for clearly stating their administrative drop policy in the course
syllabus, and it is the student’s responsibility to be aware of that policy.
It is the student’s responsibility to verify administrative drops for excessive absences through MySPC
using his or her student online account. If it is determined that a student is awarded financial aid for a
class or classes in which the student never attended or participated, the financial aid award will be
adjusted in accordance with the classes in which the student did attend/participate and the student will
owe any balance resulting from the adjustment.
Absence for Military Service
In accordance with Texas Education Code Section 51.9111, a student is excused from attending classes
or engaging in other required activities, including exams, if he or she is called to active military service
of a reasonably brief duration. The maximum time for which the student may be excused has been
defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as “no more than 25 percent of the total
number of class meetings or the contact hour equivalent (not including the final examination period) for
the specific course or courses in which the student is currently enrolled at the beginning of the period of
active military service.” The student will be allowed a reasonable time after the absence to complete
assignments and take exams.
Religious Holy Days
In accordance with Texas Education Code Section 51.911, South Plains College will allow a student
who is absent from class for the observance of a religious holy day to take an examination or complete
an assignment scheduled for that day within seven (7) calendar days after the absence. Students are
required to file a written notification of absence with each instructor within the first fifteen (15) days of
the semester in which the absence will occur. Forms for this purpose are available in the Dean of
Students Office along with instructions and procedures. “Religious holy days” means a holy day
observed by a religion whose place of worship is exempt from property taxation under Texas Tax Code
Section 11.20.
Pregnancy
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, in the event of pregnancy,
termination of pregnancy or recovery from any of these conditions a student’s absences shall be
excused, as deemed necessary by the students physician (Title IX.) The student should contact the SPC
Title IX coordinator for further assistance.
E. The following attendance guidelines have been established for the IMET program:
1. Absent from class is defined as “not present and ready to participate during scheduled lecture or
lab times."
2. Tardy is defined as "not present at the designated starting time of the lecture or lab.” Three
tardies will equal one absence and will be treated the same as any absence.
3. When a student accumulates six absences minimum course objectives cannot be met. At the
discretion of the instructor, the student may be withdrawn from the course.
F. Assignment policy: All required work must be turned in on time in order that the student may benefit
from the corrections and study for future examinations. Any work that is handed in post the due date or
tests missed will be accepted only at the discretion of the Instructor, Points will be taken from all late
assignments or test accepted by the Instructor.
G. Grading Policy: Daily tests average will equal 33.3% of final semester grade lab grade will equal
33.3% of final semester grade and final test grade will equal 33.3% of final semester grade. Written and
oral assignments will be averaged in with daily test average and lab grade will consist of lab projects.
The lab grade will also include an end of semester Instructor assessment that will be used to adjust the
lab grade up or down by up to 20%. This is used to account for class participation, safety violations, end
of class clean up as well as other criteria deemed important by the instructor such as overall attitude and
demeanor.
H. Special Requirements: Students in the Industrial Manufacturing and Emerging Technologies program
will be required to follow safety procedures while in the classroom and the lab. Chemical hazards and
appropriate SDS safety practices will be stressed as part of the safety program.
I. Cell phones
No cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed in the classroom or during lectures.
Cell phones may be used during break or during labs.
J. Class Dress Code
No open toed shoes, sandals or flip-flop styled shoes.
No baggy, saggy or drooping clothes. This includes wearing pants pulled down in a “Low Slung Style”.
For safety considerations standard shop acceptable attire is required.
If you have any doubts about what is acceptable see the instructor for clarification.
K. Tobacco Use
No tobacco use of any kind is permitted inside the buildings.
This includes smokeless tobacco.
No spitting in the trashcans
No spitting in the urinals or toilets
No spitting on the floor (Including inside the lab/Shop areas)
No use of cups or bottles as spittoons.
III. COURSE OUTLINE:
1. Programming
2. Applications
3. Electromechanical systems
4. Sensors
5. End Effectors
6. CNC
7. Maintenance
8. Teleoperators
SPC Standard Disability Statement
Students with disabilities, including but not limited to physical, psychiatric, or learning
disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the
Disability Services Office early in the semester so that the appropriate arrangements
may be made. In accordance with federal law, a student requesting
accommodations must provide acceptable documentation of his/her disability to the
Disability Services Office. For more information, call or visit the Disability Services
Office at Levelland (Student Health & Wellness Office) 806-716-2577, Reese Center
(Building 8) 806-716-4675, or Plainview Center (Main Office) 806-716-4302 or 806-
296-9611.
Non-Discrimination Statement
South Plains College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. The following person has
been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Vice
President for Student Affairs, South Plains College -1401 College Avenue, Box 5,
Levelland, TX 79336, 806-894-9611
Diversity Statement
In this class, the teacher will establish and support an environment that values and
nurtures individual and group differences and encourages engagement and
interaction. Understanding and respecting multiple experiences and perspectives will
serve to challenge and stimulate all of us to learn about others, about the larger
world and about ourselves. By promoting diversity and intellectual exchange, we will
not only mirror society as it is, but also model society as it should and can be.
Campus Concealed Carry
South Plains College permits the lawful carry of concealed handguns in accordance with
Texas state law, and Texas Senate Bill 11. Individuals possessing a valid License to Carry
permit, or the formerly issued Concealed Handgun License, may carry a concealed
handgun at all campus locations except for the following.
• Natatorium
For a complete list of campus carry exclusions zones by event, please visit
http://www.southplainscollege.edu/campuscarry.php
Texas Senate Bill - 11 (Government Code 411.2031, et al.) authorizes the carrying
of a concealed handgun in South Plains College buildings only by persons who have
been issued and are in possession of a Texas License to Carry a Handgun.
Qualified law enforcement officers or those who are otherwise authorized to carry a
concealed handgun in the State of Texas are also permitted to do so. Pursuant to
Penal Code (PC) 46.035 and South Plains College policy, license holders may not
carry a concealed handgun in restricted locations. For a list of locations, please refer
to the SPC policy at:
(http://www.southplainscollege.edu/human_resources/policy_procedure/hhc.php)
Pursuant to PC 46.035, the open carrying of handguns is prohibited on all South
Plains College campuses. Report violations to the College Police Department at
806-716-2396 or 9-1-1.
RESOURCES: Identifies, organizes, plans and allocates resources.
C-1 TIME—Selects goal—relevant activities, ranks them, allocates time, and prepares and follows schedules.
C-2 MONEY—Uses or prepares budgets, makes forecasts, keeps records, and makes adjustments to meet objectives.
C-3 MATERIALS & FACILITIES—Acquires, stores, allocates, and uses materials or space efficiently.
C-4 HUMAN RESOURCES—Assesses skills and distributes work accordingly, evaluates performances and provides
feedback.
INFORMATION – Acquires and Uses Information
C-5 Acquires and evaluates information.
C-6 Organizes and maintains information.
C-7 Interprets and communicates information.
C-8 Uses computers to process information.
INTERPERSONAL – Works With Others
C-9 Participates as members of a team and contributes to group effort.
C-10 Teaches others new skills.
C-11 Serves clients/customers—works to satisfy customer’s expectations.
C-12 Exercises leadership—communicates ideas to justify position, persuades and convinces others, responsibly
challenges existing procedures and policies.
C-13 Negotiates-Works toward agreements involving exchanges of resources resolves divergent interests.
C-14 Works with Diversity-Works well with men and women from diverse backgrounds.
SYSTEM – Understands Complex Interrelationships
C-15 Understands Systems—Knows how social, organizational, and technological systems work and operates
effectively with them.
SCANS COMPETENCIES
C-16 Monitors and corrects Performance-Distinguishes trends, predicts impacts on system operations, diagnoses
systems’ performance and corrects malfunctions.
C-17 Improves or Designs Systems-Suggests modifications to existing systems and develops new alternative systems to
improve performance.
TECHNOLOGY – Works with a variety of technologies
C-18 Selects Technology—Chooses procedures, tools, or equipment including computers and related technologies.
C-19 Applies Technology to Task-Understands overall intent and proper procedures for setup and operation of
equipment.
C-20 Maintains and Troubleshoots Equipment-Prevents, identifies, or solves problems with equipment, including
computer and other technologies.
BASIC SKILLS—Reads, writes, performs arithmetic and mathematical operations, listens and speaks
F-1 Reading—locates, understands, and interprets written information in prose and in documents such as manuals,
graphs, and schedules.
F-2 Writing-Communicates thoughts, ideas, information and messages in writing, and creates documents such as
letters, directions, manuals, reports, graphs, and flowcharts.
F-3 Arithmetic—Performs basic computations; uses basic numerical concepts such as whole numbers, etc.
F-4 Mathematics—Approaches practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical
techniques.
F-5 Listening—Receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages and other cues.
F-6 Speaking—Organizes ideas and communicates orally.
THINKING SKILLS—Thinks creatively, makes decisions, solves problems, visualizes, and knows how to
learn and reason
F-7 Creative Thinking—Generates new ideas.
F-8 Decision-Making—specifies goals and constraints, generates alternatives, considers risk, and evaluates and
chooses best alternative.
F-9 Problem Solving—Recognizes problems and devises and implements plan of action.
F-10 Seeing Things in the Mind’s Eye—Organizes and processes symbols, pictures, graphs, objects, and other
information.
F-11 Knowing How to Learn—Uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills.
F-12 Reasoning—Discovers a rule or principle underlying the relationship between two or more objects and applies it
when solving a problem.
PERSONAL QUALITIES—Displays responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, integrity and
honesty
F-13 Responsibility—Exerts a high level of effort and preservers towards goal attainment.
F-14 Self-Esteem—Believes in own self-wroth and maintains a positive view of self.
F-15 Sociability—Demonstrates understanding, friendliness, adaptability, empathy, and politeness in group settings.
F-16 Self-Management—Assesses self accurately, sets personal goals, monitors progress, and exhibits self-control.
F-17 Integrity/Honesty—Chooses ethical courses of action
FOUNDATION SKILLS