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Course Descriptions

The following is a complete listing of courses offered at MCC. You can also visit our Programs of Study page for a list of course requirements necessary to complete your degree.

Click on the blue arrow to expand the list of courses for each area.


Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">AAD - Applied Art and Design</span></div>]
AAD - Applied Art and Design
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ACC - Accounting</span></div>]
ACC - Accounting
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ACD - Alcohol/Chemical Dependency</span></di
ACD - Alcohol/Chemical Dependency
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">AGS - Agricultural Studies</span></div>]
AGS - Agricultural Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ANT - Anthropology</span></div>]
ANT - Anthropology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ARA - Arabic/Foreign Language</span></div>]
ARA - Arabic/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ART - Art</span></div>]
ART - Art
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ASL - American Sign Language/Foreign Languag
ASL - American Sign Language/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ATP - Automotive Technology</span></div>]
ATP - Automotive Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">BIO - Biology</span></div>]
BIO - Biology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">BUS - Business</span></div>]
BUS - Business
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CDL - Interdisciplinary</span></div>]
CDL - Interdisciplinary
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CE  - Disney College Program Internship</spa
CE - Disney College Program Internship
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CEL - Leadership</span></div>]
CEL - Leadership
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CHE - Chemistry</span></div>]
CHE - Chemistry
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CHI - Chinese/Foreign Language</span></div>]
CHI - Chinese/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CIN - Cinema Studies</span></div>]
CIN - Cinema Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">Cinema Studies</span></div>]
Cinema Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CIS - Computer Information Systems</span></d
CIS - Computer Information Systems
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CIT - Civil and Construction Technology</spa
CIT - Civil and Construction Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CLT - Clinical Laboratory Technician</span><
CLT - Clinical Laboratory Technician
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">COM - Communication</span></div>]
COM - Communication
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">COS - College Success</span></div>]
COS - College Success
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CPT - Computer Technology</span></div>]
CPT - Computer Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CRC - Computer Related Curricula</span></div
CRC - Computer Related Curricula
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CRJ - Criminal Justice</span></div>]
CRJ - Criminal Justice
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CSC - Computer Science</span></div>]
CSC - Computer Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">DAS - Dental Assisting</span></div>]
DAS - Dental Assisting
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">DEN - Dental Hygiene</span></div>]
DEN - Dental Hygiene
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">EBL - Experience Based Learning</span></div>
EBL - Experience Based Learning
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ECE - Education and Early Care</span></div>]
ECE - Education and Early Care
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ECO - Economics</span></div>]
ECO - Economics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">EDU - Education</span></div>]
EDU - Education
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ELT - Electrical Engineering Technology/Elec
ELT - Electrical Engineering Technology/Electronics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">EMS - Emergency Medical Services</span></div
EMS - Emergency Medical Services
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ENG - English Literature</span></div>]
ENG - English Literature
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ENG - English Writing</span></div>]
ENG - English Writing
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ENR - Engineering Science</span></div>]
ENR - Engineering Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ESL - English For Speakers Of Other Language
ESL - English For Speakers Of Other Languages (ESOL)
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">FPT - Fire Protection Technology</span></div
FPT - Fire Protection Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">FRE - French/Foreign Language</span></div>]
FRE - French/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">FSA - Food Service Administration</span></di
FSA - Food Service Administration
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">GEG - Geography</span></div>]
GEG - Geography
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">GEO - Geology</span></div>]
GEO - Geology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">GER - German/Foreign Language</span></div>]
GER - German/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">GLF - Golf Management</span></div>]
GLF - Golf Management
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">HBR - Hebrew/Foreign Language</span></div>]
HBR - Hebrew/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">HED - Health Education</span></div>]
HED - Health Education
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">HEG - Health Education Global</span></div>]
HEG - Health Education Global
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">HIM - Health Information Technology</span></
HIM - Health Information Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">HIS - History</span></div>]
HIS - History
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">HMN - Humanities</span></div>]
HMN - Humanities
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">HON - Honors Studies</span></div>]
HON - Honors Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">Honors Studies</span></div>]
Honors Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">HSM - Homeland Security Administration</span
HSM - Homeland Security Administration
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">HSP - Hospitality</span></div>]
HSP - Hospitality
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">HUM - Human Services</span></div>]
HUM - Human Services
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">HVA - Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditionin
HVA - Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">IDE - Interior Design</span></div>]
IDE - Interior Design
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ITA - Italian/Foreign Language</span></div>]
ITA - Italian/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">JPN - Japanese/Foreign Language</span></div>
JPN - Japanese/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">LAS - Liberal Arts</span></div>]
LAS - Liberal Arts
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">LAW - Law</span></div>]
LAW - Law
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">LDS - Leadership</span></div>]
LDS - Leadership
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">MAR - Marketing</span></div>]
MAR - Marketing
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">MET - Mechanical Technology</span></div>]
MET - Mechanical Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">MMP - Automotive Technology</span></div>]
MMP - Automotive Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">MTH - Mathematics</span></div>]
MTH - Mathematics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">MUS - Music</span></div>]
MUS - Music
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">NUR - Nursing</span></div>]
NUR - Nursing
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">OFT - Office Technology</span></div>]
OFT - Office Technology
Hide details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">OPT - Optical Systems Technology</span></div
OPT - Optical Systems Technology

OPT 110 - Introduction to Optical Technology

3 Credits

This course explains fundamental principles and applications of optics. The basic characteristics and the design of optical components and systems will be discussed. Topics such as the history of optics and the presence of optical phenomenon in our everyday lives will be introduced and examined. Basic optical manufacturing will be presented and a comprehensive look into professional career paths will be explored in the optics industry. Specific areas also covered include geometrical optics, wave optics, metrology, fiber optics, photonics, aberration theory, human vision, and animal vision.

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-IL - Information Literacy (MIL), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

OPT 131 - Optical Elements and Ray Optics

4 Credits

An introductory course dealing with terminology and techniques in the use of analytical and laboratory methods for planning, executing and evaluating arrangements using components such as mirrors, prisms, thin and thick lenses, diffusers, stops, reticles, and various types of light sources. Reflection, refraction, dispersion, image formation and aberrations are studied with emphasis on the ray concept of light.

(Students not enrolled in an optical technology program may be admitted to the class with approval of the Department Chairperson.)

MCC General Education: MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

OPT 151 - Optical Instruments and Testing

4 Credits

Concepts developed in OPT 131 are applied to the study of illumination and photometry, colorimetry, testing techniques for optical components and systems including the eye, telescope, microscope, photographic systems and optical methods of dimensional measurement.

Prerequisite: OPT 131.

MCC General Education: MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

OPT 153 - Fiber Optics

3 Credits

An introduction to the use and testing of fiber optic cable. Cable termination and splicing techniques will be performed. Standard tests of cables and cable systems will be conducted.

Prerequisites: OPT 131 or OPT 110 and MTH 140, or permission of department.

OPT 175 - Quantitative Skills in Optics

4 Credits

This course teaches students the fundamentals of technical math and metrology as it is applied to optics manufacturing. Students will deepen practical understanding of mathematics, measurements, and a wide range of scenarios in optics manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance with appropriate software and testing tools. Students will learn to set up mathematical relations and equations based on physical situations, drawing on concepts from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistical analysis.

Prerequisite(s): MTH 098 with a grade of C or better, or MCC Level 5 Mathematics Placement or Permission of Department

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-QL - Quantitative Literacy (MQL)

OPT 201 - Photo Science

4 Credits

The chemical, optical and physical principles of the photographic system. In a series of laboratory assignments, the student gains experience in the use of a wide variety of equipment, as well as techniques of photographic testing of the system for image quality, information capacity, densitometry and sensitometry. Each student plans and executes a pictorial presentation related to a technical project.

MCC General Education: MCC-BCO - Speaking (MBCO)

OPT 211 - Wave Optics and Applications

4 Credits

A study of light waves and how they may be used in today's technology. Electromagnetic radiation, coherence, interference and diffraction phenomena, transfer functions and the generation and use of polarized light. Analysis, manufacturing techniques and use of selected instruments using wave optics such as spectrometers, interferometers, diffraction gratings and thin film coatings. An introduction to properties and use of lasers and holography.

Prerequisite(s): OPT 131 or permission of department chair

MCC General Education: MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

OPT 213 - Optical Fabrication and Metrology

4 Credits

A study of optical materials, processes, and measurement techniques employed in the manufacture of modern optical components. In the laboratory portion, each student performs all the steps in planning, tooling, fabricating, finishing, testing, coating, and assembly of precision optical elements.

OPT 231 - Lasers: Technology and Application

4 Credits

This course will stress laser applications in science and industry, including measurement, communication, machining, information recording and holography. The basic principles of laser operation, construction and technology will be discussed in such a way that the student will be able to suggest and implement new ideas, and understand old ones, concerning laser applications and holography. The laboratory will include the actual recording and processing of holograms and other laser experiments.

Prerequisite: OPT 211 or permission of department.

OPT 235 - Advanced Optical Fabrication and Metrology

4 Credits

A study of advanced processes, tools, and CNC technology that are shaping the methodology in manufacturing precision optical components. The course is designed to be very interactive, providing laboratory experience on the following subjects: CNC grinding and polishing, tolerancing, and metrology of precision optical lenses.

Prerequisite: OPT 213 or permission of department.

OPT 245 - Optical Systems

4 Credits

This course extends and complements the two semesters of optical fabrication already in the curriculum. It covers assembly of multiple optical elements into cemented and mechanically mounted lens systems. It includes training in precision cleaning and inspection of optical surfaces. It also includes advanced metrology skills such as interferometry of transmitted beams and measurement of the optical transfer function. These are all skills that an advanced technician needs for the majority of optics industry clients. This course reinforces and consolidates the knowledge gained from the existing optical fabrication courses.

Prerequisite(s): OPT 235 or permission of department chair

MCC General Education: MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

OPT 255 - Photonics

4 Credits

This course covers foundational topics required for the understanding of how light is used to transmit digital information. Emphasis will be placed on awareness of, and basic knowledge about, important technologies and applications in modern photonics industry. Topics include lasers, image display, fibers and communications, integrated optics, and medical applications. Lab activities and visits to local industry stress work-related knowledge and skills

Prerequisite(s): OPT 151

MCC General Education: MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

OPT 290 - Independent Study

Variable Credit

See the Department Chairperson.

Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PE  - Physical Education--Coed</span></div>]
PE - Physical Education--Coed
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PEC - Physical Education--Coed</span></div>]
PEC - Physical Education--Coed
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PEJ - Physical Education-Criminal Justice</s
PEJ - Physical Education-Criminal Justice
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PEM - Physical Education--Men</span></div>]
PEM - Physical Education--Men
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PEW - Physical Education-Women</span></div>]
PEW - Physical Education-Women
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PHL - Philosophy</span></div>]
PHL - Philosophy
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PHO - Photography</span></div>]
PHO - Photography
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PHY - Physics</span></div>]
PHY - Physics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PLE - Police: Law Enforcement</span></div>]
PLE - Police: Law Enforcement
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PLS - Paralegal Studies</span></div>]
PLS - Paralegal Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">POS - Political Science</span></div>]
POS - Political Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PPE - Physical Studies/Physical Education</s
PPE - Physical Studies/Physical Education
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PSC - Public Safety Communications</span></d
PSC - Public Safety Communications
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PST - Public Safety Training</span></div>]
PST - Public Safety Training
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">PSY - Psychology</span></div>]
PSY - Psychology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">Public Speaking</span></div>]
Public Speaking
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">REA - Reading</span></div>]
REA - Reading
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">SCI - Science</span></div>]
SCI - Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">SCR - Computer Security</span></div>]
SCR - Computer Security
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">SGT - Surgical Technology</span></div>]
SGT - Surgical Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">SKT - Tooling and Machining</span></div>]
SKT - Tooling and Machining
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">SMT - Sports Management</span></div>]
SMT - Sports Management
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">SOC - Sociology</span></div>]
SOC - Sociology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">SPA - Spanish/Foreign Language</span></div>]
SPA - Spanish/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">SPC - Speech Communication</span></div>]
SPC - Speech Communication
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">STT - Solar Thermal Technology</span></div>]
STT - Solar Thermal Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">SUS - Sustainability Studies</span></div>]
SUS - Sustainability Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">SVL - Service Learning</span></div>]
SVL - Service Learning
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">TAM - Tooling and Machining</span></div>]
TAM - Tooling and Machining
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">TEK - Technology</span></div>]
TEK - Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">THE - Theatre</span></div>]
THE - Theatre
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">TOY - Toyota</span></div>]
TOY - Toyota
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">TRS - Transitional Studies</span></div>]
TRS - Transitional Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">TVL - Travel And Tourism</span></div>]
TVL - Travel And Tourism
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">XRT - Radiologic Technology</span></div>]
XRT - Radiologic Technology