Course

Industrial Automation: Automation Electronics

May 11, 2026 - May 29, 2026
Instructor: Michael Klote

Spots remaining: 15

$450 Enroll

Full course description

Course Overview:
Automation Electronics provides a practical introduction to the electronic principles that power modern automated systems. Participants review foundational concepts like Ohm’s Law and basic circuit analysis, then explore how industrial sensors convert physical conditions into electrical signals. The course culminates in applying these concepts to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), connecting theory to real-world automation environments.
 
This course is part of the Industrial Automation micro-credential series. Participants may complete it as a stand-alone certificate of completion or take all four micro-credentials to earn the Industry 4.0 Certificate in Industrial Automation. A discounted rate is available when enrolling in the full four-course bundle.
 
Course Format:
This course includes three hours of online coursework completed at the day and time that fits your schedule, followed by an eight-hour, in-person, hands-on learning day in the Industry 4.0 Lab at Mizzou Engineering.
 
The online coursework will be available starting May 11th and must be completed prior to May 19th.
 
The in-person learning day in the Industry 4.0 lab will be on May 19th from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
 
Learning Outcomes:
  • A refresher on essential electrical principles used in automation
  • Guided exploration of common industrial sensors and transducers
  • Clear explanations of how temperature, pressure, proximity, and other signals become usable electrical inputs
  • Practical instruction on wiring, signal conditioning, and I/O interfacing with PLCs
  • Hands-on examples that demonstrate how electronic components function within automated systems
 
Topics:
  1. A solid understanding of the electronic building blocks behind automation
  2. Confidence in analyzing simple circuits and interpreting sensor signals
  3. Skills for selecting, wiring, and integrating sensors into PLC-based systems
  4. Insight into best practices for safe, reliable signal conditioning and interfacing
  5. The ability to connect electronic theory to real industrial automation applications
 
Instructor:
Mike Klote, associate teaching professor for both Engineering and Information Technology and Industrial and Systems Engineering. Klote brings over 45 years of mechanical, electrical and mechatronics experience to both programs. He couples his industrial experience with over 35 years of experience teaching industrial technology.
 
Materials:
All course materials are included with enrollment.
 
Department: 
MU College of Engineering Industrial and Systems Engineering Department
 
Credit:
Participants who complete this course are eligible for 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and/or 12 Professional Development Hours (PDHs), which may be applied toward continuing education requirements for licensed engineers. 
 
Audience:
Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of electrical fundamentals and automation components used in modern manufacturing—such as technicians, maintenance professionals, production team members, skilled trades apprentices, and supervisors or team leads.
 
Accommodations
University of Missouri Extension complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability and need accommodations in connection with participation in an educational program or you need materials in an alternate format, please notify your instructor as soon as possible so that necessary arrangements can be made. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. All requests must be made a minimum of 14 days before course start date. MU Extension will attempt to implement late requests but cannot guarantee they will be met.
 
Cancellations and Refund Requests
Access MU Extension’s Course Cancellation and Refund Policy for details.