Core Technical Course

Hydraulics

In-depth study of industrial hydraulic systems — from hydrostatic principles and pump operation to electro-hydraulic integration and structured troubleshooting.

60–90 Hours

Lecture + Lab

Year 2–3 Core

Course Description

This course provides an in-depth study of industrial hydraulic systems, focusing on hydrostatic principles, pump and motor operation, pressure/flow control, circuit design, electro-hydraulic integration, and system troubleshooting. Students design, build, test, and validate hydraulic circuits using industry-standard components and safety practices aligned with CSA Z432, CSA Z460, and Ontario College Program Standards.

Prerequisites

Intro to Fluid Power
Basic Electricity
Mechanical Systems

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

Explain hydraulic principles including Pascal's Law, flow, pressure, force, and energy transfer.

Interpret and generate hydraulic schematics using ISO 1219 and ANSI symbols.

Select, size, and configure hydraulic components including pumps, motors, valves, accumulators, and actuators.

Design hydraulic circuits for force control, speed control, sequencing, and load holding.

Integrate electro-hydraulic components such as proportional valves, servo valves, and pressure transducers.

Apply safety standards for hydraulic systems, pressure hazards, stored energy, and lockout/tagout.

Troubleshoot hydraulic systems using structured diagnostic methods and instrumentation.

Document hydraulic systems using professional engineering standards (I/O lists, schematics, SOO, validation reports).

14-Week Module Breakdown

Assessment Structure

Component	Weight	Description
Labs (10–12)	40%	Hands-on hydraulic circuit design, assembly, and troubleshooting
Midterm Exam	15%	Theory + applied calculations
Capstone Hydraulic Project	25%	Full circuit design + build + documentation
Final Practical Exam	10%	Live troubleshooting + circuit build
Final Written Exam	10%	Standards, theory, schematics

Grading Rubrics

Ontario College Knowledge, Application, Communication, and Analysis competency model.

Rubric A – Hydraulic Circuit Design (Labs & Exams)

Level 4 – Exceeds Standard

Circuit is optimized, safe, fully functional; uses correct ISO symbols; demonstrates advanced load holding, sequencing, and control logic.

Level 3 – Meets Standard

Circuit functions correctly; minor inefficiencies; documentation clear and complete.

Level 2 – Approaches Standard

Circuit partially functional; missing components; documentation incomplete.

Level 1 – Below Standard

Circuit non-functional; major design errors; unsafe or incorrect assembly.

Required Equipment & Lab Resources

Hydraulic training panels

Pumps (gear, vane, piston)

Motors

Cylinders (single + double acting)

Pressure control valves

Flow control valves

Directional control valves

Accumulators

Filters, reservoirs, heat exchangers

Pressure gauges, flow meters, temperature sensors

Electrical relays + solenoid drivers

ISO 1219 schematic templates

Ontario College Standard Alignment

Standard	Alignment
Vocational Learning Outcomes (VLOs)	Hydraulic design, troubleshooting, safety, documentation
Essential Employability Skills (EES)	Problem solving, critical thinking, communication
General Education Requirements (GER)	Technology ethics, safety culture

Ready to master industrial hydraulics?

Contact Polyphase Automation to enrol in the next available Hydraulics course.

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