Selected Studies in Electronic Engineering Technology

Course Description

EET 2930 — Selected Studies in Engineering Technology is a variable-content, special-topics course within the Electronic Engineering Technology discipline (Engineering Technologies taxonomy). The course provides in-depth study of a focused topic or emerging area in electronic engineering technology that is not covered in depth by regularly scheduled offerings. Content changes each semester based on faculty expertise, industry trends, and program needs. Students may repeat the course for credit when the topic differs.

This course carries 3 credit hours and is classified under the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) prefix EET (Electronic Engineering Technology). The "930" suffix designates it as a Selected Studies / Special Topics course, meaning the specific subject matter is determined by the offering institution each term.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Regardless of the specific topic offered, students will be expected to:

• Apply fundamental principles of electronic engineering technology to the selected topic area.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and analytical skills relevant to the chosen subject matter.
• Use industry-standard tools, instruments, or software appropriate to the topic.
• Communicate technical findings clearly in written and/or oral formats.
• Apply safe and professional laboratory or workplace practices as required by the topic.
• Evaluate and interpret technical data, schematics, or specifications related to the selected subject.

Optional / Topic-Dependent Outcomes

The following outcomes may apply depending on the specific topic selected for a given term:

• Design, build, or test electronic circuits or systems related to the topic (e.g., embedded systems, power electronics, RF communications).
• Utilize programmable devices such as microcontrollers, PLCs, or FPGAs in a practical application.
• Analyze and troubleshoot complex electronic systems using advanced diagnostic methods.
• Apply industry standards, codes, or certification requirements relevant to the topic area (e.g., IPC, NEC, FCC).
• Integrate interdisciplinary knowledge (e.g., networking, mechatronics, renewable energy) with core EET concepts.
• Complete a project or capstone artifact demonstrating mastery of the topic.

Major Topics

Required / Core Topics (All Offerings)

• Orientation to the Selected Topic: Scope, relevance, industry context, and safety considerations.
• Foundational Review: Review of prerequisite EET concepts necessary for the topic (e.g., circuit theory, digital logic, test equipment usage).
• Technical Principles: Core theory and operating principles specific to the selected subject area.
• Practical Application: Hands-on lab work, simulations, or project-based activities aligned with the topic.
• Technical Documentation: Reading and producing schematics, data sheets, reports, or technical specifications.
• Professional and Safety Standards: Relevant codes, industry standards, and workplace safety practices.

Optional / Variable Topics (Selected per Term)

Instructors select one or more of the following focus areas each term, consistent with program needs and industry demand:

• Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers — Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ARM-based platforms; firmware development; sensor interfacing.
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) — Ladder logic, industrial automation, SCADA integration.
• Renewable Energy and Power Systems — Solar PV systems, inverters, battery storage, grid-tie configurations.
• RF and Wireless Communications — Modulation techniques, antenna fundamentals, spectrum analysis, IoT communications.
• Instrumentation and Data Acquisition — Sensors, transducers, DAQ systems, LabVIEW or similar platforms.
• Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Design and Fabrication — Schematic capture, PCB layout (EDA tools), soldering and inspection to IPC standards.
• Industrial Electronics and Motor Drives — Variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, power electronics.
• Networking for Technicians — Industrial Ethernet, network topologies, basic cybersecurity for OT/ICS environments.
• Emerging Technologies — Topics such as additive manufacturing, AI in automation, edge computing, or other current industry developments.

Resources & Tools

• Test & Measurement Equipment: Digital multimeters (DMMs), oscilloscopes, function generators, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers.
• Software & Simulation: Multisim, LTspice, LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, Arduino IDE, or topic-specific platforms.
• EDA / PCB Tools: KiCad, Autodesk Eagle, or equivalent (as applicable to topic).
• Programmable Hardware: Microcontroller development boards, PLC trainers, FPGA development kits (as applicable).
• Reference Materials: Manufacturer datasheets, IEEE/IPC/NEC standards documents, vendor application notes.
• Learning Management System: Canvas or Blackboard (per institution) for course content, assignments, and communication.
• Textbook / Course Packet: Selected by instructor each term to match the chosen topic; open educational resources (OER) encouraged where available.

Career Pathways

Because EET 2930 is a variable-content course, it supplements core EET coursework and strengthens student readiness for a broad range of technician-level careers. Graduates of Electronic Engineering Technology programs in Florida pursue roles such as:

• Electronics Technician — Assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of electronic assemblies in manufacturing or defense.
• Instrumentation and Control Technician — Calibration, maintenance, and programming of industrial instrumentation and control systems.
• Automation / PLC Technician — Programming and maintaining programmable controllers and automated production systems.
• Field Service Technician — Installation, commissioning, and repair of electronic equipment at customer sites.
• PCB Design Technician — Layout and design support for printed circuit boards using EDA tools.
• Renewable Energy Technician — Installation and maintenance of solar, wind, and battery storage systems.
• Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) — Maintenance and repair of medical electronic devices (with appropriate topic selection).

Completion of this course can also support upward mobility into engineering associate or engineering technologist roles, and articulates toward B.S. in Engineering Technology programs offered at Daytona State College, Seminole State College, Florida A&M University, Miami-Dade College, and the University of West Florida.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

Depending on the topic selected for a given term, EET 2930 may provide preparatory content relevant to industry certifications, including:

• IPC-A-610 / IPC-7711/7721 — Acceptability of electronic assemblies and rework standards (PCB / soldering topics).
• OSHA 10 / OSHA 30 — General industry safety awareness (integrated into all lab-based offerings).
• MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) — Portable production technician credential aligned with Florida's Engineering Technology core.
• Certified Electronics Technician (CET) — ETA International — Fundamental electronics competency recognized across Florida employers.
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ or Network+ — Applicable when networking or IT-for-technicians topics are selected.

Variable Content / Repeatability

Students should verify with their academic advisor whether a specific section of EET 2930 has been designated as repeatable for credit. Per standard SCNS practice for "x930" courses, the course may be repeated when the subject matter differs substantially between enrollments. The specific topic for each offering must be noted on the course schedule or syllabus.

Program Context

EET 2930 is offered within the Electronic Engineering Technology A.S. degree and related certificate programs at Florida state colleges and community colleges. It typically serves as a technical elective that allows programs to remain current with rapidly evolving industry needs without requiring new permanent course approvals each cycle.