Interdisciplinary Engineering II

Course Description

ETI1411 – Interdisciplinary Engineering II is a first-year, three-credit course in the Engineering Technologies / Industrial Systems Technology taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). Building on the foundational concepts introduced in ETI1410 (Interdisciplinary Engineering I), this course expands students' integrated knowledge of mechanical, electrical, fluid power, and control systems as applied in modern industrial environments. Students apply engineering technology principles through hands-on projects, team-based problem solving, and the analysis of real industrial systems. The course emphasizes technical communication, safety, and the interdisciplinary nature of industrial systems work.

This course is designed for students pursuing programs in Industrial Systems Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or related Engineering Technology fields, and is typically offered at Florida State Colleges and Technical Centers participating in the SCNS.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply integrated systems knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of how mechanical, electrical, fluid power, and control subsystems interact within an industrial system.
• Analyze electrical circuits and components: Interpret and troubleshoot AC/DC circuit diagrams, including motors, relays, and control devices found in industrial settings.
• Interpret technical documentation: Read and apply schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and equipment manuals relevant to industrial machinery.
• Apply fluid power principles: Analyze basic hydraulic and pneumatic circuits and identify components (valves, cylinders, actuators, pumps, compressors) in industrial applications.
• Demonstrate safe work practices: Apply OSHA and industry-standard safety procedures including lockout/tagout (LOTO), personal protective equipment (PPE), and electrical safety protocols.
• Perform basic PLC operations: Identify programmable logic controller (PLC) hardware components and interpret basic ladder logic programs used in industrial automation.
• Use measurement and test equipment: Properly use multimeters, oscilloscopes, pressure gauges, and other instruments to measure and verify system performance.
• Collaborate on engineering technology projects: Work effectively in teams to design, build, or troubleshoot an integrated industrial system or subsystem.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional offerings and program emphasis, students may also:

• Program basic PLC logic: Write and download simple ladder logic programs to a PLC to control an automated process.
• Apply motor control principles: Analyze three-phase motor starters, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and motor protection circuits.
• Introduce robotics and automation concepts: Describe the role of industrial robots, sensors, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in manufacturing systems.
• Explore quality and process improvement: Apply basic concepts of quality control, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and lean manufacturing principles to industrial scenarios.
• Demonstrate technical writing skills: Produce formal lab reports, maintenance logs, and engineering documentation consistent with industry standards.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Review and Extension of Engineering Fundamentals: Units and measurements, scientific notation, engineering problem-solving methodology; bridge from ETI1410 content.
• Electrical Systems in Industry: AC/DC principles, series/parallel circuits, Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws applied to industrial loads; transformers, capacitors, inductors.
• Industrial Control Devices: Relays, contactors, motor starters, limit switches, pushbuttons, sensors (proximity, photoelectric, temperature); control circuit wiring.
• Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): PLC hardware architecture, I/O modules, basic ladder logic (contacts, coils, timers, counters), system wiring.
• Fluid Power Systems – Pneumatics: Compressed air systems, pneumatic cylinders, directional control valves, flow control, pressure regulators; circuit diagram reading and construction.
• Fluid Power Systems – Hydraulics: Pascal's Law, hydraulic pumps, cylinders, directional and pressure control valves, hydraulic circuit analysis.
• Mechanical Power Transmission: Gears, belts, chains, shafts, bearings, and couplings; mechanical advantage and gear ratio calculations; preventive maintenance concepts.
• Workplace Safety and Compliance: OSHA General Industry standards, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, electrical safety (NFPA 70E basics), PPE selection and use, hazard identification.
• Technical Documentation and Schematics: Reading and interpreting electrical schematics, hydraulic/pneumatic circuit diagrams, assembly drawings, and equipment data sheets.
• Instrumentation and Measurement: Use of multimeters, clamp meters, pressure gauges, flow meters, and oscilloscopes; calibration concepts and measurement uncertainty.
• Integrated Systems Lab Projects: Hands-on team projects connecting electrical, mechanical, and fluid power subsystems; troubleshooting methodology; written and oral lab reporting.

Optional Topics

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Principles of operation, parameter setup, and application to motor speed control in industrial processes.
• Introduction to Industrial Robotics: Types of industrial robots, end effectors, coordinate systems, basic robot programming concepts, safety considerations.
• Lean Manufacturing and Process Improvement: 5S methodology, value stream mapping, waste identification (Muda), kaizen concepts applied in a manufacturing context.
• Basic CAD / Technical Drawing: Introduction to computer-aided design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for creating and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Energy auditing basics, efficient motor systems, pneumatic system energy losses, and sustainable practices in industrial facilities.
• Introduction to Sensors and IoT in Industry: Smart sensors, data acquisition systems, and an introduction to Industry 4.0 / Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) concepts.

Resources & Tools

• Textbooks: Titles such as Industrial Electricity and Motor Controls (Fowler) and Fluid Power with Applications (Esposito) are commonly used in equivalent Florida college programs.
• Laboratory Equipment: PLC trainers (Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation, Siemens), pneumatic and hydraulic circuit trainers, motor control panels, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and hand tools.
• Software: Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 / RSLogix 500 (PLC programming); AutoCAD or equivalent CAD package; Microsoft Office for documentation.
• Online Resources: Florida Department of Education SCNS database (flscns.fldoe.org); OSHA e-Tools; Rockwell Automation online learning; manufacturer data sheets and manuals.
• Safety References: OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry), NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety in the Workplace), ANSI/ASSE Z244.1 (Lockout/Tagout).

Career Pathways

Successful completion of ETI1411, within the broader Industrial Systems Technology program, prepares students for entry-level and advancing careers in Florida's manufacturing, utilities, and industrial services sectors, including:

• Industrial Maintenance Technician – Troubleshoot and maintain mechanical, electrical, and fluid power equipment in manufacturing plants.
• Electromechanical Technician – Install, test, and repair electromechanical systems including motors, PLCs, and automated machinery.
• Automation / Controls Technician – Support PLC-based automation systems, HMIs, and industrial control networks.
• Instrumentation Technician – Calibrate and maintain sensors, gauges, and process measurement instruments.
• Fluid Power Technician – Design, install, and maintain hydraulic and pneumatic systems in industrial settings.
• Manufacturing Technician / Process Technician – Support production operations, quality control, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.

This course also articulates toward AS degree programs in Industrial Systems Technology, Mechatronics, or Electrical Technology at Florida State Colleges, and may support stackable credentials and industry certifications.

Special Information

Certification Preparation: Content in ETI1411 aligns with preparation for industry-recognized credentials commonly pursued by Industrial Systems Technology students in Florida, including:

• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Card – Safety content in this course directly supports OSHA 10 completion.
• NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) Credentials – Mechanical systems and measurement topics align with select NIMS competencies.
• Fluid Power Society (IFPS) Certification – Hydraulic and pneumatic fundamentals align with the Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic and Pneumatic Technician certification pathways.
• Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley PLC Credentials – PLC lab work supports preparation for Rockwell's entry-level automation credentials.

Program Note: ETI1411 is a second-course in a sequenced interdisciplinary engineering technology series. Students are expected to have completed ETI1410 or an equivalent introductory course. The course is lab-intensive; students should expect approximately equal time split between lecture/discussion and hands-on laboratory activities. Appropriate work attire and PPE (safety glasses, closed-toe shoes) are required in the lab at all times.