Directed Individual Study in Industrial Systems Technology

Course Description

ETI4905 – Directed Individual Study is an upper-division (4000-level), three-credit-hour course in the Engineering Technologies / Industrial Systems Technology taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course provides a structured, faculty-supervised independent learning experience in which the student and instructor collaboratively design a customized plan of study or applied investigation targeting an advanced topic within industrial systems technology. The topic, deliverables, schedule, and grading criteria are formalized in a written learning contract approved by the supervising faculty member and the department prior to enrollment. Because the content is individualized, this course may be repeated for credit (subject to institutional limits), provided each offering addresses a distinct topic or project.

As a _905-series course in the Florida SCNS, ETI4905 is not automatically transferable between institutions and must be evaluated individually by the receiving institution. Transferability is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Develop a learning contract: Formulate a written, faculty-approved plan of study that clearly defines the project scope, objectives, deliverables, timeline, and evaluation criteria within the Industrial Systems Technology field.
• Conduct independent inquiry: Locate, evaluate, and synthesize technical literature, standards, and data sources relevant to the approved topic.
• Apply disciplinary knowledge: Demonstrate competency in applying industrial systems technology principles—such as manufacturing processes, quality systems, industrial safety, or automation—to the chosen topic.
• Produce documented work products: Complete all deliverables specified in the learning contract (e.g., research paper, technical report, project portfolio, or design document) at a level appropriate for a 4000-level engineering technology course.
• Communicate findings: Present results clearly and professionally in written form; oral or visual presentation may be required at faculty discretion.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical practice: Adhere to academic integrity standards, cite sources properly, and reflect on the professional and ethical dimensions of the work.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on the approved topic, students may also achieve one or more of the following:

• Design or prototype development: Produce an engineering design, prototype, or process improvement proposal relevant to industrial or manufacturing systems.
• Data collection and analysis: Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative or qualitative data using appropriate statistical or analytical tools.
• Industry collaboration: Engage with an industrial partner, conduct site visits, or gather practitioner input to ground the study in real-world context.
• Preparation for certification examination: Use the individual study to deepen knowledge in a domain covered by a recognized industry credential (e.g., MSSC, ASQ, OSHA, or lean/Six Sigma certifications).
• Undergraduate research contribution: Contribute original findings, data sets, or analyses that support ongoing departmental or faculty research.

Major Topics

Required Topics (Process and Structure)

Regardless of the subject matter, every section of ETI4905 must address the following process elements:

• Learning contract development: Scope definition, objective setting, milestone scheduling, and deliverable specification in consultation with the supervising faculty member.
• Information literacy and research methods: Identification and critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources, technical standards (e.g., ANSI, ISO, OSHA), and industry publications relevant to industrial systems technology.
• Progress reporting and faculty consultation: Regular (typically bi-weekly or monthly) documented check-ins with the supervising faculty member to assess progress against the contract milestones.
• Technical writing and documentation: Preparation of a formal written deliverable meeting disciplinary conventions for engineering technology reports.
• Academic integrity and professional ethics: Proper attribution, avoidance of plagiarism, and ethical considerations specific to the project topic.

Optional/Variable Topics (Subject to Approved Learning Contract)

The substantive content of each offering is determined by the approved learning contract. Common topic areas within Industrial Systems Technology include:

• Manufacturing processes and materials: Advanced study of metal alloys, polymers, composites, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or process optimization.
• Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma: In-depth application of value-stream mapping, DMAIC methodology, 5S, kaizen, or statistical process control to a defined problem.
• Industrial automation and robotics: PLC programming, sensor integration, robotic work-cell design, or Industry 4.0 / IIoT concepts.
• Quality systems and assurance: ISO 9001, AS9100, or other standards; metrology; inspection methods; statistical quality control.
• Occupational safety and OSHA compliance: Hazard analysis, risk assessment, safety program development, OSHA standards, and accident prevention methods.
• Facilities layout and production systems design: Workflow analysis, capacity planning, material handling, and facility planning methodologies.
• Supply chain and operations management: Inventory control, scheduling, demand forecasting, and supplier quality management.
• Engineering economy and project management: Cost-benefit analysis, capital budgeting, project scheduling (CPM/PERT), and engineering economics applied to industrial projects.
• Emerging technologies: Additive manufacturing, digital twin, data analytics for manufacturing, or sustainable manufacturing practices.

Resources & Tools

• Learning contract form: Institution-specific form co-signed by student and supervising faculty member; must be filed before or during the drop/add period.
• Technical databases: IEEE Xplore, Engineering Village (Compendex), ASME Digital Collection, and Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) library resources.
• Standards repositories: OSHA standards (osha.gov), ANSI, ISO, and ASTM standards relevant to the approved topic.
• Software tools (as applicable to topic): AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Minitab, Arena Simulation, Microsoft Project, or equivalent CAD/CAM/ERP/SPC packages.
• Industry publications: Manufacturing Engineering (SME), Quality Progress (ASQ), Industrial Engineer (IISE), and related trade journals.
• Faculty advisor: Primary point of contact for guidance, milestone review, and final evaluation throughout the semester.

Career Pathways

ETI4905 supports career development across a wide range of industrial and manufacturing sectors. Typical roles for graduates of Industrial Systems Technology programs who complete directed study include:

• Manufacturing / Process Engineer – Optimizing production lines, reducing waste, and improving cycle time in discrete or continuous manufacturing environments.
• Quality Assurance / Quality Control Engineer or Technologist – Implementing inspection plans, statistical process control, and quality management systems.
• Industrial Safety Specialist – Developing OSHA-compliant safety programs, conducting hazard analyses, and managing workplace risk.
• Production / Operations Supervisor or Manager – Overseeing daily manufacturing operations, scheduling, and workforce coordination.
• Lean / Continuous Improvement Specialist – Leading kaizen events, value-stream mapping, and Six Sigma projects within manufacturing or service organizations.
• Automation / Controls Technologist – Programming and maintaining PLCs, robots, and automated systems in industrial settings.
• Supply Chain / Logistics Analyst – Managing inventory, supplier relationships, and distribution network performance.

Special Information

Enrollment requirements: Students must obtain written approval from a supervising faculty member and, where required, the department chair or program director before registering. A completed and signed learning contract specifying objectives, deliverables, and evaluation criteria is required prior to or during the drop/add period.

Transfer notice: As a _905-series course in the Florida SCNS, ETI4905 is not automatically guaranteed transfer credit and must be evaluated individually by any receiving institution.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit, provided each registration addresses a distinctly different topic or project as documented in separate learning contracts. Consult the institution's catalog for maximum total credit allowed.

Certification preparation (optional): With appropriate planning, the directed study may be structured to support preparation for industry credentials aligned to the Industrial Systems Technology field, including:

• MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) or Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) – Manufacturing Skills Standards Council credentials recognized statewide through Florida's Engineering Technology framework.
• ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) or Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) – American Society for Quality credentials valued in manufacturing and process industries.
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry – Occupational safety credential for industrial work environments.
• Lean Bronze / Silver Certification (SME/AME/ASQ/Shingo) – Lean enterprise credentials recognized in manufacturing improvement roles.

Grading: Letter grade (A–F) or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) at institutional discretion. The grading basis must be established in the learning contract before the course begins.