The Industrial Engineering Department offers undergraduate instruction leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE).

Manufacturing and service companies in both the private and public sectors seek Industrial Engineering graduates for their skills and competencies. In addition to the manufacturing industries such as pharmaceutical, electronics, medical devices and assembly-processes companies, which traditionally hire IE’s; other employers of our graduates include banks, hospitals, logistics-distribution firms, retailers, and consulting firms. Practicing industrial engineers serve as transition and integration consultants as well as developers and system architects in the design for producibility and usability of products and services. Industrial engineers, in senior positions, are sought as strategic planners and integrators because of their grasp of comprehensive and complex systems. IE’s lead and manage engineering, manufacturing, service delivery, research and entrepreneurial firms, always searching for and fostering continuous change and improvement. In short, IE’s are called upon to help assure profits, total quality control, cost effectiveness, timeliness, and satisfactory results for customers and strategic impact through continuous improvement and innovation initiatives. Industrial Engineers are particularly sensitive to promoting human values of health, safety and satisfaction. The typical career path is an entry-level engineering or line supervision position that progresses to a management position in the firm or institution. Often, Industrial engineers ultimately become chief executive officers of their organizations.

To provide our graduates with the knowledge and skills in Industrial Engineering necessary to hold professional positions in industry and government, to pursue graduate studies and life-long learning, and to contribute with the development of the community and the society.

The undergraduate program in Industrial Engineering at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico prepares graduates that:

• Demonstrate knowledge of fundamentals of Industrial Engineering, and an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities that will prepare them for successful careers and life-long learning.


• Demonstrate ability to design, develop, implement and improve integrated systems, processes or components that may include people, materials, information, equipment and energy.


• Demonstrate technical competence within their field, including the ability to identify, formulate, analyze and solve industrial engineering problems by applying basic principles of mathematics, science, engineering, computational skills and modern engineering tools.


• Demonstrate skills pertinent to the design process, including the ability to design and conduct experiments, to analyze and interpret data, to communicate effectively, and to function on multidisciplinary teams.


• Demonstrate a broad education and knowledge of contemporary issues necessary to understand the impact of industrial engineering solutions in a global and societal context, and to become competitive professionals with leadership skills with a sense of social responsibility toward their communities.


• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish.


• Demonstrate practical experience in working with IE projects in real life environments.

Engineering programs must demonstrate that their students attain the following outcomes:

• (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
• (b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
• (c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
• (d) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
• (e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
• (f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
• (g) an ability to communicate effectively (Oral and Written)
• (h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
• (i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
• (j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
• (k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

In order to earn the degree, the student must complete the following minimum requirements:

• 24 Credit-hours in Mathematics
• 16 Credit-hours in Basic Science
• 24 Credit-hours in Socio-Humanistic Studies and Languages
• 32 Credit-hours in General Engineering
• 64 Credit-hours in Industrial Engineering
• 3 Credit-hours in IE Technical Electives
• 3 Credit-hours in Free Electives
• 166 Total Credit-Hours

ENGI 1210- COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: MATH 1340
Introduction to computerized engineering graphics using AUTOCAD with emphasis in two dimensional drawings, isometric, orthographic views, dimensioning, assembly drawings and fundamentals of 3D drawings.

ENGI 2210- ENGINEERING PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: MATH 2320
Principles of probability theory and introduction to descriptive statistics. Discrete, continuous random variables and probability distributions. Test of hypothesis. Simple linear regression.

ENGI 3210- ENGINEERING MATERIALS
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: SCIE 1210, SCIE 2450, and SCIE 2451
Structure and Properties of Solid Phases. Structure, Properties and their control in Multi phase Solid. Course is aimed at understanding the structural elements of materials and their relationship to their properties, and how a material can be modified according to its properties.

ENGI 4210- ENGINEERING ECONOMICS
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: MATH 2320
Introduction to economic evaluation of investments for engineering projects. Time Value of Money. Replacement analysis. Evaluation of public projects. Depreciation and Income tax determination.

ENGI 4220- THERMAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: ENGI 3410, SCIE 1210, SCIE 2440 and MATH 3310
This course addresses the three main components of the thermal fluid sciences: thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. The purpose of this course is to provide an integrated introductory presentation of the basic tools required to solve problems in these areas of engineering. At the end of the course the students should be able to solve problems in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer presented in future courses.

IE 2610- COMPUTER TOOLS FOR IE’S
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: ENGI 1210
Introduction to the use of computer software commonly used by industrial engineers in their day to day work. Including spreadsheets, statistical, project management, word processing, presentation software and exploring Internet.

IE 3110- FINANCIAL AND COST ACCOUNTING
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: SOHU 2020 and IE 2610
Introduction to Financial and Cost Accounting. Introduction to double entry accounting. Development of the cost of goods sold statement, preparation of an activity based costing analysis. Preparation of an annual budget from production to include projected balance statement. Financial ratios. Relationships between activities, costs of resources, objectives and purposes. Use of cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis as a planning and decision making aid.

IE 3210- PROBABILITY FOR ENGINEERS
Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: MATH 2330
Co-requisite: IE 2610
Introduction to descriptive statistics. Principles of probability theory. Random variables and functions. Expected value and variance of a random variable. Discrete and continuous probability distributions. Joint probability distributions.

IE 3220- STATISTICS FOR ENGINEERS
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: IE 3210
Fundamentals of Sampling theory. Estimation point. Confidence intervals for the mean and variance; for one and two populations. Hypotheses testing for the mean and variance; for one and two populations. Goodness of fit test, Test for Independence, and non-parametric randomness. Simple Linear Regression.

IE 3310- WORK DESIGN & HUMANS FACTORS
Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: IE 3210 and ENGI 2110
A comprehensive study of the Human Factors Engineering emphasizing the systems approach to workplace and machine design. Emphasis is placed on optimizing the Human-Machine System interface by learning about the human musculoskeletal and cognitive capabilities and limitations. Topics covered include work physiology, human information processing, workstation design, biomechanics, displays and controls, human visual and auditory systems, and mental workload assessment.

IE 3311- WORK DESIGN & HUMANS FACTORS LABORATORY
One (1) credit-hour. One four-hour laboratory period per week or equivalent.
Co-requisite: IE 3310
A hands-on experience in Work Design and Human Factors Engineering. Emphasis is on in-depth practices of the main tools obtained in the Work Design and Human Factors course, in real workplaces and/or scenarios. The laboratory will cover anthropometry workstation design, manual material handling, biomechanics, and illumination and noise study.

IE 3612- INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND DATABASE DESIGN
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: ENGI 2311 and IE 2610
Analysis, design and implementation of computer- based information systems. The course covers types of information systems, requirements for Information System Analysis and Design, problem analysis, system evaluation, data modeling and design, development of relational databases , query languages. There is a database team project in the course.

IE 4220- STATISTICAL QUALITY CONTROL
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: IE 3220
Fundamental concepts of Statistical Quality Control. Includes Quality Control Charting, Process Capability Analysis, and Acceptance Sampling plans. Principles and techniques of Six Sigma.

IE 4310- JOB DESIGN & WORK MEASUREMENT
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: ENGI 4210, IE 3310 and IE 4220
Principles and techniques for analysis, design and measurements of work methods. Emphasizes motion and time studies. Among the topics covered are operations analysis, learning curve methodology, line balancing, worker and machine relationship, and work measurement techniques such as Stopwatch, Predetermined Time Measurements, Standard Data and Work Sampling.

IE 4311- JOB DESIGN & WORK MEASUREMENT LABORATORY
One (1) credit-hour. One four-hour Laboratory period per week or equivalent.
Pre-requisite: IE 3311
Co-requisite: IE 4310
Laboratory practices in analysis, design and measurements of work methods. Emphasis is placed on an in-depth practice of the main tools obtained in Job Design and Work Measurement course. The laboratories will cover practices related to stopwatch, performance factors, allowance factors, learning curve and predetermined time. A hands-on project to provide experience in the manufacturing industry implementing Stopwatch, MTM and Work Sampling techniques.

IE 4312- SYSTEMS SAFETY ENGINEERING
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: ENGI 4210, IE 3210 and 3310
An introductory study of Systems Safety Design and Reliability and descriptive introduction of the basic requirements of some of the most cited OSHA (Hazard Communication, Recordkeeping Personal Protective Equipment, Machine Guarding, and Control of Hazardous Energy). Among the topics covered are Fault Tree Analysis, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, Preliminary Hazard Analysis, MORT.

IE 4410- MATERIALS MANAGEMENT AND INVENTORY CONTROL
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: IE 3110 and IE 3220
Introduction to inventory management and aggregate planning. Analytical methods for control and maintenance of inventory emphasizing in mathematical models such as deterministic models for independent and discrete demand, and probabilistic models for independent demand, considering the single item and the complexities of multiple items. Introduction to Materials Requirement Planning for inventory systems with dependent demand.

IE 4422- OPERATIONS RESEARCH MODELS I
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hours lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: MATH 3320 and IE 3210
Deterministic and probabilistic models in Operations Research. Includes the use of linear programming techniques for modeling and solving linear problems. Mathematical algorithms are Simplex, transportation, and assignment. Computer software is used to perform sensitivity analysis for LP problems. Probabilistic models include birth and death processes and queuing theory.

IE 4510- PRODUCTION PLANNING AND CONTROL
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: IE 4310 and IE 4410
Analysis of Production Systems. Includes quantitative methods for forecasting, capacity planning, and production scheduling. Introduction to manufacturing philosophies such as Just In Time and Theory of Constraints.

IE 4522- OPERATIONS RESEARCH MODELS II
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: IE 4310 and IE 4422
Markov Chain concepts, Simulation principles and decision making under uncertainty. Use of animated simulation to evaluate the performance of different hypothetical manufacturing and service operations. Case studies to identify operational problems develop and test “what if scenarios”.

IE 4530- ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: IE 3310 and IE 3311
This course offers a conceptual framework for the study, understanding, and application of human behavior in organizations from the viewpoints of an industrial engineer. Discussion of historical and behavioral science research methodology. Examines interrelation of personality, perception, attitudes and job satisfaction. Focus is on the importance of motivation, group dynamics, and leadership and modern organization design.

IE 4710- INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: ENGI 3210
Fundamentals of Modern Manufacturing Technologies. Includes basic principles of selecting component materials, value-added processes, testing techniques and systems. An introduction to Computer Numerical Controlled Machines.

IE 5220 LEAN SIX SIGMA
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisites: IE 4220
Fundamental and in-depth concepts of Lean Production and Six Sigma methodologies. Includes identifying the customer’s critical-to-quality issues and evaluating value streams in key processes and translating identified opportunities into cost, quality, capital and lead time improvement projects through a case-study learning environment. A statistical methodology and visual inspections of variability will be focused continuously throughout the course. Also, a Design of Experiment (DOE) approach will be used to characterize processes and understand different DOE models.

IE 5410- FACILITIES PLANNING AND DESIGN
Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: IE 4311, IE 4422, and IE 4510
Principles and practice in relation to the planning, design and layout of facilities, material handling systems and application of operations research techniques for the design of facilities, covering methods such as Systematic Layout Planning and Relationship Diagramming.

IE 5415- FACILITIES PLANNING AND DESIGN PROJECT
One (1) credit-hour. By arrangement
Pre-requisite: IE 5410
Design of a manufacturing or service facility layout through the integration of previous education in Facilities Planning and Design course. A layout project with periodic reports and an oral presentation are required.

IE 5510- PROJECT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: ENGI 4210 and IE 3210
Role of project manager. Techniques for project selection, planning and control. Principles and methods for project budgeting and monitoring. Resource allocation analysis. Use of project management software.

IE 5712- PROCESS ENGINEERING
Three (3) credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: ENGI 4220 and SCIE 1210
This course introduces non-chemical engineers to the field of process engineering. Starting with mass and energy balances and then introducing the main unit operations used in chemical processes.

IE 5630- COMPUTER VALIDATION
One credit-hour. One four-hour lecture period per week.
Pre-requisite: IE 3610, IE 4220
An overview of validation (terminology and activities), life cycle and associated documentation. Acceptance testing protocols: IQ, OQ and PQ. Validation Plans and Project Management. Study of guidelines for validation of automated systems. Good Automated Manufacturing Practices (GAMP). How to comply with the FDA regulations on electronic records and signature. Quality assurance perspectives for computer validation. Review of engineering documents for operation of manufacturing and utility systems.

IE 5730- MATERIAL HANDLING AUTOMATION
Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture period per week.
Pre-requisite: IE 4510
Evaluation, design, control and implementation of material handling systems. Interrelationships between material handling and plant layout, industrial robots, production planning and control, and integrated manufacturing systems.

IE 5900- CAPSTONE DESIGN COURSE
Two credit-hours. By arrangement
Pre-requisite: IE 5410 and Department Head Approval
Design of a multi-disciplinary project developed in a teamwork environment through the integration of previous education in industrial engineering. Periodic reports and oral presentations are required.

IE 5905- CAPSTONE DESIGN COURSE EXTENSION
Two credit-hours. By arrangement
Pre-requisite: IE 5900
Extension of the Capstone Design Course.

IE 5910- INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING PRACTICE
Three credit-hours. By arrangement.
Pre-requisite: Approval of Department Head
Professionally supervised experience in a real-life environment involving projects for which the student assumes a degree of professional responsibility. Activities must be approved in advance by the student’s advisor or Department head. May consist of full-time or part-time engineering experience in an industrial or service setting, either individually or as a team member. Periodic reports both oral and written required as specified by the advisor.

IE 5990- SPECIAL TOPICS
Three credit-hours. Two two-hour lecture periods per week.
Pre-requisite: Upon IE Department Head recommendation
Open course to include topics of special interest and actuality in the manufacturing and service environment.