Print and Graphic Media Technology BS - Curriculum

Graphic media is customized manufacturing driven by exciting digital technologies and innovative applications resulting in provocative output using varied processes. This course introduces learners to the graphic media industry by completing hands-on projects that will orient them to the technologies and processes required to complete a diverse array of graphic projects, including conventional and digital printing, premedia processes, typography, and image processing. Projects include preparing text and images and subsequent output for screen printing, flexographic printing, offset lithographic printing, inkjet and other digital printing, signage, and cross-media through print, web, and mobile. Learners will develop an appreciation to the unique contributions of graphic media to society. Lab 2 (Fall, Spring).

Combining text and graphics is foundational for graphic production. The course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical foundations of typography and page composition. Students study the technology and aesthetics of typography, and current methods of combining type and graphic elements to compose pages for print and electronic distribution. Projects include page composition and production methods, using current software tools and fonts in print and electronic displays. Students will apply their acquired knowledge to make informed decisions in the practice of typography and page composition. (Prerequisites: MAAT-102 or equivalent course.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring).

Impactful images are essential for nearly all forms of effective graphic communication. The theme of this project-based course is the creation and optimization of raster and vector images for cross-media deployment through print, web, and mobile media. Through a series of hands-on, laboratory-based exercises, learners employ professional image evaluation and editing techniques in preparation for commercial output. Using current software and computer peripherals, learners apply industry best practices to produce, evaluate, and optimize digital raster and vector images. Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).

This survey course introduces students to the technologies of print production, with a focus on the materials and processes used in conventional, digital, and functional printing methods. Hands-on lab experiences expose students to the underlying concepts while imparting knowledge of the strengths and limitations of the various methods. Quality, efficiency, economics, and sustainability are addressed. (Prerequisites: MAAT-102 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).

Students in this course will plan and implement publishing projects with a focus on usability, accessibility, and information design for the World Wide Web. Application of standard Web protocols such as HTML and CSS will be applied in the context of Web publishing as a part of a cross-media production strategy. (This course is restricted to students in the NMEP-BS or JOURNAL-BS programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

This course provides the background for an introductory level, non-trigonometry based calculus course. The topics include a review of the fundamentals of algebra: solutions of linear, fractional, and quadratic equations, functions and their graphs, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and rational functions, and systems of linear equations. (Prerequisites: Students may not take and receive credit for MATH-101 and MATH-111. See the Math department with any questions.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).

This course introduces students to current best practices in written and visual technical communication including writing effective email, short and long technical reports and presentations, developing instructional material, and learning the principles and practices of ethical technical communication. Course activities focus on engineering and scientific technical documents. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

In an increasingly visual culture, and culture of online user-created content, non-designers are called upon in the professional realm to illustrate their ideas. Graduates entering the workforce will encounter situations where they will benefit from possessing a visual communication sensibility and vocabulary to communicate effectively with a broad range of audiences, including professional designers. Creative approaches to challenges, such as visual thinking, are also shown to improve students’ comprehension and problem-solving abilities. Digital Design in Communication is an opportunity for undergraduates to receive an introduction to principles of visual message design from a critical rhetorical perspective. They will also get the opportunity to apply these principles to a variety of visual products such as advertisements, logos, brochures, resumes, etc. A variety of computer software applications are available to support the research, writing, visualization, and design of messages. Lecture 3 (Fall, Summer).

This course provides students with a venue for preparing for job searches and subsequent employment. Students learn how to access the RIT job search database, to prepare cover letters and resumes, to make efficient use of career fairs, and to participate in effective interviews through a mock interview process. (This course is restricted to students in the NMEP-BS program.) Seminar 1 (Fall, Spring).

Graphic media on an enterprise level requires efficient and automated workflows to complete printed projects efficiently, mistake-free, on-time, and on-budget. This course focuses on workflows for the two main printed output technologies for paginated pages: offset lithography and high-volume digital printing. Building on the understanding of the requisite steps entailed of these two key output processes, this hands-on course encompasses all of the processes that allow graphic media companies to go from concept to completion while minimizing manual steps to ensure that efficiency is built into an optimized and flexible workflow. Emphasis is placed on project management, stakeholder communications, bottleneck identification, and building efficiencies as related to paginated output for offset lithography and high-volume digital printing technologies. Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring).

In this course the students will research current and emerging publishing information technology trends and apply them in creating publishing solutions across a variety of platforms. Students will learn and apply digital asset management methods and practices in real-world scenarios. (Prerequisites: MAAT-106 and MAAT-272 or ISTE-305 or equivalent courses.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring).

Students will explore gravure and flexography technologies, and learn to evaluate applicable designs. Extensive hands-on experience is included. Students will create pressure sensitive label designs, take command of a flexo press, and print labels. Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).

This course prepares students to engage in a variety of written and oral communications necessary in academic and business environments with an emphasis on technical writing. Students are expected to produce appropriate audience-centered written materials that achieve a desired purpose based on techniques, organization, format, and style. Formal technical reports and presentations are required. Students must pass this course with a grade of B or higher prior to graduation or pass the Writing Competency Test. (Prerequisites: Completion of First Year Writing (FYW) requirement is required prior to enrolling in this class.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

An introduction to the principles of effective written technical communication for professional environments. Topics include memos, business letters, summary activity reports, technical proposals, and research papers. (Pre-requisites: This course is restricted to PACK-BS or NMEP-BS students. Co-requisites: First Year Writing (FYW).) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

An in-depth overview of packaging. The course will include historical perspectives of packaging. Students will explore the functions of packaging and the materials, processes, and technology employed to protect goods during handling, shipment, and storage. A brief review of container types, package design and development, and research and testing are presented, along with information about economic importance, social implications, and packaging as a profession. Students will research historical, current, and future packages to gain better insight into the world of packaging. Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).

This course is an elementary introduction to the topics of regression and analysis of variance. The statistical software package Minitab will be used to reinforce these techniques. The focus of this course is on business applications. This is a general introductory statistics course and is intended for a broad range of programs. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or equivalent course.) Lecture 6 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

This course examines major principles and trends in communication law. The course analyzes a broad range of issues related to the First Amendment, intellectual property, and media regulation. Special attention is paid to discussing the major ethical perspectives and issues surrounding contemporary communication behavior. Lecture 3 (Spring).

Database publishing is centered on personalized graphic communications: this entails customizing graphic messaging for individuals and specifically targeted audiences. The requisite competencies for database publishing, including managing and accessing databases and integrating digital assets for distribution using electronic and digitally-printed methods, form the core of this course. Learners work with the fundamental design elements of databases constructed for activities that support graphic communication processes. Topics include best practices for building, optimizing, and maintaining databases comprised of recipient information and the merging of data with managed digital assets. Projects include composing publications and creating personalized documents for distribution through the web and in print. (Prerequisites: MAAT-106 and MAAT-271 or equivalent courses) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring).

When completing print and graphic media projects on an industrial-scale, efficient and effective automation and scripting strategies are integral to productivity and competitiveness. In this course, learners develop and implement automation schemas specific for the print and graphic media industry. Hands-on assignments begin with automation methodologies imbedded in commonly used software (e.g.: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator Actions.) Scripting is introduced as students utilize markup languages such as XML and object-oriented languages such as Python and prototype-based object oriented languages such as JavaScript to further specific automated tasks through inter-application communication. Emphasis is placed on strategies such as automating digital asset management tasks and using scripting to accomplish advanced variable-data graphic media tasks in a real-world context. Learners implement automation and scripting to improve performance, efficiency, and consistency in print and graphic media production. (Prerequisites: MAAT-301 or equivalent course.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring).

The Media Arts and Technology Co-op provides students with the opportunity to work in a position related to their major field of study. Co-ops are typically paid work experiences. All co-ops should fall within an RIT term (fall, spring, summer) and require permission of instructor for enrollment. (Prerequisites: MAAT-10 or equivalent course.) CO OP (Fall, Spring, Summer).

This course covers fundamentals of color measurement, color management system, and color reproduction technology for color matching and color image reproduction. Emphases are placed on CIE colorimetry, device calibration and characterization, and color management systems. (Students cannot take and receive credit for this course if they have taken PPRT-602.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Fall).

Students who take this course will understand how package-printing technologies work, and how they are used to print bags, labels, cartons, cans, boxes, and bottles. Students will apply a packaging printing workflow to produce labels and folding cartons of their own design. Finally, cost analyses of package printing using various technologies is discussed. This course is cross-listed with PPRT-688; students may receive credit for MAAT-558 or PPRT-688, not both. (Degree-seeking undergraduate students. Students may not take and receive credit for MAAT-558 and PPRT-688. If you have earned credit for MAAT-558 or you are currently enrolled in PPRT-688 you will not be permitted to enroll in MAAT-558.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).

This course is designed to introduce the student to techniques required to maintain and improve quality within manufacturing organizations and the service sector through the use of statistical methodologies. The course covers concepts of quality, quality managements and assurance, product quality, design of quality control chart, statistical process control, and quality improvement through design by considering concept development and implementation. Traditional and modern quality systems will be discussed including the work of such quality gurus like Taguchi, Deming, Juran, and Shewhart. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or STAT-205 or STAT-251 or MATH-251 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge and skills of contemporary theories and practices in operations and supply chain management employed by world class manufacturing organizations. Students are introduced to topics that include forecasting, aggregate planning, inventory management, capacity management, and supply chain management. Integrated with these topics are lean excellence tools VSM, 5S, Kanban, OEE and Standard Work Practices, Cycle Time Analysis. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or STAT-205 or STAT-251 or MATH-251 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

Print and graphic media professionals need to be versed in technological capabilities and business practices integral to managing a graphic media operation. Beginning with stakeholders in graphic media entities, including providers, vendors, and customers, learners in this course explore factors contributing to operational efficiencies and sustainability in print and graphic media enterprises. The course emphasizes the performance metrics, strategies, and methods required to achieve ethical business success in the industry, including using analytics to support improved decision making, effective marketing, and efficient operations. Recognizing that writing is a fundamental proficiency that permeates professional business management, students engage in informal and formal writing assignments pertinent to the print and graphic media industry throughout the course. (Prerequisites: MAAT-267 and COMM-142 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

Cross-media graphic projects that satisfy the demands of buyers, advertising agencies, and brand owners require the synthesis of multiple skill-based tasks by different constituencies that culminate in print, web, and mobile-based deliverables optimized for each media. The coordination of knowledgeable professionals is needed for high quality graphic project completion that meet budget demands and deadlines for deliverables. This course engages learners to apply the skills imparted in prior coursework in the completion of a graphic-based cross-media project within the context of functioning teams. Best practices for project management, leadership, resource identification and application, and time management and tracking are applied as learners design, pitch, and satisfy the needs of a graphic media client in the completion of a complex cross-media project. (Prerequisites: MAAT-267 and MAAT-301 or equivalent courses.) Lab 2, Lecture 1 (Fall).

Students who take this course will understand how digital printing technologies work, what they are capable of doing, and how these technologies are used commercially. Students will analyze the factors driving the explosive growth of digital printing, including how the economics of digital and conventional printing compare. The concepts taught in the classroom are reinforced through hands-on labs and field trips to digital printers and equipment suppliers. This course is cross-listed with PPRT-641; students may receive credit for MAAT-541 or PPRT-641, not both. (Not if PPRT-641) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall).

Graphic media is customized manufacturing driven by exciting digital technologies and innovative applications resulting in provocative output using varied processes. This course introduces learners to the graphic media industry by completing hands-on projects that will orient them to the technologies and processes required to complete a diverse array of graphic projects, including conventional and digital printing, premedia processes, typography, and image processing. Projects include preparing text and images and subsequent output for screen printing, flexographic printing, offset lithographic printing, inkjet and other digital printing, signage, and cross-media through print, web, and mobile. Learners will develop an appreciation to the unique contributions of graphic media to society. Lab 2 (Fall, Spring).

Combining text and graphics is foundational for graphic production. The course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical foundations of typography and page composition. Students study the technology and aesthetics of typography, and current methods of combining type and graphic elements to compose pages for print and electronic distribution. Projects include page composition and production methods, using current software tools and fonts in print and electronic displays. Students will apply their acquired knowledge to make informed decisions in the practice of typography and page composition. (Prerequisites: MAAT-102 or equivalent course.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring).

Impactful images are essential for nearly all forms of effective graphic communication. The theme of this project-based course is the creation and optimization of raster and vector images for cross-media deployment through print, web, and mobile media. Through a series of hands-on, laboratory-based exercises, learners employ professional image evaluation and editing techniques in preparation for commercial output. Using current software and computer peripherals, learners apply industry best practices to produce, evaluate, and optimize digital raster and vector images. Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).

This survey course introduces students to the technologies of print production, with a focus on the materials and processes used in conventional, digital, and functional printing methods. Hands-on lab experiences expose students to the underlying concepts while imparting knowledge of the strengths and limitations of the various methods. Quality, efficiency, economics, and sustainability are addressed. (Prerequisites: MAAT-102 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).

Students in this course will plan and implement publishing projects with a focus on usability, accessibility, and information design for the World Wide Web. Application of standard Web protocols such as HTML and CSS will be applied in the context of Web publishing as a part of a cross-media production strategy. (This course is restricted to students in the NMEP-BS or JOURNAL-BS programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

This course provides the background for an introductory level, non-trigonometry based calculus course. The topics include a review of the fundamentals of algebra: solutions of linear, fractional, and quadratic equations, functions and their graphs, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and rational functions, and systems of linear equations. (Prerequisites: Students may not take and receive credit for MATH-101 and MATH-111. See the Math department with any questions.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

This course introduces statistical methods of extracting meaning from data, and basic inferential statistics. Topics covered include data and data integrity, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, numeric summary measures, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. The emphasis of the course is on statistical thinking rather than computation. Statistical software is used. (Prerequisites: Any 100 level MATH course, or NMTH-260 or NMTH-272 or NMTH-275 or (NMTH-250 with a C- or better) or a Math Placement Exam score of at least 35.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).

This course introduces students to current best practices in written and visual technical communication including writing effective email, short and long technical reports and presentations, developing instructional material, and learning the principles and practices of ethical technical communication. Course activities focus on engineering and scientific technical documents. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

In an increasingly visual culture, and culture of online user-created content, non-designers are called upon in the professional realm to illustrate their ideas. Graduates entering the workforce will encounter situations where they will benefit from possessing a visual communication sensibility and vocabulary to communicate effectively with a broad range of audiences, including professional designers. Creative approaches to challenges, such as visual thinking, are also shown to improve students’ comprehension and problem-solving abilities. Digital Design in Communication is an opportunity for undergraduates to receive an introduction to principles of visual message design from a critical rhetorical perspective. They will also get the opportunity to apply these principles to a variety of visual products such as advertisements, logos, brochures, resumes, etc. A variety of computer software applications are available to support the research, writing, visualization, and design of messages. Lecture 3 (Fall, Summer).

This course provides students with a venue for preparing for job searches and subsequent employment. Students learn how to access the RIT job search database, to prepare cover letters and resumes, to make efficient use of career fairs, and to participate in effective interviews through a mock interview process. (This course is restricted to students in the NMEP-BS program.) Seminar 1 (Fall, Spring).

Graphic media on an enterprise level requires efficient and automated workflows to complete printed projects efficiently, mistake-free, on-time, and on-budget. This course focuses on workflows for the two main printed output technologies for paginated pages: offset lithography and high-volume digital printing. Building on the understanding of the requisite steps entailed of these two key output processes, this hands-on course encompasses all of the processes that allow graphic media companies to go from concept to completion while minimizing manual steps to ensure that efficiency is built into an optimized and flexible workflow. Emphasis is placed on project management, stakeholder communications, bottleneck identification, and building efficiencies as related to paginated output for offset lithography and high-volume digital printing technologies. Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring).

In this course the students will research current and emerging publishing information technology trends and apply them in creating publishing solutions across a variety of platforms. Students will learn and apply digital asset management methods and practices in real-world scenarios. (Prerequisites: MAAT-106 and MAAT-272 or ISTE-305 or equivalent courses.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring).

Students will explore gravure and flexography technologies, and learn to evaluate applicable designs. Extensive hands-on experience is included. Students will create pressure sensitive label designs, take command of a flexo press, and print labels. Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).

An in-depth overview of packaging. The course will include historical perspectives of packaging. Students will explore the functions of packaging and the materials, processes, and technology employed to protect goods during handling, shipment, and storage. A brief review of container types, package design and development, and research and testing are presented, along with information about economic importance, social implications, and packaging as a profession. Students will research historical, current, and future packages to gain better insight into the world of packaging. Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).

This course is an elementary introduction to the topics of regression and analysis of variance. The statistical software package Minitab will be used to reinforce these techniques. The focus of this course is on business applications. This is a general introductory statistics course and is intended for a broad range of programs. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or equivalent course.) Lecture 6 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

This course examines major principles and trends in communication law. The course analyzes a broad range of issues related to the First Amendment, intellectual property, and media regulation. Special attention is paid to discussing the major ethical perspectives and issues surrounding contemporary communication behavior. Lecture 3 (Spring).

Database publishing is centered on personalized graphic communications: this entails customizing graphic messaging for individuals and specifically targeted audiences. The requisite competencies for database publishing, including managing and accessing databases and integrating digital assets for distribution using electronic and digitally-printed methods, form the core of this course. Learners work with the fundamental design elements of databases constructed for activities that support graphic communication processes. Topics include best practices for building, optimizing, and maintaining databases comprised of recipient information and the merging of data with managed digital assets. Projects include composing publications and creating personalized documents for distribution through the web and in print. (Prerequisites: MAAT-106 and MAAT-271 or equivalent courses) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring).

When completing print and graphic media projects on an industrial-scale, efficient and effective automation and scripting strategies are integral to productivity and competitiveness. In this course, learners develop and implement automation schemas specific for the print and graphic media industry. Hands-on assignments begin with automation methodologies imbedded in commonly used software (e.g.: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator Actions.) Scripting is introduced as students utilize markup languages such as XML and object-oriented languages such as Python and prototype-based object oriented languages such as JavaScript to further specific automated tasks through inter-application communication. Emphasis is placed on strategies such as automating digital asset management tasks and using scripting to accomplish advanced variable-data graphic media tasks in a real-world context. Learners implement automation and scripting to improve performance, efficiency, and consistency in print and graphic media production. (Prerequisites: MAAT-301 or equivalent course.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring).

The Media Arts and Technology Co-op provides students with the opportunity to work in a position related to their major field of study. Co-ops are typically paid work experiences. All co-ops should fall within an RIT term (fall, spring, summer) and require permission of instructor for enrollment. (Prerequisites: MAAT-10 or equivalent course.) CO OP (Fall, Spring, Summer).

This course covers fundamentals of color measurement, color management system, and color reproduction technology for color matching and color image reproduction. Emphases are placed on CIE colorimetry, device calibration and characterization, and color management systems. (Students cannot take and receive credit for this course if they have taken PPRT-602.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Fall).

This course is designed to introduce the student to techniques required to maintain and improve quality within manufacturing organizations and the service sector through the use of statistical methodologies. The course covers concepts of quality, quality managements and assurance, product quality, design of quality control chart, statistical process control, and quality improvement through design by considering concept development and implementation. Traditional and modern quality systems will be discussed including the work of such quality gurus like Taguchi, Deming, Juran, and Shewhart. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or STAT-205 or STAT-251 or MATH-251 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge and skills of contemporary theories and practices in operations and supply chain management employed by world class manufacturing organizations. Students are introduced to topics that include forecasting, aggregate planning, inventory management, capacity management, and supply chain management. Integrated with these topics are lean excellence tools VSM, 5S, Kanban, OEE and Standard Work Practices, Cycle Time Analysis. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or STAT-205 or STAT-251 or MATH-251 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

Print and graphic media professionals need to be versed in technological capabilities and business practices integral to managing a graphic media operation. Beginning with stakeholders in graphic media entities, including providers, vendors, and customers, learners in this course explore factors contributing to operational efficiencies and sustainability in print and graphic media enterprises. The course emphasizes the performance metrics, strategies, and methods required to achieve ethical business success in the industry, including using analytics to support improved decision making, effective marketing, and efficient operations. Recognizing that writing is a fundamental proficiency that permeates professional business management, students engage in informal and formal writing assignments pertinent to the print and graphic media industry throughout the course. (Prerequisites: MAAT-267 and COMM-142 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

Cross-media graphic projects that satisfy the demands of buyers, advertising agencies, and brand owners require the synthesis of multiple skill-based tasks by different constituencies that culminate in print, web, and mobile-based deliverables optimized for each media. The coordination of knowledgeable professionals is needed for high quality graphic project completion that meet budget demands and deadlines for deliverables. This course engages learners to apply the skills imparted in prior coursework in the completion of a graphic-based cross-media project within the context of functioning teams. Best practices for project management, leadership, resource identification and application, and time management and tracking are applied as learners design, pitch, and satisfy the needs of a graphic media client in the completion of a complex cross-media project. (Prerequisites: MAAT-267 and MAAT-301 or equivalent courses.) Lab 2, Lecture 1 (Fall).

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn the concepts and applications of digital printing. The course examines the technology of several major digital print engines and compares digital printing to conventional print processes. The economics and application of specific digital printing processes are examined from a workflow perspective. This course is cross-listed with MAAT-541; students may receive credit for MAAT-541 or PPRT-641, not both. (Not if MAAT-541) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall).

This course introduces students to the package printing industry. Printing processes, materials, production workflows and quality control systems used in package printing are introduced. Students will oversee the workflows relevant to package production, from concept to design to finished product. This course is cross-listed with MAAT-558; students may receive credit for MAAT-558 or PPRT-688, not both. (Students may not take and receive credit for PPRT-688 and MAAT-558. If you have earned credit for PPRT-688 or you are currently enrolled in MAAT-558 you will not be permitted to enroll in PPRT-688.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).

This is an introductory graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

Consideration of packaging in a social context. Factors that enhance secondary use, recycling, recovery of resources, and proper disposal are discussed. Package design in relation to solid waste disposal and materials and energy shortages are considered. Other topics of interest are discussed. Primarily a discussion class for graduate students. Open to graduate non-majors. Lecture 3 (Spring).

The course develops knowledges and application skills of the distribution packaging. Topics covered are packaging used in distribution systems, integrated packaging supply chain, modeling and analysis of the distribution systems, and score card in packaging supply chain. Emphasises are given to estimate and predict the packaging protection and to optimize the packaging distribution using various tools. The lab focuses on development and evaluation of a distribution packaging. The projects are designed to assess the packaging performance in distribution systems. (This course is restricted to students in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

An intensive study of package design requirements specific to use of a product at specified end points. Individual design and development of a package system and its specifications, appropriate to the needs of the product and the consumer/end user and meets the demands of the supply chain. (Prerequisites: PACK-451 or equivalent course or graduate student standing in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

The study of instrumentation systems for analysis, evaluation and application of shock and vibration test methods to develop protective package designs and effective product/package interaction. A research paper is required. (This course is restricted to students in the PACK-MS program.) Lecture 3, Recitation 1 (Spring).

A thesis is based on experimental evidence obtained by the candidate in an appropriate topic demonstrating the extension of theory into practice. A written proposal which is defended and authorized by the faculty advisor/committee followed by a formal written thesis and oral presentation of findings are required. Typically the candidate will have completed research methods, data analysis and graduate writing strategies prior to enrolling in this course and will start the thesis process as soon as they have completed these courses to allow them to finish the thesis when they have finished their coursework. The candidate must obtain the approval of their graduate adviser who will guide the thesis before registering for this course. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer).

The purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity to conduct research, develop a plan and evaluation components and submit the project as a demonstration of final proficiency in the program. The topic selected by the student will be guided by the faculty teaching the class and it will require the student to coalesce and incorporate into the final project a culmination of all their course work in the program to date. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Project (Spring).

A written comprehensive exam is one of the non-thesis methodologies for completion of the MS degree. Students will demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the theories and foundation principles. This course will include a review of the main concepts of each of the core subjects and at the conclusion of the course the student will take a written examination and must receive a passing grade of at least 80 percent to be successful. Students will have one additional opportunity to pass this examination if their initial attempt results in a failing grade. (Faculty adviser approval required). (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Comp Exam 3 (Fall, Summer).