ETD 260 Engineering Technology Applications with Computers
This information is typical of the way this
course is conducted. Please recognize that
this information is subject to change at
the discretion of the individual instructor.
Computer solutions of engineering technology problems using MathCAD; algorithms, numerical analysis and matrix methods for problem solving of physical principles and engineering applications.
Credit hours: 3 Lecture hours: 2 Lab hours: 2 Prerequisite: MET 198 or IET 198, MAT 133 or MAT 201
The student is expected to be familiar with basic computer operations. The student should have a background in word processing and spreadsheet applications. Although not required, it is helpful for the student to understand a programming language and to know how to use certain third-party programs such as AutoCAD, PaintShop Pro, etc. for the purpose of inserting drawings, pictures and graphics.
MathCAD is not a substitute for a lack of math skills; it is a tool allowing you to optimize your understanding of mathematics and its application to engineering and engineering technology. As such, it is imperative you have a good understanding of basic mathematical concepts as set forth in MAT 133 (MET Students) or MAT 201 (ESUP students).
Course objectives:
To introduce and acquaint the student with the fundamental concepts of MathCAD as a design and problem solving tool. For the current course, this includes MathCAD 11 Professional and MathConnex.
Class Policies:
Bring to class each day:
Textbook
Pencil and paper
Storage media to save your homework. Although a standard floppy disk or a 100MB Zip Cartridge is acceptable, I highly recommend a USB Pen Drive. It has been my experience a rather large percentage of students have difficulty with and end up losing files stored on floppy or zip disks. USB pen drives are very inexpensive, very rugged, and will likely be able to store all data for all classes you take at Sinclair. Although not all computers on campus have front access memory slots, the computers in the classroom in which this class is conducted does. I DO NOT recommend CDRWs. Not only do the computers on campus generally not have CDRW drives, but even if they do, not all CD drives can read CDRW disks properly.
A calculator might be useful, but is not required
Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted in the classroom.
Letter grades are assigned based on your final average:
A = 90 to 100 B = 80 to 89 C = 70 to 79 D = 60 to 69 F = 59 or less.
Homework:
Homework problems to practice and study
are shown on the class schedule. The problems
listed are a minimum number of problems you
should attempt. All homework is due one week
after it is assigned.
Approximately half of the scheduled class time will be dedicated to lab. You should have sufficient time to complete the majority of your homework in class. If you cannot complete the homework in class, you have three on-campus locations to complete your homework.
There are four computers with MathCAD installed in the Building 13 Teleport. They are installed on what is referred to as the flex computers. The attendant(s) on duty should know which computers you can use. Unfortunately, it is unlikely any of the attendants know how to use MathCAD. MathCAD is NOT available in the Building 11 Teleport.
There are five computers located in Rm 5021, HVAC Lab with MathCAD installed. These computers are located on the carpeted area. Since only five of the fourteen computers have MathCAD installed, the computers with MathCAD installed are marked. Depending on the time of day, there may or may not be instructors or technicians on site able to help you with MathCAD.
There are three licensed copies of MathCAD installed on the three computers in the Physics lab (2nd floor of Building 4). Again, the attendant on duty may or may not know the software sufficiently to help you with it.
Purchase MathCAD. The MathCAD CD is a required purchase for this course. It is available from the bookstore at a significantly reduced cost. Please make sure you read the license agreement as well as installation instructions very carefully prior to installing the program on your computer. This special student version has the same functionality as the commercial version. However, it is licensed for use only as long as you are a student. The CD also allows for only a single install. If you have difficulties with the install process, your best bet is to contact MathSOFT technical support. The install process for the student version is quite different than the install process of the version used by your instructor. Your instructor is likely unable to help you directly and would have to contact MathSOFT anyway.
Exams: If a work or family
conflict makes it impossible
for you to take an exam on the scheduled
date, make sure to contact your instructor
at least a week in advance to arrange to
take it prior to the scheduled date. Missing
an exam without contacting me prior to the
scheduled date will result in a zero for
that exam.
Attendance:
I will take attendance at the beginning
of each class. If you are late be sure to
contact me at break so that I can mark you
present. Missing one class in this course
means missing about ten percent of the whole
course. Most students can only be successful
in this course if they attend class regularly.
If you must miss a class, call and leave a message
on my voice mail or [preferably] send me
an email. In doing so, an absence will not have a
negative impact on your grade.
Help:
The best way to obtain help is to come to the classroom
during my office hour. My office hour will always be
the hour prior to class and in the classroom. You can also
make an appointment for any other time.
Email is also an excellent way to obtain help. If you email
me, make sure you attach a copy of your MathCAD document.
Annotate the document at the appropriate place where you are
having problems. This will allow me to provide an answer
within the document along with an appropriate example solution.
Due to the nature of the course and the software, contacting
me by telephone is probably not the best way to obtain
help. If your question is sufficiently simple, this may
work. None the less, feel free to contact me by phone if you desire.