ME200
Fall 2014, SDSU
This Semester we will cover basic quantities and units, force vectors, equilibrium of particles, objects, and systems, moments, linear forces, couples, rigid bodies, structural analysis, free body diagrams, internal forces, friction, center of gravity and centroid, moments of inertia, basic mechanisms, and the method of virtual work.
Theory lectured on in class will be followed up with readings to expand on the concepts, homeworks to give experience with the techniques, and additional references/readings of research work in the field applying these techniques (demonstrating how these techniques are applied in real life).
Students with disabilities are encouraged to consult with the SDSU Disability Services for arrangements accommodating any special needs.
The main text and optional references will be placed on course reserves for your use. We will post as much as possible here or on blackboard so it is as available as possible, but may not be able to post some materials due to copyright issues.
Main Textbook :
Additional required readings:
Addtional optional references:
Grading will follow the fill-the-bucket principle. For each homework assignment and quiz, and for the Midterms and Final tests you will get score points. These will be added. The grade will be based on your score and the maximum achievable score. The course average will be scaled (only up if need be, not down!)
Tentatively:
homework sets (bonus) |
+5% |
4 midterm exams |
80% |
10 quizes, 2 dropped |
20% |
| total possible will be 1000 pts, plus bonus | 100%+ bonus |
First of all please DON'T CHEAT!!! It detracts from your learning in this class, and it can detract from the learning of others as well. When you go into the world you won't have the skills you should have gained here. Our goal is to help you learn, so if you have any problems, please come speak with us and we will help you resolve them to the best of our ability. That being said, the definition of cheating must be clearly expressed:
Cheating on exams involves any form of copying from another student, giving or getting answers from another student, acquiring information in any way from an external source during the exam, or giving information to or receiving information from another individual which you should not receive during an exam (ie theories, data, answers, etc). You may ask questions during an exam of the instructor or TA's at any time. The TA's are not to give answers directly, but may provide hints.
Cheating on homeworks involves duplicating another person's code and/or written responses. You are to write your own code and generate your own answers, unless the instructional team provides a starter code/document, or sample code/documents for you to use. You may not use code/documents from sources other than this course. You may not copy another student's work. However, you ARE encouraged to help each other and discuss the homeworks and material from the course. It is often through explaining something that one learns that concept even better than before. But when it comes to writing the code/documents, you must do the actual writing yourself, and may not copy. This kind of problem solving is very much something you must do as well as study to learn it well, very similar to driving.
The Standard academic honesty policies of the university apply during this course as well (see below)
Institutions of higher education are founded to impart knowledge, seek truth, and encourage one's development for the good of society. University students shall thus be intellectually and morally obliged to pursue their course of studies with honesty and integrity. Therefore, in preparing and submitting materials for academic courses and in taking examinations, a student shall not yield to cheating or plagiarism, which not only violate academic standards but also make the offender liable to penalties explicit in Title 5.
Cheating shall be defined as the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work by the use of dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent means. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to (a) copying, in part or in whole, from another's test or other examination; (b) discussing answers or ideas relating to the answers on a test or other examination without the permission of the instructor; (c) obtaining copies of a test, an examination, or other course material without the permission of the instructor; (d) using notes, cheat sheets, or other devices considered inappropriate under the prescribed testing condition; (e) collaborating with another or others in work to be presented without the permission of the instructor; (f) falsifying records, laboratory work, or other course data; (g) submitting work previously presented in another course, if contrary to the rules of the course; (h) altering or interfering with the grading procedures; (i) plagiarizing, as defined; and (j) knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of the above.
Plagiarism shall be defined as the act of incorporating ideas, words, or specific substance of another, whether purchased, borrowed, or otherwise obtained, and submitting same to the University as one's own work to fulfill academic requirements without giving credit to the appropriate source. Plagiarism shall include but not be limited to (a) submitting work, either in part or in whole, completed by another; (b) omitting footnotes for ideas, statements, facts, or conclusions that belong to another; (c) omitting quotation marks when quoting directly from another, whether it be a paragraph, sentence, or part thereof; (d) close and lengthy paraphrasing of the writings of another; (e) submitting another person's artistic works, such as musical compositions, photographs, paintings, drawings, or sculptures; and (f ) submitting as one's own work papers purchased from research companies.
C. Alex Simpkins, Ph.D.
email: casimpkins "at" gmail "dot" com
There will be three days of office hours (~1 hr per day) and you can make appointments. We will discuss this in class. Also, I will log into gchat when possible, and you can ask live questions remotely.
Time/day |
location |
Tu 12-12:50pm Th 4-5pm Fr 2-3pm |
Starbucks on campus, student union area |
TA's/graders:
Robert Newcomb
RobertNewcombTA ' at' gmail 'dot' com
Office Hours:
| TA | Section | Type |
Time/day |
Location |