Main Page
Syllabus
Schedule
Office Hours
Assignments
Handouts & Lecture Notes

Mechanical Engineering Home

Mechanical Engineering Home > Education: Courses > ME 3281 > Syllabus

ME 3281 - Syllabus - Fall 2008

Teaching Staff

625-2107

Course Objective

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the fundamental principles of dynamic systems (mechanical, electronic, thermal, fluid, and hybrid) and basic control design methodologies.  To describe the real system, we will develop ideal mathematical models based on differential equations.  From analytical solutions and computer simulation of these equations, we will be able to understand how the dynamic system will behave when subjected to various inputs.  The objective of the course is to develop the ability to construct and solve mathematical models in order to answer questions concerning engineering systems.

Course Outline:

Develop mathematical models of dynamical systems

Solve mathematical models

Analyze and control dynamic systems            

Apply modeling techniques to a range of engineering systems.

Course Policies

Lecture: The course consists of three hours of lecture and two hours of recitation per week. Lecture hours will be used to introduce new topics and solve example problems. Recitation sessions will be used to solve additional problems, answer questions about the homework and as review sessions before midterm and final exams. Students are encouraged to actively participate in lectures and recitations by asking questions and giving suggestions.

Homework: Homework will be due regularly at the beginning of the lecture on the due date. Late homework is not accepted since homework solutions will be available after class. If your homework is not complete, turn in whatever you have at the time. Homework will be accepted late ONLY if verifiable circumstances are approved by the instructor (not TA). You must obtain a signed approval from the instructor in advance to attach to your homework.

Exam: Make-up exams are given ONLY if verifiable circumstances are approved by the instructor before the scheduled test date.

Study Groups: Students are encouraged to form study groups and work on assignments together. However, the work that you submit for a grade must be your own, and reflect your own understanding of the course material. Do not submit a copied-over version of someone else’s homework: work the problem yourself.

Scholastic Conduct: This course adheres to the Regents' Policy on Student Conduct, which can be found at http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/.

Scholastic dishonesty is unacceptable, and will result in the loss of all points on the assignment or exam, and will be referred to the IT Conduct Code Coordinator and the Office for Student Academic Integrity (OSAI: ref. www.osai.umn.edu). Serious offenses can result in expulsion.

Grading

Midterm Exam 1 20%

Midterm Exam 2 20%

Final Exam 35%

Homework 25%

If you think an assignment, quiz, or final exam has been improperly graded, you have up to 10 days after the assignment is handed back to request a regrade. The entire assignment, however, is subject to regrade, not just the question in dispute. If the grade changes, it may go up or down based on the full review. The regrade request must be made in the form of a written memo with the discrepancy clearly described. State the facts and avoid flaming. This will be a good test of your ability to make a case in writing to get what you want. Submit the request along with the graded assignment to any member of the teaching staff. Warning: Grade changes are VERY infrequent so don't get your hopes up, nor should you abuse this appeal process.