Book
I will provide some of my own notes as well as select chapters from other books. However, some students find it helpful to have a comprehensive textbook. I would suggest a used former edition of:
James M. Gere, Mechanics of Materials.
I would recommend the sixth edition, as you can get a good condition used copy for very cheap. Whatever edition you choose, it doesn't matter as the primary content is the same.
Grading Policy
1/2 of your grade will be determined by regular HW assignments.
1/4 of your grade will be determined by an exam.
1/4 of your grade will be determined by the final product.
Homework
The best tip I have for doing well in the course is keeping up with the weekly assignments.
Regular homework will be graded on a 10 point scale. An "A" is 9-10 where the homework is largely correct (not that every problem is necessarily right), on time, neat, and complete (every problem attempted) . A "B" is 8-9 where the HW is lacking on one of the above axis but still represents a solid effort. A "C" 7-8 is where there are fundamental mistakes or some of the work missing, but effort was put forth. A "D" 6-7 is where there was some effort put forth, but it is largely incorrect. A missing assignment is 0.
Regular homework may be a mix of short practice problems (mostly with right/wrong answers) and more open ended problems with perhaps many "good" answers, but no right answer. The weighting between these may vary week to week, and will be posted with each assignment. Across the semester, weekly assignments are equally weighted, for simplicity.
If you ever find that you have put reasonable time into the HW but aren't getting anywhere, put it away, don't keep banging your head against it, and meet with me. In these cases, you won't be penalized for any late work.
Homework will be graded quickly. Mostly check that you are working with the problems. There will not be a grade whether each individual problem is correct or not, or corrections made. Solutions will be posted for you to compare to.
In this course, clear, neat pictures help your thinking and thus HW should be neat. This is especially true of more open-ended problems; these should be clear to follow, graphs should be annotated, assumptions stated, key results boxed and highlighted, etc.
Homework due dates will be listed on the website though the dates may change in real-time. Any changes will be announced in class and I can not promise to always update the website immediately. Class announcements override the website. (For example, if everyone was behind on a certain assignment, I might push the due date out).
You will upload your homework online through Canvas.
Many things come up in life, so if you need an extension please just ask and talk to me. Don't go silent and not submit work.
Exams
There will be one exam. For each exam you will spend part of the time working the exam on your own. You will then be assigned to a small group. You will then have the remaining time to complete a collaborative group exam (same questions). We will the use the remaining time to go over the answers. You will mark up and grade your own exam. Your final exam grade will be 2/3 individual and 1/3 group.
Final Project
The final part of the course will involve you working in small groups on a topic of interest as a "learning pod". A few guidelines for how this will run.
The class will be split into 4 smaller groups of 5-6 students each.
During class time, I will meet with each group individually.
Each group will have a theme or project that they will be working on, but each individual has to produce their own work, but you are free to collaborate within your "pod".
For each group I will provide additional reading, support and homework - relevant for your project work.
The project will involve bringing together different components of the course, should have a design element, should have a strong analysis component and should have an experimental/demonstration component.
More to come as we get closer.
Collaboration Policy
You are encouraged to work with others, but please do your own work. Please write the names of people you collaborate with on each of the assignments. It is expected that you could explain everything you turn in.
Disability services
If you have a documented disability (or think you may have a disability) and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this class, complete course requirements, or benefit from the College’s programs or services, contact the Disability Services at Olin (DSO). The DSO works with students confidentially and does not disclose any disability-related information without their permission. The DSO works in partnership with faculty and all other student service offices. For further information about services for students with disabilities, please contact the DSO. Other support services are available for all students, including our course assistants and Peer Tutors. If you feel you need extra support in the course, please come talk to me directly.