Course Syllabus

Note: This course code has changed from ME231 to MET 231. You may occasionally see references to the old course code or title.

MET 231 is an introduction to different manufacturing processes. Topics include basic material science, mass reduction processes (milling, turning, drilling, etc.), separation and deformation processes (cutting, shearing, bending, etc.), mass conserving processes (casting and polymer/composite processes), joining processes (thermal, mechanical, and chemical), finishing processes, new technologies in manufacturing, and measuring tools.

This course is designed to give you a basic understanding of how things are manufactured. Have you ever wondered how the products you use every day were created? How are aluminum cans made? How are the soles of your tennis shoes created? How is a carbon fiber bicycle created? What about the glass on your iPhone? How is that made? Why are some metal parts welded and some are riveted? Why would an engineer create something out of metal, plastic, or ceramic? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each manufacturing method, and what materials can be used in each of these processes? What tools are used? These are some of the questions you will be able to answer by taking this class.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will understand:

  • The properties of materials (metals and nonmetals) and what makes them appealing for different manufacturing processes. 
  • The applications, advantages and disadvantages, tooling, materials, and costs associated with:
    • mass reduction processes.
    • separation and deformation processes.
    • mass conserving processes.
    • joining and metal surfaces processes.
    • new technologies.

Required Materials and Technology

Textbook

This course uses a low-cost, auto-access textbook. Read the information in the Textbook Information module to learn how to access your textbook, and how to opt out of this automatic purchase, if desired.

Textbook
Resource Title/Description
(books, software, etc.)
Author/Provider Ed./Vol. 13-Digit ISBN (if applicable)
DeGarmo's Materials & Processes in Manufacturing
(comes with course; charged first day of class)
J T. Black and Ronald A. Kohser 12th 978-1118987674
Making It: Manufacturing Techniques for Product Design Chris Lefteri 2nd 978-1856697491

The DeGarmo textbook is an incredible reference book that you may choose to purchase for your future collegiate and professional work. The text will be used for other required courses in engineering technology and elective courses in Mechanical Engineering. You can the find the paperback (ISBN: 978-1118987674 (PBK))) or Kindle version on Amazon, or compare prices through the University Store Price Comparison site.

The Lefteri textbook   is offered free to BYUI students as an electronic textbook via ProQuest Ebook Central.This book offers three helpful options:

  1. Online reading: Unlimited online reading.
  2. 14-day full-book download: You may only get it offline for 14 days. You can check it out as many times as you need throughout the semester.
  3. Chapter download (doesn't expire): You can only download 86 pages total. Use this option sparingly and only for those chapters you want to reference in the future. This is a valuable reference book that you may likely use often in your future, so it is highly recommended to take advantage of this option.

Technology

It is assumed that you either have your own computer or you have consistent access to a computer. You need appropriate permissions to download learning content, access websites, and update and/or download software along with consistent, reliable access to an internet connection. Visit Orientation to Online Learning in W01 to verify your computer set up. If necessary, read the I-Learn Computer Standards.

You will use Microsoft Office products in this course. If needed, use the free download provided by the University Store.

Other hardware

  • Each unit contains several videos. You may wish to obtain earbuds or headphones. BYU-Idaho computer labs require this if you use these facilities.

Course Architecture

This course is divided into six units. During the first week of a unit, your team develops a plan on how to complete the project together.

  • Unit 01 Introduction and Material Science
    • Week 01: You are introduced to the course.
    • Week 02: You spend time forming your project team, getting to know each other, and deciding how you will work together ("norming").
  • Unit 02 Mass Reducing Processes
    • Week 03: Team and Individual work
    • Week 04: Team and Individual work
    • Week 05: Team and Individual work
  • Unit 03 Separating & Deforming Processes
    • Week 06: Team and Individual work
    • Week 07: Team and Individual work
    • Week 08: Midterm exam
  • Unit 04 Mass Conserving Processes
    • Week 09: Team and Individual work
    • Week 10: Team and Individual work
    • Week 11: Team and Individual work
  • Unit 05 Joining & Metal Surfaces Processes
    • Week 12: Team and Individual work
    • Week 13: Team and Individual work
  • Unit 06 New Technologies
    • Week 14: Final exam Part 1
    • Week 14: Final exam Part 2

The course design makes you ponder or brainstorm on your own, before studying the learning material. For instance, each week includes a "How Would You Make It?" discussion. You will study a picture of a manufactured part and brainstorm how you might make it. Your initial post will release the remaining learning activities for the week. Trying to figure it out on your own (without studying the material) will help you gain a deeper understanding. Toward the end of each week, you will return to the discussion and read several of your classmates' posts. You will respond to at least two classmates.

Grading

Passing grades are earned with the following minimum averages:

Grading
Letter Grade Percentage Range
A 100%–93%
A- 92%–90%
B+ 89%–87%
B 86%–83%
B- 82%–80%
C+ 79%–77%
C 76%–73%
C- 72%–70%
D+ 69%–67%
D 66%–63%
D- 62%–60%
F 59%–00%


Letter grade definitions as defined in the BYU-Idaho Catalog are given below:

  • “A” represents outstanding understanding, application, and integration of subject material and extensive evidence of original thinking, skillful use of concepts, and ability to analyze and solve complex problems demonstrates diligent application of Learning Model principles, including initiative in serving other students.
  • “B” represents considerable/significant understanding, application, and incorporation of the material which would prepare a student to be successful in next level courses and graduate school. The student participates in the Learning Model as applied in the course.
  • “C” represents sufficient understanding of subject. The student demonstrates minimal initiative to be prepared for class. Sequenced courses could be attempted, but mastering new materials might prove challenging. The student participates only marginally in the Learning Model.
  • “D” represents poor performance and initiative to learn and understand and apply the course. Retaking a course or remediation may be necessary to prepare for additional instruction in this subject matter.
  • “F” represents failure in the course.

Grade Breakdown by Category

Your grade comes from several different components: discussions, quizzes, team-based projects, team-based homework, team evaluations, a midterm and a two-part final.

Grade Breakdown by Category
Category Weight
Discussions: How Would You Make It? (x12) 5%
Knowledge Checks (x11) 15%
Team Homework (x4) 10%
Team Projects (x4) 30%
Team Evaluation 10%
Midterm 12%
Final (Parts 1 and 2) 18%

Late Work Policy

Late work is not accepted, except where extenuating circumstances might arise and a written request is pre-approved by your instructor. Plan your weekly schedule wisely, set aside adequate study time, and work at a healthy, steady pace. W01 Individual Homework: Personal Study Plan will help you plan your schedule.

Test Taking Policy

In this course, you will complete weekly Knowledge Checks, a midterm exam, and a final exam. The following are the expectations for the quizzes and exams:

  • W01 Quiz: Welcome to MET 231!: You have unlimited attempts at the quiz, and must achieve a 100% before you can move on to the course activities.
  • Unit 02 Team Homework: You may work together as a team before taking the quiz, to determine the answers together. However, you have only one attempt to complete this quiz, and you must complete it on your own. You may not use a partner or team member during the quiz.
  • Knowledge Check quizzes: You have two attempts to achieve a satisfactory score. After that, if you choose, contact your instructor for help in allowing another attempt. These are open-book quizzes, although you are encouraged to try them without the book.
  • Midterm exam: This timed exam is open book, open note, open course resources, and open presentation slides but not open neighbor. You have one attempt and 120 minutes
  • Final exam Part 1: This timed exam is strictly individual. You may not use notes, book, class slides/presentations, the internet, phones, or communicate with another person about this exam. You have one attempt and 40 minutes.
  • Final exam Part 2: This timed exam is open book, open note, open course resources, and open presentation slides but not open neighbor. You have one attempt and 120 minutes.

Keys to Success

BYU-Idaho Learning Model

All courses, including online courses, at BYU-Idaho enable students to take responsibility for their own learning and to help teach others. This pattern is the Learning Model. The following pages will help you understand the Learning Model:

  1. Check out Student Life and take charge of your education by applying the Learning Model.
  2. Learning Model homepage

Tips for Success

  • Spend 7–8 hours per week completing course activities and assessments.
    • Plan your weekly schedule wisely.
    • Set aside adequate study time.
    • Work at a healthy, steady pace throughout the course.
  • Read the Announcements and communications from your instructor before beginning the week.
    • Your instructor will provide timely information about changes, expectations, and other important things to note.

University Policies

Student Honor Code

Student Honor is following the path of discipleship and learning to be more like Christ—learning to think, feel, and act more as He does. Following the BYU-Idaho Honor Code is of great importance as you strive to be a disciple of Christ. Academic honesty and integrity is expected of all BYU-I students.

  • To copy another’s work from the internet, a book, or from any other source and claiming it to be your own work is plagiarism. Read the official definitions of plagiarism cheating and from the Academic Honesty portion of the BYU-Idaho Honor Code. Each case of plagiarism or cheating will be dealt with by the instructor. Any academic dishonesty issue will be referred to the BYU-Idaho Dean of Students if necessary. When working on a group project, you have the responsibility to assure that others in the group do not plagiarize.
  • Even though you are taking this course online, BYU-Idaho’s Dress and Grooming standards still apply.

By adhering to the BYU-Idaho Honor Code, you will create a learning environment, “consistent with the ideals and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (BYU-Idaho's Honor Code webpage).

Student Policies

You are responsible for understanding all university student policies. Read the Student Policies and Procedures which include Student Honor, Students with Disabilities, Sexual Harassment, Complaints and Grievances, etc. There is also a University Policies page in your course with helpful contact information.

Disclaimer

This Syllabus and the course schedule may be changed at any time prior to or during the semester as the need arises, based upon circumstances. Any changes will be available to view in the course documents.

Student Support

Tutoring and Academic Support

Tutoring options for online students are available through the Academic Support Centers. There are tutors available to help you with your writing questions, and there may be course-specific tutoring available. Check the Online Tutoring page for more details.

Online Support Center

If you need technical assistance, click I-learn help located on the left side of your screen to contact the appropriate support center.

Sexual Harassment

If you need assistance or information related to allegations of sexual harassment, please contact the Dean of Students using the following information:

Students with Disabilities

Disability Services Contact Information:

Disclaimer

The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this Syllabus any time during the semester in order to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified prior to any changes that may take place.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due