Course Syllabus

ME 201: Engineering Mechanics - Statics


“And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith,” (D&C 88:118).

Description

Concepts of forces, moments, and other vector quantities; free body diagrams; particle and rigid body statics; trusses, frames and machines; friction; centroids and moments of inertia. Vector analysis used.

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

MATH 112

Textbook

Hibbeler, R, 2012, Engineering Mechanics Statics [& Dyanamics], 13th ed., Prentice Hall, New York, NY. 

This image shows the textbook: "Engineering Mechanics: Statics" thirteenth edition, by R. C. Hibbeler. OR   This image shows the textbook: "Engineering Mechanics: Statics and Dynamics" thirteenth edition, by R. C. Hibbeler.

There are approximately 13 editions of this textbook. Any edition between the 5th and 13th edition will work.

The course materials are available in the Course Materials List.

Compare prices for your textbooks through the University Store Price Comparison site

Course Topics

  • Systems of units and dimensional homogeneity
  • Scalars and vectors
  • Cartesian vectors
  • Force, position, and unit vectors
  • Dot and cross products
  • Free-body diagrams
  • Particle equilibrium
  • Moment of a force and couples
  • Equivalent force/couple systems
  • Distributed loads
  • Rigid-body equilibrium
  • Trusses, frames, and machines
  • Internal reactions
  • Friction
  • First moment of area and centroid
  • Second moment of area/moment of inertia

Course Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of units of measurement in both the English and SI systems.
  2. Gain a working knowledge of the use of vectors to represent geometric position, forces, and moments.
  3. Show an understanding of the use of free-body diagrams.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to formulate and solve problems of force and moment equilibrium.
  5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of centroids, centers of mass, and moments of inertia.
  6. Show ability to apply knowledge of equilibrium to problems involving trusses, frames, and machines.
  7. Show ability to apply knowledge of equilibrium to problems involving friction.
  8. Demonstrate the ability to present solutions to engineering problems clearly and effectively.

Necessary Equipment

Engineering Pad

Calculator

Laptop Computer

Mathematica. Free to BYUI students. 

The computer is used extensively in this class. Course materials, including preparation materials, practice problems, and homework and mastery quizzes, are on I-Learn. Therefore, you need access to a reliable computer.

Course Structure

Complete each module according to the due dates.  The instructor and student mentors are available to answer questions. 

Late Penalty

You will receive a late penalty of 5% per day with the lowest possible grade equaling 60%.

Learning Activities

Preparation

The preparation videos include both concepts from traditional lectures and example problems. Students view the preparation video segments prior to attempting any practice or homework problems. The videos are split into short segments to make it easier to review key concepts. Most segments are between one and five minutes in length. A typical assignment will include three to five video segments. Preparation videos are designed to complement reading assignments and example problems from the textbook. The textbook provides additional explanations and examples beyond those available in the online material. Students should use the textbook as necessary to deepen their understanding of a given concept.

Practice

Practice problems give the student the opportunity to develop fundamental problem solving skills before tackling more challenging homework problems. Students are required to achieve at least 50% on the practice problems before taking the unit's mastery quiz. Practice problems may be repeated as many times as necessary before the due date, with new variations of the problems being generated each time. Only the highest score is recorded. Practice problem apps are also available as an additional resource, providing hints and answers to practice problems. Practice problem apps require that Mathematica (either the full package or player) be installed on the student’s computer.

Homework

Homework assignments are designed to deepen and extend the understanding of the concepts studied in the preparation videos and practice problems. Approximately 30% of the homework problems are unique; for example, numeric values for key variables will be different for each student. Homework assignments adhere to the ME department’s homework standards. As students complete the homework in Möbius, they show their work on a piece of engineering paper. Students upload their homework organization to I-Learn. The submitted work is graded for organization and technical content. Students are required to achieve at least 50% on a homework assignment before taking the mastery quiz for the unit. 

Mastery Quiz

Mastery quizzes are taken at the completion of each unit. They typically consist of analytical problems in multiple choice format. Mastery quizzes are taken in Möbius. Students will be on their honor to follow the posted guidelines. Students are required to achieve at least 50%. You have two attempts, and the highest score is recorded. If you want additional attempts, you must meet with your instructor to review before requesting another attempt.

Exams

There are three exams. The exams are given in a proctored environment using Proctorio. Exams may not be repeated.

Class Policies and Grading Information

  1. Evaluation methods for this course will include practice problems (10%), homework exercises (10%), homework organization (8%), grad plan (2%), mastery quizzes (25%), exams (40%), Teamwork/Professional Conduct (self and group) (5%).
  2. Passing grades will be earned with the following minimum averages (based on adjusted averages per discussion above):
    Grades
    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, graduate school, or employment. The student participates in the Learning Model as applied in the course.
    • “C” represents sufficient understanding of subject matter. 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, understand, and apply course materials. Retaking a course or remediation may be necessary to prepare for additional instruction in this subject matter.
    • “F” represents failure in the course.
  3. One of the major goals at BYU-Idaho is to provide quality educational opportunities in a rich spiritual environment. To obtain this desired level of spiritual influence, students are expected to observe the university’s Honor Code—including honesty, integrity, and full compliance with the dress and grooming standards. Failure to observe the Honor Code will adversely affect the student’s grade. Copying another student’s assignment or giving a copy of your assignment to another student is in violation of the Honor Code.
  4. In compliance with applicable disability law, qualified students with a disability may be entitled to “reasonable accommodation.” It is the student’s responsibility to disclose to the teacher any special need he or she may have before the end of the first week of class.
  5. The information presented in the syllabus and assignment sheets represents a tentative schedule for this class. The instructor reserves the right to make changes, deletions, corrections, or additions during the course.

Walk in Lab and Tutoring

There is a mechanical engineering walk-in lab available to students who are on campus:

Room: AUS 009

Days: MTWThF

Time: 5:45–7:45 p.m.

*Closes 7 p.m. on Mondays

Contact: Jonah Nelson

nel13031@byui.edu

You can also request an online tutor by following the directions on the Online Tutoring Options web page.

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

  • Student Honor
    • Academic Honesty
    • Student Conduct
      • Sexual Harassment
  • Student with Disabilities
  • Complaints and Grievances
  • Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due