Dynamics is a branch of Engineering Mechanics which deals with the motion of accelerated bodies. It encompasses kinematics (which deals with the geometrics of motion), and kinetics (which focuses on the forces that cause motion to occur). This course will include a study of kinematics and kinetics, as well as work, energy, impulse, and momentum in two dimensions for particles, as well as rigid bodies. Dynamics is a fundamental engineering course. The mastery of the skills presented in this course is necessary for understanding many of the problems students will face for the rest of their education, and throughout their careers.

Learning Outcomes

1. Know the relationships between position, velocity, and acceleration and use these relationships to perform calculations of kinematics of a particle.
2. Analyze the acceleration of, and forces acting on, a particle using equations.
3. Analyze particle kinetics using work-energy methods.
4. Analyze particle kinetics using impulse-momentum methods.
5. Know the relationship between position, velocity, and acceleration and use these relationships to perform calculations of kinematics of a rigid body.
6. Analyze the acceleration of and forces acting on a rigid body using the equations of motion.
7. Analyze two-dimensional rigid body kinetics using work-energy methods.
8. Analyze two-dimensional rigid body kinetics using impulse-momentum methods

Required Materials and Technology

• Calculator (scientific, non-graphing)
• Engineering Paper

Textbook

No textbook is required for this course; however, if you would like to read additional information on dynamics, any edition of the Dynamics text written by Russell C. Hibbeler will do.

Technology

It is assumed that you either have your own computer, or you have consistent access to a computer. You need to have the appropriate permissions on your computer to download lesson content, access websites, and update and/or download software as needed along with consistent, reliable access to an Internet connection. Visit the Orientation to Online Learning page in the first lesson of your course to verify that you have your computer set up properly.

Please read the I-Learn Computer Standards and be sure you have the proper technology to access I-Learn and complete your course.

Other hardware

• Each unit contains several videos that you will watch. You may wish to obtain earbuds or headphones. If you are taking this course on campus, this is required in the computer labs.
• Your computer should also have a microphone and a webcam.  This is useful for participation in video chats on Zoom and also used for the proctor software Proctorio which is used to monitor during exams.

Course Architecture

This course covers 11 units in 14 weeks.  Each unit is divided into two to four subunits and includes a Mastery Quiz. Each subunit contains an intro video, reading, example video, practice quiz, and homework assignment.

Students progress through the course by achieving basic competency in the outcomes, week by week. 

Teach One Another

Students are encouraged to "Teach One Another" as described by the BYUI Learning Model.  Students are encouraged to work together to study concepts and do homework assignments.  There are many ways for students to work together.  Each week there is a Problem-Solving Forum that students may use to ask and answer questions.  Students are also encouraged  to meet together to do homework.  Students are encouraged to contact one another using the inbox feature of canvas and/or by posting in any discussion forum to put together a group to work together on assignments.  Each week there will be a short graded quiz to assess student progress in teaching one another.

Late Work Policy

• Late homework will incur a 10% deduction for each day that an assignment is late.
• Mastery quizzes must be completed by the deadline.
• Exams must be completed in the scheduled time frame.
• Exceptions for late work will be granted by the instructor only in extraordinary circumstances such as unforeseen personal emergencies.

If there are extenuating circumstances, such as severe illness or a family death, please notify the instructor in advance of the due date or as soon as circumstance allows to work out a solution. Vacations will not be considered an excusable absence from the required work. Consider the following:

Keys to Success

BYU-Idaho Learning Model

All courses, including online courses at BYU-Idaho, follow a pattern of learning that enables students to take more responsibility for their own learning and for helping to Teach One Another. This pattern is called the Learning Model. Here are two pages to help you better understand the Learning Model.

Take Charge of your education by applying the Learning Model | Learning Model interactive tutorial

Tips for Success 

• Spend between 9–12 hours each week working on this course. Plan your schedule wisely, set aside adequate time.
• Work at a steady, pace throughout the week. Don't try to complete all assignments and activities on the due day.
• Read Announcements and other communications from your instructor before beginning the lesson. Announcements contain timely information, expectations, and other important notices.
• Participate in each unit's Problem-Solving Forum.
  • Ask and give help. 
  • Check this discussion each time you login.
• Complete all assignments in order. Think of your coursework as a ladder.
  • Homework prepares you for the Mastery Quiz.
  • Mastery Quizzes prepare you for exams.
• Don't stay stuck! Request help. Self-reliant students ask for help when needed.
  • Attend your Instructor's Office Hours or request a tutoring session.
  • Form or join a study group. 
    • Post an invitation on the Support Forum. Or, ask your Instructor who to work with.
  • Get an online tutor.  See Online Tutoring Options.
  • Attend the BYUI campus drop-in lab. See the Mechanical & Civil Engineering Majors I-Learn course for lab times and room numbers.
    • If you are not enrolled in this course, please contact your Instructor.

University Policies

Student Help Guides

I-Learn is a very robust learning system, and you may encounter technical difficulties when working in your class. To help you resolve these issues, student help guides have been created to answer some of the most common questions and problems that arise. Please refer to them to find help and guidance when you have a question regarding I-Learn.

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.

Additional Information

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.

Personal Conduct

All of your correspondence with the teacher or other classmates must be respectful. Writing something disrespectful or “venting” is unprofessional and not becoming of a university student. In addition, it is not in accordance with the Honor Code of BYU-Idaho, and you will be subject to discipline accordingly. You are invited to re-read the BYU-I Honor Code and the “Principles of Personal Honor" at BYU-I Honor Code.