Programming for Engineers Syllabus

Catalog Description

ChE 263: Problem-Solving Techniques for Chemical Engineers (2 credit hours).

Book

We will use a set of course notes and instructional videos that take the place of the book. Everyone will have access to these notes and videos through this web-site.

Computers

Using computer software as a technique for solving engineering problems is the focus of this course. All homework assignments will require the use of a computer. Students may use their own computers or those located in CAEDM Labs, rooms CB425 and CTB415. To use the CAEDM computers, registration must first be completed using the terminal located outside room CB423.

Recitation Sessions

As needed through-out the semester. The Teaching Assistant will conduct the recitation sessions. Generally they will be held:

  • Before exams
  • To help work through difficult project issues
  • For additional class time

Grading

Homework

15%

Quizzes

5%

Project

15%

Excel Mid-Term Exam

15%

Python Mid-Term Exam 1

15%

Python Mid-Term Exam 2

15%

Final Exam

20%

Quizzes

Quizzes will be given on the assigned lecture material for that day. They are an opportunity for students to verify understanding of the material so that class time can be used to solve example problems and homework assignments.

Exams

There will be an Excel mid-term exam, a Python mid-term exam, and the final exam. These exams may be closed book and/or open book, in-class or in the testing center, as specified by the instructor prior to the exam. Exams will only be given after the scheduled date by special permission. Students with conflicts should arrange to take the exam prior to the scheduled date.

Projects

You will be required to complete a programming course project that will be assigned during the Python section of the course.

Computer Tools

One of the most common questions that I receive from students who would like to take this class is, "How much programming experience is required to succeed in the class?"

To address this concern, we have prepared software tutorials that assume very little knowledge of programming. There are also many excellent resources on the internet that give tutorial introductions to programming. Those students who have no or little programming experience can review these step-by-step instructional videos to gain some of the required background.

This is a computing and programming course, but there are no prerequisites for prior experience with computing tools required to perform assignments, projects, and exams. Students who complete the course will gain experience in at least one programming language.

Citizenship

I will come prepared to each class, ready to help explain the material. I appreciate attentive students who respect my time and the time of other students.

Study Habits

Grade Expectations

A Read material in advance, be attentive and ask questions in lectures, understand and do all homework on time, study hard for exams well before the exam starts, work hard and perform well on exams and the class projects.

B Skim material in advance, attend lectures and try to stay awake, depend on TA for homework help, casually study for the exam by working the practice exam instead of learning concepts.

C Never read book, work on other homework during class, skip some homework assignments, start cramming for the exam the night before the exam.

D Skip class, don't turn in homework or turn it in late, start learning during the exam.

Academic Honesty

The first injunction of the BYU Honor Code is the call to be honest. Students come to the university not only to improve their minds, gain knowledge, and develop skills that will assist them in their life’s work, but also to build character. President David O. McKay taught that “character is the highest aim of education” (The Aims of a BYU Education, p. 6). It is the purpose of the BYU Academic Honesty Policy to assist in fulfilling that aim. BYU students should seek to be totally honest in their dealings with others. They should complete their own work and be evaluated based upon that work. They should avoid academic dishonesty and misconduct in all its forms, including but not limited to plagiarism, fabrication or falsification, cheating, and other academic misconduct.

Honor Code Standards

In keeping with the principles of the BYU Honor Code, students are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. Academic honesty means, most fundamentally, that any work you present as your own must in fact be your own work and not that of another. Violations of this principle may result in a failing grade in the course and additional disciplinary action by the university. Students are also expected to adhere to the Dress and Grooming Standards. Adherence demonstrates respect for yourself and others and ensures an effective learning and working environment. It is the university’s expectation, and my own expectation in class, that each student will abide by all Honor Code standards. Please call the Honor Code Office at 422-2847 if you have questions about those standards.

Preventing Sexual Misconduct

As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the university prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in its education programs or activities. Title IX also prohibits sexual harassment—including sexual violence—committed by or against students, university employees, and visitors to campus. As outlined in university policy, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking are considered forms of “Sexual Misconduct” prohibited by the university.

University policy requires any university employee in a teaching, managerial, or supervisory role to report incidents of Sexual Misconduct that come to their attention through various forms including face-to-face conversation, a written class assignment or paper, class discussion, email, text, or social media post. If you encounter Sexual Misconduct, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at t9coordinator@byu.edu or 801-422-2130 or Ethics Point at https://titleix.byu.edu/report-concern or 1-888-238-1062 (24-hours). Additional information about Title IX and resources available to you can be found at titleix.byu.edu.

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (422-2767). Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified, documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the SSD Office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures by contacting the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895, D-285 ASB.

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