Programming for Engineers
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Nicholas Jones nicholasrjones17 [at] gmail.com
Gio Guanuna LinkedIn Profile
T/Th 9-11 am, 221 EB, Join Online
T/Th 9-11 am, 221 EB
T/Th 9-11 am, 221 EB Join Online
T/Th 9-11 am, 221 EB, Join Online
T/Th 9-11 am, 221 EB
T/Th 9-11 am, 221 EB Join Online
Tanner Polley tnnrpolley21 [at] gmail.com
Nicholas Jones nicholasrjones17 [at] gmail.com
Course Introduction
The Programming for Engineers course has many resources to help you with every step of the learning process.
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Teaching Assistant
Tanner Polley tnnrpolley21 [at] gmail.com
Course Introduction
The Programming for Engineers course has many resources to help you with every step of the learning process.
(:html:) <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qUvaCFu9mes" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> (:htmlend:)
Teaching Assistant
Tanner Polley tnnrpolley21 [at] gmail.com


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gY0sEokk2h0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qUvaCFu9mes" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Welcome to ChE263! This course develops problem solving skills with an introduction to programming for engineers. It has material for MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, and computer programs for doing all types of data analysis and math.
Welcome to ChE263! This course develops problem solving skills with an introduction to programming for engineers. It has material for MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, and computer programs for doing all types of data and design analysis.
Welcome to ChE263 which teaches computer skills useful to engineers and scientists. It has material for MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, computer programs for doing all types of math, both numerically and symbolically; Excel, a spreadsheet program; and Visual Basic Application, a programming language to automate Microsoft Office applications.
Welcome to ChE263! This course develops problem solving skills with an introduction to programming for engineers. It has material for MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, and computer programs for doing all types of data analysis and math.
The Programming for Engineers course has many resources to help you with every step of the learning process.
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
Catalog Description
ChE 263: Problem-Solving Techniques for Chemical Engineers (2 credit hours).
Grading
(:table border=0 width=50%:) (:cell:) Homework (:cell:) 15% (:cellnr:) Quizzes (:cell:) 5% (:cellnr:) Project (:cell:) 15% (:cellnr:) Excel Mid-Term Exam (:cell:) 15% (:cellnr:) Python Mid-Term Exam 1 (:cell:) 15% (:cellnr:) Python Mid-Term Exam 2 (:cell:) 15% (:cellnr:) Final Exam (:cell:) 20% (:tableend:)
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.

(:title Introduction to Programming:)
(:title Programming for Engineers:)

John Hedengren worked 5 years with ExxonMobil Chemical on Optimization solutions for the petrochemical industry. He conducts research in optimization methods, modeling systems, and applications in Chemical Engineering. The PRISM group is actively working on oil and gas drilling automation, reservoir engineering, process optimization, unmanned aerial vehicles, and systems biology.
John Hedengren leads the BYU PRISM group with interests in combining data science, optimization, and automation with current projects in hybrid nuclear energy system design and unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry. He earned a doctoral degree at the University of Texas at Austin and worked 5 years with ExxonMobil Chemical prior to joining BYU in 2011. | ![]() |
Welcome to ChE263 which teaches computer skills useful to engineers and scientists. It has material for MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, computer programs for doing all types of math, both numerically and symbolically; Excel, a spreadsheet program; and Visual Basic Application, a programming language to automate Microsoft Office applications. The focus of the course is on Python and Spreadsheet programs (e.g. Excel and Google Sheets). The course is required of Chemical Engineering majors. Students from other departments are welcome.
Welcome to ChE263 which teaches computer skills useful to engineers and scientists. It has material for MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, computer programs for doing all types of math, both numerically and symbolically; Excel, a spreadsheet program; and Visual Basic Application, a programming language to automate Microsoft Office applications.

The focus of the course is on Python and Spreadsheet programs (e.g. Excel and Google Sheets). The course is required of Chemical Engineering majors. Students from other departments are welcome.
Office: 801-422-2590, 330L CB
Office: 801-422-2590, 330L EB
20%
15%
Python Mid-Term Exam
Python Mid-Term Exam 1
20%
15%
Final Exam
Python Mid-Term Exam 2
25%
15% (:cellnr:) Final Exam (:cell:) 20%
T/Th 9-11 am, 413 CB
Welcome to ChE263 which teaches computer skills useful to engineers and scientists. It covers MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, computer programs for doing all types of math, both numerically and symbolically; Excel, a spreadsheet program; and Visual Basic Application, a programming language to automate Microsoft Office applications. The course is required of Chemical Engineering majors. Students from other departments are welcome.
T/Th 9-11 am, 221 EB
Welcome to ChE263 which teaches computer skills useful to engineers and scientists. It has material for MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, computer programs for doing all types of math, both numerically and symbolically; Excel, a spreadsheet program; and Visual Basic Application, a programming language to automate Microsoft Office applications. The focus of the course is on Python and Spreadsheet programs (e.g. Excel and Google Sheets). The course is required of Chemical Engineering majors. Students from other departments are welcome.
Office: 801-422-2590, 350 CB
Office: 801-422-2590, 330L CB
Luke Houghton lkhoughton [at] gmail.com
Tanner Polley tnnrpolley21 [at] gmail.com
You will be required to complete a programming course project. I will provide a suggestion (max 90% score) or you can do something of your own interest or something that is integrated with a campus or off-campus research project.
You will be required to complete a programming course project that will be assigned during the Python section of the course.
Nathan Van Katwyk nvankatwyk [at] gmail.com (209) 362-5092
Luke Houghton lkhoughton [at] gmail.com
Justin Ward jbward8 [at] gmail.com
Nathan Van Katwyk nvankatwyk [at] gmail.com (209) 362-5092
Office: 801-422-2590, 350R CB
Office: 801-422-2590, 350 CB
T/Th 9-11 am, 413 CB
T/Th 8-9 am, 413 CB
Logan Beal beal.logan [at] gmail.com
TA Office Hours in 210 FB (NW Corner of Fletcher Bldg)

Homework/Quizzes
Homework
Projects
Quizzes
30% (15% Each)
5%
Mid-Term Exam
Project
25%
20%
Final Exam
Excel Mid-Term Exam
30%
15% (:cellnr:) Python Mid-Term Exam (:cell:) 20% (:cellnr:) Final Exam (:cell:) 25%
There will be a mid-term 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.
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.
You will be required to complete two projects. I will provide suggestions or you can do something of your own interest or something that is integrated with a campus or off-campus research project.
You will be required to complete a programming course project. I will provide a suggestion (max 90% score) or you can do something of your own interest or something that is integrated with a campus or off-campus research project.
25%
15%
20%
25%
25%
30%
(:table border=0 width=100%:) (:cell width=15% align='right':)

(:cell width=85%:)

(:tableend:)
TA Office Hours in 425 CB (CAEDM lab)
TA Office Hours in 210 FB (NW Corner of Fletcher Bldg)
Unannounced quizzes will be given on the assigned reading material for that day. The number of quizzes will increase as student preparation for classes decreases. Motto: BE PREPARED! Quizzes will not be rescheduled, and extra credit is not available. Quizzes count for a homework grade each. The quizzes are intended to: 1) provide an opportunity for you to practice responding to questions under time pressure, 2) provide encouragement for you to keep up with the course material, 3) encourage attendance.
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.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLLBUgWXdTBDi-E--rwBujaNkTejLNI6ap" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gY0sEokk2h0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Preventing Sexual Harassment
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and student-to-student sexual harassment. BYU’s policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university, but to students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, please talk to your professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895 or 367-5689 (24-hours); or contact the Honor Code Office at 422-2847.
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.
Abe Martin abemart [at] gmail.com Paul Wilding prwilding [at] gmail.com Carl Prince carlwprince [at] gmail.com
TA Office Hours in 425 CB
Logan Beal beal.logan [at] gmail.com Justin Ward jbward8 [at] gmail.com
TA Office Hours in 425 CB (CAEDM lab)
TA Office Hours (4th Floor CAEDM)
TA Office Hours in 425 CB
TA Office Hours
TA Office Hours (4th Floor CAEDM)
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistants
Office hours M/W 3-4 PM, T/Th 8-9 AM
Paul Wilding prwilding [at] gmail.com Carl Prince carlwprince [at] gmail.com

Disability Resources
If you suspect or are aware that you have a disability, you are strongly encouraged to contact the University Accessibility Center (UAC) located at 2170 WSC (801-422-2767) as soon as possible. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Examples include vision or hearing impairments, physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, emotional disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), learning disorders, and attention disorders (e.g., ADHD). When registering with the UAC, the disability will be evaluated and eligible students will receive assistance in obtaining reasonable University approved accommodations.
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 Harassment
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and student-to-student sexual harassment. BYU’s policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university, but to students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, please talk to your professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895 or 367-5689 (24-hours); or contact the Honor Code Office at 422-2847.
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.
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. There is also one required
- VBA Textbook: "Introduction to VBA for Excel" 2nd Edition by Steve C. Chapra, ISBN-13: 978-0-13-239667-7, ISBN-10:0-13-239667-X.
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.
Ethan Janis ethanjanis@gmail.com
Abe Martin abemart [at] gmail.com
(:title Programming for Engineers:)
(:title Introduction to Programming:)
(:title Computational Tools for Engineers:)
(:title Programming for Engineers:)
(:description Problem-Solving Techniques for Chemical Engineers at Brigham Young University:)
(:description Course on Programming Skills for Chemical Engineers at Brigham Young University:)
Problem-Solving Techniques for Chemical Engineers
Problem Solving with Programming for Engineers
Welcome to ChE263 which teaches computer skills useful to engineers and scientists. It covers Mathcad, a computer program for doing all types of math, both numerically and symbolically; Excel, a spreadsheet program; and Visual Basic Application, a programming language to automate Microsoft Office applications. The course is required of Chemical Engineering majors. Students from other departments are welcome.
Welcome to ChE263 which teaches computer skills useful to engineers and scientists. It covers MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, computer programs for doing all types of math, both numerically and symbolically; Excel, a spreadsheet program; and Visual Basic Application, a programming language to automate Microsoft Office applications. The course is required of Chemical Engineering majors. Students from other departments are welcome.

(:table border=0 width=100%:) (:cell width=15% align='right':)

(:cell width=85%:) John Hedengren worked 5 years with ExxonMobil Chemical on Optimization solutions for the petrochemical industry. He conducts research in optimization methods, modeling systems, and applications in Chemical Engineering. The PRISM group is actively working on oil and gas drilling automation, reservoir engineering, process optimization, unmanned aerial vehicles, and systems biology. (:tableend:)
Disability Resources
If you suspect or are aware that you have a disability, you are strongly encouraged to contact the University Accessibility Center (UAC) located at 2170 WSC (801-422-2767) as soon as possible. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Examples include vision or hearing impairments, physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, emotional disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), learning disorders, and attention disorders (e.g., ADHD). When registering with the UAC, the disability will be evaluated and eligible students will receive assistance in obtaining reasonable University approved accommodations.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLBUgWXdTBDi-E--rwBujaNkTejLNI6ap" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLLBUgWXdTBDi-E--rwBujaNkTejLNI6ap" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/X6YzS0DRAg0?list=UU2GuY-AxnNxIJFAVfEW0QFA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLBUgWXdTBDi-E--rwBujaNkTejLNI6ap" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Professor: John D. Hedengren
Welcome to ChE263 which teaches computer skills useful to engineers and scientists. It covers Mathcad, a computer program for doing all types of math, both numerically and symbolically; Excel, a spreadsheet program; and Visual Basic Application, a programming language to automate Microsoft Office applications. The course is required of Chemical Engineering majors. Students from other departments are welcome.
Professor:
John D. Hedengren
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.
References
- VBA Textbook: "Introduction to VBA for Excel" 2nd Edition by Steve C. Chapra
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. There is also one required
- VBA Textbook: "Introduction to VBA for Excel" 2nd Edition by Steve C. Chapra, ISBN-13: 978-0-13-239667-7, ISBN-10:0-13-239667-X.
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.
CHEN 263: Problem-Solving Techniques for Chemical Engineers (2 credit hours).
Course Objectives
ChE 263: Problem-Solving Techniques for Chemical Engineers (2 credit hours).
Course Introduction
(:html:) <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/X6YzS0DRAg0?list=UU2GuY-AxnNxIJFAVfEW0QFA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> (:htmlend:)


Mechanical Engineering 575 / Civil Engineering 575
Optimization Techniques in Engineering MWF - 3:00-3:50 pm, 254 CB
Chemical Engineering 263
Problem-Solving Techniques for Chemical Engineers T/Th 9-11 am, 413 CB
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(:title Computational Tools for Engineers:) (:keywords nonlinear, optimization, engineering optimization, Excel, Mathcad, Visual Basic, MATLAB, differential, algebraic, modeling language, university course:) (:description Problem-Solving Techniques for Chemical Engineers at Brigham Young University:)
Mechanical Engineering 575 / Civil Engineering 575
Optimization Techniques in Engineering MWF - 3:00-3:50 pm, 254 CB
Professor: John D. Hedengren
Office: 801-422-2590, 350R CB Cell: 801-477-7341 Contact: john.hedengren [at] byu.edu

Teaching Assistant
Ethan Janis ethanjanis@gmail.com Office hours M/W 3-4 PM, T/Th 8-9 AM
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.
References
- VBA Textbook: "Introduction to VBA for Excel" 2nd Edition by Steve C. Chapra
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
Catalog Description
CHEN 263: Problem-Solving Techniques for Chemical Engineers (2 credit hours).
Course Objectives
Grading
(:table border=0 width=50%:) (:cell:) Homework/Quizzes (:cell:) 25% (:cellnr:) Projects (:cell:) 30% (15% Each) (:cellnr:) Mid-Term Exam (:cell:) 20% (:cellnr:) Final Exam (:cell:) 25% (:tableend:)
Quizzes
Unannounced quizzes will be given on the assigned reading material for that day. The number of quizzes will increase as student preparation for classes decreases. Motto: BE PREPARED! Quizzes will not be rescheduled, and extra credit is not available. Quizzes count for a homework grade each. The quizzes are intended to: 1) provide an opportunity for you to practice responding to questions under time pressure, 2) provide encouragement for you to keep up with the course material, 3) encourage attendance.
Exams
There will be a mid-term 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.
Project
You will be required to complete two projects. I will provide suggestions or you can do something of your own interest or something that is integrated with a campus or off-campus research project.
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.