ENGR 200 04: Computer Applications in Engineering

For information about your lecturer, view the "Homework 0" discussion board in Learning Module 0 in Learning Modules. While there, introduce yourself by making a post to the discussion board.

After successfully completing this course, you should be able to:

• Use programming languages as a tool to solve engineering problems.
• In C, you will be able to write and analyze codes that:
  • Take input from the keyboard and output information to the screen
  • Use higher mathematical functions (for example, trig and power functions)
  • Use conditional statements, including if, if/else, if/else if/else, and switch
  • Use loops to repeat code, including for, while, and do/while
  • Take in data from input text files and write data to output text files
  • Use user-defined functions
  • Store and analyze data in one- and two-dimensional arrays
  • Store text in character strings
  • Use user-defined structures to create custom data types
• In MATLAB, you will be able to write and analyze m-file scripts that:
  • Use vectors and matrices as data handling tools
  • Use similar structures to those in C (loops, conditionals, data files, etc.). This will allow you to see the similarities between high-level languages.
  • Print output to a MATLAB command window
  • Create 2-D and 3-D data plots

A free, online textbook covering C, which was written by Profs. Neubert and Stanlake, is provided in Blackboard under "Syllabus & Textbooks." This contains all the information needed in the course relating to the C language. This book has only lightly been edited (by me). The information is correct to the best of our knowledge. In addition, you have been provided a pdf MATLAB primer for use in the last portion of the course. However, if you would like a professionally written book, please purchase the optional textbooks.

In C: C Programming Language, Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie, 2nd ed. (ISBN 0131103628)
In MATLAB: MATLAB: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving, Stormy Attaway, 6th ed. (ISBN 032391750X)

These optional textbooks contain many examples. There will be examples provided throughout the course and in the recorded videos, so the optional textbooks are not required. However, the verbose description of programming and extra examples may be helpful.

You will need two pieces of software to complete your coursework. The first is a C compiler. The one I use and am most familiar with is Bloodshed Dev-C++. The current version that is being used on the UND engineering computer lab computers is 5.8.3. This can be accessed at http://sourceforge.net/projects/orwelldevcpp/files/Setup%20Releases/. From the list of Dev-C++ compiles shown, select Dev-Cpp 5.8.3 TDM-GCC 4.8.1 Setup.exe. The download will start after a few seconds.
Mac users: Dev-C++ does not work natively in macOS. You can use Bootcamp, install Windows 10 or Windows 11 through Bootcamp, and then install Dev-C++ in Windows 10 or Windows 11. I do not provide technical support for Mac users.

The second piece of software that you need is MATLAB. UND has a campus license for MATLAB. You can download a free copy of MATLAB to your personal computer via the campus portal page located at https://www.mathworks.com/academia/tah-portal/university-of-north-dakota-40715451.html. Create an account with Mathworks using your UND email address (@und.edu). MATLAB is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you need technical help with installation, Mathworks (the software developer) has a support page located at https://www.mathworks.com/support/contact_us.html?s_tid=tah_po_help1_und. You can also contact University IT, especially for licensing issues (701.777.2222, https://und.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/2048/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=32622 to create a ticket).

You will use Dev-C++ and MATLAB to complete assignments. Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course (typically firstname.lastname@und.edu). Visit the Office 365 Email webpage for information on your UND email. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents and other resources.

In order to succeed in this course, at a minimum, you should be able to:

• Navigate in and use basic Blackboard functions
• Download and open electronic documents
• Create, save, and upload/attach electronic documents
• Send, receive, and manage email
• Download and install software

Access and Log in Information

This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: http://blackboard.UND.edu and log in with your NDUS.Identifier, Username and Password. If you do not know your NDUS Identifier or have forgotten your password, please visit Your NDUS Account page on the UIT website.

Course Overview

This course is organized into a series of Learning Modules. There are 14 modules in the course (including Learning Module 0). These modules contain lessons and example problems/codes, which will be available as videos within each module. These modules also contain review exercises, links to outside sources, homework assignments, and discussion boards designed to enhance the learning experience and support the various topics. The midterm exams and final exam appear in "Exams" in Blackboard. Homework and exams will be used to assess your comprehension and application of the materials.

What Should Students Do First?

Prior to the start of the first week you should have read the syllabus, taken the syllabus quiz, and completed Homework 0.1 and Homework 0.2. The syllabus quiz, Homework 0.1, and Homework 0.2 will be available in Learning Module 0.

How Students Should Proceed Each Week for Class Activities

On the left side course menu in Blackboard, there is a “Learning Modules” tab. Inside Learning Modules you will find all the required readings, videos, and assignments. A schedule with all applicable dates can be found later in this syllabus.

Resources

On the left side course menu in Blackboard, there is a "Study Aids" tab. Inside Study Aids, you will find additional tutorial websites for C and MATLAB. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the site to better equip you in navigating the course.

Course Requirements/Expectations

This is not a work-at-your-own pace course. You are expected to log in regularly to complete lessons, submit assignments, and take exams. You should expect to spend at least 2 hours per module viewing the video content, and 4-6 hours per module on reading, practice codes, and homework. Exams will be given on a specific date and will not be available at any other time.

1. The student will review the syllabus and course schedule posted in Blackboard.
2. The student will access and follow all course instructions found in the Learning Module and Announcements areas of the Blackboard course.
3. The student will watch all videos provided in the Learning Module folders. The student may also attend "live" lecture in Zoom, but you are not required to. We will go over additional coding examples in lecture.
4. The student will attempt examples provided in the Learning Modules, and write your own codes based on the prompts. This is a "learn by doing" course, so it is to your advantage to do this.
5. The student will complete and submit assignments, exams, quizzes, etc. by the dated noted and in the manner described in Blackboard and on the course schedule. We will use US Central Time for due dates and times - be sure to watch for Daylight Savings Time beginning in March.
6. The student will participate fully and in a timely manner to get the benefit of learning from instructor and/or peers.

Instructor Responsibilities and Feedback

• The instructor will provide feedback on homework within 1 week of the due date.
• The instructor will provide feedback on exams within 10 days of the exam date.
• The instructor will be available during appointed Office Hours to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer advice.

Assessments

This course is made up of a series of assignments and exams to assist you in achieving the course learning objectives.

In this course, your learning will be assessed in the following ways:

Assignments

This is a problem-solving course with homework. It is important to start writing the codes early and not put them off until hours before they are due. If you get stuck writing a code - especially if you have spent more than about 4 hours on it - you are encouraged to email me with a copy of your code attached and your question, or join Zoom office hours.

The codes are assigned to assist you in learning the material. Working with others can be helpful and is encouraged, but it is emphasized that the work you turn in must be your own. If it is clear that the work you turn in is a copy of someone else's or is copied from an online resource (for example, Chegg), the original and copy will be given no credit, and copies of the work will be placed on file.

Homework will be made available on Blackboard within the applicable Learning Module.

Exams

The exams will cover previous reading/lecture material and will consist of multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, and short answer questions. All exams will be completed in Blackboard. Each of the three midterm exams will be worth 200 points, and the final exam will be worth 400 points. Exam dates may be found on the provided schedule below.

The midterm exams and final exam will be closed book, closed notes. All cell phones and portable electronic devices (for example, smart watches) are prohibited during exams.

Announcements

Announcements will be posted in Blackboard on a regular basis. Be sure to check the class announcements regularly as they will contain important information about class assignments and other class matters.

Email

You are encouraged to post your questions about the course in the FAQs discussion board forum in each Learning Module in the Blackboard site or raise them during Zoom class sessions. The Blackboard discussion board is an open forum in which you and your classmates are encouraged to answer each other’s questions about course concepts, but not about homework or exams. If you need to contact me directly, check the Faculty tab in Blackboard or earlier in this syllabus for my contact information. My email response hours are 7 am-7 pm US Central Time each day classes are in session. If you email me between these times, I will do my best to get back to you the same day. Outside these times, I will respond typically within 24 to 48 hours. If you email me, please include "Engr 200" in the subject line to ensure it receives the proper attention. If you are asking questions about a code, please attach your source code file for better efficiency in finding errors.

Discussion Forums

Discussion boards are an excellent way for you to engage with the course material and with your peers. Each Learning Module, we will have at least one discussion board. You should read the discussion boards and provide thoughtful contributions - if you are stuck, your classmates can be a great resource in correcting errors in code. I will check in about once per day.

Course Etiquette

When participating in class (online or in person) it is important to interact with your peers in an appropriate manner. Always use professional language (no netspeak) in your postings and emails. Please be respectful of your classmates at all times even if you disagree with their ideas.

A: 90% to 100%
B: 80% to 89.9%
C: 70% to 79.9%
D: 60% to 69.9%
F: 0% to 59.9%

The above grading scale is your guaranteed grade. Any adjustments ("curving") are considered a bonus and will be made at the discretion of your instructor, to the entire class, based on class performance and course expectations. This will not be done until final grades are due.

Assignment Policy

All assignments must be submitted through Blackboard and will be due by the dates and times noted on the schedule. Each assignment will have varying point values based on difficulty.

Any work submitted by you in this course for academic credit must be your own work. You are encouraged to study together and to discuss information and concepts covered in the course with other students. You can give "consulting" help to or receive "consulting" help from other students. However, this permissible cooperation should never involve one student having possession of a copy of all or part of the work done by someone else, in the form of email, an email attachment file, or any other physical or electronic form.

All assignments will be submitted through SafeAssign to check for plagiarism.

Exam Policy

Exams are to be taken on the dates posted on the schedule, unless you have made prior arrangements with your instructor. On those dates, you will have a 24-hour window to access the exam: 12:01 am - 11:59 pm US Central Time. You will have a 1.25-hour window on midterm exam access and a 2-hour window on final exam access. That window opens when ProctorU accesses the exam. Any exam shown to have extended beyond the time limit will be given an automatic 0.

It is departmental policy that all exams be proctored using ProctorU. ProctorU is an online proctoring service. The equipment requirements for ProctorU may be found at the following link: https://und.edu/academics/online/semester-based/current-students/semester-based-exams.html.

Your equipment will need to be tested with ProctorU. While you are not required to have access to a touchscreen laptop and active stylus for this course, if you anticipate taking additional engineering courses at UND, you may wish to invest in these (iPads and Chromebooks are not compatible with ProctorU for this purpose). If you have any additional questions, please contact Courtenay White (courtenay.white@und.edu, 701.777.4333).

During the exam, you must keep your face in full view of the camera for the entire duration. You must have your camera on front facing, and have a clean and uncluttered workspace. In addition, you must have only one monitor on your computer.

During exams, you must do your own work. Talking or discussion is not permitted during exams, nor may you compare papers, copy from others, or collaborate in any way. When taking exams, you may have one browser open and one tab within that browser - the tab containing the exam (and any tabs linked from within exam questions). Any collaborative behavior during the exams will result in failure of the exam and may lead to failure of the course and University disciplinary action.

Late Work

No late assignments or exams will be accepted without a valid reason. The acceptance of late work is at the discretion of the instructor, provided that you contact the instructor before the due date and ask for an extension. Late work will be given a maximum of 50% credit with instructor permission. No credit will be given on homework submitted late if that assignment has been graded and returned to the rest of the class. If you have a conflict with the schedule, please contact your instructor as soon as possible. All requirements for this course must be completed during the course dates.

It is UND's policy that students notify their instructors when ill so appropriate actions may be taken (e.g., develop alternate time schedules, assignments, and exams as needed).

In the event of extenuating circumstances, such as severe illness (doctor's note is required) or a family emergency (death, child illness, etc. - documentation must be provided), it is your responsibility to communicate with the instructor at least two days before the exam or due date.

Extra Credit

The extra credit opportunities available this semester are Homework 0.1, Homework 0.2, the pre-test, the post-test, and SELFI evaluations as outlined earlier in this syllabus. No other extra credit opportunities will be available.

Class Participation

You are required to log in regularly to the online class Blackboard site. You are also encouraged to participate in all class activities such as discussion boards and, if possible, Zoom class sessions.

Incompletes

It is expected that students will complete all requirements for a course during the time frame of the course. For reasons beyond a student’s control, and upon request by the student or on behalf of the student, an incomplete grade may be assigned by the instructor when there is reasonable certainty the student will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The mark “I,” Incomplete, will be assigned only to the student who has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work up to a time within four weeks of the close of the semester, including the examination period, and whose work is incomplete for reasons satisfactory to his or her instructor. More information regarding UND’s Incomplete policy can be found on The Grading System webpage.

Resolution of Problems

Should a problem occur, you should speak to your instructor (Dr. Bjorgaard) first. If the problem is not resolved, meet with Dr. Joel Ness. If the problem continues to be unresolved, go to the department chair (Dr. Will Semke), and next to the college dean (Dr. Brian Tande). Should the problem persist, you have the right to go to the provost next, and then to the president.