Measurements & Instrumentations

Course Details

Course Number: MENG 3123 Section Number: 101

Fall 2012

Location: McCoy Engineering Hall

Classroom Number: MY 207

Days & Times:

Lecture TR: 11:00 to 11:50 AM

Lab M: 2:00 to 4:50 PM

Course Attachments

Textbooks

Experimental Methods for Engineers
Author: J. P. Holman
ISBN: 978-0-07-352930-1

Introduction to Mechatronics
Elective book, Authors: David G. Alciatore, and Michael B. Histand
ISBN: 978-007-296305-2

MSU Faculty Member

Dr. M. Salim Azzouz
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Course Objectives

The students are expected to master these learning objectives:

Define the different types of calibration and the standards used in measurements
Define what is an input/output signal, signal amplitude and frequency
Develop a model for a measurement system. Define its transfer Function
Derive the fundamental equations of the linear least squares regression method
Develop the uncertainty equations for a measurement system
Explain the differences between the null method and the deflection method in bridge circuits
Explain the aliasing phenomenon when digitalizing data
State the fundamental thermocouple laws
Cite at least two types of pressure transducers and describe their measurement techniques
Cite at least two flowmeter devices. Describe their flow measurement techniques
Describe the purpose of a Wheatstone bridge in a strain gauge measurement circuit
Describe how measurement of accelerations and vibrations are conducted
Write formal and informal engineering reports
Work as a part of a team

Course Expectations

COURSE PRE-REQUISITES

MENG 2204 Electronics, and MATH 3433 or concurrent enrollment therein.

OTHER PREREQUISITES

Basic computer skills, SolidWorks, MS Excel, hand calculator

Lecture

This course consists of a two 50-minutes sessions per week and three lab hours. The three hours class will be spent mostly explaining and discussing concepts, and solving relevant case problems. The other three class hours will be dedicated to lab experiments, result analysis, and lab reports. Lectures will not be used to communicate the entire textbook course content and thus, students will have to study a set of course paragraphs specified by the instructor on their own to further their understanding. Student participation in class discussions is highly recommended and rewarded.

Exams

There will be two regular exams plus one comprehensive exam at the end of the semester. Each exam is based on two testing parts. A Theoretical part (closed book) designed to test the students’ ability to master the taught materials. This testing part includes textbook questions and short problems. A 8.5x11 sheet is allowed for personal notes. A practical part (open book) designed to test the students’ ability to analyze and solve a set of problems on their own. Each exam is based on the course materials developed between two consecutive exams, except for the last one which is comprehensive.

Quizzes

The goal of these quizzes is to encourage the students to study the course materials by themselves. Quizzes will consist of true/false, multiple choice type of questions and/or short problems.

Homework

Homework will be assigned from a set of chosen chapters by the instructor. It will be turned in each week, unless specified by the instructor.

Each student is responsible for submitting his own individual personal homework copy, written in his own words. No dual or group homework copy is accepted unless specified by the instructor.LAB ReportEach group of students is responsible for submitting its own lab report in its own words. A student cannot add its name to a student lab group if absent. Labs will be submitted either in formal or informal presentations. All informal labs must be presented with three full paragraphs, theory used, results obtained, and a thorough discussion of the results. A special attention will be dedicated to the presentation. A formal template lab report will be handed out to the students. Students are encouraged to finish their lab and submit it during the lab session if possible.

LAB Report

Lab reports are based on the programming materials studied in class, or presented during lab sessions. Lab reports must be turned in on the due date, at the beginning of class.

Each group of students is responsible for submitting its own lab report in its own words. A student cannot add its name to a student lab group if absent. Labs will be submitted either in formal or informal presentations. All informal labs must be presented with three full paragraphs, theory used, results obtained, and a thorough discussion of the results. A special attention will be dedicated to the presentation. A formal template lab report will be handed out to the students. Students are encouraged to finish their lab and submit it during the lab session if possible. Arriving late to the lab will be penalized by -5 points on the lab grade. Quitting the lab session without the instructor authorization will be penalized by -10 points on the lab grade.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Plan on spending at least 6 hours outside of class to study the material and to work on homework assignments, and lab experiments. Do not wait until the last day to start working on your report, or prepare for the exam
Read the course material before coming to class
Utilize the office hours throughout the semester to seek explanations from the instructor
Use engineering paper for all homework assignments and exams. Use a systematic approach to solve problems. If a problem involves drawing a graph, use Excel, Matlab, or any other graphic software tool to draw the graph. In engineering, neatness is a must, not a luxury. Be advised that you will be penalized for a lack of neatness
You are strongly encouraged to study in group. Time to time a lab partner will be randomly selected for you

Grading Standards

Course Grade

The final grade for the course will be based on the scores earned in the two mandatory exams, the mandatory comprehensive exam, the average score earned in the quizzes, the average score earned in the homework, and the average score earned in lab reports. Each one of the two exams contributes 15%, the comprehensive exam contributes 20%, quizzes average contributes 10%, homework average contributes 10%, lab reports average contributes 20%, and participation, neatness, attitude, and class attendance contribute 10%, for a total of 100%. The overall average score (X) for the course is determined as follows:

X =0.15 x (exam1 score + exam 2 score) + 0.20 x (Comprehensive exam score) + 0.10 x (quizzes average score) + 0.10 x (homework average score) + 0.20 x (lab report average score) + 0.10 x (participation/neatness/attitude/attendance scores).

The final letter grade for the course is based on the value of X and is determined from the following grade levels:

Value of X (in %)	90 - 100	80 - 89	70 - 79	60 - 69	<60
Letter Grade	A	B	C	D	F

Final Exam12/8/2012 11:00-12:00 pm

Submission Format Policy

Students in this course must demonstrate their competency in oral and written communication through written homework assignments, lab reports, quizzes, and exams. They must also demonstrate their ability to use the English language.

Homework and Exams

Use engineering paper for all homework assignments, quizzes and exams.

Lab Reports

Lab reports are based on machine dynamics theories studied in class, or presented during lab sessions. Labs will be submitted either in formal or informal presentation. All informal labs must be presented with three full paragraphs, theory used, results obtained, and a thorough discussion. A special attention will be dedicated to the presentation. A formal template lab report will be handed out to the students. Use MS or other editing software to type your lab. Students are strongly encouraged to use the computer lab to finish their lab and submit it during the lab session.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Exams

You are expected to take the exam on the scheduled date and time it is given. However, if for a major and acceptable reason you are unable to do so, then you must inform the instructor in advance in writing and give a valid proof of your absence. The instructor will give then a make-up exam toward the end of the semester. For those who did not have a valid reason for missing the exam, they are allowed to take the make-up exam, but they will be graded over 80% of the regular 100% exam grade. The examination materials for the make-up exam may be very different from the ones given in regular exams.

Quizzes

You are expected to take these quizzes on random scheduled dates and times. However, if for a major reason you are unable to do so, then you must provide the instructor with a valid written excuse. For those who missed quizzes with a valid reason, the instructor will then give a make-up quiz at the end of the semester. For those who did not have a valid reason for missing the quizzes, they are allowed to take the make-up quiz, but they will be graded over 80% of the regular 100% quiz grade. The examination materials for the make-up quiz may be very different from the ones given in regular quizzes.

Homework

Homework must be turned in on the due date at the beginning of class. Once class starts, homework will be still accepted for a grace period of 48 hours and graded over 80% of the regular 100% homework grade. After the grace period, homework will be accepted and graded over 60% of the regular 100% homework grade. Each student is responsible for submitting his own individual personal homework copy, written in his own words. No dual or group homework copy is accepted unless specified by the instructor.

Lab Reports

Lab reports must be turned in on the due date, at the beginning of class. Once lab class starts, lab reports will be still accepted for a grace period of 48 hours and graded over 80% of the regular 100% lab grade. Once the grace period is over, lab report will be still accepted and graded over 60% of the regular 100% lab grade. THERE IS NO MAKE-UP for any lab session missed.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Class Attendance

Students are expected to attend class and lab sessions on regular basis and are responsible for class notes, and missed exams while being absent.

Exams

Quizzes

Lab Reports

Students are encouraged to finish their lab and submit it during the lab session if possible. Arriving late to the lab will be penalized by -5 points on the lab grade. Quitting the lab session without the instructor authorization will be penalized by -10 points on the lab grade.

Other Policies

Academic Integrity Policy
Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. You are expected to have read and understood the current issue of the student handbook regarding student responsibilities & rights, and the intellectual property policy information about procedures and what constitutes acceptable on-campus behavior. Any form of plagiarism will not be accepted, and will be heavily reprimanded.

Disability Support Services
Students registered with Disability Support Services should have a letter verifying their disability and the appropriate accommodations.

Disclaimer Statement
Information contained in this syllabus, other than grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.