Rico A.R. Picone, PhD Courses

Computer Applications in Engineering GE 104

a syllabus

Course description

This course explores the role of computer programming in analyzing a wide range of problems of relevance to science and engineering, with emphasis on Python as a computing framework. No former experience in computer programming is required. Students are expected to have had high school level material in geometry, algebra, and trigonometry, and at least one semester of college level calculus and physics. The course will explore ideas from more advanced calculus, matrix theory, and ordinary differential equations, but it does not assume that students have already taken courses in these subjects. Explorations will range from series to fractals, including equations that explain the odd orbits of the planets, design in nature, and the concept of stability in structures. The goal is to develop computational and analytical fluency that will follow the students in their continued programs in engineering and science. Prerequisites: MTH 171, PHY 171. A minimum grade of C- is required for all prerequisites. (Adopted from the course catalog.)

General information

Instructor
Rico AR Picone, PhD
Actual office hours (CH 103C)
Tue, Thu 3:20–5:50
Virtual office hours (zoom, make appointment!)
By appointment
Office hours appointments
make appointment
Office location
CH 103C
Classroom location
CH 101
Times
T,Th 1:00–2:20 pm
Moodle
moodle.stmartin.edu

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Discord

Everyone is required to join the messaging service called “Discord.” We’ll use it to communicate with each other during the semester. The Discord server you need to join is called drico. That’s an invitation link. Be sure to join the channel #104.

Textbooks

John V. Guttag. Introduction to Computation and Programming Using Python. The MIT Press, 2021. (Required. Abbreviation: JG)

Notes

My notes will be posted on the Engineering Computing (RP) page. These notes will have blank portions that require you to fill them in manually. Either print them for paper notes or save them for digital notes. I will send out the notes before each class, but you may not have much time before class starts, so keep this in mind.

Throughout the semester, you should be ready to show these notes (with your fill-ins) in any class, with threat of 10 percent quiz grade deductions.

Schedule

The following schedule is tentative.

day material week reading due
Syllabus
Introduction
Setting up your dev. environment
Anaconda 		1 JG ch. 1
The Spyder IDE
Hello world
Basic elements of Python programs
Classes, objects, and methods
Basic built-in types
Lists 		2 JG ch. 2 Ass. 1
Lists
Tuples
Dictionaries
Functions
Branching 		3 JG ch. 3 Ass. 2
Looping
Python Interpreters and Interactive Sessions
Scripts, Modules, and Imports
The Python Standard Library and Packages 		4 JG ch. 4 Ass. 3
Namespaces, Scopes, and Contexts
Style Conventions
The Design of Programs 		5 Ass. 4
Introduction to Numerical Analysis I: Representations, Input and Output, and Graphics
NumPy Arrays 6 Ass. 5
Homework Session
Manipulating, Operating On, and Mapping Over Arrays 7 Ass. 6
8 Ass. 7
Mid-Semester Break
9
Exam 1
10
11 Ass. 8
12 Ass. 9
13 Ass. 10
14 Ass. 11
15
Exam 2
16 No final exam!

Assignments

Assignment 1

Assignment 2

Assignment 3

Assignment 4

Assignment 5

Assignment 6

Assignment 7

Assignment 8

Assignment 9

Assignment 10

Assignment 11

Resources

Class resources will be posted here throughout the semester.

Homework, quiz, & exam policies

Homework & homework quiz policies

Weekly homework will be “due” on Fridays, but it will not be turned in for credit. However — and this is very important — each week you will grade your own homework.

Self-grading checklists will be available on moodle each Friday (around mid-day), and must be completed by Sunday (before midnight).

Working in groups on homework is strongly encouraged, but the self-assessment should reflect your own work.

Exam policies

The exams will be in-class. If you require any specific accommodations, please contact me.

Calculators will be allowed. Only ones own notes and the notes provided by the instructor will be allowed. No communication-devices will be allowed.

No exam may be taken early. Makeup exams require a doctor’s note excusing the absence during the exam.

Exams are generally cumulative.

Grading policies

Total grades in the course may be curved, but individual homework quizzes and exams will not be. They will be available on moodle throughout the semester.

Participation and Homework
30%
Exam 1
35%
Exam 2
35%
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Participation grades depend on filling in your notes and engagement in class activities.

Academic integrity policy

Cheating or plagiarism of any kind is not tolerated and will result in a failing grade (“F”) in the course. I take this very seriously. Engineering is an academic and professional discipline that requires integrity. I expect students to consider their integrity of conduct to be their highest consideration with regard to the course material.

What is academic integrity? Saint Martin’s University is a community of faculty, students and staff engaged in the exchange of ideas in the ongoing pursuit of academic excellence. Essential to our mission is a focused commitment to scholarly values and intellectual integrity, and a respect for the ideas, beliefs and work of others. This commitment extends to all aspects of academic performance. All members are expected to abide by ethical standards both in their conduct and their exercise of responsibility to themselves and toward other members of the community. As an expression of our shared belief in the Benedictine tradition, we support the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual nurturing of students.

What is academic dishonesty? Saint Martin’s University defines academic dishonesty as violating the academic integrity of an assignment, test and/or evaluation of any coursework. This dishonest practice occurs when you seek to gain for yourself or another an academic advantage by deception or other dishonest means. You have a responsibility to understand the requirements that apply to particular assessments and to be aware of acceptable academic practice regarding the use of material prepared by others. Therefore, it is your responsibility to be familiar with the policies surrounding academic dishonesty as these may differ from other institutions.

Acceptable use of AI in coursework

Any use of technology that misleads a reviewer in assessing the student’s mastery of a specific set of skills or knowledge is a type of intellectual dishonesty, that is, a type of cheating. Students who are unsure about the appropriateness of using an artificial intelligence tool (or “AI”) should check with the instructor before using it. This includes the use of tools that generate text, images, video, code, and other works. If you are permitted by your instructor to use one or more AI tools in producing your work, you should disclose the use of that tool. You should say which tool you used and how you used it. Then if you use specific AI generated content (text, images, videos, audio, code, and so on) you should cite it in the style (APA, MLA, and so on) specified by your instructor.

Access and accommodations

Your experience in this class is important to me. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Support Services (DSS), please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course.

If you have not yet established services through DSS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but are not limited to mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), you are welcome to contact DSS at 360-438-4580 or dss.testing@stmartin.edu or smu.dss@stmartin.edu. DSS offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and DSS. It is the policy and practice of the Saint Martin's University to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law.

Sexual misconduct/sexual harassment reporting

Saint Martin’s University is committed to providing an environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. There are Title IX/sexual harassment posters around campus that include the contact information for confidential reporting and formal reporting. Confidential reporting is where you can talk about incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. This confidential resource can help you without having to report your situation to the formal reporting process through the Interim Dean of Students – Ms. Ann Adams MBA, Associate VP of Human Resources – Ms. Cynthia Johnson, Public Safety – Ms. Sharon Schnebly, or the Office of the Provost – Dr. Tanya Smith Brice, unless you request that they make a report. Please be aware that, in compliance with Title IX and under the Saint Martin’s University policies, educators must report incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. If you disclose any of these situations in class, on papers, or to me personally, I am required to report it.

University sanctioned activities

If you are absent from class due to university-sanctioned activities, such as sports, it is your responsibility to request that the absence be excused; otherwise, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. Absent students are responsible for catching up with the class, and if any assignments are due on the day of the absence, it is your responsibility to turn in the assignments on time (prior to class). Assignments may be submitted as an attachment to an email.

Counseling and Wellness Center

There may be times, as a college student, when personal stressors interfere with your academic performance and your daily life. The Counseling and Wellness Center supports students by addressing mental and emotional well-being with FREE and confidential services. To schedule an appointment, call 360-412-6123 or email counselingcwc@stmartin.edu or stop by the CWC (1st floor St. Raphael Center).

If you would rather not go to the CWC or need support in the evenings and weekends, please consider using the TimelyCare app (timelycare.com/smusaints) to speak with a mental health provider, free, 24/7, from your phone or computer.

Religious Accommodation

Saint Martin's University, in honor of the sacredness of the individual, and being deeply rooted in the Catholic Benedictine tradition of higher education, values the many religious and spiritual practices of our campus community. Saint Martin's University supports our students in their ongoing journey of becoming. In compliance with Washington State Law RCW 28B.137.010, Saint Martin's University reasonably accommodates students for reasons of religious observances.

Center for Student Success

The Center for Student Success offers free academic services for all Saint Martin's students. The Center provides subject-area peer tutoring in science, technology, nursing, engineering, math, business, accounting, economics, world languages and other subjects. At the Writing Center, students meet with writing tutors to discuss their academic, personal, and professional writing. The Advising Center works with students on academic advising, connecting with campus support resources, transition and self-exploration guidance, personalized academic improvement plans, learning workshops, and support for changing majors. Disability Support Services is also located in the Center for any student with a disability who needs accommodations. For more information on the Center for Student Success, or to sign up for a tutoring, advising, or DSS meeting, see the website: stmartin.libcal.com/appointments.

Correlation of course & program outcomes

In keeping with the standards of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, each course is evaluated in terms of its desired outcomes and how these support the desired program outcomes. The following sections document the evaluation of this course.

Desired course outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the following course outcomes are desired:
  1. Students will have a clear and thorough understanding of the role of computer software (Python) in solving different types of problems of interest to engineers.
  2. Students will obtain specific skills computer skills in the following:
    1. The use of matrices, characters, arrays, cells, structures and logical expressions
    2. The use of Python built-in functions
    3. The use of Python user-defined functions and scripts
  3. The student will be able to write efficient, well-commented computer codes for solving fun math, physics and engineering problems.
  4. Students will learn how to solve linear algebraic systems of equations and their relationship to engineering analysis.
  5. Students will learn the meaning of differential equations and how to solve simple differential equations in Python
  6. Students will be able to generate meaningful and clear graphs and plots of data.

Desired program outcomes

In accordance with ABET's student outcomes, our desired program outcomes are that mechanical engineering graduates have:
  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Correlation of outcomes

The following table correlates the desired course outcomes with the desired program outcomes they support.
desired program outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
desired course outcomes 1 ✔ ✔ ✔ ‌ ‌ ✔ ✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ‌ ‌ ✔ ✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ‌ ‌ ✔ ✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ‌ ‌ ✔ ✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ‌ ‌ ✔ ✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ‌ ✔ ✔ ✔