What This Document Is
This is a syllabus for MAE 460: Automatic Controls, a course offered by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at West Virginia University. It outlines the expectations, policies, and structure of the Spring 2014 semester offering. This document serves as a foundational guide for students enrolled in, or considering enrollment in, this upper-level engineering course. It details crucial information regarding course logistics and assessment.
Why This Document Matters
This syllabus is essential for prospective students to understand the course’s scope and demands *before* committing to enrollment. Current students will benefit from regularly referencing it throughout the semester to stay informed about grading criteria, attendance policies, and important dates. It’s particularly useful for students seeking clarity on how their performance will be evaluated and what is expected of them to succeed in the course. Understanding the course structure upfront can help students plan their study schedules and manage their workload effectively.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This syllabus provides a high-level overview of the course. It does *not* contain the specific lecture materials, homework assignments, quiz questions, or exam content. It also doesn’t include detailed explanations of the control systems concepts themselves. The syllabus outlines the topics covered, but doesn’t delve into the specifics of *how* those topics will be taught or the detailed mathematical derivations involved. It also doesn’t provide access to the software packages utilized in the course.
What This Document Provides
* Instructor contact information and office hours.
* A description of the course’s overall goals and learning objectives.
* Information on how the course aligns with ABET accreditation standards for both Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering programs.
* A breakdown of the grading components (quizzes, homework, midterm exams, final exam) and their respective weights.
* The grading scale used to determine final letter grades.
* A list of topics that will be covered throughout the semester, categorized by approximate time allocation.
* Important class policies regarding attendance, homework preparation, and academic integrity.
* Textbook information and mention of supplemental handouts.