METBD 450 Course Expectations

METBD 450 - Finite Element Analysis Applications II

COURSE EXPECTATIONS:

1. Attend ALL classes. You are responsible for the material covered when you are absent. You cannot successfully complete this course with poor class attendance. For each 3 lab classes (or partial classes) missed, your grade will be reduced by one letter grade increment. Roll will be taken regularly. Valid reasons for class absence will be accepted.

2. No swearing - act professionally in the computer lab regardless of your frustrations. No games, internet surfing, or email during lecture and class work time.

3. DO the assigned reading.

4. Neat homework, turned in ON TIME, signed and dated.

Sloppy work will be penalized and returned for corrections, treated as one (more) class late after being returned to you.

Errors in UNITS will result in immediate rejection of the assignment as unacceptable. It will be returned to you for corrections, treated as one (more) class late after being returned.
EVERY calculation MUST include the units on every term or else it is wrong.

Late homeworks are penalized, beginning immediately after the class in which it was due. Computer problems are inevitable - plan accordingly.

HW Grading Policy:

Acc+ (~10) On-time with all requirements met or exceeded

Acc (~8) late 1 class, all req. met - OR - On-time, but minor req. not met

Acc- (~6) late 2 classes, all req. met - OR - late 1 class, minor req. not met

Zero (0) late > 2 classes - OR - more than 2 attempts to meet all req.

5. You will work as a team member on everything except exams. One project or homework assignment will be submitted for each team. Part of your course grade will reflect your ability to work as a team member, and resolve team conflicts/problems.

How to work as a team ? Share in-class modeling & note-taking duties. Out of class, all team members do the assignments, then reconcile any differences, correct errors, and prepare reports or homework to be turned in.

6. Exams are graded on an individual basis. Half of each exam (1 hour) may be written and the other half may be on the computer. Team mate(s) may share the team notebook during the exams.

7. Laboratory projects and homework problems will be assigned and worked on, in-part, during the lab time. Outside time will be required to finish the assignments.

Homework assignments require a lower level of effort and require a smaller package when turned in. On the other hand, a project is an exercise in communications, requiring a more lengthy, formal report.

8. Each team is to submit a course notebook which will be checked during the final exam.

Notebook requirements include:

neat, organized ... indexed, tabs, cover page ... no loose papers, assembled in a 3-ring binder

class notes, homework, projects, and exams

team members must share the expense of duplicating the notebook so each member has a copy.

the notebook grade will be a part of your final grade.

9. The Penn State University Policy on Academic Integrity applies to all work turned in for grading. Unethical behavior will not be tolerated. The sanctions imposed for academic dishonesty may range from a reduced grade on an assignment or a test, up to a failing course grade along with further disciplinary action by University officials. See: http://www.pserie.psu.edu/faculty/academics/integrity.htm

Remember, you GET a job based on your college grades, experience, senior project, etc.
You KEEP a job and build a career based on your own skills and knowledge. Do your own work and master the subjects you study for yourself !

10. Note to students with disabilities: Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. If you have a disability-related need for modifications or reasonable accommodations in this course, contact the Disability Specialist in the Office of Student Affairs, Room 115 Reed Union Building, 898-6111.