MAT 180 - Engineering Problems

• Describe the various engineering degrees and their role in society.
• Solve various problems using the Engineering Method.
• Demonstrate the concept of dimensions and how they relate to the International System of Units or SI.
• Apply statistical techniques for organizing and interpreting engineering data.
• Understand the basic tenants of Total Quality Management (TQM) and the increasing role that it plays in engineering projects.

Unit Objectives

• Name the members of a typical engineering technology team.
• List the common engineering functions.
• Describe the general content and activities in each of the following fields of engineering: Aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical/computer, environmental, industrial and mechanical.
• Discuss the qualifications that a person should have to become a successful engineer.
• List the areas that will require the most attention by engineers in the immediate future.
• Discuss the concept of problem solving as a combination of art and science.
• List the six steps that collectively form the process called the engineering method.
• Solve problems using the engineering methods.
• Use the recognized standards of problem presentation to carefully and neatly document the solution of an engineering problem.
• Describe the methods and guidelines for collection of data.
• Compare the numeric and graphic presentations of data, including their advantages and disadvantages.
• Determine whether rectilinear, log-log or semilog graph paper should be used for a given set of data.
• Accurately prepare a graph with the proper labeling of axes, breaks, scale graduations, calibrations, titles and legends.
• Distinguish between observed, empirical and theoretical points when drawing graphics.
• Use a computer spreadsheet program to produce a graph.
• Use the method of selected points to find the equation that best fits a set of linear points.
• Use log-log and semilog paper to plot points when they do not form a straight line graph.
• Find the equation for the line of best fit for quadratic and exponential functions by using logarithms in the method of selected points.
• Use a graphic calculator to find the type of line that best fits a set of data and also find its equation.
• Determine the number of significant digits in any given number.
• Report the correct number of significant digits in the answer for any calculation.
• Round values to any specified number of significant digits.
• Distinguish between accuracy, the nearness of a value to the true value, and precision, the repeatability of a measurement.
• Describe the nature of systematic and random errors, as well as the differences between them.
• Make reasonable approximations or rough estimates in situations where time and data are both limited.
• State the definition of a dimension with regard to a system.
• Discuss the meaning of the statement “dimensions are independent of units.”
• Explain the difference between fundamental and derived dimensions, as well as identify examples of each of them.
• Describe examples of dimensional systems, including absolute and gravitational systems.
• List the base units and their symbols in the SI system.
• Give examples of derived units in the SI system as well as the base units used to define them.
• List the most commonly used unit prefixes and state their meanings.
• Employ the standard rules for consistent use of SI units.
• Perform calculations in which base SI units interact to form derived units.
• Perform calculations in which conversions are necessary between British and SI units.
• List the four stages in the use of statistical data.
• Describe the differences between descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Explain the relationship between populations and samples, including the role of parameters and statistics.
• Construct a frequency distributive for a given set of data.
• Determine the class widths, intervals, limits, boundaries and marks for a given frequency distribution.
• Draw a histogram for a given frequency distribution.
• Draw a scatter diagram for a given set of data.
• Define and compare the features of the mean, median and mode.
• Find the mean, median and mode for a given set of data.
• Explain the step by step calculations required for finding the standard deviation and variance of a set of data.
• Find the mean, standard deviation and variance of a given set of data using a statistical calculator.
• Find the mean, standard deviation and variance as well as draw a histogram for a given set of data using a computer spreadsheet program.
• Discuss the basic concepts involved in statistical testing of hypotheses.
• Find a linear regression equation using a statistical calculator.
• Use a regression equation to predict a functional value for a given domain value.
• Find the coefficient of correlation for a given set of data using a statistical calculator.
• Find the coefficient of determination and use it to interpret the strength of a given coefficient of correlation.
• Draw a scatter diagram and calculate the regression equation and coefficient of correlation for a given set of data using a computer spreadsheet program.
• List the people who have been instrumental in the development of TQM and discuss their contributions.
• State a definition of TQM.
• Discuss the meaning of process and its importance in TQM.
• Explain the difference between internal and external customers.
• Describe the role that data plays in TQM.
• Explain the following TQM tools: Pareto chart, fishbone diagram and brainstorming.
• List the members of a typical TQM team and the responsibilities of each.
• List and explain the four stages that a typical team goes through.
• Discuss the Myers Briggs Type Indicator instrument and the four pairs of personality traits that it measures.
• List the three application areas in mechanics.
• Explain the difference between statics and dynamics.
• Represent a force with a vector given its magnitude and direction.
• Perform calculations with vectors including the resolution of a force into its components and finding the resultant of a system of forces.
• Represent the moment of a force with respect to a given point.
• Draw a free-body diagram for given data including all forces acting on the body.
• State the three conditions of equilibrium of a body.
• Solve statics problems with the use of free-body diagrams and the equilibrium conditions.
• Find the simple interest and future sum for a given principal, interest rate and number of interest periods.
• Find the future sum when interest is compounded for a specified number of interest periods.
• Determine the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for a given interest rate and compounding period.
• Compare investments by determining the present worth of each.
• Explain the difference between compound interest and an annuity.
• List the three most common types of annuities.
• Solve problems involving a sinking fund.
• Solve problems involving installment loans.
• Construct an amortization table with the use of a computer spreadsheet program.