MECH-251-chenx-2026-02-02-08-09-39
Title of Course [Numerical Computing for Engineers]
Prefix and Number [MECH251]
Semester and Year [Fall, 2026]
Number of Credit Hours [3]
Prerequisites [MATH 172 or 182, or concurrent enrollment; MATH 220 or concurrent enrollment]
Course Details
Day and Time: M/W 10:35-11:50AM
Meeting Location: VSCI 255
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor Name: Dr. Linda Chen
Instructor Contact Information: VECS 301U, 360-5469117, chenx@wsu.edu
Instructor Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9-10:30AM
TA Name: Sadia Anjum Mim
TA Contact Information: VECS 301C, sadia.mim@wsu.edu
TA Office Hours: TBD
Course Description
Introduction to numerical computing in the context of problem solving including data analysis, data visualization, MATLAB programming and numerical techniques.
Course Materials
Books: MATLAB for Engineers, Holly Moore, Prentice Hall
Other Materials: None
Fees: None
|
Course Learning Outcomes (students will be able to:) |
Activities Supporting the Learning Outcomes | Assessment of the Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
|
Critical & Creative thinking: Use MATLAB for analysis, synthesis and presentation |
MATLAB programming fundamentals; Data visualization |
Term projects |
| Quantitative reasoning:
Apply mathematics to obtain numerical solutions; develop basic computer codes to solve problems using MATLAB |
Arrays and Matrices: Construction and Manipulation; MATLAB programming fundamentals |
Exams, homework |
|
Scientific Literacy: Use numerical techniques to obtain engineering solutions |
Numerical Techniques for Engineering Problems |
Exams, homework |
| Dates | Lesson Topic | Assignment | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Week 1 |
MATLAB Introduction & Getting Familiar With MATLAB Environment | Homework #1: MATLAB commands; Mathematical expressions and operations; Importing and exporting data | In-class Practice & Participation |
| Week 2 [dates] |
Built-in Functions | Homework #2: MATLAB built-in commands | In-class Practice & Participation |
| Week 3 [dates] |
Array Manipulation | Homework #3: Creating arrays and matrices; Matrix manipulation | Homework Review |
| Week 4 [dates] |
User-defined Functions | Project #1: UDF Creation and Execution | In-class Practice & Participation |
| Week 5 [dates] |
User-defined Functions | Homework #4: Creating and using user-defined functions | Function Implementation Review |
| Week 6 [dates] |
Plotting | Homework #5: 2D & 3D Plotting | Project #1 Evaluation & Midterm Review |
| Week 7 [dates] |
Inputs and Outputs | Midterm Exam | Midterm Exam Evaluation |
| Week 8 [dates] |
Selection Structures | Homework #6: Selection structures | In-class Practice & Participation |
| Week 9 [dates] |
Looping Structures | Homework #7: Looping structures | Programming structures Review |
| Week 10 [dates] |
Curve Fitting | Project #2: Curve Fitting | In-class Practice & Participation |
| Week 11 [dates] |
Matrix Algebra, MATLAB Copilot (AI) Introduction | Homework #8: Matrix operations and linear algebra basics; Solving linear system of equations | Homework Review |
| Week 12 [dates] |
Numerical Differentiation & Integration, Tracing errors with MATLAB Copilot (AI) | Homework #9: Solving ODEs with MATLAB Copilot | Project #2 Evaluation |
| Week 13 [dates] |
Data Analysis with MATLAB Copilot (AI) | Project #3: AI-assisted data analysis and visualization | In-class Practice & Participation |
| Week 14 [dates] |
Data Visualization with MATLAB Copilot (AI) | Homework #10: Tracing errors with MATLAB Copilot | In-class Practice & Participation |
| Week 15 [dates] |
Numerical Computing with MATLAB Copilot (AI) | Project Presentation | Project #3 Evaluation |
Expectations for Student Effort
For each hour of lecture equivalent, students should expect to have a minimum of 2 hours outside of class.
Grading [add more lines if necessary]
| Type of Assignment (tests, papers, etc) | Points | Percent of Overall Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Homework | 25 | 25% |
| Term Projects | 15 | 15% |
| Midterm Exam | 25 | 25% |
| Final Exam | 35 | 35% |
| Grade | Percent | Grade | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| A |
94-100% |
C | 74-76% |
| A- | 90-93% | C- | 70-73% |
| B+ | 87-89% | D+ | 67-69% |
| B | 84-86% | D | 60-66% |
| B- | 80-83% | F | below 60% |
| C+ | 77-79% |
[Note: 89% earns a B+ and 90% earns an A-; a grade of 89.5% will be rounded to 90% based on standard rounding rules.]
Attendance and Make-Up Policy
Students should make all reasonable efforts to attend all class meetings. However, in the event a student is unable to attend a class, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor as soon as possible, explain the reason for the absence (and provide documentation, if appropriate), and make up class work missed within a reasonable amount of time, if allowed. Missing class meetings may result in reducing the overall grade in the class.
No make-up exams or assignments will be given unless a medical or other verified emergency is the reason for missing the exam or the assignment.
Academic Integrity Statement
You are responsible for reading WSU's Academic Integrity Policy, which is based on Washington State law. If you cheat in your work in this class you will:
-Receive a grade F
-Be reported to the Center for Community Standards
-Have the right to appeal my decision
-Not be able to drop the course of withdraw from the course until the appeals process is finished
If you have any questions about what you can and cannot do in this course, ask me.
If you want to ask for a change in my decision about academic integrity, use the form at the Center for Community Standards website. You must submit this request within 21 calendar days of the decision.