EngE 1215

ENGINEERING EXPLORATION: Foundations of Engineering I

COURSE SYLLABUS and POLICY Fall 2014

Instructor:
Office:
Office Hours:

Junqiu Wang (JQ)

SEB 375
See Home Page

Email:
Phone:
TA/Mentor Contact:

jqwang@vt.ede
540-231-3552
TBD

Course Description
Course Pre/Co Requisites: Math 1225
Course Description: The first course in a first-year sequence to introduce general engineering students to the
profession. This course focuses on data collection and analysis, engineering problem-solving, mathematical
modeling, contemporary software tools, professional practices and expectations (e.g. communication, teamwork,
ethics), and the diversity of fields and majors within engineering. A grade of C- or better in 1215 is required for
enrollment in 1216, the second course in the sequence. EngE 1215 can only be attempted twice, including attempts
utilizing the W grade option.

Course Goals
During this course you will:
1. Compare and contrast the contributions of different types of engineers in the development of a product,
process, or system
2. Develop a plan of study for your undergraduate career
3. Articulate holistic issues that impact engineering solutions
4. Solve problems using systematic engineering approaches and tools
5. Model an engineering system
6. Synthesize information from several sources
7. Communicate information effectively
8. Contribute effectively to an engineering team

Pathways to Success First Year Experience

This course is a Pathways to Success course. Pathways to Success is a program designed for first-year students
freshman and transfer students with the intent of equipping students with the appropriate tools necessary to
engage in substantive exploration and discovery of themselves and the world around them. We will accomplish
this through numerous curricular and co-curricular opportunities, in order to develop students into reflective and
responsible learners and citizens. As such, the program is focused on the development of lifelong learning skills,
such as problem solving, inquiry, and the integration of knowledge.
As part of the Pathways to Success initiative, the course must continually assess its effectiveness through its
student outcomes. An example of your work, such as a paper, test questions, survey results, or other work, may be
selected at random for assessment. This process will not affect your grade, will not require you do additional work,
and your work will be confidentially handled. Through your cooperation we are working to improve teaching and
learning at Virginia Tech.

Page 1 of 7

Course Materials
Texts:

Tools:

Little Princes: One Mans Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal by Conor Grennan.

VT Engineering Software Bundle (www.software.vt.edu), and other software as needed

College of Engineering approved computer equipment, Engineering Supplies
For each class meeting you will need the following: computer meeting the College of Engineering
requirements, power cord, engineering paper or other blank letter-sized paper, pencil, textbooks (as
instructed).
Scholar Link:
You will have access to a SCHOLAR site for this course (https://scholar.vt.edu/portal). All course documents
and assignments will be posted on the site. Additionally, most homework and classwork assignments will be
submitted electronically through this site. You are expected to check the site daily for announcements. When
you log into scholar if you do not see a tab related to EngE 1215 for Fall 2014, click on the My Active Sites
tab to find the course. Important information about Scholar for students is available at:
https://help.scholar.vt.edu/ImportantInformationforStudents.html;
and in the student overview available at: https://help.scholar.vt.edu/StudentOverview.html

Assignments & Assessment

Evaluation of Learning:
Semester Grade Assignments:
93-100%
A
90-92.99%
A87-89.99%
B+
83-86.99%
B
80-82.99%
B77-79.99%
C+
73-76.99%
C
70-72.99%
C60-69.99%
D
<60%
F

Grade Weighting:
Midterm Test
Final Test
Project Assignments
Group Assignments
Individual Assignments

___
20%
20%
25%
15%
20%

Semester Tests
There are two semester tests, the Midterm and the Final.
Tests are held at a common time for all sections of ENGE 1215. The mid-term test will be given during
the Thursday evening free-time, outside of regular class time. The final test will be given during the
university scheduled common-time exam period for the course.
If you have a reasonable professional conflict (e.g. a job interview), you may take the scheduled make-up
mid-term test provided you make arrangements in advance with your instructor. The make-up mid-term
test is not available for students with personal (social) conflicts.
You may also take the make-up midterm test if you have appropriate documentation from the Dean of
Students Office or Health Services. You must contact your instructor as soon as possible because make-up
exams are offered only on a limited schedule.
If you miss the mid-term test for reasons other than a documented emergency, you may take the
scheduled make-up with a 20% penalty provided you submit a request to your instructor no more than 24
hours after the end of the scheduled test time.
Rescheduling of the Final Test must be done through your Academic Deans office.

Page 2 of 7

Team Problem Solving Project

Like most engineering workplaces, this course relies heavily on team activities. These activities are designed to
introduce you to the kinds of work engineers do on a daily basis and to stretch your knowledge and abilities as
you explore different elements of problem solving. Over the course of the semester, youll work with a team
on a problem solving project:
The problem solving project, like most engineering work, cannot be completed in a single all-nighter. You
and your team will need to spend time planning the project, organizing the work, identifying action items
for each person, and following up to ensure that work is completed on time and accurately.
The team cannot succeed without the contributions of each person, and you are responsible for managing
your time out of class so that you can meet your team obligations.
Effective teams communicate clearly, honestly, and often with one another. You owe it to yourself and
your team to be honest about what you can do and when you can do it.
Conflicts or concerns will not magically go away over the course of a project/assignment. Each of you
needs to be proactive when you see potential problems, trying to work it out within the team when
possible and asking for help from your instructor sooner rather than later.
Project assignments will not be accepted from individuals.
Group Assignments
Several assignments throughout the term will be completed in groups. These assignments are designed to
develop your ability to work in a collaborative environment while developing your understanding of course
topics. As a portion of each group assignment will be complete in class, students who miss the class in which a
group assignment is made, without a documented reason, will receive no credit for the assignment.
Individual Assignments
Individual assignment are completed and submitted on an individual basis. These activities are designed to
help you master the course material.
Quizzes
Quizzes, either group or individual, will be given at the instructors discretion and will be included in the grade
as a Group or Individual Assignment as appropriate.
Grades
Many of the assignments in this course are common across all sections. The evaluation of assignments is the
responsibility of the individual instructors and there may be grading differences across the sections. Grades
are discretion of the individual instructor.

Course Policies
Attendance & Participation
Active engagement during class meetings is an important component for successful completion of this course.
Many class periods will involve activities that are necessary to complete required assignments. Additionally
time will be provided in class for team/group work related to project and other assignments. You are
expected to attend all class meetings. Classwork submitted as a graded assignment will be accepted only from
students who were present in the class or those with a documented excuse.
In addition you MUST register for CRN 80018, Free Time, from 7:00 PM 9:50 PM on Thursday evenings. The
Thursday evening free time block will be used for the midterm test, special events, and is available for
team/group meetings. If you choose to schedule a class during this free time block, you cannot expect the
instructor of that course to allow you to make up work you miss in order to take an EngE 1215 test or attend a

Page 3 of 7

special lecture. Additionally, no accommodations will be made to allow you to take an EngE 1215 test at
another time if you have not registered for this free time block.
Submitting Assignments
Unless otherwise specified, all assignments will be collected electronically through Scholar. The link for each
assignment will be available through Lessons on the course Scholar site. Note that Scholar sends a
confirmation email when an assignment is submitted. Check for this confirmation and keep a copy of the
confirmation for your records.
All submitted work must include the names of all students who contributed to the assignment, the date
the assignment is due, and the assignment number. Specific formatting guidelines will vary by assignment
and will be provided in class.
For group/team assignments, one member of the group/team must submit the completed assignment. If
that member fails to submit the assignment on time, the entire group/team receives the penalty (see
Late or Missed Work, below).
Only the names of the students contributing to the project should be listed on project assignment
documents.
For group/team assignments, the feedback will be returned to the person submitting the assignment. It is
that persons responsibility to share the feedback with the rest of the group/team.
Late or Missed Work
All work is due by the assigned deadline (day and time), even if the assignment link remains open. Late work
will not be accepted for full credit except under specified circumstances.
Individual assignments will not be accepted for credit after the stated due date and time.
Group work submitted after the deadline is subject to a penalty of 10% per day.
If you experience a medical issue that prevents you from attending class or submitting work, you must
obtain documentation from Schiffert Health Services. For family/personal crises, contact the Dean of
Students Office (109 E Eggleston).
Class Notes
Class notes may be delivered using DyKnow. When they are you are expected to save your own copy of a class
DyKnow session.
Communicating with Course Instructor
This course is a professional engineering work environment; your correspondence with instructors should be
designed accordingly:
Use your VT email account
Include the course number (ENGE 1215) in the subject line
Include your name, CRN, lecture time, and workshop time in your signature
Do NOT include your Student ID Number. As a general rule, you should never include your ID number in
email correspondence.
Maintain a professional tone
Use appropriate titles

Page 4 of 7

Requesting a Grade Review

If your score on an assignment was miscalculated or mis-recorded based on written feedback, please
immediately notify your instructor via email and attach the graded paper for corrections to be made.
If you have concerns about or disagree with a grade that was given to you on any coursework (tests, projects,
homework, quizzes, classwork, etc.), these concerns will be dealt with on a case by case basis after
consideration. To request a review, you must email your instructor within one (1) week of the return of the
graded work. Your request will be addressed within three (3) weeks. The subject of the email must be ENGE
1215 Grade Review Request and the email must include the following:
1. A written explanation of why you believe your work merits a higher grade, including evidence to
support your claim. For example you may say I lost 12 points on question number #2 for a unit
conversion mistake. I also lost 10 points on question #3 for the incorrect answer, but all the steps in
#3 are correct and the answer is simply incorrect due to the previous mistake carried over. I should
not lose points twice for a single mistake
2. Note the number of points you think you should have returned to you. For example: If the correct
answer from #2 is put into my work for #3, my work yields the correct answer, so I think 10 points
should be returned to me on this assignment.
3. Include the graded submission as attachments to your email. If the submission was originally on
paper, bring the paper copies to your workshop leader during the next class or office hour.
4. Remember to include your name, date and CRN.
If you come to office hours to discuss a grade change, your instructor will not change a grade immediately and
will request you follow the written procedure above. A grade review for a zero on a late assignment will not
be considered. Note that a request for review may result in a lower grade.

Student Conduct and the Virginia Tech Principles of Community

The Virginia Tech Principles of Community will guide all our interactions this semester; above all, this class
should represent an environment in which everyone is treated with respect and encouraged to learn and
grow. To that end, the following principles define the basis of our work together:
(http://www.vt.edu/diversity/principles-of-community.html):
We affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person and strive to maintain a climate for work and
learning based on mutual respect and understanding.
We affirm the right of each person to express thoughts and opinions freely. We encourage open
expression within a climate of civility, sensitivity, and mutual respect.
We affirm the value of human diversity because it enriches our lives and the University. We acknowledge
and respect our differences while affirming our common humanity.
We reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including those based on age, color, disability, gender,
national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status. We take
individual and collective responsibility for helping to eliminate bias and discrimination and for increasing
our own understanding of these issues through education, training, and interaction with others.
We pledge our collective commitment to these principles in the spirit of the Virginia Tech motto of Ut
Prosim (That I May Serve).

Page 5 of 7

Accommodations
If you have special circumstances that require accommodations or adaptations to support your success in this
course, please obtain an accommodations letter from Services for Students with Disabilities
(http://www.ssd.vt.edu/, 540-231-3788, ssd@vt.edu) as soon as possible. Your notification will remain
confidential. Bring your accommodations letter to your Instructor as soon as you have the required
documentation. Arrangements for accommodations on tests should be made at least one week before the
test.
If you desire accommodations for religious holidays, please request those accommodations from your lecture
instructor by Monday September 1, 2014. It may not be possible to honor requests made after this date.

Virginia Tech Undergraduate Honor Code

All students are expected to follow the Honor Code, which states that every student has the right to live in an
academic environment that is free from the injustices caused by any form of intellectual dishonesty. The
Virginia Tech Honor Code embodies a spirit of mutual trust and intellectual honesty that is central to the very
nature of the university and represents the highest possible expression of shared values among the members
of the university community.
As defined in the Constitution of the Undergraduate Honor Code, Article 1
(http://www.honorsystem.vt.edu/?q=node/5):
The Honor Code expressly forbids the following academic violations:
1. Cheating -- Cheating includes the actual giving or receiving of any unauthorized aid or assistance or the
actual giving or receiving of any unfair advantage on any form of academic work, or attempts thereof.
2. Plagiarism -- Plagiarism includes the copying of the language, structure, programming, computer code,
ideas, and/or thoughts of another and passing off the same as one's own original work, or attempts
thereof.
3. Falsification -- Falsification includes the statement of any untruth, either verbally or in writing, with
respect to any circumstances relevant to one's academic work, or attempts thereof. Such acts include, but
are not limited to, the forgery of official signatures; tampering with official records; fraudulently adding,
deleting, or manipulating information on academic work, or fraudulently changing an examination or
other academic work after the testing period or due date of the assignment.
The Honor Code applies to all work for this course; all work you submit must be your own, and all group work
must be the work of the entire team. While discussing assignments and getting help outside of class is both
authorized and encouraged, jointly developing a solution to an individual assignment or copying solutions
from any source is considered a violation, as is sharing or re-use of a computer file in full or in part.

Keep in mind that plagiarism applies to any and all material you find on the internet. All sources must be
cited appropriately in your reports, whether it is a direct quotation or a paraphrase.
You will be held accountable for furnishing upon request all sources and preliminary work (notes, rough
drafts, etc.) that you use in preparing written assignments. You are strongly encouraged to rename files
when you revise drafts to ensure that you have a record of each projects development.

Honesty in your academic work will develop into professional integrity. The faculty and students of Virginia
Tech will not tolerate any form of academic dishonesty. It is your responsibility to seek clarification if there is
a question about how the Honor Code applies to a given assignment. Suspected violations of the Honor Code
will be processed and dealt with as recommended by the Honor System.

Page 6 of 7

Course Schedule
The schedule of topics listed below is subject to adjustment. Check Scholar for all assignments
Week Dates
Meeting 1
Meeting 2
1
Aug 25-28
Course Introduction
Identifying and Using Information
Product Archeology: Preparation
Sources
2
Sep 1-4
Product Archeology: Excavation
Product Archeology
The Engineering Profession
3
Sep 8-11
Engineering Careers and Jobs
Planning your path
4

Sep 15-18

Problem Solving: Introduction

Problem Solving: Teamwork
Engineering Expo 9/16-18
Sep 15 Oct 22 Departmental Information Sessions (see Scholar for exact dates and times; you are
required to attend four)
5
Sep 22-25
Problem Solving: Problem
Problem Solving: Representations
Definition
Thursday Sept 25 7pm Midterm Test (covers though Week 4)
6
Sep 29-Oct 2
Problem Solving: Questioning
Problem Solving: Teamwork-Feedback
7

Oct 6-9

8
9
10

Oct 13-16
Oct 20-23
Oct 27-30

11

Nov 3-6

12

Nov 10-13

13

Nov 17-20

14

Dec 1 - 4

15

Dec 8-10

Problem Solving:
Questioning/Communication
Problem Solving: Evaluation
Project Presentations
Data Analysis and Representation
MATLAB Vectors and Plots
Modeling and Experimental Data

Problem Solving: Communication

Problem Solving: Communication
Project Presentations / Project Review
Mathematical Modeling
MATLAB Vectors and Plots
Modeling and Experimental Data

Algorithms - Selection and

Algorithms Selection and Repetition
Repetition MATLAB
MATLAB
Thursday Nov 13 Time TBA Conor Grennan
Algorithms
Algorithms
Thanksgiving Break Nov 24-28
Data Applications
Data Applications
Semester Review
No class
Final Test
Thursday Dec 18, 2014 7:45am-9:45am

Friday August 29, 2014

September 16 18, 2014
Friday, October 3, 2014
Friday, October 10, 2014
Monday, October 20, 2014
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Friday, November 21, 2014
Friday, December 5, 2014
Thursday December 11, 2014

Other Important Dates

Last day to add classes
Engineering Expo Career Fair
Last day to drop without grade penalty
Fall Break No classes
Last day to resign without grade penalty
Opening of Web Course Request for Spring 2014
Close of Web Course Request for Spring 2014
Guest Speaker Conor Grennan
Deadline to request rescheduling of final exams that conflict or constitute 3 in 24.
Last day to apply for W grade
Reading Day (no classes)

Page 7 of 7