PHYS 260 - Mechanical and Electronic Design

How do we make things that actually work? This course will focus on the physics and engineering principles required to create useful working designs. It is intended for future engineers, artists, architects, and physical scientists. The first part of the course will discuss the static stability of structures, simple machines, the strength of materials, and mechanical power and torque. The second part will cover principles of electronics, circuit design, and basic computer programming for embedded systems. All ideas will be mastered through weekly hands-on projects. Unique elements include the use of mechanical simulation software to analyze designs for structural weakness; the use of Arduino-style microcomputers to learn about electronic circuits; and a final robot design exhibition.

Prerequisites
PHYS 170 Introductory Physics I or COMP 118 Object-Oriented Programming or ART 112 Three-Dimensional Design (DES 112 also accepted) or DES 140 Introduction to Digital Fabrication or permission of instructor

Credits 4

Area
Natural Science

Division
Natural Science

Compass Attributes
Natural Science, Sophomore Experience, Quantitative Analysis