Engineering professors be like

Zach Star

12 Nov 201909:29

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this transcript, a professor discusses various aspects of an engineering course, including the identification of zero-force members in a structure, the use of a capacitor in a circuit, and the distribution of a custom textbook. The professor also covers the format and expectations for lab reports, the sources of error in experiments, and the lack of extra credit. The conversational tone includes humor and candid advice, culminating in a discussion about the real-world application of academic learning in engineering careers.

Takeaways

📚 The importance of understanding zero-force members in trust structures is emphasized.
❓ A question about the lack of force on the center beam leads to a discussion on force equilibrium.
🔊 The significance of an input signal and its amplification through a series of components is discussed.
📝 The purpose of a capacitor in a circuit is clarified, highlighting its essential role.
📚 The requirement of a three-hundred-dollar textbook is questioned, with an emphasis on using online notes instead.
🛍️ The practice of reselling textbooks is mentioned, along with the release of new editions for profit.
⏰ The duration and difficulty of an exam are discussed, with a focus on real-world preparedness.
📝 The structure and requirements of lab reports are outlined, including the consequences of omissions.
🎓 The grading policy and the absence of extra credit are explained, setting expectations for students.
🔧 The assumptions made in lab calculations are detailed, such as ignoring friction and air resistance.
📊 The expectation for students to analyze errors in lab work and the repetition of common sources of error are mentioned.
📅 The submission deadline for lab reports is set, with a preference for avoiding last-minute submissions.

Q & A

What is the main concept discussed in the beginning of the transcript?
-The main concept discussed is the identification of zero-force members in a trust structure.
Why does the instructor say there's no force on the center beam?
-The instructor indicates that the force in the center beam is equal to zero, which is why there's no force acting on it.
What is the purpose of the capacitor mentioned in the transcript?
-The purpose of the capacitor is not explicitly stated in the transcript, but it is implied to be an important component in the circuit being discussed.
Why does the instructor say that the textbook is not required for the class?
-The instructor believes that the textbook, despite being custom-made for the class, is not necessary because the same information can be found in any other engineering textbook, and they will be using online notes and practice problems instead.
How long is the exam that the class is taking?
-The exam is expected to be finished within the next 45 minutes, but the students have been working on it for two hours already.
What is the instructor's attitude towards the length and difficulty of the exam?
-The instructor acknowledges that the exam is not sensible in terms of length and difficulty, but believes it prepares students for the real world by making quick decisions and handling pressure.
What are the components mentioned in the discussion about the放大 signal (amplifying signal)?
-The components mentioned include an input signal, a transistor, two diodes, and another transistor which together contribute to amplifying the signal.
What is the policy on extra credit in this class?
-There is no extra credit in this class, as the instructor believes in not giving free handouts for doing nothing.
What is the due date and time for lab reports?
-Lab reports are due on Fridays at 11:59 p.m., allowing students to avoid weekend stress but also preventing procrastination from affecting their enjoyment of the weekend.
What are some common mistakes that can cost points in lab reports?
-Common mistakes include missing a caption on a graph, using the wrong verb tense, using the first person, missing units, and not including the equipment serial number.
The instructor expects students to calculate expected values assuming ideal conditions and to discuss the errors between theoretical and experimental values in the sources of error section of their lab reports.
-null
What is the final verdict on the senior project write-up?
-The senior project write-up is rated as a solid D plus, meeting the requirements but not exceeding expectations for an A grade.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 Understanding Zero-Force Members and Trust Structures

This paragraph delves into the fundamentals of identifying zero-force members within a trust structure. The discussion begins with an inquiry about the lack of force on the center beam, leading to an explanation that the force (F) on this beam equals zero. The conversation then shifts to the input signal and its journey through a transistor, diodes, and another transistor, ultimately resulting in a louder signal. The importance of a capacitor's presence is highlighted, emphasizing its purpose within the circuit. The segment concludes with a reminder about the upcoming midterm exam, the availability of online notes and practice problems, and a humorous anecdote about a required textbook that offers no additional value.

05:05

📚 Lab Reports, Expectations, and the Real World

The focus of this paragraph is on the requirements and expectations for lab reports, including the need for a title page, table of contents, and individual conclusions. The discussion touches on the practicality of lab work, emphasizing the three-hour duration and the five-hour commitment required from students. Various points are highlighted that could lead to deductions in lab reports, such as missing captions, incorrect verb tense, and lack of equipment serial numbers. The worth of each lab report is mentioned, along with the impact of losing points due to common errors. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the real-world application of the course material, the importance of understanding sources of error, and a nod to the challenges that students will face in their future engineering careers.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡zero-force members

The term 'zero-force members' refers to structural elements in a trust structure that do not experience any force. In the context of the video, this concept is part of the basics for identifying structural components that do not contribute to the structural integrity. An example from the script is the question about the center beam not having any force on it, which is a scenario where a member could be considered a zero-force member.

💡input signal

An 'input signal' is the initial data or information that is given to a system or device so it can process it and produce an output. In the video, the input signal is mentioned as the starting point for a process that involves a transistor and other components, eventually leading to a louder signal. This concept is crucial in understanding how electronic systems manipulate data to achieve desired outcomes.

💡transistor

A 'transistor' is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power. It is a fundamental component in modern electronic devices. In the video, transistors are part of the circuit that processes the input signal, demonstrating their importance in electronic systems and signal processing.

💡diodes

Diodes are electronic components that allow current to flow in one direction only. They are used for various purposes, including rectification, voltage regulation, and signal modulation. In the context of the video, diodes are mentioned as part of the circuit that helps with processing the signal, illustrating their role in managing the flow of electricity within a system.

💡louder signal

A 'louder signal' refers to an audio signal that has been amplified or increased in volume. In the video, the process involving the input signal, transistors, and diodes results in a louder signal, indicating the enhancement of the original signal's strength. This term is key to understanding the goal of the electronic circuit described, which is to amplify the input signal.

💡capacitor

A 'capacitor' is an electronic component that stores electrical charge and energy, and can release it when needed. Capacitors are used in various applications, including filtering, voltage regulation, and signal processing. In the video, the purpose of a specific capacitor is questioned, highlighting its importance in the circuit and the need to understand the role of each component in a system.

💡textbook

A 'textbook' is a comprehensive book dealing with a particular subject, often used for educational purposes. In the video, there is a discussion about a custom-made textbook for the class, which is available only at the university bookstore. The conversation points out the redundancy of having such a textbook when the same information can be found in other engineering textbooks, questioning its necessity and cost.

💡syllabus

A 'syllabus' is a document that outlines the course of study, giving details about topics to be covered, requirements, and expectations. In the video, the syllabus is mentioned in relation to the required textbook, indicating its role in guiding the structure and content of the class.

💡lab reports

Lab reports are formal documents that present the findings and analysis of scientific experiments or investigations. In the video, the professor discusses the requirements for lab reports, including formatting, content, and specific points of deduction, emphasizing the importance of proper documentation and presentation in scientific research.

💡sources of error

The 'sources of error' refer to the factors that contribute to discrepancies between expected and observed results in an experiment. In the video, students are encouraged to discuss these in their lab reports, which is essential for understanding the limitations and uncertainties in scientific measurements and data analysis.

💡ideal conditions

Ideal conditions are hypothetical situations where all variables are perfectly controlled, and there are no external influences affecting the outcome. In the video, the professor mentions calculating values under ideal conditions, such as assuming no friction or air resistance, to simplify the theoretical calculations and understand the basic principles without the complexity of real-world variables.

💡real world

The 'real world' refers to practical, everyday situations where variables and conditions are not controlled or ideal. The video discusses the contrast between theoretical learning and real-world applications, emphasizing the need for adaptability and quick decision-making in practical scenarios, which may differ significantly from idealized models.

Highlights

Explaining the concept of zero-force members in a trust structure.

Clarification on why there's no force on the center beam in a structural analysis.

Discussion on the input signal and its path through a transistor and diodes.

The outcome of the signal being louder after passing through the system.

The purpose of a capacitor in an electronic circuit.

The revelation that a $300 textbook is not required for the class.

The mention of an upcoming 2020 winter edition textbook with minimal changes.

The professor's unconventional approach to exam duration and difficulty.

Cancellation of all homework due to the Pape midterm.

Introduction to the lab and its requirements, including the syllabus overview.

The importance of individual conclusions in lab reports.

The three-hour duration of each lab and the expected five-hour work time.

The detailed explanation of common points deducted in lab reports.

The worth of each lab report and the impact of deductions on the final grade.

The requirement to discuss sources of error in lab reports, despite their uniformity.

The submission platform for lab reports and the agreed-upon deadline.

The critique of a senior project paper and the absence of clear criteria for an A grade.

The professor's farewell and encouragement for the real-world application of the students' education.

The promotion of a related YouTube channel for further physics content.

The acknowledgment of the audience's support for the educational content.

Transcripts

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Engineering professors be like

Takeaways

Q & A

What is the main concept discussed in the beginning of the transcript?

Why does the instructor say there's no force on the center beam?

What is the purpose of the capacitor mentioned in the transcript?

Why does the instructor say that the textbook is not required for the class?

How long is the exam that the class is taking?

What is the instructor's attitude towards the length and difficulty of the exam?

What are the components mentioned in the discussion about the放大 signal (amplifying signal)?

What is the policy on extra credit in this class?

What is the due date and time for lab reports?

What are some common mistakes that can cost points in lab reports?

The instructor expects students to calculate expected values assuming ideal conditions and to discuss the errors between theoretical and experimental values in the sources of error section of their lab reports.

What is the final verdict on the senior project write-up?