<p>My S just started as a freshman at a small tec school, as an architecture major. Just got a call from him and he has made a few changes from the standard first year courses, from the usual calculus and physic for architects to something called mec 343-statics and math 510. Thing is, I'm just a tree trimmer and have no clue as to what these courses are and I'm very curious.</p>
<p>So, my question is can anyone tell me what these courses are about?</p>
<p>Thanks, in advance</p>
<p>Four year degree in architecture and then moving on to the next level to become licensed? Is that the plan?</p>
<p>He's in a 5yr MArch program.</p>
<p>510 might be discrete or sometimes called finite. 343 might be system dynamics. You should be able to see the degree requirements and the course descriptions online. Did he perhaps take a placement exam and find that he needed additional work or conversely he could bump ahead?</p>
<p>343 could be:
[quote]
**Course Objectives</p>
<p>A student who successfully completes this course should be able to:
Identify different types of dynamic systems and classify them by their governing equations
Develop a model of a mechanical system using a free body diagram
Develop equations of motion for translational and rotational mechanical systems
Develop the dynamic equations governing electrical, thermal and fluid systems
Solve first and second order homogeneous and inhomogeneous ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in the time domain for one degree-of-freedom systems
Identify design parameters to create under, over, and critically damped systems
Use the Laplace Transform to describe and solve dynamic systems in the frequency domain
Linearize a nonlinear dynamic system
Model mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems using Bond Graphs
Choose feedback control parameters to obtain stability and other desired dynamic behaviors
Represent multi-degree-of-freedom systems in state space form
Use MATLAB and Simulink for solving dynamic systems problems numerically, plotting solutions, and designing control feedback.
[/quote]
**</p>
<p>Can't comment on the math course, but statics is the study of analyzing forces on nonmoving objects (hence static). Lots of solving multiple equations to combine different vectors to make the forces balance (solving for the unknown force. Statics is the first building block of engineering analysis courses if you're studying to build structures or machines. Dynamics (moving objects) is the following course. Most find dynamics more challenging--a friend of mine used to refer to it as the "mystery hour", but both are standard freshman engineering fare.</p>
<p>Thanks folks. Now I get what the mec343 course is about, sounds very useful to architecture. The math 510 I guess I need to get a course description from son. It's all beyond me, I'm just a curious dad. He tested out of the typical calc and physics classes (he's not an engineering major) and assures me his advisor and the department head agreed to the placement.</p>
<p>Well Mr. Treetrimmer.......congrats on the smart son of yours!!! He sounds to be well ahead on his engineering necessary coursework. </p>
<p>Most course descriptions are available to view online. You can also call the math department and ask for a brief description. Most academic folks are friendly and would gladly give you a brief view. Curiosity is good and knowledge is power. I'll bet that kid of yours will always keep trees in mind when doing his designs. That is a great thing.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>What a great knowledge base this place is!</p>