MECHATRONICS - FALL 2015

Instructor Contact Information:

Dr. Andrew Bruening
Email: bruening@themetroschool.org
Oce hours: Tuesdays 2:30-4:00 pm or by appointment
Course Webpage: BlueQuill
Course Description:
Mechatronics is multidisciplinary course that provides students with the diverse skill set required to install,
calibrate, modify, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain automated systems. Hands-on instruction develops skills in
mechanical, electrical, electronic, fluid power, and automated control systems. The major focus of this course is
to expose students to design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods,global and
human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation.
*** Students will meet every day at PAST FOUNDATION in the garage classroom. ***
Topics to be covered:
1. Design Process
2. Documentation and Engineering Tools
CAD
Design Methods
3. Mechanics
Forces & Torque
Motors & Gears
4. Electronics
Fundamental Concepts of Electronic Circuits
Components and Integrated Circuits
Motor Control Circuits

5. Computers and Programming

Arduino
6. Robotics
Robot Design Considerations
Integrating Hardware and Software
Sensors
7. Major Design Challenges
Glider
Arduino Robot
Underwater Robot (ROV)

Course Materials:

Pens/Pencils
Internet Access at home or the library
Scientific Calculator
Reading Materials/Textbooks provided to
you throughout the course of this class

Computer
Class notebook and small graphing

composition notebook
Additional project materials

Mastery Assignments:
In order to receive credit in this class you must complete EACH of the mastery assignments with at least a 90%.
You must also turn in all assignments on time. If an assignment is not submitted on time it will be impossible to
earn mastery for that assignment. If you do not receive a 90% or better on your first attempt then you must
redo the assignment and/or an additional assignment in place of the original. This will depend on the

assignment and will be determined by the teacher. In order to be eligible for the replacement assignment you
must provide tangible evidence that you are ready for the replacement assignment.

Foundation Assignments:
Foundation assignments are designed to be the building blocks of the Mastery assessments. Students must
complete the foundation assignments in the approved manner prior to attempting the Mastery assessment.
For example, if foundation assignments are not completed and correct the Mastery assessment will not be
assigned until foundation work is complete.
Detailed Documentation of Projects (Scientific Notebook) Students will be required to document all work on
projects in order to support their work. The documentation will insure that the students are following the
design process as well as the scientific method. Documentation should be clear and concise and should include
all information necessary for an outsider to complete the documented project. This documentation is to be
completed in a separate notebook that will be checked by the teacher at least once per week.
What is Mastery?
An independent demonstration of excellence as evidenced by being able to analyze, synthesize, evaluate,
design, & transfer essential content, essential skills, and essential concepts.
Demonstration of Mastery
A student who has mastered a concept, skill, and/or content standard can communicate that Mastery in a
variety of ways. Demonstrating Mastery proves that the student is ready for entry-level college coursework as
pertains to those essential skills, concepts and/or content.
Academic Integrity:
At Metro, we define Academic Integrity through the demonstration of HONOR, COURAGE and RESPONSIBILITY.
To live above the line in terms of Academic Integrity, these three virtues need to be part of our daily behavior.
Plagiarism (Code of Students Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct from Indiana University, June 2005) is defined as
presenting someone elses work, including the work of other students, as ones own. Any ideas or materials
taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged, unless the information is
common knowledge.
A. A student must not adopt or reproduce ideas, opinions, theories, formulas, graphics or pictures of
another person without acknowledgement.
B. Students must give credit to the originality of others and acknowledge an indebtedness whenever:
a. Directly quoting another persons actual words, whether oral or written;
b. Using another persons ideas, opinions, or theories;
c. Paraphrasing the words, ideas, or theories of others;
d. Borrowing facts, stats, or materials; or
e. Oering materials of others in projects or collections without acknowledgement.
Attendance Policy:
There is a direct correlation between active attendance and success in Mechatronics. In other words, only those
who show up can be expected to be successful. Active attendance requires the student to participate in
classroom activities and discussions as well as seeking additional assistance when needed.

Please sign and return to Dr. Bruening.

Parental Understanding Form

I have read and understand the syllabus for Mechatronics, which my daughter/son will be working
towards mastery in.

I understand that all graded mastery assignments will be posted on Power School.

I understand how to access Power School and have been able to do so successfully.

I understand that semester-length classes move quickly and that my daughter / son will be most
successful if they consistently stay on top of their work.

I know that Dr. Bruening may be reached at bruening@themetroschool.org

My son / daughters name: ___________________________________

My name: ___________________________________

My email address: ___________________________________

My phone number: ___________________________________

I have read the syllabus information and understand what is expected of me for Introduction to Engineering
Design (or expected for my son or daughter).

_____________________________________
Student Signature

_______________
Date

_____________________________________
Parent Signature

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Date