Description: This course introduces students to engineering and design as a synergistic combination of mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science, control and information technology. Fundamental concepts in engineering and design are addressed including user-centered design, analog and digital electronics, sensors, actuators, microprocessors, and microprocessor interfacing to electromechanical systems. This is a "hands-on" course, all concepts will be introduced in an interactive lab/lecture environment. Texts: What's a Microcontroller Robotic Basic Stamp Manual Instructors: Rebecca Bruce Office: RBH 024 Telephone: 232-2275 e-mail: bruce@cs.unca.edu Office hours: MWFTh 11-12:00 Susan Reiser Office: KH 109 Telephone: 250-3868 e-mail: reiser@cs.unca.edu Office hours: MTWTh 11-11:45 Meeting Times: Section 1: MW 9:00-10:50 Section 2: TTh 9:00-10:50 Late Start Times: Section 1: MW 10:30-12:00 Section 2: TTh 10:30-12:00 Objectives: Developmental Learning Objectives Create a sense of community among the students. Increase the student's interest in STEM disciplines. Increase the student's potential for success by developing responsibility and good study skills. Skill-Based Learning Objectives Develop effective written and verbal communication skills. Understand and use the principles of user-centered design. Understand and use the principles of project management. Develop problem-solving skills including quantitative reasoning and critical thinking by constructing algorithms using pseudo-code and/or flowcharts. Understand and use Telnet, FTP and computer file systems. Understand the principles of web page design, and the HTML mark-up language. Understand the principles of operation of microcontrollers and sensors. Understand and program a Basic-Stamp microprocessor. Calibrate a mechanical servo system. Tune an IR distance/object detection system. Integrate a system of microcontrollers, sensors and actuators into a complex robotic system. Grading: Exams 100 * 2 200 Assignments 12 * 10 120 Projects 75 * 2 150 Total Points --- 470 Late Policy: Late assignments will not be accepted. As expected in an professional setting, assignments are due at the time and date specified in the statement of the problem. As per the catalog, students will be excused if they have documented emergencies or are representing UNCA on university-sanctioned travel. An equipment failure is not an excuse for turning in an assignment late. Letter Grades: Letter grades are assigned based on the percentage of available points obtained by a student. 100% to 90% guarantees an A, 89% to 80% guarantees a B, and so on. The instructors reserve the option of relaxing the cut-offs for a letter grade in special circumstances. Plus and minus grades will be used for this course.