Engr113_1.2_Format.pptxEngr113_1.2_Format.pptx

Engr113_1.2_Format.pptx

1. Engr 113 Format

2. Overview Format is important It establishes a tone and a set of expectations You need to show that your thoughts are organized by showing your work is organized You need to show you are capable of paying attention to details You need your reader to be able to quickly find things You need your reader to understand your decisions

3. Format - 1 You are required to use this format on all in-class assignments and homework assignments It is very similar (but slightly simpler) than the format you will be expected to use professionally The emphasis is on creating a stand-alone document that inspires confidence that you have done all the required work The format subdivides the work into sections that can be easily verified. Key results are highlighted to make them easier to find.

4. Format - 2 Header Information Every page must have this information at the top -First line: Your full name, Engr 113, unambiguous date -Second line: Problem number, page of the problem e.g. 1/3 First page The first page also has a list of co-workers (or say “no-coworkers”) and a NEAT and boxed summary of the problem. This includes a diagram and all the information provided. Use a ruler .

5. Format - 3

6. Format - 4 The next details may change depending on the problem but typically: Draw the Free Body Diagram (FBD) -rulers are highly advised -what the FBD represents is important: often this means doing a sketch based on the problem and showing a FBD bubble -size matters (a UBC rule is: if you can hide the FBD under your hand, it is too small) – 3” is a good minimum size

7. Format - 5 Your answer will frequently be a series of sections, each will have the same format: introduction, equations and development, answer (Hint: this is a technical writing document, so use technical writing style) In a longer problem you will probably also have an introduction to the approach you will have for the entire problem Most problems have multiple possible solution techniques – you reader must know what you are doing

8. Format - 6 Begin with a few WORDS indicating your intent e.g. I will resolve the vectors into components and solve each component independently e.g. I will use the method of sections to analyze the truss. I will begin by considering the truss as a whole to find the support reactions. e.g. I will express the forces on the can as vectors along the r,  directions and the n, t directions, then convert to one system before resolving the components

9. Format - 7 Next, make your starting point clear At times this means writing out the vectors from the problem At times you may set up a table of variables and values you will need to describe different parts of the problem At times you will express a principle (I will use Newton’s Second Law) At times you will start from a “defining equation”

10. Format - 8 Develop you equations -typically start from a defining equation -say what you are doing -manipulate the variables to simplify the expression -substitute in values -do any algebra needed (one equation per line) - write the answer with proper units and box the result - indicate the answer by putting the variable on the right margin and drawing a horizontal arrow pointing to the sub-answer

11. Example of a Block

12. Another Block

13. Format - 9 Repeat the above as often as necessary to get all the answers needed The Final Answer Write IN FULL SENTENCES the answer to the original problem. All answers are to be written to three significant figures and expressed with proper units. (3 digits is easier than an error analysis) Box the answer Indicate “Final Answer” on the right margin and draw a horizontal arrow pointing to the box with the answer

14. Statement of Final Answer

15. Proofread Your Work! You have put in a lot of effort, don’t lose points at the end Do you have the header on every page? Do you have page numbers on every page? (often missed) Are all the sub-answers properly boxed if necessary? (remember units) Does the final answer actually answer the question posed? (i.e. did you remember to re-read the question?) Did you remember to include the “Final Answer” label?

16. Summary You have to use this format on all your work (except exams – I allow some leeway there) You will find it annoying to get used to the format (some of the formatting is there to get you accustomed to always checking your work) By the end of week 3 you will probably be in the habit Be aware: this is a useful format for maximizing marks in all your courses There are detailed examples in the Study Guide