Overview

This course provides an introduction to computation in the context of engineering problem solving. It presents fundamental principles of computation, such as computer representation of numbers and round-off error. This course covers basic numerical methods, including numerical integration, differentiation, and root finding. It also gives an introduction to computer programming, including flowcharts, loops, condition statements, and functions. This course emphasizes using MS Excel to solve computational problems and using Python to create computer programs.

Credits: 3

Requirements

Prerequisites

Take one of the following:

• MATH 109: Precalculus (5 credits).
• MATH 112X: Calculus I (4 credits).
• MATH 110: College Algebra (3 credits).

Required Resources

This course requires use of Excel and Python. If you have a disability that prevents you from accessing this program, please contact Disability Services.

Resource Title and Description (books, software, etc.)	Author or Provider	Edition or Volume	13-Digit ISBN (if applicable)
Excel As a BYUI student, you are entitled to free downloads from the BYUI Bookstore. Visit Download Microsoft Excel for more information. (Download for Week 01). You will need the downloaded app Excel on your computer, rather than the online Excel version, because the online version does have some limitations that will keep you from being able to complete your assignments.	Microsoft	N/A	N/A
Python Free download (details for downloading Python will be provided in Week 07).	N/A	N/A	N/A
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) Free download (details for downloading VS Code will be provided in Week 07).	N/A	N/A	N/A

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

Proctorio requires a) a stable internet connection, b) a computer with a camera, speakers and a microphone, c) using Chrome. 

For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to Student Help: Proctorio in Canvas.

Structure

Course Outcomes

1. Understand and apply fundamental principles of engineering computation [Engineering Computation].
2. Implement numerical methods to solve engineering problems [Numerical Methods].
3. Develop computer programs in Python [Computer Programming].
4. Use Excel to perform calculations, present data, and solve problems [Spreadsheets].

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help students see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes.

Major Assignment	Description	Course Outcomes (number)
Exam 1 (Excel Exam)	Students will take an exam on the material covered in Weeks 01–06.	1, 2, 3, 4
Exam 2 (Python Exam)	Students will take an exam on the material covered in Weeks 07–13.	1, 2, 3, 4

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. 

Due Date	Learning Model	Activity Title	Description
Throughout the Week	Teach One Another	Tutoring Resources (Optional)	Students will ask and answer questions about the projects they are working on.
Throughout the Week	Teach One Another	Online Help Lab (Optional)	As needed, students can attend the instructor/TA-run synchronous office hours to ask questions and get help on their projects.
Middle of Week	Prepare, Ponder, & Prove	Lesson with assignment to turn in	Students will watch a video and work along with the video to create Excel spreadsheets or Python programs. Students will complete activities to practice what they have learned. They will turn in an assignment they have completed and get feedback on their work.
Middle of Week	Prepare, Ponder, & Prove	Lesson	Students will watch a video and work along with the video to create Excel spreadsheets or Python programs. Students will complete activities to practice what they have learned. Then they will take a quiz on the material they have learned.
End of the Week	Prepare, Ponder, & Prove	Lesson	Students will watch a video and work along with the video to create Excel spreadsheets or Python programs. Students will complete activities to practice what they have learned. Then they will take a quiz on the material they have learned.

NOTE: Students should set their time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for their time zone.

Learning Model

You will find, in all of your assignments, principles of the BYU-Idaho Learning Model. Students will consider how each of these principles is rooted in pure doctrine and look for them as they go throughout the course. Learners and teachers at BYU-Idaho do the following: 

1. Exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as a principle of action and power.

2. Understand that true teaching is done by and with the Holy Ghost.

3. Lay hold upon the word of God—as found in the Holy Scriptures and in the words of the prophets—in all disciplines.

4. Act for themselves and accept responsibility for learning and teaching.

5. Love, serve, and teach one another.

Expectations

Feedback

Students can expect to receive grades and feedback within seven days of the due date for all assignments.

Workload

BYUI online courses are designed with 3–4 hours of activities weekly for each academic credit received. Therefore, students will need to be able to devote at least 9–12 hours each week to this course in order to do well.

Group Work

Students will be given the opportunity to teach one another through asking and answering questions in the Tutoring Resources and the Online Help Lab run by the instructors and TAs.

Late Work

As a sign of professionalism and respect, students should complete their work on time. However, the instructor has the discretion to accept late work or extend due dates as appropriate.

Extra Credit

There is no extra credit in this course, but students will have the opportunity to retake quizzes for more points.

Policy on AI Use in Engineering Computation

In Engineering Computation, you’ll learn to solve complex mathematical problems by coding solutions yourself. While AI tools can generate code, relying on them without understanding the underlying concepts will limit your growth. The quality of AI-generated solutions depends on your knowledge and guidance.

As future engineers, it's essential to develop problem-solving and coding skills yourself, as you’ll be responsible for the accuracy of any work you submit, both in class and in your career. You can compare your solutions with peers and discuss them, which will result is great learning. Alternatively, you might use AI to critique your code, but its effectiveness depends on the quality of your prompts and your ability to discern when the AI has wandered off-target. Use of AI in this manner is acceptable for studying and learning, but use of AI in any manner for quizzes and exams is strictly prohibited

Study the material, practice coding, and focus on building skills that will last beyond this course.

Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Percent
A	100%–93%
A-	92%–90%
B+	89%–87%
B	86%–83%
B-	82%–80%
C+	79%–77%
C	76%–73%
C-	72%–70%
D+	69%–67%
D	66%–63%
D-	62%–60%
F	59% and lower

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. Students who have a disability and require accommodations should contact the Disability Services Office at 208-496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

• Student Honor
  • Academic Honesty
  • Student Conduct
    • Sexual Harassment
• Student with Disabilities
• Complaints and Grievances
• Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.