Follow the Freshman Engineering Clinic I (FEC I) Homework Format.

Charts - If you are using a Chart to estimate numbers by direct reading (NOT fitting an equation then using the equation to estimate values), the Chart must be (a) large (fill a complete page), (b) drawn with care using ruler, French curve, etc., and (c) drawn on graph paper with close grid lines. You may use a computer to create a directly read chart only if it produces a Chart that can be "read" at the required level of accuracy (i.e., has enough grid lines/cm).

Use the Engineering Problem Solution Method described in FEC I. In addition:

• Read the problem.
• Think about it, make sure you understand (a) the system described by the problem and (b) the desired answer(s).
• Consider possible solution methods, then solve the problem on SCRAP paper, using drawings and/or writing down appropriate equations and what is known and unknown. You may not need to obtain the final answer, but you should at least map out your solution method.
• On "good" paper, write down the word problem (unless you include the assignment handout), then draw a neat figure (unless absolutely not needed or appropriate). Next to or underneath this figure, write down the given information. Indicate the source of any given information that is not from the problem description, e.g., data from a Table in a book, information from a website, etc. State any important assumptions.
• Write down any equation you use first in variable/standard form (e.g., F = ma) then solve for the appropriate unknown still using just variables(e.g., a = F/m). Finally, insert numbers with units (e.g., a = 2.0 N / 100 kg) and determine the numerical answer (e.g., answer: a = 0.02 m/sq-s).
• Variables and values should not appear out of "thin air". Variable names (or symbols) must be standard or defined in the problem. Values must come from the list of givens, an identified outside source (e.g., Table A.2 in Systems Engineering, by Jane Doe), or a calculation using an appropriate equation. Diagrams are often useful in defining variables, especially lengths.
• When using software to solve problems (e.g., Excel or Mathematica) be sure to show your work. For example, show a table of outputs, suitably documented. An example of a documented table is given in the next item, just below.

An example is given below. Show equations and sample calculations below a printed table or spreadsheet.

When printing, do not split tables or spreadsheets over multiple pages without repeating the headings.

p_i = p (y_i,r) = (r^y_i/y_i!) e^-r, e.g., for y₁, p₁ = p(0,2) = (2⁰/0!) e^-2 = 0.135 (The Poisson distribution is used to estimate probabilities)

e_i = p_i·n, e.g., for y₁, e₁ = 0.135·100 = 13.5.

c_i = (n_i - e_i)² e_i^-1, e.g., for y₁, c₁ = (n₁ - e₁)² e₁^-1 = (11 - 13.5)² 13.5^-1 = 0.47.

c_o is the sum of the c_i column, i.e., c_o = 0.47 + 0.32 + 0.00 + 0.21 + 0.45 + 0.10 + 0.53 + 0.34 = 2.1

Cross-outs and Slash-outs:

• If I cross-out (X) an answer, it indicates that the answer is wrong and (1) the method used to get it was incorrect or (2) I couldn't figure out where you made your mistake.
• If I slash-out (/) an answer, it indicates that the method was correct, but one or more of the input values was incorrect.
  

Laboratory - Used to record information for experiments conducted in the laboratory. Use a Laboratory notebook w/ numbered pages, duplicate page sets; e.g., Boorum #09-9088.

Field - Used to record information for experiments of observations conducted in the field. USe an all-weather Field book, e.g., the "Rite in the Rain All-Weather Environmental Field Book."

Information to be recorded

EVERTYTHING! Including:

• Name & Date
• Team members (if working with others)
• Weather Information (if in field)
• Laboratory conditions (temperature, humidity) if appropriate
• All Equipment used (make, model, serial number...)
• Diagrams as appropriate
• Tables of data, with plots as appropriate
• Observations!
• Anything else appropriate

Follow the guidance given in FEC I. Much of it is repeated here.

Memos are used to communicate relatively simple information. They can range from informal to formal. Though often less than 1 page in length, they can be longer. Memos begin with “To”, “From”, “Subject” and Date information, as shown below.

To: Professor Smith
From: Fred Q. Student
Subject: Water Filter Lab
09/15/2012

The rest of the memo is the body, consisting of a written narrative describing a request or a response to a request. A request memo is used to obtain information or to ask for a particular action to be taken. A request memo might arrange a meeting or ask for a summary of a meeting. A response memo describes the results of a particular action, e.g., the results of a meeting.

Memos may request or report on a:

• Meeting;
• Field trip;
• Literature search or annotative bibliography;
• Laboratory or field experiment;
• Poll or survey; or
• Product design, fabrication, or testing.

The body of a memo begins with the goal of the described request or activity. It should mirror specific request(s) that prompted the creation of the memo. Use the language of the request(s) to help the reader find each answer easily. This can be done with headings or by simply mirroring the request language.

A number of rules of thumb can be applied to memos. They do not have a cover page. As with any communication, information obtained from the work of others must be cited. Memos with citations must include a reference list at the end. Equations, figures and tables should be included, as necessary. The normal rules for equations, figures and tables are followed. Though rare, an appendix may be included to provide data or sample calculations. In an email memo, an appendix would often be sent as an attachment. The typical rules for sample calculations are followed. More information on citing, referencing, equations, figures, tables, and sample calculations is given elsewhere.

Follow the guidance given in FEC I. Much of it is repeated here.

A letter of transmittal is a short letter or email that describes an accompanying or attached longer document. A letter of transmittal should include the title of the longer document, a very brief description of its contents, and the reason for sending it. In some cases, it may be appropriate to sign the letter of transmittal.

Follow the guidance given in FEC I. Much of it is repeated here.

A Laboratory Report is used when more than a memo is needed.

Cover Page

Abstract

Introduction

Background

Materials and Equipment

Procedures

Results and Discussion

Conclusions

References

Appendix

Cover Page

• Title
• Authors / Affiliations
• Date
• Submitted to...

Abstract or Executive Summary (separate page)
An Abstract is ~250 words that introduce the issue, give a little background, and finish with some important results/conclusions. Basically, a summary. Executive Summaries are used for long report and can be several pages long. Both are a stand-alone section.

Introduction
Introduces issue addressed by Report, gives purpose of Report. Briefly outlines report.

Background
Narrative literature review giving reader enough background (science/engineering) to understand the problem and what you did.

Methods and/or Materials and/or Field Site and/or Alternatives (as appropriate, might even be more than one section)
Describe any unique methods, materials, or field sites you used.

Analysis of Alternatives or Results (as appropriate)
Narrative describing analysis of alternatives or results of experiments/observations.

Conclusions
Conclusions should be based on the results presented. Summarize and discuss the most important findings. It is usually appropriate to discuss what should be done in the future (or even what you would do if you could do the project over). Other than the future work portion of the conclusions section, nothing new should be introduces.

Acknowledgements (optional)

References
Use a reasonable format, such as the one used in FEC I. Be consistent. Use 'Author Year' Citing.

Appendices

Note: this is a general format, and can be applied to experimental research, field demonstration, conceptual design, and final design reports. Use the portions of the headings given above that are appropriate. For conceptual or final design reports, make sure you address the design steps, e.g., problem identification, problem definition (can be like a mission statement), search (how/where you obtained needed information), constraints, criteria (things you can measure to assess design success), alternatives, analysis, decision, specifications, and communication.

Important tables an Figures should be included in the body of the report. Less important Figures and Table may be included in the Appendix. All should be mentioned in the body, otherwise they must not be needed!

Cover Page

• Title
• Authors / Affiliations
• Date
• Submitted to...

Abstract [Optional for short papers]
For research papers of significant length, include an abstract of about 250 words that introduces the issue, gives a little background, and concludes with some important results/conclusions. Basically, a summary.

Introduction
Introduces issues addressed by paper, give purpose of paper. Briefly outlines paper.

One or more major sections (titles to be determined by you)
Use these sections to describe the various important topics covered by the paper.

Conclusions
Conclusions should be based on the information presented in the previous sections. Summarize and discuss the most important findings.

Acknowledgements [Optional]

References
Use a reasonable format, such as the one used in FEC I. Be consistent. Use 'Author Year' Citing.

Appendices [Optional]

Tables and Figures should appear in a document soon after the first mention in the text (unless they are given in an appendix). If you are using a full page for each table or figure, it should appear on the page after it's first mention. When referring to a specific table or figure, the word is capitalized (e.g., "Table 1 is used to show the results of the first experiment"). At the top of all tables, write "Table", then the number of the table, then a colon, a space, and the title (e.g., "Table 1: Results of the first experiment"). The same is done for figures, except the word "Figure" is used instead of "Table" and the title appears at the bottom. Figures are graphs, plots, drawings, schematics, or pictures (everything but a table). Always be consistent. Use the same format for all tables. Tables in a document are numbered consecutively. So are figures and equations.

Equations should be indented. At the right side of the same line, number the equation, as shown in the example below.

F = m a

(1)

where F = force, N; m = mass, kg; and a = acceleration, m/s².

Tables, Figures and Equations are each numbered consecutively (Table 1, 2, 3,...; Figure 1, 2, 3,... & Equation 1, 2, 3,...).

References are used to acknowledge the work of others. You should use references whenever you site information (data, facts, concepts,...) that are not your own. Of course, quotations are always referenced. Technically, you should not use images (pictures, tables, figures) from the work of others without written permission. However, for work that will not be published (e.g., your school work) it is generally allowed, but you must include the source of the images following the reference format. Referencing consists of citations in the text and a list of references at the end.

Citations - Unless otherwise indicated, citations in the text should use 'Author Year' format, e.g., "Some soil bacteria can use PCE and TCE as analogs for naturally occurring electron acceptors facilitating reductive dechlorination (Weid et al. 1998)." or "Butler and Hayes (1999) reported abiotic reductive dechlorination of PCE and TCE by chemical grade FeS." A reference with more than two authors should be shown as in the first example, i.e., "Weidemier et al. 1998". "et al." is a Latin phrase meaning "and others".

When two or more references are used which would otherwise look the same in the 'Author Year' format, use letters to differentiate, i.e., "a", "b", etc. In the text, such citations should look like "(Weid et al. 1998a)" and "(Weid et al. 1998b)"or "Bulta and Hays (1999a)" and "Bulta and Hays (1999b)". The same letters should be included in the reference list, also appended to the publication year, as shown below.

Bulta, D. and H. Hays (1999a) Microbial ecology, Benjamin/Cummings, New York, N.Y.
Bulta, D. and H. Hays (1999b) "Fundamentals of Microbial Ecology", Bioremediation Journal, 2(5):210-234.
Weid, M., J. Font and P. Ebert (1998a) “Iron and sulfur mineral analysis methods”, Bioremediation Journal, 2(3&4):259-276.
Weid, M., F. Delta and D. Mentle (1998b) “Iron and sulfur mineral analysis results ”, Analysis Journal, 5(4):25-34.

References - Use the APA reference style used in FEC I, unless told otherwise. If you have not taken FEC I, use any reasonable reference system. Be consistent!

Annotated Bibliographies are often used to collect information about a new scientific or technical topic. Each entry is a short summary of the important information, related to the topic of concern, found in one reading, e.g., a book, book chapter, scholarly article, trade journal article, website, or even a personal communication. Start each entry with the full reference of the work to be annotated. Use the FEC I reference format, if possible. Follow this with a paragraph to a page of text describing the work, as appropriate. Descriptions of scholarly work will often include a description of the goal of the work, the methods used, the important results, and the major conclusions.

Sometimes students are required to keep a record of the the hours they've worked on a project, just like an engineer sometimes charges his or her hours to specific projects. Keep track of your hours in Excel, using the format mgiven below. Sum up your hours at the bottom of column 2.

You learned rounding and significant figures in FEC I. If you did not take FEC I, there are many tutorials on the Internet.

Acronyms are formed from the first letter(s) of a series of words. For example, LCA is the acronym for "life cycle assessment". Unless it is very common (e.g., "USA"), all acronyms should be defined the first time they are used. This is done as shown in the example that follows. "A life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed by...". Once so defined, the acronym can then be used in place of the original series of words for the rest of the document. In long documents, however, it may be reasonable to redefine acronyms, for example, upon first use in each chapter. This is especially true of works that may only be read in part. It is also advisable in long documents to include a List of Acronyms between the table of contents and text.