Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
F!ROSH ANTI-CALENDAR
1T9
By the Academic Advocacy Committee
Page | 1
About The Academic Advocacy Committee
The Academic Advocacy Committee is a standing committee of the Engineering Society Board of Directors and has a mandate to provide advocacy on academic improvement and lead student run academic initiatives that will improve the overall undergraduate experience.
About The Engineering Society
Founded in 1885, the University of Toronto Engineering Society, also known as EngSoc, is the student government for students at Skule™ — the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto. EngSoc manages Skule™ services and provides club funding, professional development, and extracurricular opportunities to over 4800 members, proudly continuing the traditions and storied history of Canada’s oldest and largest engineering school.
Acknowledgments
This Anti-calendar is brought to you by representatives of the Academic Advocacy Committee. Special thanks goes to its members (Rahul Chandan, Rossdan Craig, Ryan Gomes, Oghosa Igbinakenzua, Jonathan Jeyarajah, Benjamin Leung, Krystle Pang, Nataliya Pekar, Julian Romagnino, Bernadette Skerl, Alan Stagg), Iris Yu (editing), and the student feedback which made this booklet possible.
Legend
Each course is characterized by 5 properties, ranging in value from 0 (not applicable) to 5 (Maximum):
Lecture Value: Usefulness of lecture sessions for learning the course material and information about the discipline.
Tutorial Value: Usefulness of tutorial sessions for improving your understanding of the course material and quality of coursework.
Textbook Value: Usefulness of the suggested textbooks for studying, practicing, and learning new information relative to their costs.
Workload: The amount of effort and time required to complete coursework.
Difficulty: A general measure of how strictly the course is graded and how much studying is required to perform well on assignments, tests, and exams.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this anti-calendar are those of upper year students having previously taken these courses in the 2014-2015 academic year. The Academic Advocacy Committee and the Engineering Society cannot guarantee 100% accuracy on the evaluation of first year courses, as changes are made to these courses on a yearly basis. However, this booklet should still serve as a valuable asset for the upcoming academic year.
Page | 2
APS 104 Introduction to Materials and Chemistry
An introductory chemistry course for all TrackOnes and ECEs, combining topics of basic materials science and thermodynamics. The first half focuses on atomic structures and defects. The second half covers chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, and electro-chemistry.
Important Skills: Problem Solving, Memorization, Theory
Tips: The content is easy but comes quickly. Avoid
falling behind by attending lectures and completing a few practice problems.
Earn ‘free’ marks through labs and tutorial quizzes.
Read lecture slides before classes so you aren’t confused during lectures.
Failing the final is common. Half of the 1T8s did, and most of them got Bs anyway.
The Callister book for the materials portion is amazing, but you’re better off using lectures for the chemistry portion.
APS 105 Computer Fundamentals
In programming, you need to break down large problems into many smaller problems which can be solved. This course introduces you to this process. As a result, you will need to write a significant amount of code.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Writing
Tips: If you are new to programming, attend
tutorials.
Lectures are useful, but practice produces meaningful results.
If you don’t understand something, search for help immediately. What you learn early on is used throughout the entire semester.
The first 6 labs are easy, but afterwards you will need all the time you are given. Know how to complete labs 7-10 on your own.
Give yourself enough time so that if things don’t work, you can take a break.
Page | 3
APS 106 Fundamentals of Computer Programming
An introductory course to programming concepts. Learn syntax, loops, arrays, pointers, recursion, and memory allocation in C. You will need to write code to solve simple problems ranging from text formatting to variable manipulation.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Writing, Theory, Memorization
Tips: Practice, practice, practice!
Regardless of your previous programming experience, use the problem sets and past exams to ensure you understand the lecture material.
Problem sets can be done during lectures.
A relatively fun and rewarding course as long as you don’t fall behind.
APS 111 Engineering Strategies and Practices I
Connecting your knowledge and skills with plausible scenarios, this course offers a glimpse into the real world of engineering. You will work in small groups and use the engineering process to identify a problem and its solutions.
Important skills: Writing, Group Work, Problem Solving, Presentations Tips: Due to the abstract nature of this course,
many students find it difficult to take seriously. Don’t let this prevent you from attending lectures.
Attending lectures will give you free marks through in-class questions.
Answers for test questions will be given to you in lectures.
There is a heavy emphasis on group work. Don’t be discouraged by terrible teammates. Take advantage of your TA when you encounter issues.
Page | 4
APS 112 Engineering Strategies and Practices II
Continuing the introduction to real world engineering projects, you are now assigned to a new group. You will work with a project manager to investigate a problem a client has provided. You will consult with the client and use the engineering process to generate a solution.
Important skills: Writing, Group Work, Problem Solving, Presentations Tips: More freedom to design solutions also
means more work. Give yourself more time than you’d expect to finish assignments.
You will be spending a significant amount of time completing documents with your group, don’t let it interfere with your other courses.
You need to distribute responsibilities and follow a schedule.
Let your TA and PM know about team and client issues. They will consider this when marking.
APS 191 Introduction to Engineering
A seminar course for TrackOne students. Each lecture will have presenters from different departments talking about the core 8 disciplines. They will consist of students, professors, and professionals, covering topics such as curriculum, career opportunities, and current research.
Important skills: Problem Solving
Tips: Only 10/12 lectures are required to pass, but
you should make an effort to attend every one. Each lecture is very interesting, and will help you choose a discipline for 2nd year.
Presenters offer insights into the disciplines you may not hear elsewhere, and are often engaging, so it’s worth paying attention.
You should be trying to narrow down which disciplines you are interested throughout the semester, since you will need to make a decision by the end of term.
Page | 5
CHE 112 Physical Chemistry
This course focuses fundamental chemistry topics from high school. Topics covered include: gases, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, phase equilibrium, Raoult’s law, Henry’s law, colligative properties, redox reactions, and electrochemistry.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Memorization, Theory Tips: The textbook is extremely valuable!
Concepts are explained thoroughly and with many examples.
Many midterm and exam questions are taken from problem set questions assigned from the textbook.
Lectures and tutorials consist mainly of examples, and are a good time to gain extra knowledge. This information may also be found within the textbook.
Keeping up with readings and homework questions will prepare you for the exam.
CHE 113 Concepts in Chemical Engineering
This course is your first real taste of chemical engineering. You are introduced to flux in terms of electrical, momentum, heat, and mass transfer. The chemical engineering industry is also discussed. Lab experiments give practical uses for what you learn.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Theory
Tips: There is no official textbook, so lectures and
tutorials are very important.
Focus on making connections between the different topics which are taught.
Page | 6
CIV 100 Mechanics
Learn the theory and calculations of forces on static structures. Topics include 2D and 3D structures, bending moment diagrams, pressure gradients, and the differences between structural beams.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Theory Tips: Practicing problems to familiarize yourself
with the process is very valuable for tests.
Don’t get stuck on problem sets. They are not worth much. Ask for help, and remember how to find the solution.
Even though it may seem like your most difficult course, once you understand the theory you will notice most problems are solved in very similar ways.
Repeating every problem set is an easy way to prepare for the exam.
CIV 102 Structures and Materials
Cramming three years of civil engineering theory into one semester, this course is tough. The topics are taught alongside its historical background to provide a sense of its importance to society.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Group Work, Presentation, Writing, Theory
Tips: Attend every lecture!
There is no textbook, so you will be relying on quality notes.
The final is open book, but you won’t want to be wasting time searching through notes.
Work in teams to finish the problem sets.
Be sure you can solve the problem sets alone.
TA office hours are a lifesaver.
Keep your average above a 60. Your exam will decide your final mark.
You will regret pushing a rope.
Page | 7
CME 185 Earth Systems Science
An introduction to earth sciences which focuses on how humans impact the environment. Topics include the lithosphere, biosphere, sustainable engineering practices, and processes which contribute to climate change.
Important skills: Memorization, Problem Solving, Group Work, Theory Tips: Know your mapping! The professor is willing
to help you as long as you ask.
Tests are hard to predict. Know the fundamentals. Don’t try to memorize specific problems.
Focus your studying on topics the professor emphasizes.
Lectures are just a series of slides, but tutorials are fun and done in groups.
Put ALL information on the exam aid sheet.
CSC 180 Introduction to Computer Programming
The first step to most other programming fields. Use Python to solve problems relating to other first semester courses. You will understand profiling, runtime analysis, searching and sorting algorithms, and recursion.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Group Work
Tips: The professor can be fun to listen to, so stay
awake if you want to enjoy lectures.
Practice! Coding is a very personal process that you need to do by yourself.
Compare techniques with others to improve your own coding ability.
Ensure you can do the labs and assignments without copying.
Bring a laptop to lectures to write code as you’re seeing it in lecture.
Page | 8
CSC 190 Computer Algorithms and Data Structures
This course follows CSC 180, but instead focuses on C. Topics include memory allocation and data structures.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Memorization, Theory Tips: Weekly assignments may not be worth
much, but serve as good preparation for the two midterms.
Practice. There’s no substitute.
Keep up with lectures! The lecture slides are gold and contain everything you need.
Nothing like CSC 180, so don’t expect to have the same performance.
Tutorials may be busy, so find a group to work with privately.
Review pointers, they are used everywhere.
ECE 101 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering
A seminar series that serves as an introduction to the many fields of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Professionals from different fields within ECE come in to give lectures on their research and work. Topics include control systems, and analog and digital electronics.
Important skills: Attendance
Tips: There are no quizzes, tests, or exams.
You need to attend at least 70% of the seminars to receive the credit.
Page | 9
ECE 110 Electrical Fundamentals
The first half of the course is theoretical and utilizes many different formulas. The latter half covers circuits and is more practical. Labs require students to apply concepts from lectures to observe simple electromagnetic properties, and measure basic circuits.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Memorization, Theory Tips: The hardest ECE course in first year.
Attending lectures and keeping up with materials is vital.
You can very quickly fall behind and be unprepared for tests.
Labs are basically free marks. They will ensure you pass the course.
Focus on studying the textbook and lectures in the first half, then switch to practicing circuit problems in the second.
Know how to quickly solve circuits.
Know the capacitance formulas!
ECE 159 Fundamentals of Electric Circuits
This course expands on basic circuits with topics including nodal analysis, mesh-current equivalents, Thevenin equivalents, and operational amplifiers.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Memorization, Theory
Tips: Don’t fall behind. Focus in lectures and study
the textbook. The concepts build upon each other and it’s easy to get lost if you don’t understand something before the next lecture.
Learn op-amps. You will need them for the midterms.
Practice! Talk to the professors if you’re feeling behind. They are very understanding and helpful.
Page | 10
ESC 101 Praxis I
This course shows you how to think and reason on your own. It also teaches you discipline, the importance of being meticulous, and the necessity of careful thought before approaching projects. Studio time replaces tutorials, and lets you work closely with the TAs and your group.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Group Work, Writing, Presentations Tips: Review persuasive essay techniques. Try to
argue against the professor, but only if your argument is valid!
Start every assignment early, you will thank yourself later.
An 85% and 100% are effectively the same. Don’t sabotage your other courses for an insignificant improvement in this one.
Collect proof for everything you do.
Take advantage of studio time to get feedback from the TAs.
ESC 102 Praxis II
A studio-based course in which students work in teams to design solutions to problems present in the Greater Toronto Area. The design component teaches design techniques, while the communication component shows you how to effectively present your ideas.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Writing, Group Work, Presentations
Tips: Keep everything related to the course. You
will need it as evidence later.
Ask TAs and peers for feedback.
Learn to work well with your team. Communication and solving issues is key.
Manage your time very carefully. Procrastination will destroy you if you encounter unexpected issues at the last minute.
Evaluate TA feedback to either change plans or reinforce your own opinion.
Page | 11
ESC 103 Engineering Mathematics and Computation
Starting with vector algebra and linear systems of equations, the course later moves to approximation methods to solve engineering problems. MATLAB sessions will teach you how to use tools for numerical analysis at the end of the semester.
Important skills: Problem Solving Tips: Attend lectures! They are very helpful.
The professor is excellent for one-on-one help for this course and EngSci in general.
Don’t fall behind. Keep up by doing all the homework.
Tutorials are easy free marks.
Tutorials are a great place to ask questions.
The bell curve will save you after the final exam.
MAT 185 Linear Algebra
Linear algebra teaches a certain way of thinking, especially when approaching the logic problems common throughout this course. You will need to develop proofs for what you may intuitively know to be true. Topics include vectors, axioms, matrices, and differential equations.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Memorization, Theory
Tips: Try to find joy in memorizing the dozens of
abstract proofs.
The textbook isn’t typical, so look for alternative sources if it’s not helping you.
Make sure you know the fundamentals, since the course will utilize them in unexpected ways.
Try to recognize the applications to other engineering fields, it will help you appreciate the uses of this course.
Page | 12
MAT 186 Calculus I
A standard introduction to university calculus. This course is a review of high school, with some more difficult problems and concepts added. Topics covered are limits, derivatives, integration, and how they are used to solve problems.
Important skills: Problem Solving Tips: Don’t assume your high school experience
will cover everything.
Homework problems will ensure you understand the material, so practice them even if you are confident.
Do past exams repeatedly, they will give you a good idea of what to expect on the final.
Prof. Burbulla’s exams are standard. If you know the material well, they will seem very simple.
It’s easy to ignore this course. It’s also easy to do well if you take the time to practice.
MAT 187 Calculus II
A standard continuation of university calculus… until Prof. Bernardo took over. Instead of a description, here’s more tips: The more problems you do, the better. Even if you never practice problems for any course, do it for this one. Memorizing solution methods isn’t effective.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Memorization, Theory
Tips: Practice the problem sets, and focus on
questions which include real world situations.
Do the textbook questions. Do them. Yes. We’re not kidding.
Test questions expect you to understand the material more effectively than the textbook teaches you. Hope that your practice will allow you to recognize the solutions.
Find others to work with, but ensure you know how to find solutions yourself.
You will learn to love bell curves.
Page | 13
MAT 188 Linear Algebra
An introduction to linear algebra. Mostly theory for the first half, then becomes more practical. Topics covered include: systems of linear equations, Euclidean space, matrices, subspaces, determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and orthogonality.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Theory, Memorization Tips: It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t make sense
now, just know how to find the solutions. It may make more sense later.
You get what you put in. Do past exams and textbook questions.
Alternate instructional sources (eg: Khan Academy, MIT) may better help you understand the theory.
Burbulla’s site has everything you need to practice (www.math.toronto.edu/burbulla).
Know how to complete proofs.
MAT 194 Calculus I
Theory and applications of differential and integral calculus, limits, basic theorems, and elementary functions. Topics include: limit laws, differentiation, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Riemann sums, integration, differential equations, and proofs.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Memorization, Theory
Tips: Review the material before lectures, since
it’s very easy to fall behind.
The textbook will save you, not just for learning the material, but also practicing questions.
The solution manual is very helpful.
Time yourself completing problems to get some practice solving questions quickly. You will need to if you want to do well.
The bell curve is your friend. Embrace it.
Page | 14
MAT 195 Calculus II
Continuing where MAT 194 left off, this course is slightly more difficult. It covers integration techniques, parametric equations, polar coordinates, infinite sequences and series, vector geometry, and multivariable calculus.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Memorization, Theory Tips: Do ALL the homework!
Practice the past exams. The style is repeated and you will get familiar with the types of questions asked.
More difficult, but grades are often higher.
Use office hours to ensure you know the material.
Study. Practice. Repeat.
MIE 100 Dynamics
The opposite of CIV 100; everything moves in this course. You’ll learn about the physics that govern kinectics, kinematics, and motion. Important for Mechs in upper year courses.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Theoretical, Group Work
Tips: Practice (surely you’ve noticed a pattern by
now).
Prep 101 runs an intensive review session for free each year which is very useful.
The final is heavily weighted, so if you’re struggling, knowing the concepts well by the end will save you.
Page | 15
MIE 191 Introduction to Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
A seminar course where Mech and Indy professors present their research. Its purpose is to give students a better idea of the path they can take during their undergrad. Focuses on research and academics. Look for events run by ASME and IIE to learn about the industry.
Important skills: Attendance Tips: No tests or quizzes. Purely attendance
based.
You only need to attend 9 of the 12 lectures.
Your Tcard is scanned to verify attendance, but can be unreliable so make sure it was scanned properly.
Ask questions to the presenters, since they may help you decide which stream to choose in third year.
MSE 101 Introduction to Materials Science
Probably unlike anything you’ve done in high school, this course is about the structure, properties, and applications of many different types of materials. Topics covered are: metals, ceramics, glasses, and polymers. Lectures are kept lively with demonstrations and rewards.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Memorization
Tips: Tests will only use materials from lectures,
so make sure you attend.
Past exams are especially useful since Professor Ramsay has been teaching the course for several years.
There are videos available, produced by the professor, which cover lecture material.
The textbook is fantastic!
Easily your best mark if you take time to study.
Page | 16
MSE 160 Molecules and Material
A two part course. The first portion covers high school chemistry and some more advanced topics regarding molecules, while the second portion goes into types of materials and property analysis. Each section has its own final.
Important skills: Memorization, Problem Solving, Theory Tips: Lectures are very dull, so reading the
textbook is a good way to keep up with the material.
The textbook is very dull, but helpful, so try not to fall asleep while studying.
Much of the course is plug and chug, but know how to explain concepts to answer the few abstract questions.
Past quizzes will help you know which formulas are important.
PHY 180 Classical Mechanics
A look at how Newtonian mechanics describes motion in terms of force, momentum, and energy. Initially focusing on single particle physics in relation to reference frames, the course progresses into the dynamics of systems of particles.
Important skills: Problem Solving, Memorization
Tips: A review of grade 12 physics.
Practice questions alone to ensure you know the material.
Lectures derive formulas, but look elsewhere if you need a thorough explanation of the concepts.
If you have any questions pertaining to the Academic Advocacy Committee, please email [email protected]
