Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Statics and Strength of Materials (Face-to-Face)

ENGR 2000-01

Course: ENGR 2000-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: ET
CRN: 30938

Course Description

Course includes topics such as forces, moments, couples, and resultants; static equilibrium and statically equivalent force systems, center of gravity and center of pressure; free body method of analysis; friction; internal forces in members, concept of stress and strain; Hooke’s Law, application to problems in tension/compression, shear, torsion, and bending. This course is intended for students in Construction Management and Engineering Technology; it does not satisfy degree requirements for majors in Engineering. (Fall) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): MATH 1050 and MATH 1060 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: D- Registration Restriction(s): Construction Management or Engineering Technology majors only

Required Texts

M. Askar and R. Islam (2024). Statics and Strength of Materials for Construction, Engineering Technology, and Architecture: Theory, Analysis and Application. CRC-Press, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC., ISBN: 978-1-032-38902-8 (hbk) — ISBN: 978-1-032-38904-2 (pbk) — ISBN: 978-1-003-34737-9 (ebk), DOI: 10.1201/9781003347378.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  • Apply fundamental principles of statics and mechanics of materials to determine external reactions and internal forces in structural members under various load conditions.
  • Identify and classify types of loads and supports, including gravity and lateral loads such as dead, live, snow, wind, rain, seismic, and soil/earth pressure, in accordance with current building codes and standards.
  • Determine the static determinacy and stability of structures, including beams, frames, and trusses, and identify zero-force members in truss systems.
  • Compute internal member forces in trusses using the method of joints and the method of sections, and apply these principles to real-world examples using AI-powered solvers and visual simulation tools.
  • Analyze shear and bending moment diagrams for beams and frames, and relate these diagrams to internal stress distributions.
  • Calculate stress, strain, and deformation in axially loaded, torsional, and bending members, incorporating material properties such as the modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and yield stress.
  • Evaluate the mechanical behavior of materials through analysis of stress-strain relationships, fracture strength, resilience, toughness, and yield behavior using both classical methods and machine learning-based material prediction tools.
  • Apply energy methods and moment-area theorems for the determination of deflection in beams and frames.
  • Assess the behavior of columns under axial loading, including buckling criteria and allowable load determination.
  • Evaluate the performance of arches and suspension cables, including the calculation of reactions, axial forces, and stresses under various loading conditions.
  • Use AI-enhanced platforms (such as symbolic solvers, simulation software, and ML-assisted design tools) to analyze and interpret static systems and strength of materials problems.
  • Engage in collaborative problem-solving through six team-based engineering design and analysis projects focused on real-life applications, integrating AI simulations, parametric modeling, and visualization.
  • Utilize digital tools such as interactive simulations, auto-graded quizzes, instructional videos, and AI-assisted Q&A to reinforce conceptual understanding and enhance independent learning.

Course Requirements

The final grade for ENGR 2000: Statics and Strength of Materials will be determined based on the following components:
  • Class Participation – 100 points: Active participation in discussions, in-class activities, and collaborative problem-solving exercises is expected throughout the semester.
  • Hands-On Assignments – 150 points: Regularly assigned individual problems and application-based tasks that reinforce theoretical concepts covered in lectures.
  • Quizzes – 100 points: Short, in-class or online quizzes will be given periodically to assess understanding of key concepts and provide timely feedback.
  • Computer Labs – 100 points: Students will complete a series of computational labs using tools such as symbolic solvers, simulation platforms, and AI-assisted analysis software.
  • Term Projects (Group Evaluation) – 150 points: Students will participate in group-based design and analysis projects involving real-world structural problems and the use of advanced digital tools.
  • Mid-Term Exam – 200 points: A comprehensive assessment of the first half of the course, including problem-solving and conceptual analysis.
  • Final Exam – 200 points: A cumulative exam evaluating the full range of topics covered in the course, with emphasis on applied problem-solving and synthesis.
Total: 1,000 points

Course Outline

  1. Course Introduction & Overview: Orientation to course structure, materials, project groups, and foundational concepts in statics and strength of materials.
  2. Fundamentals of Structural Systems: Basic principles of static equilibrium and structural stability; classification and behavior of common structural systems.
  3. Load Types and Distribution: Analysis of dead, live, snow, wind, seismic, rain, and soil loads. Load combinations and their application in real-world scenarios.
  4. Equilibrium and Reaction Forces: Advanced equilibrium concepts; solving statically determinate systems; support reactions in beams and frames under various loading conditions.
  5. Trusses: Determinacy and Axial Force Analysis: Stability, zero-force members, and solving trusses using the method of joints and method of sections.
  6. Arches, Cables, and Pulleys: Structural behavior and force analysis of arches, cable-supported systems, and pulley mechanisms.
  7. Centroid and Moment of Inertia: Determining the centroid of composite areas; calculation of moment of inertia for structural cross-sections.
  8. Stress and Strain in Structural Members: Axial, shear, and bending stresses; Hooke’s Law, modulus of elasticity, stress-strain diagrams, and deformation under load.
  9. Mechanical Properties of Materials: Tensile strength, yield point, fracture stress, modulus of toughness, resilience, and laboratory-based exploration of material properties.
  10. Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams: Drawing and interpreting diagrams for beams and frames; graphical methods and relationships with applied loads.
  11. Combined Stresses and Torsion: Superposition of axial, bending, and torsional stresses in members; introduction to Mohr’s Circle.
  12. Deflection in Beams: Analysis of beam deflection using standard formulas and double-integration method; introduction to numerical and visual tools.
  13. Stress in Columns and Buckling: Euler’s formula, allowable stress design, and effects of column slenderness and end conditions.
  14. Hands-On Labs and Application Projects: Group-based projects simulating structural design scenarios; labs measuring stress, strain, shear, and material behavior.
  15. AI and Technology Integration: Use of Canvas Learning Mastery tools, AI-supported simulation apps, automated calculators, and machine-learning platforms for structural prediction and modeling.
  16. Assessments and Reviews: Regular quizzes, major exams (midterm and final), group evaluations, and assignments aligned with course objectives.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

  1. Missed Lectures: Students are responsible for all material covered in class during an absence. Students who are absent from a lecture should ask a classmate or the instructor for lecture notes. The PowerPoint slides do not cover everything discussed in class. 
  2. Missed/Late Assignments: Contact the instructor to check about missed assignments. Students are responsible for completing assignments made on time during their absence. Assignments handed in late will be penalized 15% of the total point value for each class day late.
  3. Missed Quizzes: Quizzes are usually given during the first 10 minutes of class. There will be no makeups for missed quizzes. 
  4. Missed Labs: In-class portions of the labs cannot be made up. An absence will result in a 0 for that day’s lab activity, and the lowest lab grade will be dropped. When students are asked to finish a lab at home, labs handed in late will be penalized 15% of the total point value for each class day late.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required if you are registered for a Face-to-Face, Synchronous Remote, or Hybrid course. If you are ill, you may request that a faculty member record the class and share it with you or request other reasonable accommodations. Your instructor will work with you to develop a plan for completing coursework. You must submit this self-report form to receive academic accommodations and ensure that your request is communicated to faculty.

Course Fees

N/A

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.