Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Mechatronics (Face-to-Face)

ME 3320-01

Course: ME 3320-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: ET
CRN: 10881

Course Description

An interdisciplinary systems approach to dynamics and control involving the integration of mechanical, electrical, and electronics engineering using microprocessor control. Involves computer modeling and designing of mechanical, electrical, fluid, and thermal systems. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Co-requisite(s): ME 3325 Prerequisite(s): ME 2030 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: D- Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

Required Text

W. Bolton, Mechatronics: Electronic Control Systems in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, 7th ed., Pearson Education, 2018.

Note: Students are required to have a print version (i.e., hardcopy) of the textbook.

Recommended Texts
  • N. C. Braga, Mechatronic Sourcebook, Thomson, 2003.
  • N. C. Braga, Robotics, Mechatronics, and Artificial Intelligence, Newnes, 2002.
  • G. F. Franklin, J. D. Powell, A. Emami-Naeini, Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems, 8th ed., Pearson, 2018.
  • G. F. Franklin, J. D. Powell, M. Workman, Digital Control of Dynamic Systems, 3rd ed., Pearson Education, 1997.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of mechatronic sensor inputs and basic signal processing techniques.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of signals that can be output by microcontrollers, such as high/low voltages, digital logic, proportional voltage, proportional current, etc.
  • Show an understanding of mechatronic system outputs, such as relays, solenoids, motors, hydraulic valves, etc.
  • Develop an understanding of programming principles and common applications such as ladder logic for PLCs and C/C++ based programming for microcontrollers (like Arduino).
  • Develop an understanding of how microcontrollers are used to implement digital control in mechatronic systems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic control system theories and practices, such as proportional, PD, and PID control.
  • Communicate engineering technical expertise through problem solving methods and calculations.

Course Requirements

Course Format
The class meets for three 50-minute lectures. Class time will consist of:
  • Discuss the assigned homework and reading
  • Lecture
  • In-class quizzes and problems

Grade Weightage
  • Quizzes/Assignments: 20%
  • Exams: 80%
Final Exam is comprehensive. 

Labs
Labs will be conducted as part of the lab section and are separate from the class. It is a separate course and will be evaluated appropriately.

Grading
Students will be assessed through a variety of assignments, exams, projects and participation during class. Participation will be recorded as part of the “Homework and Quizzes” grade and may include participation in problem-solving sessions and in-class discussions. The mapping between course scores and grades is given as follows:
A   - 100% to 93.3 %
A   -  < 93.3% to 90 %
B+ -  < 90% to 86.6 %
B   -  < 86.6% to 83.3%
B-  -  < 83.3% to 80%
C+ -  < 80% to 76.6%
C   -  < 76.6% to 73.3%
C-  -  < 73.3% to 70%
D+ -  < 70% to 66.6%
D   -  < 66.6% to 63.3%
D-  -  < 63.3% to 60%
F   -  < 60% to 0%

At the end of the semester, some students inevitably feel that they should be awarded a higher grade than what they have earned. For example, a student finishes the semester with an 86.5% in the course.  Although this student has earned a B according to the above grading policy, this student feels entitled to a B+ or even an A -. So, they email the instructor and ask for a higher grade. I’ve heard many reasons for these things over the years, but I think students don’t realize that instructors don’t award grades to students. They set up the rules for the course...rules which apply equally to all students.  They evaluate student work according to the rules, standards, and guidelines provided, and then compute grades. Asking an instructor to change the rules just for you is asking the instructor to compromise his integrity. This is not particularly good, and does not reflect well on the student. It also doesn’t reflect well on the instructor that a student would think the instructor has so little integrity that he would be willing to compromise it for the student. These requests will be denied, so please save yourself the time, effort, and embarrassment...don’t be the person to send that email.
If you find a mistake in the grading scheme, answer key, or inconsistency with the grading policy as stated and as implemented, please bring this to the attention of the instructor. These types of things are greatly appreciated, and appropriate corrections will be made according to the specifics of the situation.

Course Outline

Introduction to Mechatronics; 
Sensors and Transducers
Signal Conditioning
Digital Signals
Digital Logic
Pneumatic and Hydraulic Actuation Systems
Mechanical Actuation Systems
Electrical Actuation Systems
Microprocessors and Microcontrollers
Fundamentals of Computer Science
Programmable Logic Controllers
Basic System Models 
Dynamic Systems Fundamentals
Fundamentals of Control Engineering - Transfer Functions and Laplace Transforms
Basics of Artificial Intelligence




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

Homework
Homework sets will be assigned via Canvas and students are expected to watch Canvas updates regularly. Exceptions exist for doctor- or university-excused absences provided prior information and proper documentation are given to the instructor on time. Homework should be submitted via Canvas uploads unless stated otherwise.

Exams
Exams must be taken as scheduled. Any absence not excused in advance will result in a zero for that exam. Expect examinations to be closed-book and closed-notes. Calculators that comply with the NCEES calculator policy will be permitted on the exam. You may use as much scratch paper as you would like (it must be submitted with the exam). Any deviations from this format will be outlined in class prior to the exam. If you feel an answer on an exam is unreasonable but cannot see the error (or do not have time to correct it) indicate your concern with an explanation of why the answer does not seem right.

Late Work  
Assignments must be submitted on time to qualify for full credit. Partial credit may (or may not) be granted for late work at the discretion of the instructor.

Communication
All announcements will be posted via Canvas. Students are required to read Canvas announcements and respond appropriately. Please communicate with the instructor via email and in person as needed. You are required to access all course information through the course website on Canvas.

Responsibility for Learning
Students are responsible for their own learning. Reading the book and completing the homework assignments may not be sufficient for some students to learn the material and does not guarantee a passing grade. Students should re-read, do more problems than assigned, seek help from a classmate or tutor, and take other actions as needed to increase understanding.

Attendance Policy

There is no direct reward or penalty for students based on whether they choose to attend class. Nevertheless, students are responsible for all announcements made during class time (usually minor adjustments to homework assignments or exam dates), and they are also responsible for all material covered in class. 

Course Delivery Modalities

Co-requisite

ME 3325

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.