Course Description

Welcome to the crossroads of innovation where mechanical systems shake hands

with the digital world - Mechatronics Systems Design! Imagine a world where your
creations can sense, act, and think. In this course, you will breathe life into metal
and wires, transforming static pieces of technology into dynamic systems that re-
spond to the environment with precision and intelligence. From the rumbling en-
gines of industry to the silent precision of digital devices, mechatronics is the in-
visible thread that weaves through the fabric of modern technology. You will start
by building a solid foundation, understanding the interplay between resistors, ca-
pacitors, and inductors. Then, like an architect of the algorithmic age, you will har-

Mechatronics Sys-
ness the power of the Arduino to bridge the gap between binary and mechanical.
Through hands-on experiments and collaborative projects, you will design, proto-

tems Design
type, and test systems that could change the way we live. This is not just learning;
it’s a transformation into the innovators and problem solvers that the future de-
mands. Buckle up for an adventure in Mechatronics Systems Design.
Semester: Spring 2024
Tentative topics include:
Number of Credits: 3
Course: MENG 2400 • Introduction to Systems Design
• Introduction to Arduino and Arduino electronic devices
• Basic electronics - Breadboard, resistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors
• Analog and digital I/O sensor, digital logic, LED’s, Op-amps
Instructor Info •
•
Actuators – DC and AC motor control
Arduino Programming (structured programming techniques, developing sketches
g Dr. Madi Babaiasl and functions)
• Interfacing sensors and actuators with Arduino
U Office Hrs: Tue. & Thu. 2pm -
• Serial communication
3pm or by appointment
• Some advanced topics like AI and IOT (if time permits)
Office Location: MDD 2051
Website: Course Objectives
https://github.com/madibabaiasl/
mechatronics-course Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Master systems design methodologies to conceptualize and fabricate intelli-
@ Email: [email protected]
gent systems that respond adaptively to environmental stimuli.
• Analyze and synthesize electronic circuits by selectively integrating essential
components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors, to construct com-

Course Info plex smart system architectures.

• Interface a diverse array of digital and analog input/output devices with Ar-
duino platforms
 Prerequisites: ECE 1100, ECE
• Employ advanced structured programming techniques to architect, develop,
1200
and refine efficient software sketches and functions, underpinning the func-
Class days: Tue. & Thu. tionality of mechatronic systems.
• Implement and perfect debugging strategies for Arduino programming, utiliz-
U Class hours: 11am-12:15pm ing tools like the serial monitor to diagnose and troubleshoot software anoma-
Class Location: McDonnell Dou- lies and hardware interferences, ensuring system reliability and performance.
glas Hall | Room 1032

Resources
Recommended Textbooks:
• Bolton, William. Mechatronics: electronic control systems in mechanical and
electrical engineering. Pearson Education, 2015.
• Bishop, Robert H., ed. Mechatronics: an introduction. CRC Press, 2017.
• David, G. Alciatore. Introduction to mechatronics and measurement systems.
MCGRAW-HILL EDUCATION, 2018.
Note that the material that I will teach is a combination of many sources (some are
not listed above and some are developed by myself) and I will give the required
text to you on the GitHub page of the course. The books above can be used as a
reference but our main text is the GitHub Wiki.
Software Packages and programming languages:
Arduino IDE, LabVIEW, SolidWorks, MATLAB & Simulink, Python, C
Hardware:
Arduino Uno microcontroller boards, Sensor kits for various applications (including temperature, proximity, and motion sen-
sors), Actuators including servos, stepper motors, and DC motors, Breadboards and prototyping wires, Electronic components
(resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, integrated circuits), Motor drivers and controllers, Multimeters, Power supplies,
and computers with suitable configurations.

Teaching method & Assessment

The pedagogical approach for Mechatronics Systems Design is a blend of theoretical instruction, practical application, and
collaborative learning. Our aim is to not only impart knowledge but also to cultivate the skills and mindset required for
innovation in mechatronics.
Teaching Method:
• Interactive Lectures and labs: Fundamental concepts will be introduced through lectures that encourage active par-
ticipation (my aim is to help you "feel" all the concepts through hands-on experiments). Real-world examples will be
employed when suitable to demonstrate how mechatronics principles are applied in industry. Lectures and labs are
interwoven most of the time.
• Project-Based Learning: Students will participate in team and individual projects that require them to design, prototype,
and test mechatronic systems.
• Peer Collaboration: Emphasis will be placed on collaborative learning through group discussions, peer assessments,
and team projects.
Assessment:
• Quizzes and Tests: Regular quizzes will assess comprehension of core concepts, cumulative knowledge, and problem-
solving abilities.
• Laboratory Reports: Written reports will document laboratory exercises, reinforcing the learning outcomes and assessing
the ability to accurately conduct and communicate experimental work.
• Project Deliverables: Assessment of group and individual projects will be based on design documentation, prototype
functionality, and the final product, reflecting the practical application of course content.
• Participation: Active participation in class discussions and group work will be monitored and contribute to the final
grade.
• Peer Review: Students will provide feedback on their peers’ contributions to team projects.
Grading Criteria:
The grading criteria for the Mechatronics Systems Design course are designed to reflect a balanced evaluation of both indi-
vidual effort and collaborative proficiency. The following components will constitute the final grade:
• Labs and Projects (70%): Practical application of mechatronics principles is at the core of this course. Labs and project
work, including design, prototyping, and testing, will account for most of the final grade. This also includes peer evalu-
ations within group projects.
• Class Participation and Attendance (20%): Active participation in class discussions and consistent attendance are es-
sential for collaborative learning and will be reflected in the grade.
• Quizzes (10%): Short quizzes will periodically assess understanding of recent topics, encouraging ongoing review and
retention of course content.
Grades will follow the standard scale: A ≥ 93%, 93% > A− ≥ 90%, 90% > B+ ≥ 87%, 87% > B ≥ 83%, 83% > B− ≥
80%, 80% > C+ ≥ 77%, 77% > C ≥ 73%, 73% > C− ≥ 70%, 70% > D+ ≥ 65%, 65% > D ≥ 60%, 60% > F .
Please note that these components may be adjusted slightly to accommodate specific class needs and to reflect the emphasis
on hands-on learning experiences.
Important Information:
• Attendance and Participation: Regular attendance is crucial for success in this course. Each student can only have a
maximum of three excused absences (please email and explain your emergency). More than three absences will result
in an "F" for this course. Active participation in lectures and labs is expected and will be factored into your final grade.
Doing anything other than class activities during class time is not acceptable and will affect your participation score at
the end.
• Assignment Deadlines: Assignments must be submitted by the specified deadlines. Late submissions up to one week
will be considered for half credit.
 • Completion Requirement: Failure to complete any of the labs, projects, and exams will result in a grade of "F" for the
course. It is imperative to fulfill all course components to achieve a complete evaluation.
• Use of Electronic Devices: The use of laptops and tablets is permitted for note-taking and course-related activities.
However, the use of mobile phones for non-academic purposes during class is discouraged.
• Use of Artificial Intelligence: Students are allowed to use AI tools for enhancing their learning experience, provided they
adhere to academic integrity guidelines and clearly cite any AI assistance in their submissions.
• Safety in Labs: Adherence to safety protocols in the laboratory is mandatory. Failure to comply with safety instructions
may result in removal from the lab and potential course penalties.
• Office Hours: Students are encouraged to take advantage of office hours for additional support, clarification on course
material, or discussion of academic concerns. Office hours outside the suggested ones are by appointment only.
• Feedback and Communication: Constructive feedback is welcome to continually improve the learning experience. Stu-
dents are encouraged to communicate any concerns or suggestions.

Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is honest, truthful and responsible conduct in all academic endeavors. The mission of Saint Louis University
is “the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity.” Accordingly, all acts of falsehood demean
and compromise the corporate endeavors of teaching, research, health care, and community service through which SLU fulfills
its mission. The University strives to prepare students for lives of personal and professional integrity, and therefore regards
all breaches of academic integrity as matters of serious concern. The full University-level Academic Integrity Policy can be
found on the Provost’s Office website at: https://www.slu.edu/provost/policies/academic-and-course/academic-integrity-
policy.pdf.
Additionally, each SLU College, School, and Center has its own academic integrity policies, available on their respective web-
sites.

Disability Accommodations
Students with a documented disability who wish to request academic accommodations must formally register their disability
with the University. Once successfully registered, students also must notify their course instructor that they wish to use their
approved accommodations in the course.
Please contact the Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources (CADR) to schedule an appointment to discuss accommo-
dation requests and eligibility requirements. Most students on the St. Louis campus will contact CADR, located in the Student
Success Center and available by email at [email protected] or by phone at 3149773484. Once approved, infor-
mation about a student’s eligibility for academic accommodations will be shared with course instructors by email from CADR
and within the instructor’s s official course roster. Students who do not have a documented disability but who think they may
have one also are encouraged to contact to CADR. Confidentiality will be observed in all inquiries.

Title IX
Saint Louis University and its faculty are committed to supporting our students and seeking an environment that is free of
bias, discrimination, and harassment. If you have encountered any form of sexual misconduct (e.g. sexual assault, sexual
harassment, stalking, domestic or dating violence), we encourage you to report this to the University. If you speak with a
faculty member about an incident of misconduct, that faculty member must notify SLU’s Title IX coordinator, Anna R. Kratky
(DuBourg Hall, room 36;[email protected]; 314-977-3886) and share the basic facts of your experience with her. The Title IX
coordinator will then be available to assist you in understanding all of your options and in connecting you with all possible
resources on and off campus. If you wish to speak with a confidential source, you may contact the counselors at the University
Counseling Center at 314-977-TALK. To view SLU’s sexual misconduct policy and for resources, please visit the following web
addresses: www.slu.edu/here4you and https://www.slu.edu/general-counsel.

Wellness
All students experience stressors and challenges at some point, and seeking support is beneficial. Such challenges may be
the result of academic concerns (such as those related to particular assignments or content in a course), or they may be more
personal in nature (such as concerns related to relationships, mental health, loss, identities, alcohol or drugs, housing or food
security, or finances, among other things). If you experience these or other difficulties, please consider seeking support from
the resources available to you.
• For concerns related to this course, please contact me. I am invested in your success and will support your success in
the ways I can.
 • Additionally, you have access to the many resources SLU provides in support of your personal wellness. You will find a
list of available resources on the Well-being page of the SLU website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis: please consult the Crisis Support and Warning Signs on the University
Counseling Center website.
In the spirit of cura personalis, the University sees your academic success as connected to your health and well-being and
provides resources to support your holistic wellness.