THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

ME 359 MATERIALS SELECTION

SPRING SEMESTER 2017
SYLLABUS

UNIQUE NUMBER: 18210

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Bourell
ETC 9.182, 471-3170, dbourell@mail.utexas.edu
TIME: TTh 8-9:30 AM
PLACE: RLM 5.104
TEACHING ASST.: None
WEB PAGE: Canvas
OFFICE HOURS: TTh 11 AM - noon
OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of this course is to describe commercial nomenclatures for all common materials systems, to
present basic methods for translating mechanical engineering functional requirements into materials
property/selection format, and to develop methods for identifying and selecting materials for applications.
COURSE (CATALOG) DESCRIPTION:
Methodology for selecting materials and processes at various stages of the design process for mechanical
engineering applications. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
PREREQUISITES:
For engineering majors, Mechanical Engineering 336 and admission to an appropriate major sequence in
engineering; for nonengineering majors, upper-division standing and written consent of instructor.
TEXT:
Michael F. Ashby, Materials Selection in Mechanical Design (4th or 5th Ed.) You MUST have a print, non-
electronic version of the book on test days.
GRADING: Percentage of Total Grade
EXAM I 20
EXAM II 20
FINAL EXAM (Thursday, May 11, 9:00-12:00 noon) 30
HOMEWORK 15
ATTENDANCE AT LECTURE 15
100
HOMEWORK POLICY:
Weekly homework assignments, approximately 10 total. The maximum value of late homework will decrease
as shown in the table below.

Handed In Maximum Value

When Due 100%
Late 0%
EXAMINATIONS:
Two midterm exams and/or projects and a final exam.
CLASS FORMAT: Lecture, 3 contact hours per week.
ATTENDANCE:
15 points on the final course grade will be assessed by random roll calls in class (5 per semester).