Is this course more like physics or math?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the expectations for lab reports in the course MEC 511 Thermodynamics and Fluids, particularly in relation to its classification as either a physics or mathematics course. Participants explore the nature of the course and the likelihood of lab report requirements based on its content and structure.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that their physics course requires lab reports, while calculus and theoretical courses do not, suggesting a distinction in expectations based on course type.
  • Another participant suggests that the best way to determine lab report requirements is to ask the instructor directly.
  • A different viewpoint posits that the course number indicates it is a graduate-level course, which may imply a focus on lectures rather than lab work, unless a laboratory component is included.
  • One participant recommends contacting the instructor or department for clarification, emphasizing that course structure can vary by university.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the course will require lab reports, with differing opinions on the implications of the course number and the necessity of direct communication with the instructor.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the requirements may depend on the specific university's course structure and the inclusion of a laboratory component in the course.

Turion
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Basically, I have labs for all my courses but I'm trying to determine which of my courses require actual lab reports to be submitted.

Calculus and more theoretical courses don't require labs submitted but my Physics course does require a lab report to be submitted.

Would you guess that the below course would require weekly lab reports or not?

MEC 511 Thermodynamics and Fluids

The scope and limitations of thermodynamics, macroscopic-approach heat, work, energy and first law. Properties and state of simple substances and fluids. Control-mass and control-volume energy analysis. The second law of thermodynamics, entropy limiting cycle efficiencies, criteria for equilibrium. Conservation equations for the flow of fluids. Application to one dimensional fluid flow.
 
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I think the only way to get an answer is to ask the instructor.
 
The course number like that would make one think it's a graduate level course, ,meant for enlightening students through lecture. Assumption being that, it would not have lab reports expected. BUT does that 511 course include a laboratory component? If it does come with a lab section or component then you would expect lab reports to be required as part of your work.
 
Just send the instructor, and/or department a friendly email. They will be able to answer your question better than our speculation. You could also search the university website for past syllabus'. It depends on the university and how their courses are structured.
 

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