Main Page

From Engineering Economics and Problem Solving: 4N4
Revision as of 15:02, 29 November 2012 by Kevin Dunn (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Engineering Economics and Problem Solving: CHE 4N4


Administrative Class materials
Crystal Clear action configure.png

Announcements (previous ones)

  • Finally! All the midterms are graded and values entered into Avenue. The median is 76.8%, and MAD is 13.3; the distribution is normal.
    • The slope coefficient when regressing the time you took to write the exam on your grade is statistically insignificant, indicating there was no benefit to your grade by having "infinite" time. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this is still an interesting result, given that it was an open-book exam.
    • \(\text{Grade} = b_0 + b_1 \text{Time}\), where \(b_1 = 0.0608\pm 2\times 0.0453\); the standard error, \(S_E = 13.9\), which is huge, and \(R^2 = 2.3\%\), on 76 degrees of freedom. \(\text{Time}\) is in minutes and \(b_0 = 65.1\%\)
    • If the above 2 points don't make sense, then you need to take 4C3 next year.
    • Please disregard the average that Avenue calculates. Avenue doesn't do unusual grading schemes like "5 bonus marks on the midterm". Only use Avenue to check that the grades match your midterm.
    • Questions on grading? Please speak with Yasser on all questions, except 5 and 6 which were graded by Kevin.


For the HAZOP study: please investigate only one unit, 2 nodes, 3 parameters per node, and 3 guide words.


  • More information added:: For the SDL project presentations: a good rule of thumb for presenters is that you talk about a slide for about 1.5 to 3 minutes. That implies you need 5 to 7 slides for the 10 minutes of talking, and 1 or 2 extra for the class activity: so a total of about 8 slides. There are very few exceptions to this guideline, so please don't generate a lot of slide material: this is one case where "less is more". Another point is on font size. If you cannot read your slide when standing 2 meters away from your computer monitor, then the letters are too small.


  • Could I please ask you all to seriously consider filling in a course evaluation at https://evals.mcmaster.ca - they are really helpful for me to update and shape the course for 2013. Evaluations close on 04 December.


  • Note regarding the last class: the last class for 4N4 is on Monday, 03 December, at 10:00 in JHE 342 (tutorial time slot). There was no other way to schedule this given the large number of groups presenting. Group A1 will present the last SDL report, then I will talk about the final exam. The class will be video recorded for those that cannot make it to the tutorial time. I will also answer any questions by email for those that can't make it.


  • One final hand-in is due for this course, other than your project: it is a course reflection. Due any time between now and 03 December. Please fill in this electronic form for your reflection. This form covers 3 areas:
You might want to wait until just before the final project hand-in so you can evaluate your peers. Please note that the reflection counts about 4% of your overall grade, and the peer evaluation is mandatory.


Assignments, tutorials, projects, exams Course calendar
Crystal Clear app kedit.png

Assignments/Tutorials

Assignment questions will be available here. Parts of the assignments will be covered in the tutorial period.

Please follow these instructions when submitting electronically.


Tests, exams and project