Has anyone taken Dynamics with Dr. Tu? I was curious about his tests... there's something about a dynamics test with 33 problems (he claims this is the average number of problems on his exams) that is freaking me out. Added to that stress is the fact that we have our first exam on March 23 (a month and a half from the end of the semester)... Any info would be MUCH appreciated. Cheers.

2/25/2011 3:13:14 PM

I haven't taken a MAE class in 5 years, but just think about what you are asking. The test has to be completable in 50 minutes, correct? (I think I am recalling the time of class periods on MWF classes right). So yes, there may be 33 problems, but they are going to be very simple, and probably superficial. That's right around 1.5 minutes per problem, so it can't be anything too crazy. Probably a lot of free body diagram arrow analysis, equation setting up (without solving or numbers), maybe some definitions.

The key here is, if others have done it in the past, you can do it. It's really that simple.

2/25/2011 3:46:26 PM

Thanks for your reply FM. You make a good point.

2/25/2011 4:03:22 PM

i've heard in the past that tu gives multiple choice test questions.

2/25/2011 5:13:28 PM

So long as you have the solutions manual you will be sailing smoothly.

2/26/2011 2:23:52 PM

better brush up on your differential equations.

2/26/2011 9:37:07 PM

really think about it, would you rather have a 33 question test or a 3 question test in this subject? its been awhile since i took 208, but i remember each test covering a good amount of material. a 33 question test is going to be much easier.

[Edited on February 26, 2011 at 9:59 PM. Reason : and doesn't tu do multiple choice tests?]

2/26/2011 9:59:10 PM

Tu's tests are hard, but the curve makes up for a lot of it. they are indeed multiple choice (at least mine were in 495)

and remember all the test taking strategies regarding multiple choice... low hanging fruit, use your common sense, etc. study and you'll do just fine

2/28/2011 10:18:47 PM

A) Jim is right
B) If you're really going to have a lot of trouble with MAE 208.. just drop the Engineering major right now. It gets WAAAAAY harder. If you're just asking around to ensure you get that A, then you'll probably be fine.

3/1/2011 1:03:57 AM

i disagree, i thought everything got easier. at the very least the amount of BS assignments drops so you can concentrate on things that matter.

3/1/2011 10:49:59 PM

@wizzkid- I was asking out of curiosity mostly. I haven't had an engineering class that gave tests with that many problems, so I didn't know what to expect. I have a 4.0 at this point (91 hours), and statics, solid mechanics, etc. didn't give me any trouble at all.

3/8/2011 3:56:47 PM

Heh.. THX for the notation...

You'll be fine if you made it through solids and the like. There used to be a lot of post from people who snuck past the basic physics classes asking about a prof in the MAE dept. I've never had this guy, and I graduated almost 6 years ago, so the MAE major may have changed a bit. Sounds to me like you're just trying to maintain that 4.0, so... I think worst case... you get a B. I wouldn't worry too much.

3/9/2011 2:00:18 AM

with the way he sets the curve, if you go to his class and have a pulse you can get an A. hell you can only go on test days and just guess and probably get a C.

3/9/2011 7:52:19 PM

yea but if you go to his class and fall asleep he picks on you every chance he gets

so make sure to keep your pulse up and stay awake if you go at all

3/12/2011 9:09:16 PM