535.672.81 - Advanced Manufacturing Systems

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clickingModules on the menu. A module may have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted on the Course Outline page. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing Systems
• Polymeric Materials and Extrusion
• Ceramic Materials and Processing
• Composite Materials
• Processing Metal Powders
• Forming and Shaping Plastics and Composites
• Additive Manufacturing
• Abrasive Processes
• Advanced Machining Processes
• Microelectronics
• Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
• Applied Integration of Processing and Material Considerations

Course Goals

The primary goal of this course is to impart to the student an understanding of advanced systems for the production of mechanical components using the latest technologies and methods.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• CLO 1: Analyze advanced material and processing contributions to product cost and quality using theoretical principles and practical approaches.
• CLO 2: Apply strategies and skills for improving cost and quality of manufactured parts and products.
• CLO 3: Challenge classical assumptions about good product design and production practice.
• CLO 4: Evaluate technological developments and their impact on manufacturing competitiveness.

Textbooks

Required 

Kalpakjian, S., & Schmid, S. R. (2025). Manufacturing engineering and technology (9th ed.). Pearson.

ISBN-13: 9780138240226 (hardcopy)

ISBN-13: 9780138309466 (eText)

Textbook information for this course is available online through the appropriate bookstore website: For online courses, search the website at MBS website.

Other Materials & Online Resources

EP students may access electronic versions of textbooks through the Sheridan Libraries. Instructions on how to search for available textbooks are accessible through this link: Browse Electronic Textbook Instructions.

Required Software

In this class, some computer literacy skills you are expected to have include creating and submitting files in a word processing program, downloading and installing software, using spreadsheets, using presentation software, and using web conferencing tools and software. Additionally,  you will be expected to use online search tools for academic purposes, properly cite information sources, and prepare a presentation of such findings.

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that each module will take approximately 7–10 hours per week to complete. Here is an approximate breakdown: reading the assigned sections of the texts (approximately 3–4 hours per week) as well as some outside reading, participating in lecture periods (approximately 2–3 hours per week), and writing assignments (approximately 2–3 hours per week). 

This course will consist of four basic student requirements, with each graded according to the corresponding rubrics available as part of the course materials:

Preparation and Participation (Module Discussions) (15% of Final Grade Calculation) 

You are responsible for carefully reading all assigned material and being prepared for lecture discussion. The majority of readings are from the course text. Additional reading will be assigned to supplement text readings. 

Assignments (30% of Final Grade Calculation)

Assignments will include a mix of qualitative and quantitative problem sets. Include a cover sheet with your name and assignment identifier. Also include your name and a page number indicator (i.e., page x of y) on each page of your submissions. Each problem should have the problem statement, assumptions, computations, and conclusions/discussion delineated. All Figures and Tables should be captioned and labeled appropriately. 

All assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar. 

If, after submitting a written assignment you are not satisfied with the grade received, you are encouraged to redo the assignment and resubmit it. If the resubmission results in a better grade, that grade will be substituted for the previous grade.

Quizzes (20% of Final Grade Calculation) 

The quizzes will be available in Modules 3, 6, 8, and 11.  

The quizzes are multiple choice questions where only one answer is correct. There is no partial credit for incorrect answers.

Group Project (35% of Final Grade Calculation) 

A course team project will be assigned one week into the course. Modules 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 12 will include a progression of activities for the course group project. 

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to the dates posted in your Canvas course site. You may check these due dates in the Course Calendar or the Assignments in the corresponding modules. I will post grades one week after assignment due dates. 

Consistently poor performance in either spelling or grammar is taken as an indication of poor written communication ability that may detract from your grade. 

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every week. 

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course. 

Course Policies

Help & SupportFor instructional technology support, you should refer to Help & Support on the course menu in your Blackboard course site. For student academic and wellness support please visit EP Student Services.
CollaborationCollaboration among students is encouraged on all course work except for quizzes. Students must submit work that is their own work but can collaborate with other students on approaches to problem solving and conceptual matters.

Late Assignments
Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructor).

Student Generative AI (GenAI) Use

GenAI use is permitted with expectations for transparency and accountability.  Include a brief reflection describing how GenAI was used, what outputs were accepted or rejected, and how it influenced your thinking.

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar. Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course. 

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students. This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Our courses are designed with a proactive approach to accessibility to minimize the need for disability disclosure and accommodation requests, but we recognize that you may need additional support. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions, and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.  For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact EP Student Disability Services at ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu. 

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. For a full description of the code please visit the Student Conduct Code website.

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team (EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu) in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.