Faculty Showcase Adoption title
Faculty Showcase Adoption title
Purpose: to help other instructors teaching the same course
Common Course ID: Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems (MAE 376)
CSU Instructor Open Textbook Adoption Portrait
Abstract: This open textbook is being utilized in a Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering course for undergraduate or graduate students by Neda Karami at California State University, Long Beach. The open textbook provides comprehensive coverage of dynamics, vibrations, and the modeling and analysis of dynamic systems, including clear theoretical explanations, worked examples, real-world engineering applications, and end-of-chapter problems. Instructor supplements include solution manuals and adaptable course materials. The primary motivation for adopting an open textbook was to reduce student costs while improving accessibility and allowing flexibility to customize content to course objectives. Most students access the open textbook in PDF format through Canvas.
Course Title and Number: Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems (MAE 376)
Brief Description of course highlights: : Modeling and analysis of dynamic systems including mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, and hydraulic systems. Use of complex algebra and Laplace transforms. Mathematical modeling of dynamic systems in state-space. Linear systems analysis in time and frequency domains. Introduction to feedback control systems.
Student population:
Undergraduate Students of Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
Course prerequisites: MAE 371, MATH 370A all with a grade of “C” or better
Learning or student outcomes:
Upon completion of the course the students will:
- Formulate specific engineering problems as differential equations.
- Develop an appreciation of the relationship between derivation of the equation and difficulty of the original problem.
- Replace elements, which possess initial energy storage with equivalent combinations of elements with no energy storage together with an equivalent source.
- Determine the complete response of first order systems to various functions.
Syllabus and/or Sample assignment from the course or the adoption [optional]:
Textbook or OER/Low cost Title: Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems
Brief Description:
The textbook presents core concepts such as kinematics and kinetics, formulation of equations of motion, free and forced vibration analysis, damping, resonance, and system modeling using differential equations and state-space methods in a clear, scaffolded manner. Its pedagogical approach emphasizes conceptual understanding through step-by-step derivations, worked examples, and visual representations, followed by progressively challenging problem sets that reinforce theory and develop analytical and problem-solving skills. The problems include both conceptual questions and quantitative exercises relevant to real-world engineering applications. The overall structure is modular and well organized, allowing topics to be introduced incrementally and adapted to the course sequence. In addition, the publisher’s platform supports multiple formats, including accessible PDFs and integration with Canvas, enabling easy distribution, consistent student access, and flexibility in course delivery.
Please provide a link to the resource
Authors: Neda Karami
Student access:
Students access the materials primarily in PDF format through the Canvas course management system. The open textbook is also available via the publisher’s platform, allowing students to view it online or download it for offline use on computers, tablets, or mobile devices. No printed textbook is required, though students have the option to print sections if they prefer.
Supplemental resources: The open textbook is supplemented with a variety of resources to support both students and instructors. For students, these include online problem sets and exercises integrated into Canvas, interactive study guides, and worked examples to reinforce key concepts in dynamics, vibrations, and dynamic systems. For instructors, faculty-only resources are available, including solution manuals, lecture slides, and adaptable course materials that can be customized to fit the course structure. These supplemental materials help enhance understanding, support active learning, and streamline course preparation.
Provide the cost savings from that of a traditional textbook.
Reduced the cost of the book which is $150.
License*: It is openly licensed.
OER/Low Cost Adoption Process
Provide an explanation or what motivated you to use this textbook or OER/Low Cost option.
I was motivated to use this open textbook to reduce the financial burden on students while maintaining high academic quality. The textbook aligns closely with the course learning objectives in modeling and analysis of dynamic systems, and presents core concepts in a clear, structured, and pedagogically sound manner. It includes well-designed problem sets, worked examples, and real-world applications that support student learning and skill development. In addition, the open and low-cost format ensures immediate and equitable access for all students and allows flexibility to adapt the material to the specific needs of the course.
How did you find and select the open textbook for this course?
I identified and selected the open textbook through a review of available OER repositories and publisher platforms that support open and low-cost educational materials in engineering. I evaluated several options based on their alignment with the course learning objectives in dynamics, vibrations, and dynamic systems; the accuracy and depth of technical content; the clarity of explanations; and the quality and range of problem sets. I also considered the textbook’s pedagogical structure, adaptability, and compatibility with Canvas. After comparing these factors, I selected this open textbook because it best balanced rigorous engineering content with accessibility, flexibility, and ease of use for both students and instructors.
Sharing Best Practices: For faculty new to OER or low-cost options: start small by testing one or two resources; evaluate content for rigor and alignment with course objectives; supplement materials as needed; ensure easy access for students through LMS platforms; and connect with colleagues for support and ideas. I wish I had known that evaluating and adapting OER takes time, not all textbooks have robust problem sets for advanced topics, and consistent platform use greatly improves student access and engagement.
Describe any key challenges you experienced, how they were resolved and lessons learned.
One key challenge was ensuring that the open textbook provided sufficient depth and rigor for upper-division and graduate-level topics, particularly in vibrations and dynamic systems modeling. This was addressed by supplementing the textbook with additional examples, instructor-developed notes, and advanced problem sets where needed. Another challenge involved aligning the textbook’s structure with the existing course sequence and assessments; this was resolved by selectively reorganizing chapters and integrating the content into Canvas modules. A minor challenge related to students’ varying familiarity with digital textbooks, which was mitigated by providing guidance on annotation tools and navigation features. The main lessons learned were the importance of carefully evaluating OER content for technical completeness, allowing flexibility in course design, and actively supporting students in using digital learning resources effectively.
Instructor Name Neda Karami
Please provide your title and your institution. I am an Assistant professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at California State University, Long Beach. I teach Dynamics, Vibrations, Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems, and Special Problems.
Please describe the courses/course numbers that you teach.
These courses cover fundamental principles of kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies, energy and momentum methods, and the formulation of equations of motion. Students study free and forced vibrations, natural frequencies, damping, resonance, and vibration control. The curriculum also emphasizes mathematical modeling of dynamic systems using differential equations, state-space methods, and Laplace transforms, along with system response analysis, stability, and basic control concepts applied to mechanical and multi-domain systems.
Describe your teaching philosophy and any research interests related to your discipline or teaching.
My teaching approach is scientific inquiry-oriented to foster knowledge-driven culture. I value fostering creativity and analytical thinking as well as promoting a sense of cooperation, belonging, and growth for all students in a fair way.
My teaching method incorporates group activities and interactive learning strategies to foster collaboration and critical thinking. By integrating real-world applications and reflective practices, I create a dynamic classroom environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity and helps students connect course concepts to practical scenarios, ensuring meaningful and lasting learning experiences.
My research interests span multidisciplinary areas, including:
- Integration of Soft Materials into Human-Machine Interaction, & Flexible/Wearable Sensors
- Autonomous Systems and Robotics, Human-Compatible Machines, Vehicle Dynamics & Control
- Application of Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Decisions in Mechanical Engineering
- Wave Tunability in Soft Magneto-/Electro-Active Materials and Composites
- Analysis, Design, and Control of Dynamical, Vibrational, and Energy Harvesting Systems