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ME573 involves the study and implementation of probabilistic methods to engineering design, primarily mechanical design. The course includes a review/introduction to probability, algebra of expectation, algebra of normal distributions, statistics of arbitrary functions, and random variables. Loading, component geometry, stress, and strain/deflection are described in terms of random variables and compared to material properties/behaviour in terms of random variables. Design, analysis, reliability, and risk assessment are conducted on common structures with results compared to conventional, deterministic approaches. Student projects use probabilistic methods to optimize selected component designs.