Freshman experience course in electrical and computer engineering technology emphasizing computation, simulation, mathematical modeling, and measurements

Abstract

The paper expounds the challenges and rewards of revamping the freshman engineering/Engineering Technology curriculum with the notion of introducing computational analysis with the help of Matlab1. The paper discusses in details the five areas of 1) Network theory, 2) Simulation by the help of Multisim2, 3) Computation and mathematical modelling by utilization of Matlab, 4) Physical implementations of the circuits and 5) A gentle introduction to microcontrollers by utilizing Arduino4 Open source board. The pedagogy of the course delivery is based on "Interactive Learning Model", utilizing the methodology of Outcome Based Education. Outcome Based Education's end result is the students' design projects performed at the end of the course. The course is conducted in a lab or studio like settings, that integrates both lecture and laboratory work in the same settings. The paper elaborates the benefits derived through the pedagogical approaches of keeping the learner actively engaged in all aspects of discovery and design. The course interactively involves the learner in directing and defining the material under discourse. Paper provides a road map and serves as pointer to host of design tools that are available that can be incorporated in a similar freshman course offering for Engineering Technology and Engineering programs. Paper provides the content details in terms of topics covered as well as all the labs performed during the course. The paper presents the details of pedagogical approach that was implemented in successful implementation of this course.