Freshman engineering problem solving with MATLAB for all disciplines

Abstract

The current freshman engineering computer programming course, which utilizes MATLAB programming language, is being experimentally redesigned to incorporate and highlight activities focused on engineering problem solving and system investigation processes. These methods hope to develop the students' critical-thinking and analytical skills that are more suited and applicable in real-world engineering. Course description and sample problems are presented. Results will be shown in a follow-up study comparing the standard computer program syntax-based approach to this pilot course which employs Simulink model-based designs and hardware demonstrations.