Multi-disciplinary approach to teaching numerical methods to engineers using Matlab.

Abstract

Teaching Numerical Methods to first year engineering students is improved by a collaboration between engineers, computer scientists and mathematicians. Our approach has been to teach a problem based course with six, fortnightly assignments, each revolving around an engineering problem solved by a specific numerical method. The collaborative delivery, engineering problem focus, and intensive tuto- rials all contribute to make this a very successful course that gives the students a sound foundation to take into later years and hopefully their careers.