CHEN10040 Intro. to Eng. Computing

Academic Year 2020/2021

In this module students are introduced to computers, computer systems and software with a view to using these as tools in solving problems and, as a result, in developing problem-solving skills. This is achieved through training in programming in both Microsoft Excel™ and Matlab™ environments, applied to a number of engineering-based case studies.

Course Content (note: laboratories include instruction in topic; numbers re. lectures/laboratories are for guideline purposes only and may be subject to change)

1. Introduction to Computers, Computer Systems and Software (2 lectures)
2. Problem Solving and Algorithm Development (4 lectures)
3. MS Excel™ (6 lectures + 3 laboratories)
Introduction
Entering and formatting formulas
Built-in functions
Select Applications in Excel
Interpolation
Data Analysis
Solver/Optimisation
Macros/Introduction to VBA in Excel
4. Matlab™ (6 lectures + 6 laboratories, including 1 lecture + 1 laboratory for each of 3 case studies)
Introduction to the MatlabTM Environment
Scalars, Vectors, Matrices, Strings
I/O, including graphing
Functions
Matlab Programming
User defined functions and anonymous functions
Iteration and Decision
Data structures in Matlab™
Matlab™ Case-Studies (based on Engineering Problems associated with individual disciplines)

A non-standard marking scheme is employed for this module for grades above D+. This scheme is as follows:

C-(50% to <55%), C(55% to <60%), C+(60% to <65%)
B-(65% to <70%), B(70% to <75%), B+(75% to <80%)
A-(80% to <85%), A(85% to <90%), A+(>90%)

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, students should be able to

1. Describe the major developments and hierarchy of components associated with computers and software
2. Apply problem solving strategies to engineering-based problems in a well defined and systematic way
3. Use and apply spreadsheeting software, including MS Excel™, for the solution of engineering-based problems
4. Use and apply Matlab™, for the solution of engineering-based problems.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Computer Aided Lab

18

Autonomous Student Learning

74

Total

116

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Material presented in class forms the basis for much of the laboratory (computer) component of this module. Laboratories have associated practice material and exercises which students are given in advance and which they are then expected to complete during the laboratory sessions. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Assignment 1 (Excel) Unspecified n/a Other No

10

Assignment: Assignment 2 (Matlab) Unspecified n/a Other No

20

Assignment: Assignment 3 (Group-Based Matlab) Unspecified n/a Other No

20

Continuous Assessment: Laboratories are guided by Teaching Assistants/Demonstrators. Marks are awarded for these laboratories based on attendance, preparation and exercise completion (where applicable). Throughout the Trimester n/a Other No

20

Examination: End-of-Semester Examination Week 11 Yes Other No

30


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.