48221 Engineering Computations
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 33130 Mathematics 1
Anti-requisite(s): 41044 Engineering Computations and Modelling
Recommended studies: 48321 Engineering Mechanics; 48331 Mechanics of Solids
Description
This subject provides engineering students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of numerical methods, programming and engineering software and to apply this knowledge in engineering problem solving.
Excel spreadsheeting and Matlab programming is required to solve numerical problems in this subject with no prior knowledge of programming being assumed. There are opportunities to apply acquired skills through the assessment of project-based problem solving in the civil and mechanical engineering disciplines. Examples are chosen from within a broader engineering context and serve to reinforce material covered in other subjects in civil and mechanical engineering.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply computational and programming techniques to solve engineering problems. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Design solutions for engineering projects using Excel spreadsheeting and Matlab programming. (C.1) |
| 3. | To successfully undertake project work in engineering computations through working individually and in a team. (E.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.
Teaching and learning strategies
The delivery of material in this subject will include:
- Lectures
- Computer Laboratories
Lectures are supported by lecture notes/slides, online materials as well as reference books. The lectures focus on learning new techniques in programming and numerical analysis and applying them to engineering problems.The computer laboratories form a crucial part of this subject and therefore they are highly recommended. The computer laboratories provide students with opportunities to practice and apply what has been learnt in lectures as well as interaction and hands-on assistance from experienced tutors.
Content (topics)
There are three main topic areas in this subject including 1) numerical methods 2) programming and 3) performing computations using engineering software.
- Numerical methods
- Matrix algebra
- Least squares method
- Solving nonlinear equations
- Numerical differentiation
- Numerical integration
- Optimisation
- Numerical solution of ordinary and partial differential equations
- Programming
- This subject focuses on the development of fundamental programming skills. This covers concepts such as typical programming constructs including assignment, variables, data structures, selection statements, counted and conditional loops, program input/output, structured program design and algorithms.
- Computations using engineering software
- The programming concepts taught in content area 2) will solve problems from content area 1) using excel spreadsheeting and Matlab programming.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Individual Project
| Intent: | The individual project provides an opportunity for students to develop skills in solving an engineering problem by using spreadsheeting techniques. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
Assessment task 2: Mid Semester Quiz
| Intent: | In this assessment task, students will apply the knowledge they have acquired in this subject to solve engineering problems using numerical methods. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Students submit Matlab .m files of their solution |
Assessment task 3: Group Project
| Intent: | In this group project, students apply Matlab programming to solve an engineering problem that requires the solution of a partial differential equation. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Students submit Matlab .m files of their solution |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
There are no required texts for this subject.
Recommended texts
For the Excel component of the subject:
Liengme, B. and K. Hekman. (2020). Liengme’s guide to Excel 2016 for scientists and engineers: (Windows and Mac).
Available Online in the UTS library.
For the Matlab component of the subject:
Hahn, B. and D. T. Valentine. (2016). Essential MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists.
Available Online in the UTS library.
Attaway, S. (2017). Matlab: a practical introduction to programming and problem solving -4th edition.
Available Online in the UTS library.
Gdeisat, M. and F. Lilley. (2013). MATLAB by example: programming basics – 1st edition
Available Online in the UTS library.
For the numerical methods component of the subject:
Chapra, S. C. (2018). Applied numerical methods with Matlab for engineers and scientists – 4th edition. Call Number: 518 CHAP (ED.4)
Other resources
Canvas (https://canvas.uts.edu.au/) is used as the learning management system for this subject. Regular access to Canvas (i.e. at least twice per week) is essential for accessing resources, receiving subject announcements, submitting assessment tasks and posting to the subject discussion board.
The following (free) online resource for Excel 2019, Excel 2016, and Office 365 is useful for skills development:
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/excel/
The Mathematics and Science Study Centre (MSSC) run drop-in sessions for students who want to consolidate their mathematical skills. The timetable for the MSCC for Spring Session 2023 will be published at the link below: