ENGGEN 131 : Introduction to Engineering Computation and Software Development

Engineering

2022 Semester Two (1225) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Introduction to problem solving in engineering through the use of the software package MATLAB, and the programming language C.

Course Overview

Many of the engineering computations you will meet over the course of your degree can be done much more efficiently with the aid of a computer program.  Developing a basic level of computer programming competence is important regardless of which engineering specialization you pursue and it is extremely useful to be able to develop your own software.

This course is divided into two halves. The first half will introduce you to programming using the software package MATLAB. The second half will introduce you to the high level programming language C.   Both halves focus on teaching you core programming and software development concepts, within the context of solving engineering problems.  

Being exposed to two different programming languages that are used in industry will allow you to develop a basic level of competency in both languages as well as providing an opportunity to see how programming languages can differ and why you might prefer one over the other.  Learning two languages also emphasizes how core programming concepts  are transferable from one  programming languages to another.  MATLAB and C are also used in a range of other engineering courses.

Course Requirements

Restriction: ENGSCI 233, 331

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe what software engineering is and understand the differences between interpreted and compiled programming languages, demonstrating the ability to create and run programs in both interpreted and compiled development environments. (Capability 1.1)
  2. Apply a problem-solving methodology to develop an algorithm for solving a problem, using pseudocode and flowcharts where appropriate, and translate that algorithm into code, using scripts and/or functions as appropriate. (Capability 1.1 and 2.1)
  3. Produce well-written human-readable code that follows standard style guidelines, including the use of comments, appropriate variable names, correct indentation, suitable layout and the avoidance of unnecessary repetition. (Capability 1.1 and 4.2)
  4. Test code to determine if it works as expected, identifying and fixing any software bugs present and improving performance, making use of a debugger where appropriate. (Capability 1.1)
  5. Obtain user input from within a program and display information to users using appropriately formatted text and/or graphics. (Capability 1.1)
  6. Create and manipulate variables, arrays and data structures that can represent a range of data including logical values, numerical values, strings, pointers, vectors, matrices and images. (Capability 1.1)
  7. Control program flow through the application of logical operators, conditional statements and loops. (Capability 1.1)
  8. Solve a range of engineering computational problems, including those that require calculus and linear algebra, by writing computer code and calling existing in-built functions and libraries where appropriate. (Capability 1.1 and 2.1)
  9. Write programs that can read and write data stored in computer files. (Capability 1.1)
  10. Work with higher levels of abstraction including writing recursive functions and functions which take as inputs other functions. (Capability 1.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Laboratories 24% Individual Coursework
Projects 20% Individual Coursework
Tests 24% Individual Coursework
Assignments 2% Individual Coursework
Final Exam 30% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Laboratories
Projects
Tests
Assignments
Final Exam

Students must sit the exam to pass the course. Otherwise, a DNS (did not sit) result will be returned.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend an average of 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point  course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, each week you can expect 3 hours of lectures, 2 hours of  labs and 5 hours of work on programming which includes thinking and reading about the content, finishing lab tasks, doing assignments and/or test preparation.

There are two large projects (one for MATLAB and one for C).  Unless you manage your time really well it is likely you will need to spend a significant number of hours on these projects just before each is due.  

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including lectures and labs.  Lectures will be available as recordings.

Attendance on campus is required for the two tests.

Assignments and Projects are submitted online.  

Lab tasks can be submitted online but the lab programme is designed with the expectation that you will attend labs in person, so that you can access help from the teaching assistants.  

If students are enrolled in an online only stream (e.g. due to being stuck overseas) then they will have the opportunity to attend an online lab stream, so that they can ask questions. Students in the online only stream will also sit their two tests online.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

There are two course books (hard copies are available for purchase from UBIQ and pdf versions are available for free from Canvas).

Health & Safety

Students are expected to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Health and Safety section of the Engineering Undergraduate Handbook.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

As a result of student feedback last year we will continue to improve the online lab submission experience for students.
We will also bring in another staff member to assist with the course co-ordination (to ensure more timely return of assessments as well as faster processing of misconduct cases).

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 13/07/2022 10:04 p.m.