Overview

MATLAB Marina is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) dedicated to the improvement of student learning of programming concepts using MATLAB, a technical computing language. It consists of several learning modules organized under the following areas: Fundamental Programming Concepts, Advanced Programming Concepts, Applications and Numerical Methods. Each learning module is designed to encompass the following through relevant content items:

  1. Reviewing fundamental algorithmic concepts and MATLAB syntax through primers, list of terms, list of MATLAB commands/functions and sample programs,
  2. Demonstrating balanced, dual approaches to algorithm development and programming using MATLABs IDE through multimedia tutorials and
  3. Providing practice exercises and assessment tools.
The VLE will be used as the primary resource for the following course: ENGR1121 Computing Applications in Mechanical Engineering and as a supplement for courses such as ENGR1731 Computing for Engineers at Georgia Southern University.

Please contact the Project Director Dr. Priya Goeser if you are interested in further information, plan to use MATLAB Marina actively or in other partnership opportunities.

This work is currently supported by a Textbook Transformation Grant, Affordable Learning Georgia, University System of Georgia, Board of Regents.

Background

Programming is a skill that is a crucial component in all engineering functions from problem solving to analysis and design. Hence, all engineering curriculums include programming courses and most employers today require engineers to be proficient in programming in one or more languages. Most of these programming courses are designed with the following course outcomes:

  1. Students will be able to use an IDE to develop and debug programs.
  2. Students will be able to write programs for solving engineering problems using fundamental programming concepts: mathematical and logic expressions, conditional structures, iteration, functions and arrays.
  3. Students will be able to implement programs using advanced programming concepts: cell arrays, structures and recursion and perform file input and output operations.
  4. Students will be able to use MATLAB (or another programming language) for applications such as plotting 2-D and 3-D data, performing numerical methods, and manipulating sound and images.
  5. Students will understand stacks, and searching and sorting data.
These are extensive topics that warrant a 1-2 semester course to be covered in depth and detail. This VLE may be used as an effective supplement for such programming courses.