Undergraduate engineering mathematics - an aspect of computing?

Abstract

The University of Sunderland offers a range of degrees including Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Media Systems, Automotive Engineering and Digital Systems. The School of Computing, Engineering and Technology has engaged in a major review of its undergraduate provision in these areas. The review encompassed the range and scope of the mathematical underpinning to be offered to students registered on the programmes offered in these areas of study in the short to medium term future. The history of the development of engineering mathematics teaching at Sunderland is considered and the author shows that the sensible use of modern tools such as computer algebra packages can offer distinct advantages to the students. Experience over several years has been gained in using such tools in the engineering mathematics situation and the author contends that the approaches and student experiences implied by the use of computer-based tools should become part of the mathematical experience of all undergraduate engineers. The paper illustrates some of the pedagogical advantages which may accrue to students by the intelligent sensible use of modern computer packages and focuses on an instance when it is definitely not an advantage to turn to the computer and a related instance when it most definitely is. Using these illustrations, the author builds a case which supports the fundamental contention of the paper that engineering mathematics is an essential and exciting field for student exploration provided that modern tools are used in an appropriate, logical and thoughtful fashion. (7 pages)