MATLAB Course Essay

MATLAB as a high-level computer algorithmic language has continuously been an essential tool in facilitating my engineering problem-solving approach. The program also sharpens my communication skills as well as enhancing my teamwork undertakings. The resilience of MATLAB software to puzzle out numerous problems boosts my visualization capability (Anita et al., 2011). The most exciting bit of this software is the composition of various applications that are essential in solving both technical and straightforward engineering mathematical concepts, integration and examination of different dimensional relationships, complex operations in the matrix for and animations that bring solutions of engineering orientation. The software has been essential throughout my study and has been a building block in all the engineering activities I got involved in up to date.

For instance, my application of MATLAB in Biomedical engineering exercise seems to be in line with the objectives of the course. Through the software, making proper use of developmental approaches that are incremental was successful through the implementation of MATLAB program design structures. With this skill in place, the design of parameters, components, and systems that aim at meeting various societal needs against all forms of constraints in place became clear was regarded possible. Also, it is valuable in the development and implementation of future ideas and their applicability in healthcare systems (Dougherty, 2011). Generation of scientific programming codes that retrieve data from files and the endeavor to generate codes that are free from errors as well as those that will visualize and examine medical data in clarity also molded us into becoming competitive professionals in the medical field as well as any other relative fields. Furthermore, the design and development MATLAB programs that entailed working closely in groups enabled the students to develop unity through teamwork, leadership skills and improves their communication skills in the medical organizational settings.

Image processing is another exercise that was a success as a result of consolidating this high-level computer software. We were involved in the image processing of cells in the quest to determine the type of disease causative bacteria and microorganisms in patients in various health facilities. Focusing, analyzing and management of pixels which involves matrix figures calls upon mathematical expertise (Marques, 2011) — striving to generate images that have excellent focus aids in the sharpening of the brain hence improving on the efficiency of an individual in subsequent data collection and analysis.  Moreover, as the engineering students, we were challenged to figure out and generate new techniques that can expound on image processing technology, we, therefore, sorted to consult MATLAB due to its excellence in the manipulation of matrices. Verification of new theories circumscribing the treatment of certain diseases employs this high-level computer knowledge to verify the viability of the procedure. Therefore, continuous learning through integrated computer knowledge helps students to abide by their professional responsibilities in handling problems that are contemporary to the society.

Data collection and acquisition in the mechanical engineering field, for instance, the data we collected on the vibration of a motor shaft become successful through the incorporation of MATLAB. We further employed the software in the determination of strength of materials, analysis of material compositions, fluid mechanics among other activities in the mechanical engineering workshop. Study of material properties such as the strength of the elements in details can be an uphill task when MATLAB gets substituted (Rao & Yap, 2011). The calculations involved herein are integrated, and massive hence requires concise programming principles in their execution. Another encounter in the mechanical engineering class was the detailed calculations that got included in kinematics, machine elements as well as kinetics and dynamic systems. The application of MATLAB simplified the tedious computations. Each student was making presentations on the Automotive suspension principles which in turn sharpened the communication skills of every individual.

Therefore, the program continuously enhances our skills and professional capabilities for the rapidly advancing technology and workforce dynamics. Precision in measurements is a crucial requirement in the manufacturing of mechanical engineering products such as nuts and bolts. For instance, the accuracy of the number of spirals to be put on a nut depends heavily on the integration of programming to generate the calculation requirements. Predicting the flow of fluids in various components is a primary need in the design of these carriers, it involves multiple design parameters that calls upon the knowledge of the software (Rao & Yap, 2011). Sources consider MATLAB as an essential tool as it enables one to become more innovative; hence, it is a primary necessity for engineers as it will articulate technical innovations which rely heavily on the program to test the viability of the new technology. The program also equips one with the ability to handle the mechanical engineering equipment and tools with more ease and with fewer risks of operations as it provides analysis of the possible dangers likely to emerge from any mechanical processes and the effective safety mechanisms to implement. Additionally, the trouble that arises in the determination of the price of the materials, balancing the income and the expenditures, making decisions on specific parameters and formulation of financial plans for the manufacturing companies involves long, tedious and complicated algebraic equations which can easily get solved by MATLAB.

Encounter in the department of civil engineering was an exemplary one that enabled us to learn the necessity of programming as an engineering tool. Through learning of primary operation, developing programs in sequential logic and manipulation of images, we acquired relevant skills and knowledge of examining and designing creative structures. It also equipped us with communication criteria with concepts of design and civil engineering sketches (Magrab et al., 2011). Continuous development of engineering solutions, communication and unity are evident in the civil engineering aspects.  Developing plans and elevations of the structures as well as representation of three-dimensional structures in the corresponding two-dimensional drawings and Auto CAD drawings incorporates significantly integrated scientific programs. The illustrations also got conducted in small groups that hence unity and success of the projects. In the same context, peer review of other students’ drawings provides reasonable feedbacks that promote their works as well as boosting their morale which is an effective communication stimulant.

Also, the software was of great importance during our coursework exploration and research about various environmental requirements for setting up structures. Besides, research on the building materials, the drainage system of an area as well as generating the bill of quantity needs MATLAB to precisely verify the viability of the study (Anita et al., 2011). It is indispensable at this point of research as it involves graphical presentations which consider nonskilled researchers. The complex numerical analysis that gets involved in the construction industry such as determination of the material mix ratio, the stability of the foundations and bearable stress analysis makes use of the high-level language of the computer.

In computer engineering department, the exposure was interesting where we were involved in the design, development, manufacture, and testing of complex communication devices such as smartphones as well as the development of various soft wares and the related applications. All these activities relied heavily on the knowledge of MATLAB as they involved a lot of mathematical computations. In application development, it is necessary to validate the output to generate a successful application that will provide essential needs to humanity (Magrab et al., 2011). Computer designs further involve general supplies that are detected by use of the integrated programming software. Also, the formatting of the fraction display on the computer screens can be possible without the involvement of latex interpreter through the incorporation of MATLAB. Also, production of prototype algorithms during conversion of the algorithms to a different language such as Java get facilitated by the same software hence data security is a guarantee in the use of this software.

In conclusion, continuous and multidiscipline learning through the incorporation of advanced computer language is vital as it provides students with avenues to apply their engineering and mathematical knowledge in the job market. Every engineering program focuses on producing graduates who can make excellent designs, analyses and integrate data in simplicity and clarity. Also, the university is committed to delivering intellectuals who yearn for and are ready to implement continuous learning and embrace professional and ethical responsibility among other outcomes (Anita et al., 2011). The accomplishment of all these goals should get interconnected to this important computer language that will escalate productivity and enhance efficiency. The overall effects of the use of this computer knowledge as well as multidisciplinary studies include; the improved level of technology, reduced production costs, time efficiency among other benefits.

 

References

Marques, O. (2011). Practical image and video processing using MATLAB. John Wiley & Sons.

Dougherty, G. (Ed.). (2011). Medical image processing: techniques and applications. Springer Science & Business Media.

Rao, S. S., & Yap, F. F. (2011). Mechanical vibrations (Vol. 4). Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.

Magrab, E. B., Azarm, S., Balachandran, B., Duncan, J. H., Herold, K. E., & Walsh, G. C. (2011). An engineer’s guide to MATLAB: with applications from mechanical, aerospace, electrical, civil, and biological systems engineering (Vol. 36). Prentice Hall.

Anita, S., Capasso, V., & Arnautu, V. (2011). An Introduction to Optimal Control Problems in Life Sciences and Economics: From Mathematical Models to Numerical Simulation with MATLAB®. Springer.