CMPSC 200Programming for Engineers with MATLAB

3 credits · Computer Science · Penn State

This course introduces basic programming concepts including algorithm development, simple data types, number representation, control structures, functions, plotting, and basic numerical analysis techniques, all in the context of science and engineering. The course enables students to develop computer programs in a scientific programming language to solve simple engineering and science problems. The basic numerical analysis techniques covered in the course include matrix operations, systems of equations, solving equations, roots, curve fitting, interpolation, numerical integration, and numerical solutions of ordinary differential equations. Students analyze engineering and science problems, develop algorithms to solve those problems, implement their algorithms in an appropriate programming language, and produce informative output in both numerical and graphical form. The general programming concepts learned in the course are commonly found in most programming languages. The problem-solving skills learned in the course can then be utilized in upper-level engineering and science courses. This course includes an exploration of the conceptual and syntactical background needed for the successful completion of practical programming assignments. The course also includes an emphasis on the actual design and implementation of computer programs necessary for solving computational problems. This course satisfies University quantification requirements because it assists students in assessing and interpreting quantitative data and information. In addition, the course assists students with recognizing patterns, establishing relations, exercising conceptual thinking, developing problem-solving skills, and thinking logically and critically. Finally, the course supports students in their efforts to draw accurate and useful conclusions, to make informed decisions based on quantitative analysis, and to use mathematical skills to solve conceptual problems. A student may use only one of the following courses to satisfy degree requirements: CMPSC 101 , 102 , 121 , 131 , 200 , 201 .