Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering

MATLAB Basics

MATLAB

Basics

MATLAB Basics is a self-guided, approximately 6-week intensive program designed to get students up to speed with MATLAB syntax and basic programming. The program was created as a service to mechanical engineering students transferring in credit for MECH 103 and/or MECH 105, but who were not explicitly taught MATLAB or other vital MECH 103 and 105 concepts before they transferred.  This program does not replace or cover all the content of MECH 103 or 105 and is purely supplemental.  Program difficulty varies based upon prior programming experience.

MATLAB is used extensively throughout the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering courses and degree programs. It is very important for students to be comfortable using the programming language and software package before progressing in the mechanical engineering program.

If you are offered this program, you will have outstanding graduation requirement(s) until it is successfully completed (70% or better on the final exam). Because this is a self-guided program, there is no instructor assigned to collect material or administer help. Students are expected to complete all content on their own. Free tutoring is available through the Mechanical Engineering Student Ambassadors (MESA) when fall and spring classes are in session. The MATLAB Help Center is also a great resource.

Program Information

Materials

Tutoring & Support

Register

Program Information

How to Access Modules

To navigate the program, follow the “Modules” page in Canvas. All of the assignments, labs, and materials needed can be found there. Modules are organized by week. It is strongly suggested that you strictly follow the weekly schedule.

Screenshot showing how to access Modules page

How to Take MATLAB Basics

Engagement with MATLAB Basics is up to you and will depend upon your skill level and experience. 

For example, if you think you might already have the MATLAB skills you need, skip to the last week of content and look around. If you’re certain that you possess the skills necessary to complete the assignments and understand the reading, then you can take the final exam.

Others will want to start at the very beginning, purchase a lab kit, and do each of the labs. If you’re uncertain about your programming skills, take this as a self-learning opportunity to get ahead.

You will only have one opportunity to take the final exam. Be sure you’re confident in your understanding of the material. If you don’t pass the final exam on your first attempt, you will have to take MECH 103 and/or MECH 105.

Suggested Schedule

It’s estimated to take you about 1 hour, 3 to 4 times per week engaging with the material in order to benefit from it. Create a schedule to keep yourself accountable. For example, dedicate the hours from 9–10am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to engage with the material.

Below is the week 1 module. For example:

  • On Monday: Read chapters 7 and 8 and attempt the Reading Questions
  • On Wednesday: Watch Lecture 14
  • On Friday: Complete Lab 5

If you follow a consistent schedule, you will be successful.

Week 1 Module

Materials

Textbook

This program uses a free textbook that is accessible online. You can find the book at intro2eng.com.

Please consider donating if you find the textbook useful. You can find donation information on the textbook website.

Lab Kits (optional)

As part of this program, you have access to the MECH 103 labs. These labs were designed to teach students how to program an Arduino microcontroller with MATLAB.

If you do not have experience with programming Arduino microcontrollers, it is highly recommended you purchase a lab kit and try all the labs.

You can find the lab kit here.

Tutoring & Support

Mechanical Engineering Student Ambassadors (MESA)

Although there isn’t a professor assigned to MATLAB Basics, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get help! As long as you are a CSU mechanical engineering student, you can access the department’s free MESA tutors.

MESA tutors are all experienced ME students and will be able to help you with labs and anything else you may be struggling with.

More information is available here. Please note that MESA tutors are only available during spring and fall terms when classes are in session. 

MATLAB Help Center

The MATLAB Help Center offers documentation and other tools to support your learning.

View their resources here. 

Register

Have additional questions?

Email the program coordinator: Associate Professor of Practice Dr. Soheil Fatehiboroujeni

Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University is about using our knowledge of materials, energy, and health to solve society’s global engineering challenges.

Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University is about using our knowledge of materials, energy, and health to solve society’s global engineering challenges.

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