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CHEN10040

Academic Year 2026/2027

Intro. to Eng. Computing (CHEN10040)

Subject:
Chemical Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Chem & Bioprocess Engineering
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Colin Clarke
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In this module students are introduced to computers, computer systems and software with a view to using these as tools in solving problems and, as a result, in developing problem-solving skills. This is achieved through training in programming in both Microsoft Excel™ and Matlab™ environments, applied to a number of engineering-based case studies.

Course Content (note: laboratories include instruction in topic; numbers re. lectures/laboratories are for guideline purposes only and may be subject to change)

1. Introduction (2 lectures)
Computers, Computer Systems and Software
Data, Data Management, Ethics in Data/Technology
2. Problem Solving and Algorithm Development (4 lectures)
3. MS Excel™ (6 lectures + 2 to 3 laboratories)
Introduction
Entering and formatting formulas
Built-in functions
Select Applications in Excel
Interpolation
Data Analysis
Solver/Optimisation
Macros/Introduction to VBA in Excel
4. Matlab™ (6 lectures + 4 to 5 laboratories, including 1 lecture + 1 laboratory for each of 3 case studies)
Introduction to the MatlabTM Environment
Scalars, Vectors, Matrices, Strings
I/O, including graphing
Functions
Matlab Programming
User defined functions and anonymous functions
Iteration and Decision
Data structures in Matlab™
Matlab™ Case-Studies (based on Engineering Problems associated with individual disciplines)

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, students should be able to

1. Describe the major developments and hierarchy of components associated with computers and software
2. Apply problem solving strategies to engineering-based problems in a well defined and systematic way
3. Use and apply spreadsheeting software, including MS Excel™, for the solution of engineering-based problems
4. Use and apply Matlab™, for the solution of engineering-based problems.

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

74
Lectures

24
Computer Aided Lab

18
Total

116

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Material presented in class forms the basis for much of the laboratory (computer) component of this module. Laboratories have associated practice material and exercises which students are given in advance and which they are then expected to complete during the laboratory sessions.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): MS Excel/Spreadsheet-based report. Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Matlab-based report. Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Exam (Open Book): In-class examination. Week 11 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Students complete weekly assigned (laboratory) exercises session. These are checked by attending TAs/MCs at start of next session for 1) Completeness and 2) Ownership. Attendance required. Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

I endeavour to ensure that submitted written assignments receive individual feedback (including grades) within 3 weeks of submission. Students can use feedback as a means of improving their (future) submitted work.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Fri 10:00 - 11:50
Autumn Computer Aided Lab Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 11:00 - 12:50
Autumn Computer Aided Lab Offering 3 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
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