ENGR 306 – Introduction to MATLAB
Class Policies and General Information
Instructor: Mark W. Muller, Ph.D.
office: HS 305F; 410-677-0023, mwmuller@salisbury.edu
hours:
MW 1:30-3:30, T 3:00-4:00
Class Meetings: Tuesdays, HS 150
Description: Engineering 306 is an elective for physics and engineering students interested in
learning to solve problems using MATLAB. The fundamentals of MATLAB, including how to run
the software, basic commands, variables, solving equations, simple (pre-) calculus operations,
matrices and vectors, functions, basic programming and M-files are covered. The expected
workload is 1-2 hours per week of independent study outside the classroom. MATH 202 is a prerequisite and a comfortable working knowledge of algebra and second-semester calculus is
required.
Catalog description: This course is intended to prepare physics and engineering students for
subsequent courses requiring computation with MATLAB. This course covers the basics of MATLAB
including simple commands, variables, solving equations, graphing differentiation and integration,
matrices and vectors, functions, M-files and fundamentals of programming in the MATLAB
environment. Prerequisite: C or better in MATH 202. One hour per week.
Textbook: The required textbook for this class is MATLAB for Engineers, 4th Ed., by Holly Moore,
Pearson.
Computer: You will be using the computers in HS 150 for computational problem solving. Access to
HS 150 will be granted for all enrolled students to use the software outside of class. You will
need to see Lisa Ball in the Dean’s office to have your ID programmed.
Academic Dishonesty: I fully comply with and support the policy of academic dishonesty outlined in
the student handbook. I assume any submitted work alleges to be your own unless you have
indicated otherwise. Any violations will lead to a lowered grade, or in extreme cases, failure of
the class.
Inclement Weather: In case of inclement weather, call the Gull Line at 410-546-6426 for weather
related closing information or check the Salisbury University web page.
Writing Across the Curriculum: I completely endorse the campus-wide emphasis on writing and
written communication. You may have to provide written explanations for most assignments.
Students with Disabilities: Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or
her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me as soon as possible so that
we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation in this class and facilitate
educational opportunities.
Class Format: The class will consist of lecture on the use of MATLAB. You are expected to come
to class prepared to ask and answer questions and to participate actively. There will be a weekly
out-of-class assignment. You should plan to spend at least 1-2 hours outside of class each week
interacting with the material and solving problems.
General Goals for the Course:
1. To gain a fundamental understanding of computational problem formulation, organization, and
solution.
2. To develop software programs of physics and engineering problems and how to solve
problems using MATLAB in an appropriate manner.
3. To develop skills in self-taught learning through out-of-class assignments.
4. To develop programming skills in the MATLAB environment through class activities and outof-class assignments.
Requirements and Grading
Attendance and Participation in Group Work: Course attendance is required. You may be paired
with another student during class. These group learning activities will only be effective if you
show up and participate. You are expected to participate actively in group and class
discussions.
Homework: A weekly assignment will be given at the end of each class. You may work together
on the homework, although all assignments must be turned in individually. All assignments will
be collected and graded. Absolutely no late assignments will be accepted. You must email
your completed assignment prior to the start of the next class for full credit.
Grade Determination: Your grade will be determined based on the following percentages:
Out-of-class Assignments
Attendance and Participation
50%
50%
Total = 100%
Grade Scale: The letter grades will be assigned based on the following scale applied to the
total percentage earned in the course:
90 – 100% = A Superior work. Student demonstrates a thorough and complete
understanding of the subject. No absences.
80 – 89% = B Excellent work. Student demonstrates an above average understanding of the
subject. No more than 2 absences.
70 – 79% = C Good work. Student demonstrates an average understanding of the material.
No more than 4 absences.
60 – 69% = D Fair work. Student demonstrates below average understanding of the
material and has completed most of the assignments. No more than 6
absences.
0 - 59% = F Unsatisfactory work; Student does not demonstrate adequate understanding
of the subject and has not turned in all assignments.
Additional Announcement:
The instructor has been assigned jury duty for the month of February. In the event of the
instructor’s absence due to jury duty, class will be cancelled and the schedule will be changed
accordingly. It is your responsibility to check your email each day in the event of the instructor’s
absence due to jury duty.
ENGR 306 Tentative Schedule
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
2/2
2/9
2/16
2/23
3/1
3/8
3/22
3/29
4/5
4/12
4/19
4/26
5/3
5/10
Getting started with MATLAB, Syntax, Variables, and Vectors
Functions, functions, and more functions
Arrays and Matrices
2-D and 3-D Plots
M-Files
User-Controlled I/O
Logical Functions
Loops
Matrix Algebra
More Arrays
Symbolic Math
Interpolation and Curve Fitting
Differentiation and Integration
Graphics