Trends in Computer Instruction in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo Part 1: Historical Perspective and Current Trends

Abstract

The Engineering Faculty at the University of Waterloo has recognized the need to introduce sufficient microcomputer material into the curriculum to prepare students for the modern engineering workplace. At the same time, the level of instruction in ‘engineering fundamentals’ has to be maintained. A further issue at Waterloo arises because of the cooperative or thin sandwich nature of our programs; about 350 or half of the first-year students go out to industry on their first work term after the first four-month academic term (1A). The value of these students to their employers and the value of the work term to the student is increased if they are introduced to microcomputers during their 1A term. Following a number of studies into how the use of microcomputers could be most effectively incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum, the Department of Mechanical Engineering chose to ‘strongly recommend’ that all first-year students consider the purchase of a mircocomputer. To complement this, an existing first-year course on engineering concepts was substantially modified to include introductory lectures on microcomputer basics. Also, the University of Waterloo established a new microcomputer hardware and software sales centre and provided financial assistance to students, if required, through University-guaranteed commercial loans.