Abstract
The module ‘oReliability Modelling and Analysis’ has been taught by the author at the University of Bradford in the School of Informatics over several years. In this paper, four aspects of the lecture course are described. After reviewing the general course structure, we examine within the field of maintenance modelling the method of marginal cost analysis. The application of this technique is deemed to be novel in the present (teaching) context and it is intended to make a basically mathematical subject amenable also to engineers and economists. Next, we outline the use of the computer algebra package Maxima in teaching ‘reliability’. This is exemplified with a classroom example, an exercise and a coursework assignment. Experience shows that the use of Maxima enriches the teaching of reliability to aspiring practitioners. Finally, some general principles are reviewed which help the learner to keep an eye on the reasonableness of purported results, using properties such as model structure, model symmetry, dimensional correctness, boundary conditions, specialization and generalization.
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