CD-ROM aids A-level studies

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 24, 2002

The MathWorks has distributed more than 3000 copies of MathComm, an innovative CD-ROM and website for maths teaching, to A-level colleges across England.

The MathWorks has distributed more than 3000 copies of MathComm, an innovative CD-ROM and website for maths teaching, to A-level colleges across England.

The CD-ROM uses examples created in Matlab, the mathematical modelling and simulation software from The MathWorks, to show A-level maths students how various mathematical principles are used to solve real-world engineering problems, such as ensuring the stability and safety of aircraft.

The ultimate aim is to encourage more students to opt for careers in electronics and communications.

MathComm was developed by the Department of Electronic Systems at the University of Westminster, with Innovation funding from the Department for Further Education and Employment (DfEE).

The MathWorks donated the use of its Matlab software together with a comprehensive set of add-on software toolboxes, training and technical support.

Matlab and the toolboxes have been used to develop the examples that are used on the CD-ROM.

These have been compiled into individual executable programs that can be run from the CD-ROM, with no need for users to have access to the Matlab software.

The structure of the MathComm package allows particular sections to be accessed at appropriate times to illustrate topics from the curriculum, such as statistics, probability, logarithms, quadratic equations and calculus.

The corresponding examples taken from industry cover a broad range, from silicon chip design and manufacture, to aircraft stability and music amplifiers.

The companion web site contains additional information and updates, with hotlinks being provided on the CD-ROM.

Multimedia presentations include video clips and sound, making the MathComm package appealing to A-level students.

In addition, there are interactive exercises so that students can experiment for themselves and see the effects of changing the parameters in the different scenarios.

As well as providing a facility where students can answer questions on-screen, worksheets can also be printed from the CD-ROM for completion by individuals.

In the past, the University of Westminster has had success in encouraging A-level maths students to pursue careers in engineering after making visits to schools and giving inspiring, lively presentations to demonstrate how maths is used in engineering.

The MathComm CD-ROM and web site are intended to widen the coverage to a much larger number of schools than can be visited in person, and therefore encourage an even greater number of students to consider careers in engineering.

Additional support has been provided by the RAF (Royal Air Force), Nokia, NTL, Zarlink Semiconductor and Matchware.

Throughout the development, the team at Westminster has been working with a steering group of experts from teaching and industry to ensure that the content on the CD-ROM is both relevant to the curriculum and illustrative of the mathematical principles applied in engineering.