Introduction to Computing

Module code: MEU11EM4 · Semester: 1

Resources

• Module descriptor (TCD)

How it's assessed

No end-of-semester exam. It's assessed through coursework.

Programming in MATLAB to analyse engineering problems: variables, vectors and matrices, loops and selection, functions, data structures, file input/output, plotting and image processing. Taught through a weekly lecture and computer labs.

Assessment	Weight
Weekly graded lab assignments, plus lab attendance	100%

• There is one larger assignment that brings the main ideas together. You present your code individually and explain how it works.
• Because it is all continuous assessment, not keeping up can mean a Non-Satisfactory return; reassessment is arranged case by case with the lecturer.

Summarised from the TCD module descriptor, checked 2026-11-09. Details can change from year to year, so check this year's descriptor and Blackboard.

From students who've done it

No write-ups yet.

Questions by Year

This module has no end-of-semester exam, so there are no past papers. See How it's assessed above.

Topics

• The MATLAB environment, variables, vectors and matrices LO1–2
• Selection statements, loops and vectorising code LO3
• Functions and sub-functions LO4
• String manipulation LO5
• Data structures and cell arrays LO6
• File input and output LO7
• Plotting and basic image processing LO8
• Debugging and code layout LO9–10

Learning outcomes

1. Understand constants and variables in programming
2. Write basic sequential MATLAB programs for engineering problems
3. Use conditionals and loops to implement algorithms
4. Use library and user-defined functions and sub-functions
5. Process text
6. Use data structures and cell arrays
7. Read and write files
8. Plot data in MATLAB
9. Turn a design brief into a working, robust program
10. Lay out, comment, explain and debug code

Summarised from the module descriptor, checked November 2026.