ECTS credits ECTS credits: 6
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Hours of tutorials: 1 Expository Class: 20 Interactive Classroom: 30 Total: 51
Use languages Spanish, Galician, English
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Electronics and Computing
Areas: Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Center Higher Technical Engineering School
Call: First Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable | 1st year (Yes)
The course introduces students to the basic use of computing and programming using MATLAB on PC-type computers running the Windows operating system. Through simple examples, students will learn to solve numerical problems and perform data analysis, with applications that, while elementary, reflect real-life situations found in Chemical Engineering.
This course is the student's first contact with the world of programming. Therefore, one of its main objectives is to familiarize them with the fundamentals of computer systems and the computational logic required to develop automated solutions. Special emphasis will be placed on the most relevant components for problem specification, programming, and verification in common scientific and technical calculations.
Although the problems addressed during the course will be accessible, learning these skills lays the foundation for tackling more complex tasks in the future, such as process simulation or the use of MATLAB toolboxes specifically designed for Chemical Engineering. The course aims not only to provide students with a practical tool but also to raise awareness of the growing role of programming in engineering practice.
Theoretical contents (20 hours):
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Introduction to program development: data structures and algorithms. Programming languages, compilers and interpreters. Data types and basic expressions. Algorithmic control structures. Modular programming. Input/output.
The course aims to give a general overview of how computing can be used to solve problems. A brief introduction to computer systems will be given, followed by a deeper focus on algorithms and control structures, applied specifically in MATLAB.
Block I. Introduction to program development
Block II. MATLAB programming language
Constants and variables; and Basic types
Basic expressions
Selection structures
Repetitive structures
Modular programming: functions
Variable groupings
Input/Output
Advanced spreadsheet functions (such as IF, VLOOKUP, or nested formulas) will be introduced throughout the course, mainly in the section on algorithm development. This content will also be reinforced during the group tutorial.
Practical contents (30 hours):
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Session 1: MATLAB environment, variables and expressions
Session 2: Matrices and MATLAB functions (i)
Session 3: MATLAB functions (ii)
Session 4: Selection structures
Session 5: Iteration structures (i)
Session 6: Iteration structures (ii) and solving systems of linear equations
Session 7: Functions and anonymous functions
Session 8: Input/Output (i)
Session 9: Input/Output (ii) and variable groupings (i)
Session 10: Variable groupings (ii)
Session 11: Full programming exercises (mock exam)
Session 12: Practice exam
Basic bibliography:
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GILAT, Amos. MATLAB: una introducción con ejemplos prácticos. Barcelona: Reverté, 2006. ISBN 978-84-291-5035-3. Disponible en la Biblioteca ETSE: A300 35 y A300 35 A-D.
This text is basic to the subject as it deals with the basics of computing from the perspective of the future engineer.
Further reading:
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PALM, William J. Introduction to MATLAB 7 for engineers. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2005. ISBN 0-07-123262-1. Disponible en la Biblioteca ETSE: A012 30.
ETTER, Delores M. Engineering problem solving with MATLAB. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1993. Disponible en la Biblioteca ETSE: A012 76 USO EN SALA y en la Biblioteca de Física: C00 112.
HANSELMAN, Duane C. y LITTLEFIELD, Bruce. Mastering MATLAB 7. International Edition. Upper Saddle River (New Jersey): Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005. ISBN 0-13-185714-2. Disponible en la Biblioteca ETSE: A012 22 B.
Knowledge:
Con02: Basic knowledge of the use and programming of computers, operating systems, databases and computer programs with applications in engineering.
Con18: Knowledge in basic and technological subjects, which enables them to learn new methods and theories, and gives them the versatility to adapt to new situations.
Competencies:
Comp08: Ability to solve problems with initiative, decision making, creativity, critical reasoning and to communicate and transmit knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of Chemical Engineering.
Skills:
H/D05: Ability to apply knowledge in practice.
H/D07: Autonomous learning.
H/D09: Computer skills.
The theory program is based on two weekly one-hour sessions, in which the contents of eight topics are addressed through explanations and the solving of problems or practical cases.
The first four topics are taught through traditional lectures, where the basic and fundamental concepts of programming in MATLAB are introduced. This approach provides students with a solid foundation that facilitates the transition to more active learning methodologies.
Starting from topic 5 (Modular programming: functions), the flipped classroom approach is introduced. In this format, in-person sessions become active learning spaces for applying knowledge previously acquired through individual or group work. To support this, study materials (videos, annotated examples, and introductory exercises) are provided in advance. Class time is then devoted to collaborative problem-solving, error analysis, and in-depth discussion based on the questions that arise. This method encourages greater student engagement and promotes autonomous and meaningful learning.
The practical program is organized into regular two-and-a-half-hour sessions. In each session, the topics covered in theory classes are applied as immediately as possible.
An initial practical session is scheduled to introduce students to the USC computer classrooms and the online teaching platform used throughout the course. This platform serves as support for some theoretical content and as the main repository for all practical materials, guides, problems, and their solutions.
The course is fully integrated with the subjects "Mathematics" and "Fundamentals of Chemical Processes," serving as a support for both in learning the computing environments needed for their practical work.
MATLAB will be used in the sessions held in the computer lab.
The knowledge areas Con02 and Con18 are covered in both the theoretical and practical components of the course and are explicitly assessed through tests conducted during the semester.
Regarding competence Comp08, the course emphasizes creativity and critical thinking, evaluating different strategies for problem-solving in both theoretical and practical contexts.
Skills H/D05, H/D07, and H/D09 are especially developed in relation to time management for autonomous learning and the application of knowledge in solving problems through the assignments students are required to complete during the practical sessions.
Assessment is divided into two separate components: theory (40%) and practice (60%), both of which must be passed independently.
Theory (40% of the final grade)
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The final theory grade will be calculated as a weighted average of:
- Final written exam (75%), including multiple-choice questions and exercises to be developed.
- Mandatory activities (25%), which include:
* Participation in flipped classroom sessions (topics 5 to 7).
* Group work and in-class presentation during the group tutorial sessions, which will take place over two weeks starting on November 18. Attendance at these group tutorial sessions is mandatory.
This component will assess knowledge areas Con02 and Con18, as well as competence Comp08.
A minimum score of 4.5/10 in this component (weighted average) is required to pass the course.
Practice (60% of the final grade)
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The practical evaluation consists of two components:
- Evaluated practice (PE): assignment submission on November 8 (2 points).
- Practical exam (E): individual test during the week of December 8 to 12 (4 points).
The final practice grade (FP) will be calculated as the geometric mean of PE and E.
This component will assess skills and competencies H/D05, H/D07, and H/D09.
A minimum score of 4.5/10 in FP is required to pass the course. Class attendance will not be graded.
Resit:
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- Theory (40%): assessed through a written exam covering all course content.
Note: flipped classroom and tutorial activities cannot be resubmitted, so the theory grade in this session will be based 100% on the exam.
- Practice (60%): the grade obtained during the course (PE and E) will be retained. There will be no reassessment in this session.
Additional considerations
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In the case of fraudulent conduct in exercises or exams, the regulations on the evaluation of academic performance and grade review will be applied.
According to the ETSE plagiarism policy (approved by the School Board on 19/12/2019), total or partial copying of any theoretical or practical exercise will result in failing the course in both sessions, with a grade of 0.0 in both cases.
For the study of the subject, it is recommended to do all the exercises in the problem and practice bulletins, both those that are solved in the practice sessions themselves and those that are proposed.
It is strongly recommended to use the tutorials to resolve doubts regarding these problems or any content of the subject. This is especially important with the model of continuous evaluation of practices, since some content is based on the previous ones, which makes it very convenient to have assimilated the previous topics before trying to understand the new ones.
Jesus Maria Rodriguez Presedo
- Department
- Electronics and Computing
- Area
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Phone
- 881816433
- jesus.presedo [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Eduardo Manuel Sánchez Vila
- Department
- Electronics and Computing
- Area
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Phone
- 881816466
- eduardo.sanchez.vila [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Olinda Nelly Condori Fernandez
Coordinador/a- Department
- Electronics and Computing
- Area
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- n.condori.fernandez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: LOU (Organic Law for Universities) PhD Assistant Professor
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| 13:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom A2 |
| Tuesday | |||
| 13:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom A2 |
| Wednesday | |||
| 16:00-18:30 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Galician | Computer Room I2 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS02 | Classroom A3 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS03 | Classroom A3 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS04 | Classroom A3 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS05 | Classroom A3 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS06 | Classroom A3 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS07 | Classroom A3 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A3 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Classroom A3 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Classroom A3 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Classroom A3 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS01 | Classroom A3 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Classroom A4 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Classroom A4 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Classroom A4 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS01 | Classroom A4 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS02 | Classroom A4 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS03 | Classroom A4 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS04 | Classroom A4 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS05 | Classroom A4 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS06 | Classroom A4 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS07 | Classroom A4 |
| 12.19.2025 09:15-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A4 |
| 06.23.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.23.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.23.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.23.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS01 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.23.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS02 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.23.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS03 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.23.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS04 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.23.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS05 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.23.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS06 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.23.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /TI-ECTS07 | Classroom A1 |
| 06.23.2026 09:30-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A1 |