Reflective Journal of Engineering and Computing - Essay Example

Week 1 In the first week, there were no tutorials and thus, I felt a bit relaxed. I was confident that I will make great achievements this semester since I was already used to the system. I began the semester with a rich background knowledge, which I believed would assist me attain my goals. In the previous semester, my scores were two DI, one HD, and one C, and I am aiming at higher grades this semester. After I attended lectures and met my professors, I came to realize that Physics as well as Maths are easy, and so is Introduction to Engineering design. Engineering and Computing is my only problem since I am still not sure what the subject is about, but I am planning to work on it. In the lab for Engineering Design, some AutoCAD’s basic commands were taught. It was easy but, there were several exercises to be done in two hours. Hence, no one was able to complete the exercises within that time. On Thursday, there was an Engineering Design workshop, which was proposed by Dr Anthony Parker. He explained a number of models that should assist us to design an ocean vessel. Week 2 In the second week, lessons started since during the first week we revised some subjects for the previous semester. We started learning Mathematics as well as Introduction to Engineering Design. In the lesson for Introduction to Engineering Design, we learned the basics of AutoCAD. The lecturer also introduced us to the initial design challenge for ocean vessel. In the Mathematics class, we studied matrices as our first topic and it was very easy. During this week, we also began tutorials and labs for most subjects, including Mathematics, Introduction to Engineering Design and Physics. The week marked the start of serious studying. Week 3 In the third week, there was a lot of work at hand, including Physics, Engineering and Computing and Engineering Design. In the course of the week, the lecturer for Engineering and Computing explained several concepts for Matlab. We were divided into groups for the project of designing ocean vessel, and my group started meeting between 4 and 6 in the evening at the library. We started writing our first experiment’s report for the ocean vessel design, and every group member was assigned one or two sections of the report. Moreover, we began drawing our vessel in AutoCAD. I found Mathematics and Physics to be easy. Week 4 During this week, all the lectures went normal. However, in the tutorials, lessons started get harder, and more advanced. Despite this, I was still hopeful that I will attain academic excellence in all the subjects. We finished the topic of matrices in Mathematics and the lecturer made sure that we tackled all the questions, and we were all set for the mid-semester assessment. The mid-semester assessment covered only the lessons for the four weeks, and thus, I decided to apply for Mathematics 2. I had previously done the same subject in RMIT University for physics and everything was the same. In the computing subject, I experienced some difficulties in understanding the questions, and the two hours assigned for lab work was not adequate to complete the exercise, particularly for non-native speakers. Accordingly, during my free time, I tried revising the subject, and where necessary sought the assistance of our Engineering and Computing tutor for better understanding of the subject. Moreover, we did a test for Engineering Design and I expected to excel in it. Week 5 In this week, we sat for first written test in Physics. We also began our second challenge for designing a model truss bridge. During the lecture, the tutor explained the steps to follow to build the bridge. In Maths, I had not yet gotten the approval for my application; hence, I went for the usual class, which was easy. In Engineering and Computing, we studied interactive computation, which involved vectors, matrices and arrays. I faced less difficulties compared to previous computing lessons, which showed that I am starting to understand the subject. Week 6 In the sixth week, the Introduction to Engineering Design tutor introduced some kinds of bridges, after which he explained the structure along with the dimensions needed for the truss bridge. He also showed us the materials for building the bridge. My group arranged for time to write the report and build the bridge. In the AutoCAD lab, we did the first test on 2D drawing, which I got high scores. Week 7 In this week, I scored 100% in AutoCAD but, I struggled a bit in Matlab. However, I tried my best to understand it. In Engineering Design, the teacher shared out the materials for building the bridge. My group started building the bridge in order to complete it before the product-testing date. Week 8 There were many things to complete in the eighth week. First, the glue used on the bridge had to dry, and thus, we were supposed to complete the bridge five days prior to the product-testing day. There was also a quiz for forces/tension bridge, and truss bridge. We were also required to submit the Engineering and Computing mini project in four-week time. My group was sure of scoring good marks for the bridge testing and quiz. Everything ran smoothly in the online quiz for Matlab. So far, my only worry was in the Engineering and Computing mini-project. I looked forward to receiving my results back, in order to decide the way forward. Week 9 I had already done a lot of things prior to the break for mid-semester. On Monday, I submitted the Engineering and Computing mini-project. In Introduction to Engineering Design, we began a new challenge about making battery charger. In Physics 2, we were required to use our knowledge to design the correct circuit. Despite that, I was excited to take the break. Week 10 We returned to school from the mid-semester break feeling a bit relaxed. We began the week with a lab for Introduction to Engineering Design, which entailed designing the battery charger. We were taught how to do it, and the tutor said we take time after the class to complete it. Thus, each group sat in a different corner to work on the charger. I continued working on the project for Engineering and Computing. In physics, we sat for the third quiz, which was online. Week 11 During this week, we did the battery design, which was the final experiment for Introduction to Engineering Design. We gathered all the necessary data for writing the report, which was due in two-week time. In AutoCAD, we had the last class prior to the second and last test. Additionally, we gave the instructor the blue sheet, which highlighted our progress in the course. We also finished all Physics lessons, and did the last lab, which was the simplest of all. Week 12 I began this week by sitting for the AutoCAD test, which comprised of two 3D drawings. I performed well in the test and managed to get 65%. My only mistake was that I did not use the ‘union’ command to unite the shapes, and forgot to complete the dimension as well. Moreover, I completed the Engineering and Computing mini-project and submitted it on the last day. In addition, the Physics teacher posted an online quiz, which was to be completed in two-week time. On the battery experiment, we began writing the report as it was due in week 13, and everything worked according to our plan. Read More