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@@ -1,44 +1,49 @@
\section{Algorithmic thinking}\label{algorithmic-thinking}
-\subsection{Learning Objectives}\label{learning-objectives}
-
-By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
-
-\begin{itemize}
-\tightlist
-\item
- Apply algorithmic thinking to solve engineering problems using
- computational tools.
-\item
- Translate engineering problems into structured programming logic.
-\item
- Use software tools to implement, test, and refine engineering
- solutions.
-\end{itemize}
+In engineering, solving a problem begins long before we start coding or
+building models. Like any other engineering challenge, computational
+problems must first be clearly framed and understood. In this section,
+you will learn to \textbf{apply algorithmic thinking} to systematically
+approach engineering problems, \textbf{translate real-world situations
+into structured programming logic}, and \textbf{use computational tools
+to implement, test, and refine solutions}.
+
+Before diving into code, it's crucial to define the problem carefully,
+frame the problem so that logically so that a computer can understand
+then execute so that
\subsection{Define the Problem}\label{define-the-problem}
-Like many other classes we need to frame the problem before working it.
-So before jumping straight into coding or building models, clearly
-define the engineering problem.
+As any other engineering problem, we need to frame it before we can
+start working on it. So before jumping straight into coding or building
+models, clearly define the engineering problem.
-\begin{itemize}
+\begin{enumerate}
+\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
- \textbf{List knowns and unknowns.} What inputs are given? What outputs
- are required?
+ List your givens, this includes any constants or equations. What
+ inputs do we know?
\item
- \textbf{Establish system constraints and assumptions.} Identify
- physical laws, design requirements, and performance limits.
+ Find: List what you're trying to solve for. What outputs do we need to
+ find?
\item
- \textbf{Clarify computational objectives.} What are you trying to
- calculate, simulate, or optimize?
-\end{itemize}
+ Establish the assumptions based on your engineering knowledge that you
+ deem to be appropriate to use for the problem. This determines what
+ mathematical models we can apply to the problem (i.e.~equations or
+ formulas).
+\item
+ Solution: Show the works of the problem, this will include any code
+ used together with documentation or any explanations of the code.
+\item
+ Comment: reflect and comment on your findings.
+\end{enumerate}
\subsection{Think Algorithmically}\label{think-algorithmically}
-Since we are going to use computers to calculate our solution we first
+Since we are going to use computers to compute our calculate we first
need to break the problem into logical steps that a computer can follow.
+This can be done with tools such as flowchart or psuedo-code.
\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
@@ -49,79 +54,69 @@ need to break the problem into logical steps that a computer can follow.
\textbf{Break the problem into sub-tasks.} Identify steps such as data
input, logic processing and output.
\item
- \textbf{Outline the algorithm.} Write pseudocode or flowcharts that
+ \textbf{Outline the algorithm.} Write pseudo-code or flowcharts that
describe the computational steps.
\item
\textbf{Identify patterns or formulas.} Can loops, conditionals, or
equations be used to automate parts of the solution?
\end{itemize}
-\textbf{Example:} For processing stress-strain data: 1. Import data from
-a file. 2. Convert force and displacement to stress and strain. 3. Plot
-the stress-strain curve. 4. Identify the yield point or modulus.
+\subsubsection{Flowchart for fixing
+lamp}\label{flowchart-for-fixing-lamp}
-\subsection{Write \& Execute the Code}\label{write-execute-the-code}
+\begin{figure}
+\centering
+\includegraphics{figures/LampFlowchart.png}
+\caption{Lamp Flowchart}
+\end{figure}
-\begin{itemize}
+\subsubsection{Psuedo-Code for processing and plotting stress-strain
+data:}\label{psuedo-code-for-processing-and-plotting-stress-strain-data}
+
+\begin{enumerate}
+\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
- \textbf{Choose the right tools.} Are there libraries I can use to get
- to my objective more effectively?
+ Import force and displacement data from file.
\item
- \textbf{Write modular code.} Use functions to separate different tasks
- (e.g., reading data, computing values, plotting).
+ Convert data from force and displacement to stress and strain.
\item
- \textbf{Check for syntax and logic errors.} Debug line-by-line using
- print statements or a debugger.
-\end{itemize}
+ Plot the stress-strain curve.
+\item
+ Identify the yield point or modulus.
+\end{enumerate}
-\textbf{Example:} Write a Python script that uses NumPy and Matplotlib
-to load a CSV file, compute stress and strain, and generate plots.
+\subsection{Write \& Execute the Code}\label{write-execute-the-code}
-\subsection{Test and Validate}\label{test-and-validate}
+When writing the code it is important to ask yourself whether you're
+using the right tools, libraries or method to solve the problem.
+\textbf{Check for any syntax and logic errors} then debug line-by-line
+using print statements or by using a debugging tool.
-\begin{itemize}
-\tightlist
-\item
- \textbf{Assess the feasibility of your results.} Do the values align
- with expected physical behavior?
-\item
- \textbf{Compare against established benchmarks.} Validate solutions
- using experimental data, literature values, or known theoretical
- limits.
-\item
- \textbf{Check units and scaling.} Ensure computations are consistent
- with physical meaning.
-\end{itemize}
+\subsection{Verify and Validate}\label{verify-and-validate}
-\textbf{Example:} If your plot shows stress values in the thousands when
-you expect hundreds, check unit conversions in your formula.
+When writing code it is crucial to test and confirm your code. It is
+therefore important to ask yourself the following questions. Does the
+code do what you intended it to do? And, is the mathematical model used
+in the code valid for the current problem?
-\subsection{Case Study: Simulating a Spring-Mass
-System}\label{case-study-simulating-a-spring-mass-system}
+\subsection{Exercise: Design a derivative finding
+algorithm}\label{exercise-design-a-derivative-finding-algorithm}
-\textbf{Scenario:} Model the motion of a mass-spring-damper system using
-a numerical solver.
+Set up the problem and write pseudo-code to calculate the gradient of an
+unknown function.
\begin{enumerate}
\def\labelenumi{\arabic{enumi}.}
\tightlist
\item
- \textbf{Define the Problem:} Set up the differential equation from
- Newton's Second Law.
-\item
- \textbf{Develop a Strategy:} Discretize time, apply numerical
- integration (e.g., Euler or Runge-Kutta).
+ \textbf{Given:}
\item
- \textbf{Execute the Code:} Write a Python function that computes
- motion over time.
+ **Find:
\item
- \textbf{Test the Model:} Compare results with analytical solutions for
- undamped or lightly damped systems.
+ \textbf{Assumptions:}
\item
- \textbf{Refine the Model:} Add adjustable damping and stiffness
- parameters.
+ \textbf{Solution:}
\item
- \textbf{Troubleshoot Issues:} If the model becomes unstable, reduce
- the time step or use a more accurate integrator.
+ \textbf{Comment:}
\end{enumerate}