Interdisciplinarity
Computer Science 201 and 202
During my freshman year at UMBC, I took CMSC 201 and 202 over two semesters. These classes provided me with an introduction to computer science through computer programming and problem solving. Computer science involves a way of thinking that is different from traditional engineering approaches. This experience has taught me different ways to approach a problem that my mechanical engineering peers lack. The knowledge that can be gained through computer science can be applied to any engineering situation and simplify problem solving.
Both classes were four credits a piece, totaling about 360 hours, based on the below approximation. The classes lasted between the Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 semesters and included lecture time, discussions, and outside work. I spent a large portion of my time independently solving problems and seeking out help when necessary. Due to the time commitment, this experience can be classified as a Gold level experience.
Reflection of Experience
When I was taking these computer science classes, I didn’t really understand what engineering meant or even what college really was. I think that these courses helped me to grow as a person and learn how to approach a class that I was struggling with. Reflecting back on these courses, I know that coding was not the path for me, but I am thankful for the exposure to programming I received that many of my mechanical engineering peers lack.
My experience taking computer science courses contributed towards my understanding of and participation in perspectivism. I think that by taking these computer science classes, I have the ability to approach an engineering problem differently than my peers. The perspectives I learned from my computer science instructors has provided me with insight that has helped me in my mechanical engineering classes. For instance, I was able to take the concepts I learned from my computer science courses and apply them through MATLAB coding in other mechanical engineering classes. I am more likely to utilize coding in my classes which helps me to understand and complete the material faster.
Learning Objectives
My experience taking computer science courses contributed towards my understanding of and participation in perspectivism. I think that by taking these computer science classes, I have the ability to approach an engineering problem differently than my peers. The perspectives I learned from my computer science instructors has provided me with insight that has helped me in my mechanical engineering classes. For instance, I was able to take the concepts I learned from my computer science courses and apply them through MATLAB coding in other mechanical engineering classes. I am more likely to utilize coding in my classes which helps me to understand and complete the material faster.
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This coursework helped me to learn to integrate computer science and mechanical engineering. I learned how to program in my computer science classes using two different programming languages. This prior experience has helped me to easily pick up the common engineering programming language, MATLAB, and apply it to my current courses.