Teaching Control Systems Concepts in a Post-Graduate-Level Course in Civil Engineering

Researchers have debated the relevance of control education and the optimal approach to taking this step. Recent reviews have provided ideas on how to approach the next generation of students. Traditional control courses rely on a conventional methodology with a heavy mathematical focus, but research studies have concluded that an initial reduction on the emphasis on detailed mathematics can be useful to focus on the conceptual level. This paper discusses the potential of simulation tools and 3D simulators for pedagogic purposes. It introduces an alternative laboratory methodology to support post-graduate courses, where students can gain a better understanding of the theory and importance of control, with the use of interactive LiveScripts and complex 3D simulations that integrate the power of computer models and an easy-to-understand interface. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a group of students from an introductory post-graduate course in Civil Engineering on instrumentation and control systems to collect their opinions and comments about the execution of the proposed methodology. This study suggested that the implementation of the proposed methodology could improve student involvement and comprehension.