As a future engineer you have to solve all kinds of practical problems. Many of these problems involve mathematics while the original problem doesn’t involve mathematics. Translating a non-mathematical problem into a mathematical version of the problem is called ‘modeling’. In this basic course I learned how to do the mathematical translations and how to program this in Accel (modeling program). It is important as designer that you are able to do this, because with these skills you getting easier and faster a grip on big design challenges.

This course consists out of:
• • Two intermediate tests.
• • Weekly online peer reviews
• • A model with report

I passed the two tests including the online weekly peer reviews. Also the model with the report was graded well.

This model and specifically the report hold a description of the model, which should describe a cost-effective and reliable water network. There are several nodes, which all demand a different amount of water. These nodes are mutually connected with water pipes, which can only change in diameter. This is important in this model because the diameter not only influences the water pressure inside the pipes but also the total cost of the water system. Click here to read the report.

I learned the most from making the model and the report then just learn for the two tests. That is because I prefer learning by doing, because you then you immediately experience the effects from the mistakes you made.

In general I think this was the most interesting and helpful basic course this far. Unlike the other basic courses I have a far more confidence that I am going to use the skills I learned. For example to approximate the costs of a certain design which aren’t possible to estimate by yourself. This is the first basic course which I believe is also multi applicable in different competencies. Modeling is originally a typical Descriptive and Mathematical Modeling course like Calculus or physics. But Modeling can solve problems in multiple competencies which is not the case with Calculus and Physics. With Calculus and Physics you only solve mathematical problems. For example calculating surfaces or speeds. With modeling you can actually calculate non numerical problems like, what is the best placement pattern for lanterns along the street. Therefore I think Modeling is more interesting and useable for me as a designer.