<p>The only programs we extensively used in ChemE were ChemCAD and MATLAB (though a lot of MATLAB work was also done on Polymath and Excel).</p>
<p>Questions:</p>
<ol>
<li>My school doesn't offer a MATLAB course anymore. We're doing dynamic systems and controls soon, and we have no experience in MATLAB (probably only 10% of the class has prior knowledge).</li>
</ol>
<p>I know that, or rather heard from friends that MATLAB is not too hard to learn. Should I be worried? The instructor will probably teach MATLAB on the way, but only sufficient knowledge to do well in the course. How about using MATLAB in other context, like for my senior design project next year? Would I have a tough time translating into different tasks with basic knowledge? </p>
<ol>
<li>My other question is, where can I get a free copy or demo of MATLAB? I know universities offer it, but for mines, I can only access it on the school lab IF I'm enrolled in the course that needs it. I just want to use it play around with it, and see what I can learn from that.</li>
</ol>
<p>I'm not familiar with your major, but how are you so sure that you will need to use Matlab for your senior design project?</p>
<p>I had previous experience programming in C++ and had little to no difficulties programming in Matlab, as long as I had the help menu. It's pretty useful!</p>
<p>No free copy or demo of Matlab as far as I know.</p>
<p>No free copy that I know of either. The 2007a Student version is now $100, I think.</p>
<p>$100 sounds about right. That's what a few of my classmates paid.</p>
<p>You don't need to know much MATLAB for Dynamics and Controls. You will mostly be using Simulink (which is a part of MATLAB). It's very easy to learn what you need to learn for the course.</p>
<p>as a mechE student what are all the software usually needed for the first year? Are they usually provided by the university free or with educational discounts?</p>
<p>*Brahmin,</p>
<p>My sister used AutoCAD, Inventor, 3Ds Max, and Illustrator during her first year as a mechE major. For those that don't know about the Autodesk Student Community, here is their link: Autodesk</a> Student Community: Login
You can download full student versions of Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD Electrical, Autodesk AliasStudio, Autodesk SketchBook Pro, Autodesk Impression, Autodesk VIZ, Autodesk Maya PLE, Autodesk MotionBuilder PLE, AutoCAD Raster Design, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D, Revit Architecture, Revit Structure, Revit MEP, Revit BIM Solution, AutoCAD MEP, and AutoCAD Architecture. You can also download a 30-day trial of Autodesk 3ds Max. You might also want to check with your school, they might sell software at a HUGE discount.</p>
<p>
[quote]
as a mechE student what are all the software usually needed for the first year? Are they usually provided by the university free or with educational discounts?
[/quote]
I only used solidworks during my first year as a ME major.</p>
<p>For those who don't have the money for MATLAB, try GNU Octave, which is free and identically compatible.</p>
<p>Orsche,
that site you mentioned....you can install those software for free?</p>
<p>Autodesk provides most of its titles for free to students at faculty. I believe all you need to do is to register with a .edu email address. To prevent unauthorized commercial use, they put an "Educational Use Only" stamp all around any printouts you make.</p>
<p>*Brahmin, Yes. They are all free, but as ken said, you do have to register with a .edu email address.</p>
<p>Does anyone know what kind of programs M E's might use while working with a company like GE?</p>