Teaching Physical System Modeling at the University of Arizona
Abstract
This paper deals with the subject of teaching university students the art of
physical system modeling, a topic notoriously downplayed in the education of
our future scientists and engineers. It is shown that, although modeling is
truly an "art" and not a "science," it is not a "black
art," i.e., it is a subject that can indeed be taught successfully, since
it observes a set of general rules and practices - almost like a science.
Moreover, computer programs can be provided that gently push the user towards
following recommended procedures in the making of physically sound models, that
help him or her in verifying the consistency and completeness of these models,
and support him or her in detecting errors and unraveling shortcomings in them.
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Last modified: December 13, 2005 -- © François Cellier