MATLAB Generative AI Course: Practical Exploration of Intelligent Engineering Education

This article introduces the Learning-Engineering-with-GenAI interactive course module launched by MathWorks, exploring the use of generative AI in the MATLAB environment to solve engineering challenges, support the learning of basic engineering concepts, and provide an innovative example of AI-assisted teaching in the field of engineering education. The course integrates generative AI with the MATLAB/Simulink ecosystem, and through progressive module design, helps learners master the application of AI tools and cultivate AI literacy and engineering thinking.

Generative AI is reshaping various industries, and engineering education is no exception. MathWorks launched this course module to help engineering students and teachers understand and apply generative AI technologies. Current engineering education faces dual challenges: students need to understand the capabilities and limitations of AI tools; teachers need to explore integrating AI tools into teaching instead of prohibiting or ignoring them.

The course adopts a three-module progressive design: Module 1 is an introduction to generative AI (terminology, capabilities and limitations, LLM interaction in MATLAB); Module 2 is an introduction to MATLAB/Simulink Copilot (core features, code generation, model analysis); Module 3 is engineering problem-solving practice. Technical features include: interactive Live Scripts (run code directly, real-time visualization), Simulink model integration (system-level design application), multi-disciplinary applicability (covering mechanical, electrical and other engineering disciplines).

The course assumes that learners have basic generative AI knowledge and MATLAB programming skills. Beginners of MATLAB can supplement through MATLAB/Simulink Onramp. Ways to obtain the course: download from MATLAB Central File Exchange, clone from GitHub, or open directly via MATLAB Online. MATLAB, Simulink, Simscape and other products need to be installed; missing ones can be installed via Add-On Explorer.

The course cultivates AI literacy (understanding capability boundaries, ethical considerations); the concept is tool integration rather than replacement, allowing learners to focus on high-level engineering thinking; it emphasizes "learning by doing", with each concept paired with MATLAB/Simulink exercises to transform theory into practical ability.

The course is deeply dependent on the MATLAB ecosystem, and non-MATLAB institutions need to adapt; generative AI technology is developing rapidly, so content needs to be updated regularly (maintained via GitHub); Copilot may require specific licenses, limiting access for some learners.

Enlightenment from the course: AI can serve as a learning partner to enhance the experience; the focus of engineering education needs to shift from code writing to problem definition and solution evaluation; continuous learning is important. Conclusion: This course is a positive response of engineering education to the wave of generative AI. By combining cutting-edge AI with engineering computing platforms, it provides a reference framework for engineering education innovation and cultivates engineering thinking and adaptability in the AI era.