SENG 112 – ENGINEERING COMPUTATIONAL TOOLS
This set of assignments will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of Microsoft Excel, a powerful
computational tool widely used in engineering.
Assignment 1: Introduction
• Objectives: Understand the role of computational tools in engineering and explore the benefits
of using Excel and MATLAB.
• Tasks:
1. Briefly discuss the importance of computational tools in various engineering disciplines. (2
points)
2. Compare and contrast Excel and MATLAB. Explain why Excel might be a better choice for
certain engineering tasks and vice versa. (4 points)
3. Research and list 5 real-world engineering applications where Excel is used extensively. (4
points)
Assignment 2: Excel Basics
• Objectives: Master fundamental Excel operations, including navigating the interface,
manipulating data, and understanding cell references.
• Tasks:
1. Explain the difference between a worksheet and a workbook. (2 points)
2. Describe the components of an Excel cell address (e.g., A1, B3). (2 points)
3. What are Ranges? (2 points)
4. Explain the concept of relative and absolute cell references. Provide an example of each. (4
points)
5. Excel Formulas: Briefly introduce the concept of Excel formulas and their role in performing
calculations within the spreadsheet. (2 points)
6. Explain the concept of relative and absolute cell references. Provide an example of each. (4
points)
7. Demonstrate how to use the following Excel operations:
i. Entering and editing data in cells. (1 point)
ii. Using the Fill handle to create a sequence of numbers or text. (1 point)
iii. Combining text and numbers within cells and using the fill handle. (1 point)
iv. Moving, copying, and pasting data within the worksheet. (2 points)
v. Deleting unwanted data. (1 point)
vi. Inserting and deleting rows and columns. (1 point)
vii. Using Undo and Redo functionalities. (1 point)
Assignment 3: Working with Data and Formulas
• Objectives: Learn how to perform calculations in Excel using formulas and functions, explore
data organization methods, and apply basic formatting techniques.
• Tasks:
1. Explain the basic mathematical operators used in Excel formulas (+, -, *, /). (2 points)
2. Describe the purpose of using parentheses in formulas. (2 points)
3. Utilize the following Excel functions in practical examples:
i. SUM: Calculate the total of a range of cells. (2 points)
ii. AVERAGE: Find the average of a set of numbers. (2 points)
iii. MAX and MIN: Determine the highest and lowest values, respectively. (2 points)
iv. IF: Make conditional decisions based on a specified test. (3 points)
v. STDEV.P: Calculate the population standard deviation of a data set. (2 points)
vi. STDEV.S: Calculate the sample standard deviation of a data set. (2 points)
vii. SUMIF: Sum values in a range based on a single criterion. (2 points)
4. Explain the benefits of sorting and filtering data in Excel. Provide an example of each. (4
points)
5. Discuss the concept of Excel tables and their advantages over regular data ranges. (2 points)
6. List the steps for removing duplicate entries from a data set. (2 points)
7. Apply basic conditional formatting to highlight cells based on specific criteria (e.g., greater
than a certain value). (2 points)
8. Briefly describe the bar, column, pie, line and radar chart types in Excel and state their use.
(2 points each)
