A new course on computer methods in electromagnetics

With the prolification of computers in university campuses, there is a significant need to introduce more courses on "computer methods" in the engineering curriculum. This paper summarizes our two-year experience with a new "computer techniques in electromagnetics" course which we introduced as an elective for seniors. Main features of the new course include: 1) The inclusion of the Finite Difference method for solving engineering problems formulated in terms of partial differential equations as well as the Method of Moments for solving integral equations, 2) The Finite Element was also introduced and special emphasis were placed on derivation of the functionals to be minimized using this method, 3) The Finite Difference method was used to solve modern engineering problems such as the design of microstrip transmission lines and eigenvalue problems such as waveguides of arbitrary cross sections, and 4) The Method of Moment was used to solve static and dynamic field problems including radiation from linear antennas and scattering from two-dimensional inhomogeneous dielectric objects. Key steps in developing the course will be discussed and results from the various computer programs written by the students will be presented.