THE INTRODUCTION OF IT COURSE AT PROFESSIONAL STUDY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

In this academic year 2015/2016 at the professional study of Civil engineering IT course "Computer Use in Civil Engineering" was introduced for the first time. As a part of the course, three software packages have been taught: AutoCAD, MS Excel and Maxima. In Civil Engineering, AutoCAD package is used for producing technical drawings, MS Excel for developing spreadsheets and solving simple mathematical problems, while Maxima is suitable for manipulating symbolic and numerical expressions, including solving complex mathematical problems. The paper considers the course program, objectives of the course and reasons for mastering computer programs AutoCAD, Excel and Maxima. For a better understanding of the course contents, examples of problems are offered for all three software packages. The paper also exhibits outcome for both preliminary and final examinations. At the end, students' opinions on the course, collected by means of a questionnaire, are presented.