Using interactive tools to create an enthusiasm for control in aerospace and chemical engineers

The efficacy of virtual laboratories in supporting student learning is now well accepted. This paper builds on that assumption and considers where there are obvious gaps in provision and a need for a response to typical student criticisms. Specifically here, the focus is on students who complete a control course and do not understand why they have studied it, why it is relevant and so forth. Four new interactive laboratories are introduced which are designed for aerospace engineers and chemical engineers. The former two focus on a context, to help aerospace students see a scenario where lead and lag design might be needed. The latter two, for chemical engineers, focus on uncertainty and why control is therefore essential to ensure good process outcomes.