Software Description: MATLAB® is a high-level language and interactive environment that enables you to perform computationally intensive tasks faster than with traditional programming languages such as C, C++, and Fortran. It is a numerical computing environment and fourth-generation programming language. Developed by The MathWorks, MATLAB allows matrix manipulation, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs in other languages. Although it is numeric only, an optional toolbox uses the MuPAD symbolic engine, allowing access to computer algebra capabilities. An additional package, Simulink, adds graphical multi-domain simulation and Model-Based Design for dynamic and embedded systems.
Platform: Windows, Mac or Linux
Cost: No charge (Access via App2Go Server)
The VCU College of Engineering has secured a university site license for MATLAB. The license includes MATLAB, Simulink, and all associated toolboxes. The software is available for download on VCU-owned and personally-owned computers and virtually accessible on the App2Go server. The current MATLAB license will expire on June 30, 2021, plus a 30 day grace period. To ensure continued use, users must renew their licenses annually, as described in the Download/Renew tab above.
Usage is limited to:
MATLAB may be accessed by faculty, staff, and students virtually using the App2Go Server. MATLAB on the App2Go server are available to support research projects and are not intended for instructional use.
Although MATLAB runs on the App2Go Server, it appears to be running on your PC. Using a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer, you can access MATLAB via a browser window. You can open, save, and print files from your PC. Documentation on how to use the App2Go Server will provide you details, such as system requirements, installation, opening files, saving files, and printing.
Note: When MATLAB is running, to display all available Toolboxes, select File, Set Path.
All available Simulink tools plus 43 add-ons for use under the VCU MATLAB/Simulink contract. MATLAB gives you the ability to analyze data, develop algorithms, and create mathematical models. Simulink is used to run simulations, generate code, and test and verify embedded systems.
If faculty are unfamiliar with using MATLAB in an online learning environment, this short tutorial about Teaching with MATLAB will help them get started. Teaching resources are available here.
MATLAB may be installed on your VCU-owned computer or personally-owned computer. To use MATLAB on your computer, you will need to download MATLAB, install the software, and enter a VCU license code. The software license must be renewed annually to maintain the functionality of the application.
To download MATLAB, select one of the following to request a VCU MATLAB license and proceed with the download and installation instructions provided in the email. The license will be valid through June 30, 2021.
Students may request a student license for MATLAB and available toolboxes for their personally-owned computers.
Faculty and staff may request a campus license for MATLAB and available toolboxes for their VCU-owned or personally-owned computers.
MATLAB licenses expire in June each year and must be renewed on your computer:
To renew MATLAB, follow these MATLAB renewal instructions.
Applying for the new license only renews your present version of MATLAB. If you wish to upgrade MATLAB, you must download the latest version by following the Download MATLAB step shown above.
There are a variety of training resources available to help you learn MATLAB. MathWorks provides a comprehensive list of courses available to VCU students, faculty, and staff. MathWorks and VCU provide software support.
MATLAB Training for VCU - MathWorks [MathWorks account with VCU email is required.]
The vendor provides software usage support at MATLAB Central, an open exchange community for the MATLAB, and a Simulink user community.
For license and downloading issues and any concerns accessing and running MATLAB on the App2Go server, please contact the IT Support Center.