Using a discrete event simulation program in an engineering probability and statistics course

The discrete event simulation software QUEST is being used in a sophomore level engineering probability and statistics course. This course is required for all engineering students in the school. Students learn about the basics of the QUEST operating environment and how to assemble and run simple simulation models. For more complex systems, the students modify and run existing simulation models that have been developed by the instructors. The simulations are used to illustrate the effects of changing the probability distribution of events on the behavior of a system or to generate random data to be used to analyze a system´s behavior. Besides being used as a random number generator, the assignments provide the students with an understanding of the nature of system simulation (as opposed to analytical analysis). The QUEST-based laboratory assignments are described and assessment results obtained to date are presented.