After sharing our initial success story detailing the Quanser and University of Manchester partnership, educators worldwide frequently asked us: “How exactly did you integrate Quanser’s ecosystem into the courses?” In this blog, I will walk you through some key lab experiences and instructor feedback to illustrate precisely how we executed the integration, reshaped instructor workflows, and established a smoother, more flexible, and highly effective educational experience.
It’s Not Done Until It Works: Inside Quanser’s Campus Integration
At Quanser, we provide turnkey academic solutions that are research-ready and teaching–ready. We believe solutions should be ready to use, allowing academia to focus on what truly matters to their academic mission.
In this case, the integration of Quanser’s solutions at Manchester wasn’t merely about installing new equipment, it represented a comprehensive redesign of curricula and labs. Our team collaborated directly with the faculty, working closely throughout the process. To further streamline the integration, we placed an engineer, Daniel Abara, on the Manchester campus, ensuring close coordination, quick identification of the university’s specific requirements, and alignment with pedagogical goals.
Leveraging Quanser’s extensive experience, working with over 2,500 universities in 80 countries, courses were systematically restructured around Quanser’s ecosystem, and lab content was aligned with standard textbooks. Additionally, the introduction of a campus-wide license for Quanser Intractive Labs(QLabs) greatly facilitated integration with Manchester’s existing infrastructure and significantly expanded student access.
Quanser’s three-step integration process
These three pillars: collaboration, curriculum redesign, and software accessibility laid the foundation for campus level transformation. The next section shows how they play out inside two redesigned courses.
An Academic Centric, Industry Inspired Learning Journey
Modern engineering practice demands a smooth path from theory to hardware. Manchester’s revamped courses now follow a four–step learning model that mirrors that path:
Optimal Control Course
In the Optimal Control course, students first design controllers in MATLAB simulations and Simulink block diagrams widely regarded as the best, most intuitive tools for control engineering. Following this initial stage, students move to engineering PC clusters equipped with QLabs virtual platforms, providing immediate feedback and iterative refinement. Daniel Abara highlights how students benefit from this step: “QLabs Virtual Aero 2 enables our students to test and refine their controllers virtually, without restrictions. This completely eliminates hardware bottlenecks and drastically improves productivity.“
Subsequently, students proceed to the physical labs equipped with Aero2 hardware where Simulink models are deployed to the plant in seconds via QUARC for rapid prototyping. Here they validate their designs in real-world conditions, fine-tune their controllers, and document outcomes in reflective reports comparing virtual simulations and hardware performance. “This workflow mirrors modern industry practices,” Daniel notes, “significantly boosting student confidence and critical thinking.”
State-Space Control & Control Systems 2 Courses
For courses like State-Space Control (MSc) and Control Systems 2 (undergraduate), Quanser’s integrated ecosystem allows students to become thoroughly familiar with experiments via QLabs digital twin simulations ahead of physical lab sessions. As Daniel describes, “When students arrive at the physical lab, they’re already familiar with tasks and concepts. This familiarity dramatically increases lab efficiency, leaving more room for innovation and exploration.“
Throughout lab sessions, students are guided by structured MATLAB live scripts, streamlining their experiments and capturing data automatically. Integrated assessment tasks directly linked to these lab activities greatly simplify grading and feedback processes. “The structured lab manuals and live scripts Quanser provides have significantly reduced our preparation and grading workload,” Daniel adds. “Our instructors now spend more time engaging students creatively rather than worrying about logistics.”
Key Outcomes and Instructor Feedback
After applying the four-step workflow in courses like Optimal Control and State-Space/Control Systems 2, it’s useful to reflect on what has changed. The following metrics and instructor feedback highlight the practical impact this integration has had on Manchester’s curriculum.
Key outcomes and instructor feedback
“Quanser’s structured ecosystem has simplified lab management. We can finally focus on student learning and creativity.”, Daniel Abara. “Prebuilt courseware and assessments slashed our prep workload and improved teaching effectiveness, students explore virtually first, in person lab sessions are far more efficient.”
Conclusion
The comprehensive, collaborative integration between Quanser and the University of Manchester offers a replicable blueprint for institutions seeking industry aligned, high impact engineering education.
Explore how Aero2 and QLabs can elevate your programs, and feel free to contact a Quanser consultant with any questions.
While this edition spotlights the integration process and instructor feedback, upcoming blog will dive into student outcomes, skill growth, project innovation, research impact, and career readiness. Stay tuned for the next edition!
