Application of Mathcad environment in the general course of physics at preparation of experts of engineering specialties

The article discusses a methodological approach to solving problems when studying the topic «Harmonic oscillations» in the course of general physics using the Mathcad software package when training specialists in engineering specialties. In the course of the research, the scientific literature was theoretically analyzed, the experience of using teaching methods was studied. The methodological basis of the research is an integrated approach that combines traditional forms of teaching and learning using the Mathcad software package. An illustrative principle of teaching and presenting information is given on the example of two tasks to demonstrate the capabilities of the Mathcad software package in the classroom in higher education institutions. The considered examples are given in general form without numerical calculations, when supplemented with numerical values and changing the initial conditions, it is possible to increase the number of possible tasks based on the given templates. The methodical approach is introduced into the educational process. As a result of observation of the lessons, the results obtained were summarized and systematized. It is proposed to supplement the solution of these problems with the help of computer modeling with an analytical solution for comparing and checking the results obtained. The introduction of the proposed methodological approach into the educational process demonstrates an increase in students' motivation to master the discipline as a whole; the acquisition by students of the skills of using computer programs to solve professionally oriented problems; presentation of educational material in a visual form; saving study time, etc. Solving problems of applied content encourages students to independently establish intersubject connections in natural-mathematical and special disciplines at different levels and contributes to the transfer of knowledge from one field of science to another. The approach used encourages students to independently model oscillating processes to study the operation of various devices and structures. Using the considered methodology for solving the above examples in the Mathcad environment, students can master not only mathematical competencies, but also additionally related to information processing; to gain the skills of analysis and search for optimal solutions, which is inherent in engineering specialties.