[eaurouge]

MATLAB isn't too hard to get started on. It is, after all, a high-level language; and I rank it as providing a higher level of abstraction than Ruby and Python. To get started, ask her to read a MATLAB primer[1][2]. That's all she'll need to get started.

Her time is better spent learning to make the most of whichever MATLAB toolboxes she needs for her research. A course on basic linear algebra, and/or other math topics, is also more relevant than learning how to program.

1. http://www.stanford.edu/class/ee278b/matlab_primer.pdf

2. http://faculty.olin.edu/bstorey/Notes/matlab.pdf

Edit: I just want to reiterate that one can use MATLAB without knowing how to program. I see other comments suggesting a full on programming course but she doesn't need this at all. In many engineering courses, first year undergrads can be expected to learn all they need to start "programming" with MATLAB over the course of a weekend.