Scientific Computing
- Course-code: CompSci 1012,CompSci 1012BR
- Year-level: 1
- Study-units: 3
- Contact: 36 hrs lectures, 12 hrs tutorials, 20 hrs supervised practical classes
Course Offerings
Why should I study Scientific Computing?
Many everyday problems in Engineering, Science, and Finance can be
expressed in a mathematical form, yet the resulting equations cannot
be solved exactly by mathemtics.
A computer can be used to calculate an accurate (but approximate) solution
to the problem, and can display the result in graphical form.
There are many standard techniques for solving problems numerically, and
some widely used software tools.
If your career is likely to involve modelling real-world systems using
mathematical equations, you should enrol in this course.
What will I learn?
The course has three main themes: - Matlab programming
which will introduce you to the Matlab programming tool that can be used
to solve very advanced numerical problems
- Numerical techniques
which will show you a variety of techniques for modelling and solving
equations
- Excel spreadhseets
which will show how Excel can be used to solve smaller problems
Matlab is a very comprehensive programming environment that is
specifically designed for large scale, accurate, numerical computation.
You will learn how to use Matlab effectively, undestand some of its
limitations
The numerical techniques section will show you how to: - Solve systems of linear equations;
- Find roots and maxima/minima of equations;
- Perform simulations using random numbers
- Find optimal solutions to problems
- Process images
- Compute statistics
The Excel part of the course will show how to use this widely-available
tool to solve problems in modelling and optimisation
What should I know before I enrol?
The course presumes mathematical knowedge equivalent to SACE stage 2.
You are assumed to know plane geometry, trigonometry, simple matrix
mathematics, and basic differential and integral calculus.
While prior programming experience is not necessary (we will teach the
fundamentals during the course) you will find the course easier
if you have programmed before.
How will my performance be assessed?
Your performance in the course will be assessed in three ways:
- Practical exercise marks will contribute between
30% and 40% to your final score.
- The final exam usually contributes the remainder of
the marks.
- Tutorials are not usually assessed.
However, we do record your attendance.
The precise details of assessment vary from year to year, and will
be explained at the first lecture.
What comes next?
There is no course that directly follows on from Scientific Computing.
However, the skills you learn will be applicable in a number of other
computer science courses, such as:
- Computer networks and applications
- Computer vision
- Computer architecture
What do students think of this course?
From time-to-time, we ask students to give their opinion of this course,
and allow the lecturers to respond to the evaluation.
The most recent results, labelled 'courseEvaluation', and 'courseResponse'
are here:
Handy information
Here are some links to information that you may find useful:
Disclaimer
The information presented here should apply to most students.
It is possible, however, that special conditions may apply to you.
You can find out by reading the
University Calendar program rules
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