AMAT 21262: Scientific Computing using appropriate software I

Course Code : AMAT 21262

Title : Scientific Computing using appropriate software I

Pre-requisites : AMAT 12253

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this unit, the student should be able to

1. use the software for interactive mathematical computations
2. build 2D and 3D plots for a given application
3. create script and function files using the software development environment
4. use basic flow structures
5. select appropriate numerical methods in the software environment for root finding applications.

Course Contents:

Introduction to software:

Software as a calculator, basic mathematical functions, variables, vectors, accessing elements of arrays and array manipulation, built-in functions, scripts, plotting: 2D plot, sub-plot, 3D plot: mesh generation, surface plot, and contour plot.

Programming:

Data types, Boolean evaluation, decision structures: if, if-else, if-elseif and switch structures, good programming practices, function files, Loop: for and while, specific commands: break, continue and pause, error checking and displaying, calling function files: function handles, anonymous functions, passing parameters.

Data import and export:

Input methods: handle user response and data import from files, output methods: displaying output, writing, and amending output to a file.

Implementation of Numerical Methods:

Roots of nonlinear equations using Graphical method, Bisection method, False Position method, Newton Raphson method, Secant method and modified Secant method, built-in functions for root finding problems, finding maxima and minima of functions using root-finding methods

Method of Teaching and Learning : A combination of lectures and computer laboratory sessions.

Assessment : Based on tutorials, tests and end of course examination.