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MA50174: Topics in applied computation

[Page last updated: 05 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Mathematical Sciences
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
MA50174 Coursework (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: You must have some programming experience and knowledge of basic numerical methods to take this unit.
Aims: To enable students to develop a critical understanding of numerical techniques relevant to applied mathematics and gain experience of the practical implementation of these techniques to a wide range of problems.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the unit the students should be able to:
* Use Python for mathematical and scientific computation;
* Choose, implement and critically appraise the performance of numerical methods for solving problems in applied maths.

Skills: Mathematical programming (T, A)
Understanding numerical algorithms (T, A)
Applying numerical methods to scientific problems (T, A)

Content: The unit will be convened by an academic with experience in applied numerical methods. Under the guidance of the unit convenor, students will construct a programme of study appropriate to their background and interests based on understanding numerical algorithms, their implementation in Python, and application to practical problems. Students will learn through a combination of directed reading, guided problem solving, discussion groups, appropriate lectures from other units.

Topics and applications may be chosen from:: Mathematical programming with Python; direct and iterative solvers for linear algebraic systems; singular value decomposition; eigendecomposition; unconstrained minimization; nonlinear algebraic systems; interpolation theory; numerical integration; initial value problems; convergence and stability; stiff systems; boundary-value problems; finite difference methods; graph partitioning; information network;, electrical networks; population dynamics; medical imaging; flow in random media; combustion.

Programme availability:

MA50174 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Mathematical Sciences

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
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