This course is aimed at students studying in science, engineering or economics who need to understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of the important algorithms and techniques of scientific computing, focussing on the areas of linear algebra and optimisation. Students are encouraged to apply their learning to a specific research problem of their choosing.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Use sophisticated scientific computing and visualisation environments to solve application problems
2. Critically analyse and interpret results produced by computer algorithms
3. Explain the effects of errors in computation and how such errors affect solutions
4. Apply the algorithms to more complex situations in applied mathematics and related disciplines

Assessment will be based on:

• Four written assignments involving maths and programming problems  (40%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Individual project, extending application of a chosen algorithm to a mathematics or programming problem (30%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Open-book examination (30%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)