INTRODUCTION TO SCIENTIFIC COMPUTATION
CP315 FALL 2004 WLU

Course Description

Scientific Computation can be described as the use of numerical methods to solve specific 
problems in engineering and other areas. The course provides an introduction to various methods 
and algorithms in Scientific Computation. Understanding of the material will be solidified 
through programming in C and Maple. Several applications will be analyzed in detail.  

Prerequisites   CP104, MA103, (or MA110*), MA104, MA122, MA205

Instructor   Dr. Ilias S. Kotsireas, Office 2076A, Office Hours: 24/7 and by appointment, Phone 884-0710 ext. 2218  E-Mail ikotsire@wlu.ca

Textbook

Applied Numerical Methods 
for Engineers and Scientists
by Singiresu S. Rao 
ISBN: 0-13-089480-X
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Copyright: 2002

Textbook Support Web Site:
http://www.prenhall.com/rao

Course Website:
http://sauron.wlu.ca/kotsireas/teaching.html

Fall Semester Timetable

              |    Mon     |    Wed     |    Fri     |
              | 1:30-2:20  | 1:30-2:20  | 1:30-2:20  |
              |   BA 111   |   BA 111   |   BA 111   |
______________|____________|____________|____________|_____
              |            |            |            |
Week 1:       |  Sep 13    |   Sep 15   |    Sep 17  |
Week 2:       |  Sep 20    |   Sep 22   |    Sep 24  |
Week 3:       |  Sep 27    |   Sep 29   |    Oct 1   |
Week 4:       |  Oct 4     |   Oct 6    |    Oct 8   |
Week 5:       |  Oct 11*   |   Oct 13   |    Oct 15  |
Week 6:       |  Oct 18    |   Oct 20   |    Oct 22  |
----------------------------------------------------------
Week 7:       |  Oct 25**  |   Oct 27   |    Oct 29  |
Week 8:       |  Nov 1     |   Nov 3    |    Nov 5   |
Week 9:       |  Nov 8     |   Nov 10   |    Nov 12  |
Week 10:      |  Nov 15    |   Nov 17   |    Nov 19  |
Week 11:      |  Nov 22    |   Nov 24   |    Nov 26  |
Week 12:      |  Nov 29    |   Dec 1    |    Dec 3   |
              |  Dec 6***  |            |            | 
______________|__ _________|____________|____________|____
              |            |            |            |
* Thanksgiving, no classes
** Midterm Examination
*** Make-up class for October 11, Thanksgiving

Notes/Overheads

Lecture Topics

  • nonlinear equations
  • systems of nonlinear equations
  • systems of linear equations
  • matrix eigenvalue problems
  • Fast Fourier Transform
  • interpolation
  • curve fitting
  • numerical differentiation
  • numerical integration
  • optimization
  • ordinary differential equations
  • initial-value problems
  • boundary-value problems
  • partial differential equations
  • Finite Elements

Software  

Maple is a Computational Algebra System that allows the user to perform symbolic and numeric computations, visualization, experimentation and much more. Maple will be used extensively in the course assignments as well as the Term Project. Maple is being developed maintained and distributed by Maplesoft. Maple is available in Wilfrid Laurier University labs and the latest release of Maple, Maple 9.5, can also be obtained individually through the Maple Adoption Program.

Course Requirements


Student Evaluation

New Course Drop Dates 2004/2005:

September 10: final day to cancel Fall term and Fall/Winter session registration with no tuition charge (cancellation fee applies)
September 24: final day to drop 12-week and Fall/Winter course(s) or withdraw at 10% tuition charge
November 8: final day to drop course(s) or withdraw from 12-week course(s) without failure and for tuition adjustment
January 3: final day to cancel Winter term registration with no tuition charge (cancellation fee applies)
January 17: final day to drop 12-week course(s) or withdraw at 10% tuition charge
March 7: final day to drop course(s) or withdraw from two-term or 12-week Winter term course(s) without failure and for tuition adjustment

Examination Deferrals:

The Academic Date section of the Calendar (Printed and Web Site Versions) clearly states the examination date period for each semester. Students must note that they are required to reserve this time in their personal calendars for the examinations. The examination period for this course is DECEMBER 9-23, 2004. Students who are considering registering to write MCAT, LSAT or GMAT or a similar examination, should select a time for those examinations that occurs outside the University examination period. For additional information that describes the special circumstances for examination deferment, consult the University calendar.

Student Awareness of the Special Needs Office:

Students with disabilities or special needs, are advised to contact Laurier's Special Needs Office for information regarding its services and resources. Students are encouraged to review the Calendar for information regarding all services available on campus.

Academic and Research Misconduct:

Academic misconduct is an act by a student, or by students working on a team project, which may result in a false evaluation of the student(s), or which represents a deliberate attempt to unfairly gain an academic advantage. Academic misconduct includes: please refer to page 98 in the 2004/2005 Undergraduate Calendar.

Plagiarism Detection Software:

Wlfrid Laurier University uses software that can check for plagiarism. Students may be required to submit their written work in electronic form and have it checked for plagiarism.

STEP: Science & Technology Endowment Program

The Program was established in 1995, with the opening of the New Science Building. Students in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science and Psychology approved a voluntary student contribution program designed to enhance educational experience and opportunities of undergraduate students in these areas. GET INVOLVED