MPH6264 Numerical Methods I

The aim of this module is to introduce students to simple numerical techniques using computers to solve basic problems, which students have never used during their undergraduate studies.

Content:

The first part of this module will introduce students to scientific computing and the role of numerical methods in modeling complicated physical processes on the computer. The structure of this course will involve both lectures and computational hands-on labs to complement the theory learnt in the lectures. Topics, described in detail below, will include numerical recipes (algorithms) for integration, differentiation, differential equations and a gentle introduction to computer programming. The students will learn the basics of FORTRAN programming, which will include hands-on exercises in basic/simple FORTRAN codes. Advanced topics such as numerical linear algebra, Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics will be touched on very briefly in preparation for the second year.