LFU:online

Scientific computing (or computational science and engineering) uses computer simulations in order to understand various phenomena in science and engineering. To that end physical models, such as differential equations or integrals, are discretized and then solved using a numerical algorithm. Since such simulations often run for a long time, the efficient implementation of the corresponding algorithms is very important in practical applications.

In this course we will, in particular, consider:

1) An introduction to a compiled programming language (C++) and Unix. This approach will be compared to interpreted programming languages (such as Matlab or Python).

2) How computers work and how this knowledge can be used to obtain an efficient implementation of a given numerical algorithm.

3) The basics of parallel computing and supercomputers (i.e. high-performance computing)

Towards the end of the course, group projects will be conducted that apply these techniques to a specific mathematical algorithm. Topics of these projects could include: flow over an airfoil, calculation of high-dimensional integrals, deformation of steel girders, calculating the energy levels of an atom, wave propagation, spatially inhomogeneous predator-prey models.

In this course, we will immediately apply all learned concepts on a computer.