MA209-5-SP-CO:
Numerical Methods

The details
2022/23
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Monday 16 January 2023
Friday 24 March 2023
15
28 April 2022

 

Requisites for this module
MA185
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BSC G1G4 Mathematics with Computing (Including Year Abroad),
BSC G1G8 Mathematics with Computing (Including Foundation Year),
BSC G1GK Mathematics with Computing,
BSC G1IK Mathematics with Computing (Including Placement Year)

Module description

This module aims to develop students as modern-day mathematicians, equipping them with ability to understand and solve a problem using numerical methods and appropriate software. Students will develop their practical skills using software for scientific computations (Matlab or Octave), while understanding and appreciating the mathematical background and properties of algorithms they use.

Module aims

1. An introduction to practical computations
2. Solving single nonlinear equations
3. Solving systems of linear equations
4. Numerical solution of ordinary differential equations
5. Interpolation of univariate functions

Module learning outcomes

On completion of the module, students should be able to:

1. Appreciate the processes and pitfalls of mathematical approximation
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the context and scope of mathematical computing
3. Motivate and describe the derivation of the numerical methods covered in the module
4. Carry out simple numerical calculations `by hand`
5. Implement algorithms in Matlab
6. Evaluate, contrast and reflect upon the numerical results arising from different algorithms.

Module information

Syllabus
1. Programming and efficient computations in Matlab:
Factors affecting performance and numerical accuracy of the program
Good programming practices

2. Solving single nonlinear equations:
Bisection method
Newton-Raphson method

3. Numerical linear algebra:
Gaussian elimination
Partial pivoting
Iterative methods

4. Numerical solution of ordinary differential equations:
Euler method
Runge-Kutta methods
Linear multi-step methods

5. Interpolation:
Polynomial interpolation
Optimal interpolation points
Fourier and trigonometric series

Learning and teaching methods

Teaching in the department will be delivered using a range of face to face lectures, classes and lab sessions as appropriate for each module. Modules may also include online only sessions where it is advantageous, for example for pedagogical reasons, to do so.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Assignment 1      
Coursework   Assignment 2      
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
20% 80%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
20% 80%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Dmitry Savostyanov, email: d.savostyanov@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Dmitry Savostyanov
d.savostyanov@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
Yes
No

External examiner

Prof Stephen Langdon
Brunel University London
Professor
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 33 hours, 33 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information

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