Unit name | Numerical Methods in Matlab |
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Unit code | EMAT20920 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Homer |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites | |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
This unit is a hands-on introduction to the industry-standard computer package Matlab, and also to the practical implementation of numerical methods and their application to real-world problems.
From the perspective of becoming familiar with Matlab and its syntax, we will discuss concepts such as matrices as the fundamental data-storage unit, array manipulation, control flow, script and function m-files, function handles, graphical output, data input and output. We will also recap the elements of programming style, and why they are essential in writing good code. From the application point of view, the focus will largely be on methods, rather than analysis, although some of the latter will be necessary to understand the sources of error that limit - and guide the choice of - methods in practice. We will consider numerical problems including root-finding, numerical quadrature and differentiation, and initial value ordinary differential equation problems, and implement a range of different algorithms in Matlab to solve them. In doing so we will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of different methods, their speed and stability, and the error propagation that underpins their behaviour.
The overall aim of this unit is to give students practical experience of implementing numerical methods in Matlab.
At the end of this unit students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions or online computer laboratories and problem sheets.
1 Summative Assessment, 100% - Coursework. This will assess all ILOs.