97333 - Introduction to Scientific Computing

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows some of the typical methods for the numerical treatment of certain (systems of) linear differential equations, both theoretically and algorithmically. The student is able to devise and employ computational tools for numerically analyzing simple physical phenomena, with special emphasis on the computer oriented aspects.

Course contents

first and second order (nonlinear) differential equations, with startng values and/or boundary conditions, in one or two variables.


Analysis and approximation of closed forms of solution, using classical numerical strategies.


Variational formulations of elliptic differential problems in one variable.


Stability and convergence analysis of basic methods.


Numerical treatment of first order dynamical systems.


Applications to simple mathematical models of interest in science and other applied areas.

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliography will be included and periodically updated on the course webpage,

https://www.dm.unibo.it/~simoncin/CalcoloScientifico.html

Teaching methods

blackboard in classroom, tablet on computer, computational examples by the lecturer in the matlab environmental software

Assessment methods

Computer lab evaluation with longterm project (with presentation) on topics covered by the course; questions on topics covered during the semester.

Teaching tools

Afternotes, software, scientific articles and other online texts.

Office hours

See the website of Valeria Simoncini