73312 - Introduction To Numerical Methods

Learning outcomes

A successful learner from this course will be able to: a) deal with numerical analysis topics such as: accuracy, truncation and round-off errors, condition numbers, convergence, stability, curve-fitting, interpolation, numerical differentiation and integration, numerical linear algebra; b) deal with numerical methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations, with finite difference and finite element methods for parabolic and elliptic partial differential equations, applications of computer programs to case studies derived from civil engineering practice.

Course contents

The course will cover fundamental topics in numerical computation, including in particular:

- Computer arithmetic;

- Solution of systems of linear and nonlinear equations;

- Least squares approximation and data filling;

- Polynomial and spline interpolation.

Throughout the course, lectures will be supported by computer laboratory sessions, during which the Matlab software will be used for experimenting with numerical phenomena and solving practical problems.

Readings/Bibliography

Learning material, including slides, exercises and quizzes will be provided throughout the course and will be made available for download to all students enrolled in the course.

Further optional reading:

- U. Ascher, C. Greif, A first course in Numerical Methods, SIAM, 2011.

- A. Quarteroni, R. Sacco and F. Saleri, "Numerical Mathematics, Second Ed.", Springer, 2007.

- M.T. Heath, "Scientific Computing. An introductory survey", McGraw-Hill, 1997.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures and lab sessions.

Assessment methods

The final examination is divided into two parts, taking place the same day:

1. A 16-question quiz to be done in 16 minutes. Right answer: 1 point, wrong answer: -0.5 point; answer not given: 0 point.
2. Two exercises to be carried out in Matlab. Allocated time: 1 hour.

Both these parts count for a maximum of 16 points, namely the maximum total score is 32. Students whose mark turns out to be greater than 30 will received the "cum laude".

During the exam it is forbidden to consult textbooks, handouts or notes.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Lab facilities.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Palitta