27216 - Calculus for Astronomy

Learning outcomes

Introduction to the numerical algorithms for the solution of typical physical and astrophysical problems and their implementation using a high-level language.

Course contents

Language Fortran90: extension.  
Numerical algorithms for:  roots of equations; systems of linear algebraic equations; statistical description of data;  interpolation of data;   numerical diffraction and integration; ordinary differential equations;   partial differential equations.   Case studies in Fortran90.

Readings/Bibliography

Press et al.   "Numerical Recipes", Cambridge University Press 
Chapra,     Canale  , "Numerical Methods for Engineers, McGraw-Hill  
Lectures Notes prepared by the teacher.

Teaching methods

Video projector, PC, Computing room.

Assessment methods

The final exam is based on: 1) implementation of numerical codes in Fortran90 to solve specific problems presented during the lectures; 2) written reports on the results, discussing: the scientific problem, the numerical methods applied to solve it, the available data, the obtained results and their significance.  The codes and the reports must be sent to the teacher at least 2 working days before the date fixed for the oral exams. The oral exam will include a discussion of the projects (codes and reports) and of the other algorithms discussed during the course. The level of knowledge of the programming language will be also verified.

Teaching tools

Programming techniques are illustrated by specific projects which are designed and implemented in class. During the laboratory hours problems referring to the subject of the lectures are presented to the students for the solution.

Office hours

See the website of Lauro Moscardini