Numerical Techniques

6 EC

Semester 2, period 4

5254NUTE6Y

Owner Master Chemistry (joint degree)
Coordinator David Dubbeldam
Part of

Course manual 2017/2018

Course content

During this course different numerical techniques, which can be used to solve sets of linear and nonlinear equations and differential equations, will be treated. With the aid of a computer several examples of relevant physical problems will be solved.

Study materials

Literature

  • G. Lindfield and J. Penny, 'Numerical Methods using MATLAB' third edition, Elsevier 2012, and a workbook.

Syllabus

  • "Numerical Techniques and Simulation"

Software

  • Matlab

Objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to

• understand and work with numbers on a computer.

• understand and write numerical algorithms using Matlab.

• understand and apply numerical techniques like differentiation, integration, and interpolation.

• understand and apply ordinary and partial differential equations.

•  develop skills by translating physical-chemical phenomena into a mathematical model and to work this out into a numerical formula, with the aid of which the solution of problems is generated.

Teaching methods

  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
  • Self-study

Self study using computer exercises and a one week project.

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Zelfstudie

168

Attendance

The programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

Assessment

Item and weight Details

Final grade

50%

Grade exercises

Allows retake

50%

Grade exam project

Allows retake

The total assessment is based on the exercises for each chapter, and closed with a one-week project. The final grade is based on both with 50% weight.

Inspection of assessed work

Contact your supervisor to make an appointment for inspection.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
1  Numbers and computers  chapter 1+2
2  Direct matrix calculations+iterative methods  chapter 3+4
3  Interpolation, differentiation, integration  chapter 5+6
4  Ordinary differential equations  chapter 7
5  Partial differential equations  chapter 8
6  Molecular Dynamics  chapter 9
7  Monte Carlo methods  chapter 10
8  final one week project  project

Contact information

Coordinator

  • David Dubbeldam