| Unit name | Numerical Methods in Matlab |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) | |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one | |
| 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.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EMAT20920).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
