MXB326 Computational Methods 2

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Advanced computational methods underpin essentially all modern computer simulations of complex real-world processes. This unit will significantly extend your toolset of computational methods, particularly for the solution of complex partial differential equation models of real phenomena. You will gain critical expertise and experience at building practical, efficient computer codes which will leverage advanced theoretical and algorithmic considerations that draw upon your full range of mathematical and computational knowledge and skills in linear algebra and calculus.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the derivation, limitations and applications of numerical methods for partial differential equations and nonlinear algebraic systems.
2. Formulate and numerically solve relatively complicated mathematical models of real world problems where there is dependence on both time and space.
3. Develop and implement in MATLAB advanced algorithms for solving nonlinear systems of algebraic equations and nonlinear partial differential equations.
4. Engage communication skills through a combination of report writing, code documentation, group collaboration and individual problem-solving.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is strongly practical-based, with much of your learning taking place in the form of practical activities conducted in the computer lab, online and in your own time through guided practical exercises. Here, you will have the opportunity to put in practice the theoretical knowledge you have gained from the weekly lectures. By implementing, experimenting with and profiling the relevant algorithms in MATLAB, you will gain an appreciation for the art and science of algorithm selection and design.
The material presented will be context-based utilising examples from a range of real-world applications and purely mathematical scenarios. The emphasis will be on learning by doing, learning in groups and as individuals, written and oral communication, and developing skills and attitudes to promote life-long learning. You will work with experts and peers to develop effective methods/approaches for communicating, retrieving, evaluating and presenting information.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Formative feedback will be provided for the in-semester assessment items by way of written comments, student perusal of marked assessment pieces and informal interview as required.

Summative feedback will be provided throughout the semester with progressive posting of results via Canvas.

Assessment

Overview

The assessment items in this unit are designed to determine your level of competency in meeting the unit learning outcomes while providing you with a range of tasks with varying levels of skill development and difficulty.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Problem Solving Task

This assessment will consist of a number of MATLAB programming tasks requiring you to implement and apply numerical methods and algorithms demonstrated in lectures and practicals.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Project (applied)

This project will provide you with the opportunity to use computational models and numerical methods to perform simulations of real-world processes and formulate recommendations on best practices to be followed. You will present your findings and recommendations in a professional manner, as if to a group of experts in government, industry or academia, including the programming code developed.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Examination (invigilated)

Exposition of techniques and problem solving, with a distribution of short and long answers required.

The examination will require attendance on QUT campus.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There no out of ordinary risks associated with this unit.