Program Overview

MATH3976: Mathematical Computing (Advanced)

Unit Description

This unit of study provides an introduction to mathematical computing and numerical analysis. Topics covered include floating-point arithmetic and computational errors, solution of (systems of) equations, numerical integration and differentiation, interpolation and approximation of functions, numerical methods to approximate solutions of differential equations, and basic concepts of numerical optimization with applications. This unit will cover the mathematical theory of numerical methods and their implementation in a modern programming language.

Unit Details and Rules

• Study level: Undergraduate
• Academic unit: Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
• Credit points: 6

Enrolment Rules

• Prerequisites: A mark of 65 or above in [(12 credit points of MATH2XXX) or (6 credit points of MATH2XXX and 6 credit points of STAT2XXX or DATA2X02)]
• Corequisites: None
• Prohibitions: MATH3076 or MATH4076
• Assumed knowledge: Strong skills in linear algebra and the theory and methods of ordinary and partial differential equations for example (MATH2961 and MATH2965) or (MATH2921 and MATH2922)

Learning Outcomes

• LO1. Apply the basic ingredients of any programming language including syntax, definition of variables, control structures and memory management
• LO2. Investigate and resolve sources of error in numerical computation
• LO3. Explain how binary and floating-point decimal numbers are represented on a computer
• LO4. Leverage and compute linear operations on data
• LO5. Create numerical routines using fundamental numerical methods to solve computational problems in science, engineering and mathematics
• LO6. Create reports, that combine a description of a practical problem, its numerical framing and the results of computation to solve this problem.

Unit Availability

The unit is available in the following sessions:

• Semester 1 2025: Normal day, Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
• Semester 1 2026: Normal day, Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
• Previous years: Various sessions and locations available.