• Description

Numerical methods play an important role in modern science. The approximation of the surface of an airplane and the aerodynamic simulation of the behavior of the surrounding air require the use of numerical methods. Many graphics in the world of computer animation are the result of applying these methods in solving a physical model. Interpolation allows fixing the intermediate positions between an initial and a final state of a body, and the movement of its clothing is given as a numerical solution of differential equations. The treatment of the error of the solutions that are generated allows us to differentiate the error of the algorithm, from the error caused by the finite precision of computers. This course introduces the basic numerical methods applied to engineering and science, as well as the analysis of the approach that their solutions imply.

• The subject within the syllabus as a whole

Any subject in the study plan that requires simulation or approximation of mathematical elements may be based on the ideas developed in this subject.

• Professional fields to which it applies

The simulation and numerical approximation required by any research and development activity has its first steps in the methods covered in this subject

• Prior knowledge

Adequate level of English in order to read technical and scientific documentation in this language. Engineering level in mathematics and programming.

• Information prior to enrolment

Prior knowledge: Adequate level of English in order to read technical and scientific documentation in this language. Engineering level in mathematics and programming.

Planned software: matlab, octave o scilab

• Learning objectives and results

- Know the concepts of error, stability and convergence of an algorithm

- Knows how to choose the appropriate algorithm for each situation.

- Knows how to apply the basic numerical techniques that appear in problems

scientific and engineering.

- Knows how to correctly interpret the results obtained with a numerical algorithm.

- Extracts the general meaning of texts that contain non-routine information

within a known scope.

- Use software for online communication: interactive tools (web, moodle,

blogs ..), email, forums, chat, video-conferences, tools

collaborative work

• Content

Computer errors and error propagation

Systems of linear equations

Interpolation by polynomials

Numerical differentiation

Numerical integration

Nonlinear equations

Ordinary differential equations

• Guidelines on assessment at the UOC

The assessment process is based on students' own work and the assumption that this work is original and has been carried out by them.

In assessment activities, the following irregular behaviours, among others, may have serious academic and disciplinary consequences: someone else being involved in carrying out the student's assessment test or activity, or the work being not entirely original; copying another's work or committing plagiarism; attempting to cheat to obtain better academic results; collaborating in, covering up or encouraging copying; or using unauthorized material, software or devices during assessment.

If students are caught engaging in any of these irregular behaviours, they may receive a fail mark (D/0) for the assessable activities set out in the course plan (including the final tests) or in the final mark for the course. This could be because they have used unauthorized materials, software or devices (e.g. social networking sites or internet search engines) during the tests, because they have copied text fragments from an external source (internet, notes, books, articles, other student's projects or activities, etc.) without correctly citing the source, or because they have engaged in any other irregular conduct.

In accordance with the UOC's academic regulations , irregular conduct during assessment, besides leading to a failing mark for the course, may be grounds for disciplinary proceedings and, where appropriate, the corresponding punishment, as established in the UOC's coexistence regulations.

In its assessment process, the UOC reserves the right to:

• Ask the student to provide proof of their identity, as established in the university's academic regulations.
• Request that students provide evidence of the authorship of their work, throughout the assessment process, both in continuous and final assessment, by means of an oral test or by whatever other synchronous or asynchronous means the UOC specifies. These means will check students' knowledge and competencies to verify authorship of their work, and under no circumstances will they constitute a second assessment. If it is not possible to guarantee the student's authorship, they will receive a D grade in the case of continuous assessment or a Fail in the case of final assessment.

  For this purpose, the UOC may require that students use a microphone, webcam or other devices during the assessment process, in which case it will be the student's responsibility to check that such devices are working correctly.

• View the assessment model