Numerical and Computational Mathematics
Overview
This unit will introduce students to the importance and relevance of numerical mathematics and the use of computational methods to solve real-world problems in science and engineering. Students will learn how to set up and solve complex mathematical problems that do not have analytical solutions and will complement theory with practical laboratory exercises using Matlab.
Requisites
02-November-2025
01-November-2026
Unit learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Use computational methods to solve real-world problems in science and engineering
- Analyse and solve mathematical problems using numerical and computational methods
- Apply numerical methods to matrices, simultaneous equations, integration and differential equations
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Class | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 7.50 | 12 weeks | 90 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3 |
| Examination | Individual | 60% | 1,2,3 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) at least 40% in the final exam.Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Introduction to Matlab
- Numerical methods to solve non-linear equations and determine roots of equations
- Numerical methods for interpolation and extrapolation
- Numerical methods for matrices and linear simultaneous equations
- Numerical methods of differentiation and integration
- Numerical analysis of ordinary and partial differential equations
- Numerical methods for eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.