Science and engineering applications give rise to hard-to-solve mathematical problems (like predicting the weather) and experiments that are too dangerous or expensive to carry out (like modeling earthquakes.) That's where computational scientists come in. They develop and analyze numerical methods for approximating problem solutions as well as design efficient algorithms to implement these methods. They simulate experiments taking advantage of the ever-increasing processing capabilities of high-performance computers. Computational science can be thought of as place where numerical analysis, computer science, and mathematical modeling come to meet.

How can I learn about computational science you ask? Take MA332 Introduction to Computational Science and gain comfort and familiarity using one of the most powerful tools available to do the work of computational science...Matlab.

This first course in computational science is aimed at introducing students to both classical and non-classical numerical methods with an emphasis on implementation of the methods using Matlab software and applications. The course will consist of group and individual projects, homework exercises, 3 midterm exams, and no final exam.

Topics include:

• Matlab Basics
• Nonlinear equations
• Approximation of functions and data
• Numerical differentiation and integration
• Linear systems

Read more about scientific computing at the wikipedia entry on Computational Science
or contact Professor Cara Brooks .