MTH2051 Introduction to computational mathematics
Faculty of Science
MTH2051 Introduction to computational mathematics is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 3 units, leading on to 5 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 1 other task
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before MTH2051
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MTH2051
3 units list MTH2051 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
PROHIBITION: MTH3051
PREREQUISITE: You must have passed one unit from MTH2010, MTH2015, MTH2019, ENG2005 or MAT1830; and one unit from MTH2019, MTH2021, MTH2025, MTH2040 or MAT1841 and one unit from SCI1022 (this unit can also be taken concurrently), FIT1045, FIT1053, ENG1060 or ENG2005.
Alternatively, you must be enrolled in the Master of Financial Mathematics or must have passed ETC2440.
Overview
When mathematics is used in real-world applications, it almost always involves the use of computers. This unit provides an introduction to numerical methods for solving maths-related problems on computers. Topics covered include error analysis; methods for finding roots of nonlinear equations; polynomial interpolation; numerical differentiation and integration; numerical methods for ordinary differential equations; and methods for solving linear systems. You will receive a solid introduction to the theory of the numerical methods (with derivations of the methods, error estimates and convergence proofs), and will learn to implement the computational methods in Python. The methods and techniques learned have broad applicability in areas that include the natural sciences, engineering, the biomedical sciences, finance, business, machine learning, and data science.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Continuous assessmentDemonstration60%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Demonstrate an understanding of the uses of common numerical methods, as well as their advantages and disadvantages;
- 2
Determine the performance of a numerical algorithm when applied to a concrete mathematical problem from the properties of problem and the properties of the algorithm, using theoretical results;
- 3
Apply mathematical principles and theorems to quantify the error of approximations used in numerical methods;
- 4
Work actively with mathematical concepts such as vector norms, matrix norms, the Lipschitz property and the one-sided Lipschitz property in a mathematically rigorous way;
- 5
Implement numerical methods for a variety of problems in Matlab, and test the accuracy and efficiency of an implementation;
- 6
Demonstrate advanced skills in the written presentation of theoretical and applied numerical mathematics problems.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions22 hours
- Seminars36 hours
- Three 1-hour seminars;
- One 2-hour applied class (in weeks 2-12) and
- 7 hours of independent study per week.
Where it fits
MTH2051 is part of 7 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
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Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Zeeshan Ali
- Dr Sergio Rojas
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Sergio Rojas
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MTH2051?
MTH2051 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after MTH2051?
MTH2051 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 3 units, including ADS3001, MTH3320 and MTH3330. Those lead on to 5 units in all.
When is MTH2051 offered?
In 2026, MTH2051 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
Does MTH2051 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.
Which majors and minors include MTH2051?
MTH2051 is part of Applied mathematics; Financial and insurance mathematics; Mathematical statistics; and Mathematics.