UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

MTH3051 Introduction to computational mathematics

Faculty of Science

MTH3051 Introduction to computational mathematics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2021 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 6 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2021
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 60%
and 1 other task

This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2024 entry.

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Requisites

Before MTH3051

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

Enrolment rules

PROHIBITION: MTH2051

PREREQUISITE: You must have passed one unit from MTH2010, MTH2015, ENG2005 or MAT1830; and one unit from MTH2021, MTH2025, MTH2040 or MAT1841. Alternatively, you must be enrolled in the Master of Financial Mathematics or must have passed ETC2440.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITE: SCI1022 (from 2022 for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science)

Equivalent units

The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.

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 an introduction to Matlab programming; error analysis; methods for solving linear systems, methods for finding roots of nonlinear equations; polynomial interpolation; numerical differentiation and integration; and numerical methods for ordinary differential equations. You will receive a solid introduction to the theory of the numerical methods (with derivations of the methods and some proofs) and will learn to implement the computational methods efficiently in Matlab. 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 2021

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Continuous assessmentOtherThreshold hurdle
    40%
  • Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExamThreshold hurdle
    60%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Demonstrate an understanding of the mathematical theory behind important numerical methods for solving real-life problems on computers.

  2. 2

    Implement numerical methods for a variety of problems in Matlab, and test the accuracy and efficiency of implementation.

  3. 3

    Demonstrate an understanding of the approximations introduced in algorithms and the effects of those approximations on the quality of calculations.

  4. 4

    Solve theoretical and applied problems of analysing and employing numerical methods.

  5. 5

    Demonstrate an awareness of the reach and importance of numerical methods in science, engineering, finance and technology.

  6. 6

    Demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills, both individually and in collaboration.

  7. 7

    Demonstrate advanced skills in the written and oral presentation of theoretical and applied numerical mathematics problems.

Workload and teaching

  • Lectures36 hours
  • Applied sessions16.5 hours
  • Three 1-hour lectures and
  • One 1.5-hour applied class per week (in weeks 2-12)

Where it fits

MTH3051 is part of 8 areas of study in the 2021 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Dr Janosch Rieger
Unit Coordinators
Dr Janosch Rieger

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MTH3051?

MTH3051 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after MTH3051?

MTH3051 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including MTH3320 and MTH3330. Those lead on to 6 units in all.

When is MTH3051 offered?

In 2021, MTH3051 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

Does MTH3051 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.

Which majors and minors include MTH3051?

MTH3051 is part of Applied mathematics; Financial and insurance mathematics; Mathematical foundations of econometrics; Mathematical statistics; and Mathematics, and 1 other area of study.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Mathematics
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 1
Study abroad
Available
Handbook years
20202021202220232024