Introduction to Scientific Computation

An introductory course in computer programming for students interested in numerical and scientific computation. Students will learn to write their own computer programs that solve computational problems such as interpolating data, solving nonlinear equations, and simulating differential equations. Emphasis will be placed on the underlying computation methods, precision, and potential sources of numerical error, including the mechanics of 64-bit floating-point numbers. Topics include Taylor approximations, interpolatory quadrature, Newton's Method, Gaussian Elimination, and Runge-Kutta recurrences, with more as time allows. Basic Calculus knowledge is required (polynomials, derivatives, and integrals), and familiarity with infinite series is recommended. Students will write programs in the Python programming language. No prior Python experience assumed.