Module overview
Programming and computational analysis are increasingly fundamental tools to solve practical problems throughout civil engineering. Learn the theory underlying numerical methods, and how to code algorithms that implement them to solve your own problems.
Learn to write complex code by combining programming basic functions. In this module, students will analyse datasets, identify trends, interpolate between data gaps and undertake basic signal processing. You will learn multiple ways of finding roots of equations without closed-form solutions, as well as how to integrate them. You will create algorithms to solve systems of linear equations by manipulating matrices and solve systems of ordinary differential equations representing basic models of real-life phenomena.
Students will make use of numerical methods in many advanced civil engineering modules, as well as throughout their careers. While many implementations will be provided as packaged software, the knowledge gained in this course will help students understand the features and limitations of the tools they use every day. The programming skills developed can also be useful in any career. This module builds on the introduction programming as part of digital skills covered in the first year, and provides the knowledge required for further study of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a popular numerical approach.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: MATH1054