Numerical Methods

The purpose of numerical analysis is two-fold: (1) to find acceptable approximate solutions when exact solutions are either impossible or impractical, and (2) to devise alternate methods of solutions better suited to the capabilities of computers. Topics for this course include elements of error analysis, root finding, numerical solutions of systems of linear equations, polynomial approximation and interpolation, numerical integration and differentiation, and numerical solution of ordinary and partial differential equations. Students should expect to do some computer programming using MATLAB, FORTRAN, PYTHON, or C.