This course presents the basic elements of scientific computing, in particular the methods for solving or approximating the solution of calculus and linear algebra problems associated with real world problems. Drawing on non-trivial problems from disciplines including physics, engineering and chemistry, and sophisticated scientific computing and visualisation environments, students are introduced to the basic computational concepts of stability, accuracy and efficiency, as new numerical methods and techniques are introduced to solve progressively more challenging problems.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately. The assessment will have a greater focus on more theoretical aspects of the material.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand and use fundamental mathematical techniques relevant to the analysis of scientific computing methods.
2. Accurately motivate, describe and analyse important algorithms relevant to real-world scientific computing.
3. Appropriately use a high-level programming language to solve scientific computing problems with proficiency and confidence.
4. Use appropriate mathematical and computational tools to verify the reliability of scientific computing calculations.
5. Demonstrate a capacity for rigorous analysis in sophisticated scientific computing and visualisation environments.

Examination Material or equipment

Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the permitted materials for the final exam.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback through written comments for assessments, automatic grading of code and verbal feedback to the whole class, groups or individuals from the lecturer and/or demonstrators, as appropriate.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course introduction. Solving nonlinear equations (rootfinding).	Worksheet 1
2	Solving nonlinear equations, function approximation by interpolation and splines
3	Function approximation by interpolation and splines, approximating derivatives. Weekly computer laboratory classes begin.	Worksheet 2
4	Approximating derivatives.	Assignment 1/Worksheet 3
5	Computer representation of numbers and rounding errors.	Worksheet 4
6	Approximating integrals.	Assignment 2/Worksheet 5
7	Norms, conditioning and stability, direct solvers for linear systems.	Worksheet 6
8	Direct solvers for linear systems, iterative solvers for linear systems.	Assignment 3/Worksheet 7
9	Iterative solvers for linear systems.	Worksheet 8
10	Signal processing and Fast Fourier Transform.	Assignment 4/Worksheet 9
11	Solving ordinary differential equations.	Worksheet 10
12	Solving ordinary and partial differential equations.	Assignment 5/Worksheet 11

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Worksheets	30 %	1,2,3,4
Written assignments	30 %	1,2,3,4
End of semester exam	40 %	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

In Semester 1 2023, this course is delivered on campus with adjustments for students who are unable to return to Australia.

Examination(s)

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Assessment Task 1

Worksheets

Worksheet 1 consists of a set of online questions to be completed by the end of Week 1.

The remaining 10 worksheets will contain a small number of coding question plus some follow-up questions. The coding questions are to be completed during the workshops. The follow-up questions will be along the lines of 'Are the results what you expected? Why or Why not?'. They should be completed and uploaded in Wattle within 24 hours of the end of the workshop. The best 8 out 10 will count.

Students are encouraged to work in groups, but each student must submit their own code and discussion on the follow-up questions.

Further details will be given on Wattle.

Assessment Task 2

Written assignments

Assignments provide feedback on the current level of understanding of the fundamental concepts and algorithms covered in the course. There are 5 written assignments, due fortnightly. They are each worth 6% of the overall grade (for a total of 30%). Students are encouraged to work in groups, but each student must submit their own written assignment. Further details will be given on Wattle.

Assessment Task 3

End of semester exam

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location of the exam. The final exam will be available for students studying remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students must score at least 40% on the final exam to pass the course (hurdle requirement).

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to agree to a declaration as part of the submission of your assignments, that will record your understanding of ANU academic integrity principles. Written submission will be via a PDF upload to a Wattle Assignment Tool. Codes will be submitted online to be graded automatically. Please keep a copy of your assignments for your records. MATH6111 does not use Turnitin, having been granted an exemption.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 5 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Written assessment will be returned via Wattle. Coding exercises will be graded automatically.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students