Introduction to Mathematica
Syllabus, Master's level, 1FA164
- Code
- 1FA164
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Physics A1N
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 27 February 2020
- Responsible department
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
Entry requirements
120 credits in science/engineering
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- account for the basic structure of computer algebra systems,
- implement various algorithms in the Mathematica language,
- compare and contrast different programming styles,
- efficiently use functional and rule-based programming,
- test and optimize Mathematica code,
- design and set up a Mathematica package,
- install simple functions written in C/C++ into Mathematica with MathLink,
- apply Mathematica to solve problems in mathematics, physics, chemistry.
Content
Introduction to computer algebra systems and symbolic programming. Basics of Mathematica as a programming language: symbolic expressions, vectors and matrices, conditional expressions, loops. Substitutions and patterns. Linear algebra and calculus with Mathematica. Different programming styles in Mathematica: procedural, functional and rule-based programming. Graphics. MathLink interface, how to install C/C++ functions into Mathematica. Elements of optimization, parallel programming. Writing your own Mathematica package. Applications in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
Instruction
Lectures, problem-solving sessions.
Assessment
Hand-in problems including group work. Project with written report.
If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.