Entry requirements

120 credits in science/engineering with Quantum Physics and Computer Programming I/Introduction to Scientific Computing. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

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,
• apply Mathematica to solve problems in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology.

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. Elements of optimization, parallel programming. Writing your own Mathematica package. Applications in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

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.