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 and oral presenttion.

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.