U NIVERSITY OF THE W ITWATERSRAND, J OHANNESBURG

School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics

Numerical Methods II
Course Description 2020

1 Staff Members

Course Coordinator: Dr Rahab Kgatle

Lecturer: Prof Byron Jacobs

Room Number: UG02 (TW Kambule - Mathematical Sciences Building)

Email: byron.jacobs@wits.ac.za

2 Timetable for Lectures and Tutorials

There will be five lecture periods per week:

• Monday: 8:00-9:45 Venue: TBC/MSL Labs

• Thursday: 14:15-17:00 Venue: TBC/MSL Labs

3 Course Background, Goals and Outcomes

The Numerical Methods course serves as a continuation from the first year program into the most
important areas of computational mathematics with emphasis on algorithms for solving practical
problems. This course will introduce numerical techniques for solving mathematical problems using
computers. The aim of the course is:

3.1. To present numerical techniques used to solve various models that arise in different practical
applications.

3.2. To recognise and use suitable numerical methods for different situations as they arise in solving
practical problems.

The following outcomes are expected for this course,

• To recognise selected numerical methods and apply them to a given problem.

• To select appropriate numerical methods to use for a given problem and compute approximate
solutions.

• Where possible, to compare the solutions from numerical methods to analytical solutions and
the error from the numerical approximation estimated.
 • To relate different techniques to solving various aspects of a given problem.

• To develop strong programming skills towards the implementation of numerical methods.

4 Syllabus

• Numerical differentiation

• Numerical Integration

• Eigenvalues and eigenvectors

• Numerical solutions to nonlinear equations

• Numerical solutions to systems of nonlinear equations

• Interpolation and least squares approximation

• Numerical solutions of ordinary differential equations and boundary value problems

5 Assessment

There will be two tests, a set of labs and a final examination.

Thus, the final course mark is made up as follows:

• Continuous Assessment 50%

– Test 1 15%
– Test 2 15%
– Lab Assignments 20%

• Final Examination 50%

The preliminary test dates are 24/02/2020 and 16/03/2020. No student may miss both tests.

The language used for the programming component of the course is Python.

NB! I must stress the importance of developing strong programming and computational skills!

6 Other Information

Textbooks and Required Reading: There is no set textbook for this course. The handed out material
will cover all required coursework. However, you are encouraged to make use of the library for addi-
tional resources on numerical analysis and methods. The Geomaths library has ample resources for
your perusal.

Numerical Analysis II APPM2007 2 of 2