University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2010-2011Last update : 11/04/2011
SPAT0002-1  Numerical methods and programming basics
Duration :  10h Th, 20h Pr
Credits/ECTS :  
Master in Space Sciences, Research focus, 1st yearFirst semester3
Holder(s) :  Guy Munhoven
Language :  French language
Course contents :  The main focus of the course is on the solution of ordinary differential equations (including systems) and basic types of partial differential equations. As far as possible, the course will be aimed at the application of the methods outlined to concrete problems. The main themes covered are
  • Ordinary differential equations (explicit and implicit methods; multi-step and single-step methods; stability and non-negativity conditions);
  • Partial differential equations (methods, properties and limitations; diffusion equation, with and without advection and/or reaction terms; advection equation).
Optionally, one aspect or another of the following subjects may be considered (some of these may also been treated during tutorials):
  • eigenvalue problems;
  • differential algebraic equations;
  • other methods (collocation, spectral methods, ...).
The programming part of the course will mainly be done during the tutorials. It will be done in Fortran 90 and under Octave (Matlab).
Course objective :  To understand the principles of numerical methods, apply them, explore their limitations and test possible extensions.
Prerequisites :  A basic course in numerical analysis (having introduced, at least, the treatment of linear systems, interpolation, function roots, maxima and minima of functions, non-linear systems).
Workshops :  Tutorials will mainly deal with
  • an introduction to Fortran 90 and Octave (Matlab);
  • solution of typical problems that the students might encounter in the course of their scientific career (projects in small groups);
  • use of routine libraries (e.g., Netlib).
They are organised in 10 weekly sessions.
Organization :  The course is organised during the first half year in 5 weekly lectures.
The first lecture will be given on Monday, 20st September 2010, at 10:45 in room 3.45 on the third floor of building B5a (Institut de Physique).
Written notes :  The following documents will be made available to the students:
  • copies of the slides from the lectures (PDF files);
  • collection of problem sets for the tutorials (PDF files);
  • a basic introduction to the programming language Fortran 90 (PDF file);
  • a reference list with material for further reading, available, as far as possible, in electronic form via the institutional subscriptions of the university library network.
For further details, please refer to the course web site (see below).
Assessment :  Evaluation will be based upon
  • regular homework assignments (individual);
  • realisation and presentation of a research and programming project (individually, or in small groups);
  • and/or oral exam.
Contacts :  Guy Munhoven
University of Li[egrave]ge
Institut d'Astrophysique et de G[eacute]ophysique (B5c build.)
17, all[eacute]e du Six-Ao[ucirc]t
B-4000 Li[egrave]ge
T[eacute]l.: (+32) (4) 366 9771
Fax: (+32) (4) 366 9711
eMail: Guy.Munhoven@ulg.ac.be
Web: http://www.astro.ulg.ac.be/~munhoven

Items online :  
Course web page
This web page will be the distribution platform for lecture notes and problem sets for the tutorials. It also provides up-to-date information regarding the schedule of the different sessions.


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