2018-2019 / PROJ0001-1

Introduction to numerical methods and project

Duration

10h Th, 2h Labo., 28h Proj.

Number of credits

 Bachelor in engineering3 crédits 
 Master in geology and mining engineering (120 ECTS)3 crédits 

Lecturer

Olivier Bruls, Quentin Louveaux, Frédéric Nguyen

Coordinator

N...

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course gives a first overview on the use of numerical methods in order to handle problems in different fields of application. Numerical methods are indeed an important part of the engineering work. They are used to analyze complex systems based on the simulation of their behaviour.

The students will have to solve a problem similar to a real engineering application using the MATLAB® software. In particular, they will have to solve the problem numerically but also to learn how to use the different tools provided in MATLAB®.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

+ Solving engineering problems using numerical methods.
+ Analysis of the numerical outcome (error analysis, ...)
+ Knowing the MATLAB® software.
+ Visualisation and presentation of the results
+ Team work
+ Presentation of a project

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Basic knowledge of algebra, calculus, chemistry and physics.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Introduction to MATLAB®.
Numerical resolution of a real problem (groups of 3 students).

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

The course is given in the second semester. + Five theoretical lectures are given following the Faculty's schedule + Two introductory hands-on sessions on MATLAB®. + Several practical sessions (questions/answers).

Recommended or required readings

Lecture notes is available from the "centrale des cours".

Assessment methods and criteria

+ The evaluation is based on the practical project. In the first session, it is obtained by a weighted average of three criteria. 1/ An evaluation made during the semester (grade1, weight: 0,2) 2/ A short written report (by group, grade2, weight: 0,35) 3/ An individual oral exam where the student presents the project and is asked to make some minor modifications in it, as well as questions linking the project to the theory (grade3, weight: 0,45)
Note that if grade2 or grade3 is a fail (<10), the global grade will be obtained as the minimum of grade2 and grade3.
+ September session: When defending the project in the first session, the Matlab code will be evaluated with two possible grades: "pass" or "fail". Pass means that the code can be represented in the second session without changes. In this case, the entire second session note is based on the oral exam and counts for 100% of the final grade. Fail means that the code must be modified in order to be defended in the second session. A new report must also be provided. In this case, the assessment is based on a weighted average of two elements: the written report (per group, weight: 0.35) and the oral defense (individual, weight: 0,65). A fail in one of those two grades imply a fail grade for the course.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

The students are asked to obtain the MATLAB® software. Some information will be given at the beginning of the year.

The groups of 3 students are formed once in the beginning of the project and cannot be modified during the year. Dealing with the team work is essential to the exercise. In particular, exactly one report can be submitted at the end of the project.

Contacts

Quentin Louveaux : Q.Louveaux@ulg.ac.be
Frédéric Nguyen : F.Nguyen@ulg.ac.be
Olivier Bruls : O.Bruls@ulg.ac.be