This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)
Module MATH2731: Computational Mathematics II
Department: Mathematical Sciences
MATH2731: Computational Mathematics II
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 2 | 20 | Available in 2025/2026 | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- One of:
- Calculus I (Maths Hons) (MATH1081) OR Calculus 1 (MATH1061)
- AND one of:
- Linear Algebra I (Maths Hons) (MATH1091) OR Linear Algebra 1 (MATH1071)
- AND one of:
- Programming I (MATH1587) OR Discovery Skills in Physics (PHYS1011) OR Computational Thinking (COMP1051) OR Programming (COMP1101 or COMP 1111)
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- Students will develop practical computational skills for work and study in modern mathematics;
- Students will understand and be able to employ fundamental methods in numerical mathematics and symbolic computation;
- Students will develop writing and presentation skills by completing an independent computational project that expands on the material taught in the course.
Content
- LaTeX, scientific computing & computer algebra.
- Linear & nonlinear systems of equations, interpolation.
- Differentiation & integration (numerical and symbolic).
- Finite differences, stability of finite-difference methods (A/L-stability), practical issues
- Additional computational topics in mathematics.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- The ability to understand and apply core concepts of numerical and symbolic representations of mathematical objects and processes.
Subject-specific Skills
- Represent mathematical objects and structures in numerical, symbolic, and typesetting formats (e.g. LaTeX);
- Use computers to solve practical problems in different areas of mathematics, both numerically and symbolically.
Key Skills
- Write, discuss, and present coherent mathematical arguments which make use of computational methods and skills.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures introduce the basic concepts and provide general feedback.
- Computer Skills Workshops (weekly) provide support for general computing problems.
- Project Workshops provide support for a student's chosen project.
- Weekly summative e-assessments give important continuous feedback.
- Lab exercise reports help students keep up with the material and demonstrate engagement.
- The independent project extends and synthesises the research and presentation skills gained in the course.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 18 | 3 per week in weeks 1-6 | 1 Hour | 18 | |
| Workshops | 4 | 1 per week in weeks 7-10 | 1 Hour | 4 | Yes |
| Computer Classes | 20 | 2 per week for 10 weeks | 1 Hour | 20 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 158 | 158 | |||
| Total | 200 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab exercises report | 20% | Report | 100% | ||
| E-assessments | 30% | General Test | weekly | 100% | |
| Independent Project | 50% | Project | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Project and computer skills workshops will provide hands-on feedback for student work. E-Assessments will provide direct feedback continuously.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.