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Using Cas In A Graduate Numerical Methods Course

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Conference

1996 Annual Conference

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Publication Date

June 23, 1996

Start Date

June 23, 1996

End Date

June 26, 1996

ISSN

2153-5965

Page Count

4

Page Numbers

1.505.1 - 1.505.4

DOI

10.18260/1-2--6373

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/6373

Download Count

320

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Paper Authors

author page

Shirley B. Pomeranz

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Abstract
NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Session 1265

Using CAS in a Graduate Numerical Methods Course

Shirley B. Pomeranz The University of Tulsa

1 Introduction

This paper describes the introduction of a computer algebra system (CAS) (e.g., Mathematical or Maple) as a tool in a course which has traditionally used FORTRAN or C as the programming tool of choice. The claim here is not that one type of programming language-CAS (interpretive language) versus FORTRAN or C (compiled languages) -is generically better, but that for teaching purposes, each offers different advantages. Some of the benefits of a CAS approach will be described [1].

2 Background

The course, Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists, offered by the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at The University of Tulsa, is taken by graduate students in chemical, mechanical, and petroleum engineering, geosciences, and mathematical and computer sciences. Occasionally there is a graduate student from some other discipline, e.g., business administration. The topics covered, primarily numerical methods for partial differential equations (pales), include finite difference methods, method of characteristics, and the finite element method.

3 Traditional Course

There is usually a course text focusing on the descriptions and comparisons of methods, i.e., on the theoretical/analytical aspects. For example, these topics include consistency, stability, and convergence analyses for finite difference time-marching methods for parabolic and hyperbolic problems, efficient linear solvers for elliptic problems, and an introduction to error analysis for the finite element method.

$iii’ } 1996 ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings ‘e.,ymlyc,.$ .

Pomeranz, S. B. (1996, June), Using Cas In A Graduate Numerical Methods Course Paper presented at 1996 Annual Conference, Washington, District of Columbia. 10.18260/1-2--6373

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