A second course in scientific computing that provides the basic mathematical, numerical, and conceptual elements needed for utilizing computers as virtual scientific laboratories. The basics of computer hardware, such as memory and CPU architecture and the basics of scientific computing: algorithms, precision, elementary numerical analysis and associated approximation and round-off errors, and parallel computing. Examples from elementary physical systems.  Each topic is studied in the context of a simple, but realistic project. Sample codes are usually provided, with the emphasis on understanding the simulations and visualizations. Students are encouraged to use Java, although other compiled languages are acceptable.

During each week there will be at least one lecture explaining new material and assignments. The instructor and teaching assistant will spend the remaining of the scheduled time assisting students in the laboratory (which will be reserved for their use during this time, and available at other times). 

A lab report format will be used for each project, and it is preferred to be a Web document. On a page or two the student should indicate the equations solved, the computational method, the results, and a critical discussion. These are generally due within a week of the time at which the materials are covered.

Partial support for this work was provided by the National Science Foundation, NPACI, EPIC, and OSU