ObjectivesSuitable for graduates or experienced professionals who wish to gain an understanding of the processes through which good software is developed for applications in science and engineering, and of the numerical methods involved in the computer solution of such problems. Potential students should have a reasonable knowledge of mathematics and some experience of elementary computer programming. Takes you on to employment in scientific computing within industry, research establishments and commerce. You will be taught by Cranfield University academic staff at the Defence Academy - College of Management and Technology who understand the challenges of translating theory into practice. Visiting lecturers include experts from industry, research establishments and Government departments, particularly the MOD.
Entry requirementsNormally a 1st or 2nd class Honours degree or equivalent in science, engineering or mathematics. Alternatively, a lesser qualification together with appropriate work experience may be acceptable. Students whose first language is not English must attain an IELTS score of 7.
Course descriptionThe Scientific Computation course gives considerable emphasis to the practical, industrial and computational aspects of the subject.
Students who complete the course successfully will be better equipped to understand the available numerical methods, to develop existing algorithms into usable software and to exploit the available software.
The modular form of the course, consisting of a compulsory core and a selection of other modules, enables students to select the course of study most appropriate to their particular requirements.
MSc students must complete the taught phase, consisting of eight standard modules (including the two core modules) and four advanced modules, together with an individual project thesis in a relevant topic. Wherever possible, thesis topics are related to problems of specific interest to students and sponsors or local industry.
PgDip students are required to undertake the taught phase without the project.
PgCert students must complete the two core standard modules together with any four other modules; up to three of these may be advanced modules.
Modules:
A standard module normally consists of a one-week course of lectures and practical sessions followed by one week of assessed directed study.
Standard modules offered include:
* Introduction to Numerical Methods (core)
* Introduction to Programming in Fortran 95 (core 2 )
* Programming and Software Development in C (alternative core 2)
* Computer Graphics
* Intelligent Systems
* Neural Networks
* High Performance and Parallel Computing
* Computational Methods for Ordinary Differential Equations
* Computational Partial Differential Equations
* Optimisation
* Statistical Analysis and Trials.
Advanced modules, which enable students to explore some areas in greater depth, are offered in most of these topics. These advanced modules involve an additional two weeks of assessed directed study.
Duration
MSc: 1 year full-time, up to 5 years part-time. PgDip: 9 months full-time, up to 4 years part-time. PgCert: 4 months full-time, up to 3 years part-time.
Assessment
Continuous assessment, examinations and (MSc only) thesis.