2016-2017 Academic Catalog

Nov 24, 2024

2016-2017 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

CSCI 110 - Diving into Research: Scientific Computing

Scientific Computing has become an important tool for scientists. Many laboratory experiments are often too expensive and not sufficiently accurate, while computers are cheap, powerful and accurate. Some experimental conditions are impossible to achieve in a laboratory, but can easily be simulated using a computer. In many cases, computations based on accurate mathematical models can inform scientists how to set up a correct experiment, in order to achieve a desirable outcome. We will explore some of those ideas using mathematical models of plasmas. Plasmas have become a big part of our lives. Plasma televisions, plasma lights, the heat around the space shuttle and communication blackout caused by plasma, laser treatments in medicine, and production of microchips for computers are just a few familiar applications of plasmas. Using computational methods, students will obtain plasmas with certain properties by studying mathematical models that desscribe the experiments.

Note: the year long course is 0.5 credit per semester. CSCI 110 does not satisfy any requirement of the CSCI major.

May be repeated once for credit.

Program of Liberal Studies (PLS) Designation: SP

Anticipated Terms Offered: Offered every year