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Introduction to Scientific Computing
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:08
Abstract
This course offers an introduction to the basics of scientific computing and modelling with applications in biology and biomechanics. The covered topics include floating point arithmetic, error estimation, spatial and temporal discretization techniques, numerical integration methods, stability, numerical solution of differential equations, particle simulations, parallelization etc.
Objective
This course aims at providing basic knowledge required to address scientific questions using quantitative numerical methods and computing. Students learn to recognize potential pitfalls and limitations associated with discretization and approximative numerical methods, and to select appropriate solution techniques for a given numerical problem.
Content
Besides experiments and theory, numerical simulations have become the third pillar of natural sciences and engineering. This course introduces fundamental principles of numerical computing and modelling with applications in biology and biomechanics. The course includes hands-on practical programming exercises in which the students learn how to implement and perform various numerical simulations. Time permitting, the tentative list of topics is: • Floating-point arithmetic • Algorithmic complexity • Numerical root finding • Numerical quadrature & integration • Mass-spring systems • Time propagation & stability • Particle simulations, molecular dynamics • Error estimation • Uncertainty propagation • Cell & tissue models • Ordinary & partial differential equations • Finite difference method • Finite element method • Parallel computing & computer architecture
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes will be made available online for download on a weekly basis.
Literature
Recommended literature will be communicated during the course. The exam covers only what is taught in the course and does not require further reading.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 20 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Introduction to Scientific Computing
The lecture takes place in person in Basel.
Recordings will be made available on Moodle.
|
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (Open list - other courses (ETH or UNIBAS) may be taken as electives upon approval of the mentor.)
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Advanced Courses (The list of advanced courses is a closed list, no other course can be added to this category.)
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Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Master (More informations at: )
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Advanced Courses (A total of 30 ECTS needs to be acquired in the Advanced Courses category. Thereof at least 16 ECTS in the Theory and 10 ECTS in the Biology category.)
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Theory (At least 16 ECTS need to be acquired in this category.)
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Doctorate Biosystems Science and Engineering (More Information at: )