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636-0122-00L 4 Credits DR , MSC D-BSSE , D-INFK

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Introduction to Scientific Computing

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Roman Vetter

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:07:57

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 • Root finding and function minimization • Numerical quadrature & integration • Newtonian mechanics • Time propagation & stability • Particle simulations, molecular dynamics • Stochastic sampling methods • Error estimation • Error propagation • Cell & tissue models • Shells & membranes • Systems of ordinary differential equations • Partial differential equations • Finite difference method • Finite element method & spatial discretization • 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

Students have the opportunity to orally present their exercises throughout the course for a bonus of up to 0.25 to the final grade.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Introduction to Scientific Computing Lecture will take place in classroom in Basel.	Fri 11:15-14:00 (BSD G 205)	3 h weekly

Offered In

Biotechnology Master
- Advanced Courses (Students need to aquire a total of 24 ECTS in this category. The list of advanced courses is a closed list, no other course can be added to this category.)
  - Biomelecular-Orientated
  - System-Orientated
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Master (More informations at: )
- 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. Note that some of the lectures are being recorded: )
  - Theory (At least 16 ECTS need to be acquired in this category.)
Doctorate Biosystems Science and Engineering (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation (The courses on offer below are a selection out of a much larger available number of courses. You may look for other courses too. If you are uncertain about the creditability and assessment of the course unit you wish to take, please consult the D-BSSE Doctoral Administration. This should be done before registering the course unit.)