Faculty
- Prof. Dr. Gerhard Wilhelm Weber , Assistant to the Director
Contents |
Scientific Computing Program
Scientific Computing (SC) is a broad, rapidly growing multidisciplinary area that encompasses applications in science/engineering, applied mathematics, numerical analysis, and computer science. Going from application area to computational results requires domain expertise, mathematical modeling, numerical analysis, algorithm development, software implementation, visualization and validation of results. SC makes use of the techniques of applied mathematics and computer science for the development of problem-solving methodologies, which will be the building blocks for solutions to scientific engineering problems of ever-increasing complexity. It differs from mathematics or computer science in that analysis and methodologies are directed specifically at the solution of problem classes from science and engineering, and will generally require a substantial collaboration from those disciplines. On the other hand it is certainly more than using software packages to generate and visualize the results, since it also concerns the development of algorithms for solving scientific and technical problems. Today, many problems in science and engineering can only be treated by means of efficient use of computers. Computation is now regarded as an equal and indispensable partner, along with theory and experiment, in the advancement of scientific knowledge and engineering practice. Numerical simulation enables the study of complex systems and natural phenomena that would be too expensive or dangerous, or even impossible, to study by direct experimentation.
The use of SC is ubiquitous in applications, like solid and structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, optimization in processing and production technology, technological design, aerodynamics, meteorology, electromagnetism, chemistry, physics, biology, medicine, economics and finance. The development of SC is driven by the rapid increase in computer performance. Mathematical analysis has been the basis for the derivation of new algorithms, which often contributed more to overall computational capacity than the increase in computer power. SC has also been a stimulating source for new problems in mathematics. Due to these advances, computational scientists and engineers can now solve large-scale problems that were once thought intractable. The importance of SC as a factor in economic growth and competition has been recognized by leading industry nations and a variety of research programs in Scientific Computing have been initiated and funded (see the reports “Grand Challenges”, USA, 1992; “Real World Computing Program", Japan, 1992; “Rubbia Report”, European Community, 1993). Parallel to the emergence of SC as an interdisciplinary research area, many graduate programs were developed in recent years at the leading universities of the world. The SC graduate programs are designed according to the multidisciplinary nature of SC and include the areas of Applied Mathematics, Numerical Analysis and Mathematical Modeling. In addition to a background in mathematics and computer science, a SC graduate must have a thorough education in an application area. The SC graduate's mathematical knowledge should be sufficient to model technological and scientific problems. Knowledge of computer science, and in particular numerical algorithms, software design and visualization, enable the SC graduate to make efficient use of computers. A SC graduate is expected to communicate within a team of engineers, computer scientists and mathematicians to solve difficult practical problems. It is essential that interdisciplinary collaboration should be an integral part of the curriculum. Accordingly the curriculum includes research projects and industrial applications upon which the Master thesis of the candidate will be based.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
- To train graduates coming from different disciplines at the Master’s level with the aim of developing their skills in solving real life problems and being able to apply them science, engineering and industry,
- To cultivate collaboration among research groups in mathematics, science and engineering departments at METU,
- To provide a platform for active participation of research groups from METU in the international research community by establishing research networks and participating in international projects,
- To organize international workshops and summer schools in order to introduce researchers and upcoming students to the new, developing areas of Scientific Computing.
- To establish contacts among in the Scientific Computing program and the industrial establishment in Turkey for the purpose of demonstrating modern methods applicable to industrial problems, and organize “Mathematics in Industry” workshops with representatives from the industry.
ORGANIZATION OF THE PROGRAM
An integral part of the program consists of interdisciplinary research projects from application areas, in accordance with the philosophy of Scientific Computing. The program will be conducted mainly by the members of Mathematics Departments and by the project partners from various Engineering and Science departments. However it is open for all faculty members of METU for collaboration within the philosophy of Scientific Computing. Each project team should include a mathematician and will be open to international cooperation. New research projects will be updated and announced regularly after the approval of Program’s advisory board. The elective courses are either selected from the course catalog of METU or new courses can be designed according to the research projects. Each project will include 3-5 students. The current research projects are listed below.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
University graduates of any discipline who are willing to acquire expertise in Scientific Computing are natural candidates for the program Admission procedure will be implemented according to the Rules and Regulations concerning Graduate Studies of Middle East Technical University. The selection will be done by considering the success of the student in the field she/he has graduated, the result of the LES examination (Graduate Education Examination) and the results of the written examination and/or interview to be given by the Institute of Applied Mathematics. A letter explaining the goals of the candidate and at least two recommendation letters are also required for the admission. Approximately 15 students from Engineering, Science and Mathematics departments will be admitted to the SC program each year.
Degree Requirements
Core Courses for Scientific Computing Program
- IAM 561 Scientific Computing I (3-0)3
- IAM 562 Scientific Computing II (3-0)3
- IAM 566 Numerical Optimization (3-0)3
- IAM 567 Mathematical Modeling (3-0)3
- IAM 590 Graduate Seminar (0-2)NC
- IAM 500 M.S. Thesis (Non-credit)
Core Courses for Ph.D. on B.Sc.
- IAM 561 Scientific Computing I (3-0)3
- IAM 562 Scientific Computing II (3-0)3
- IAM 566 Numerical Optimization (3-0)3
- IAM 567 Mathematical Modeling (3-0)3
- IAM 590 Graduate Seminar (0-2)NC
- IAM 600 Ph.D. Thesis (Non-credit)
If a student has already taken some of the courses listed above (or their equivalents), he/she will take elective courses to replace them.
M.Sc. Program-Thesis Option
- 4 core courses
- 3 elective course
- 1 seminar course(non-credit)
- M.Sc. Thesis(non-credit)
Total : 21 credits
Ph.D. Program
- 4 IAM courses
- 3 elective courses
- 1 seminar course(non-credit)
- Ph.D. Thesis(non-credit)
Total : 21 credits
Ph.D. Program on B.Sc.
- 4 core courses
- 10 elective courses
- 1 seminar course(non-credit)
- Ph.D. Thesis(non-credit)
Total : 42 credits