The newest version of COS515 being taught examines the process of designing and using a computer model or simulation. The official title of this version of COS515 is ``Topics in Scientific Computing: Computer Simulation and Modeling, from Development to Display.'' I am looking at the development of the equations for a number of basic problems from physics, and developing the necessary numerical tools for solving these equations.
Computer models are widely used in many disciplines, ranging from Economics to Entomology. Learning how to build a simulation model can show a student both the strengths and limitations of the numerical approach to science. Graduate students in many disciplines across the curriculum are being asked to use and sometimes even develop sophisticated numerical models. help the investigator understand and learn more about his or her particular research problem. Computer simulations can be complex, realistic, total-immersion environments (such as flight simulators used to train airline pilots) or simple solutions of equations (differential or otherwise) developed to describe some physical situation.