Numerical simulations play an increasingly important role in scientific research, in engineering, and in industry. They allow us to obtain insights that are impossible to achieve by other means, such as experiment or theory. Scientific Computing is the area of research that provides better simulation tools aimed at many different applications. Scientific Computing also tries to provide tools for handling the current data explosion caused by the output of numerous experimental devices, such as sensors, sequencing machines, and many more. Converting these data into knowledge requires sophisticated algorithms and computer programs, with a high mathematical content. Often, the computations involved are huge, so that use must be made of parallel computers such as clusters or supercomputers, or the worldwide computing grid provided by the Internet.
Scientific Computing requires a background in Mathematics and Computer Science, but also knowledge of the area of application. The aim of the Master's programme in Scientific Computing is to produce experts on numerical simulation who can work in multidisciplinary teams, can communicate with colleagues from different application areas, and who can identify common features in computations from very different applications. Throughout the programme the emphasis is on the development of the necessary mathematical theory that forms the background for the applications. The theory will always be applied to practical problems, thus following a complete path from theory, via mathematical methods and computer programs, to physical insights obtained by simulation.
The one-year Master of Science programme in Scientific Computing is aimed at bachelors in Mathematics, or related areas such as Physics, Meteorology, Oceanography, and Computer Science. The programme is application oriented, but has a strong mathematical flavour. Candidates should have a basic knowledge of Analysis (Calculus), Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis, and experience in a programming language such as C, C++, MATLAB, .... Students who complete the programme successfully will be well prepared for work in research laboratories, either in industry or in government institutes.