Introduction to Scientific Computation and Programming

This book provides students with the modern skills and concepts needed to be able to use the computer expressively in scientific work. The author takes an integrated approach by covering programming, important methods and techniques of scientific computation (graphics, the organization of data, data acquisition, numerical methods, etc.) and the organization of software. Balancing the best of the teach-a-package and teach-a-language approaches, the book teaches general-purpose language skills and concepts, and also takes advantage of existing package-like software so that realistic computations can be performed.

Integrating its coverage of programming, scientific computation, and the organization of software, this textbook uses realistic MATLAB examples to illustrate important concepts. Particular attention is given to the use of graphical interfaces. The text assumes some knowledge of calculus, but no prior experience programming. Kaplan teaches mathematics and computer science at Macalester College. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Daniel Kaplan is Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Macalester College.