The use of computers and computational methods for acquiring, analyzing, and synthesizing scientific knowledge has been from the beginning one of the fundamental drivers in their historical development. The early computer systems were used almost exclusively for large scientific and military purposes, and in the 20th century, they aided in the accumulation, development, and advancement of science and technology. In the 21st century, the applications of scientific computing are an essential part of our collective human intelligence, and permeate almost every aspect of modern societies. From technology, production and engineering, to social, economic and cultural aspects of everyday life, as well as being valuable partners in addressing many of our modern challenges: energy security, environmental quality, climate change, biomedical applications and disease outbreaks, to name a few.
This course develops a fundamental understanding of the role of scientific discovery in computer and computational systems, as well as the role of computers in scientific method and analysis. Will also set the stage for a historical and critical review of the past, contemporary and future trajectories and trends related to the applications of scientific computing, and will pose a series of interesting questions regarding morality, ethics and the nature of intelligence in human-machine interactions that form part of our scientific understanding of the world around us.
Finally, the course provides the students with a useful skill set, knowledge and understanding of the computer science and the computer scientist in the context and across multiple scientific domains: from mathematics, engineering, social and cognitive sciences, environmental sciences, and general philosophy of science. It is aimed to be an enjoyable yet pedagogical tool for science-technology integration.
The overall goal of the course is to expose students to the base history, principles and applications of scientific computing. It especially emphasizes the role of scientific computing in advancing fundamental human knowledge, aiding social and technological evolution, and addressing critical global, regional, national and local problems and challenges. The specific aims and objectives of the course are summarized below:
My St. Croix students of the 2010 class uploaded a You Tube video of their class final project (Project Transport). Their project presents an important and innovative idea using scientific computing applications.