HONG KONG BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Faculty of Science
A Study Guide
to
A Postgraduate Part-Time Course
leading to the degree
of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN
SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING
December 1995
HONG KONG BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Faculty of Science
A Study Guide
to
A Postgraduate Part-Time Course
leading to the degree
of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN
SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING
December 1995
At present, the University provides opportunities for undergraduate studies in 37 major/option areas leading to the award of the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Social Science, or Bachelor of Social Work honours degrees. In addition, postgraduate coursework and research degree work are available in major disciplines leading to the Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy degrees or the Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
Further developments in the academic programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels will take place during the next few years and the total full-time student enrolment is currently over 4,000 and growing.
In order to accommodate the growing programmes and enrolments, a further campus expansion and construction is under way on a nearby site at Junction and Renfrew Roads. This expansion, to be completed by the end of 1994, will provide the necessary provisions for several major developments, including a new library-learning resources centre, an administrative tower and a new building to house the School of Business. The Centre for International Education Building and a hostel will also be located on this campus. These educational/research facilities enable greater cooperation with leading institutions from China and overseas.
To meet the challenge of this transformation, Hong Kong is undergoing a rapid expansion in its tertiary education, especially in the science sector. But in addition, it is also necessary to cater for the equally important need of technology update and provide post-graduate level education for key personnel within industry. Hong Kong Baptist University recognizes this need. In particular, we believe that greater knowledge and expertise in various aspects of scientific computing will play a significant role in the continual economic growth in Hong Kong.
Traditionally, science and technology are regarded as being composed of two parts, theory and experiment. However, the incredible pace at which science and technology has developed means that such a view must now be modified. In 1982, a group of fifteen distinguished scientists and engineers presented a report[*] to the U.S. government in which they argued that "science and technology is no longer divided into just two parts - theoretical and experimental; there is now a third, equal part - computational".
Scientific computing is the generic name for the approach to problem solving whereby mathematical models are constructed and then evaluated using numerical algorithms on a computer. Nowadays, virtually all aspects of scientific research and engineering design require some scientific computing, and in many cases extensive use of computing is indispensable. For this reason, an increasing number of universities in the US and Europe are offering postgraduate courses in this field. Examples include Stanford University and Rice University in the US, and King's College, London in England, to name but a few.
In Hong Kong, scientific computing can profitably contribute to topics including telecommunications, signal and image processing, inventory management, quality control, product design, bio-engineering, skyscraper design & construction, network simulation, solid and fluid mechanics, weather forecasting and environmental protection. As Hong Kong transforms itself into a high tech industrial region, the need for scientific computing will rise dramatically.
The Science Faculty of Hong Kong Baptist University is anticipating this need within industry and is proposing a part-time M.Sc. course in Scientific Computing specifically structured to suit the growing requirements of far-sighted companies in Hong Kong. Our faculty is well staffed with experienced and qualified researchers in the field, and we are firmly committed to providing well balanced, cost effective education to meet the local needs.
Specifically, each student studying the course can expect to:
(i) receive a solid foundation in the mathematical principles of scientific computing (ii) acquire a wealth of knowledge of computing methodology (iii) acquire specialized scientific computation skills relevant to his/her application of interest (iv) appreciate the wide spread use of mathematics and computing in related fields, thus improving his/her work performance, promotion prospects and career advancement
In the same vein, we are arranging formal computer laboratory sessions in the first year to train students to solve scientific problems using a range of standard scientific software such as Matlab, IMSL, SAS and SimuLab. Specialized software will be introduced as required in the chosen elective subjects, and informal laboratory sessions arranged accordingly. Owing to limited computer resources and in order to ensure close and effective supervision of students, laboratories will be arranged in separate sections of 15 students each.
To give students maximum choice, elective subjects are to be offered once every two years and can be taken by both year one and year two students. In this way, every student will have the chance to take the electives of his choice without unduly stretching the resources of the operating departments. All elective subjects require only first year core subjects as prerequisites. However, there are some restrictions imposed on the choice of electives so as to ensure that each student takes a balance of mathematical and computational subjects (see footnote in section 2.2). When the course reaches steady state (60 students), 5 electives will normally be offered each year so that the average expected enrolment for each elective is 60 x 2 / 5 = 24. Lecture subjects will be assessed by assignments and written examinations, and laboratory work by written lab reports.
In addition to lectures and computing laboratory sessions, seminars will be arranged in the second semester to expose students to current developments in the field of scientific computation and provide ideas for their research projects. These seminars will take the form of 50-minute presentations or mini-series of lectures by invited speakers. Speakers for the seminars will include visiting scholars as well as local experts. Students will be required to give presentations and to submit written follow-up reports for assessment.
____________________________________________________________________ Lecture Laboratory Seminar Project Student Period Hours Hours Hours Hours Load ____________________________________________________________________ 1st Year: 1st Semester 84 (core) 28 308 2nd Semester 56 (elective) 28 14 14 280 Summer 42 42 2nd year: 1st Semester 56 (core) 84 252 2nd Semester 56 (elective) 84 252 Summer 28 28 ____________________________________________________________________ Total: 252 56 14 252 1162 ____________________________________________________________________
An academic year consists of 2 semesters with 14 teaching weeks per semester. On this basis, each unit of credit is equated with 1 lecture hour, 1 seminar hour or 2 laboratory hours per week throughout the semester, or 42 hours of research project. Thus for example, 14 hours of seminars in the second semester will be credited with 1 unit and so on (see sections 2.2 and 2.3 for distribution of units).
SUBJECTS UNITS
Core
SCI 4010 Computational Methods 3
SCI 4020 Computer Systems & Networks 3
SCI 4030 Modelling & Simulation 2
SCI 4040 Software Engineering 2
SCI 4051-2 Scientific Computing Laboratory (I, II) 2
SCI 4060 Scientific Computing Seminar 1
SCI 4071-2 M.Sc. Research Project (I, II) 6
Elective*
Group A
SCI 4080 Computational Fluid Dynamics 2
SCI 4090 Data Analysis & Visualization 2
SCI 4100 Finite Element Methods 2
SCI 4110 Image Processing 2
SCI 4120 Operations Research 2
SCI 4130 Parallel Scientific Computing 2
SCI 4140 Signal Processing 2
Group B
SCI 4150 Artificial Intelligence & Expert Systems 2
SCI 4160 Computer Architecture 2
SCI 4170 Computer Graphics 2
TOTAL: 27
Course Subject Unit
Year 1 Semester 1 SCI 4010 Computational Methods 3
SCI 4020 Computer Systems & Networks 3
SCI 4051 Scientific Computing Laboratory I 1
Semester 2 TWO electives (2x2) 4
SCI 4052 Scientific Computing Laboratory 1
II
SCI 4060 Scientific Computing Seminar 1
SCI 4071 M.Sc. Research Project
Preparation
Summer SCI 4071 M.Sc. Research Project
Year 2 Semester 3 SCI 4030 Modelling & Simulation 2
SCI 4040 Software Engineering 2
SCI 4071 M.Sc. Research Project 3
Semester 4 TWO electives (2x2) 4
SCI 4072 M.Sc. Research Project 3
Summer SCI 4072 M.Sc. Research Project (thesis
correction if necessary)
TOTAL 27
Scientific Computing Laboratory is a one-unit subject. It is being designed to be "problem-centred" rather than "software-centred" so that the emphasis of the subject is to solve assigned problems using recommended software and in the process learn about the capabilities of the software. The laboratory is to be held over two semesters and consists of around six Saturday morning or afternoon sessions for each semester. In the first semester, the following topics will be covered:
i. Computer Systems
ii. Mathematical Computing
In the second semester, the laboratories will focus on the specialized topics related to the elective subjects. These topics may include:
i. Computer Graphics
ii. Data Analysis and Visualization
iii. Signal Processing
iv. Image Processing
v. Artificial Intelligence and Expert System
vi. Parallel Computing
vii. Structure Analysis
viii. Fluid Dynamics
ix. Operations Research
A range of software packages will be made available and may include: IMSL, Matlab, SAS, PV Wave, NAG, HIPS, Prolog, CLIPS, SPHIGS, PVM, ADINA, and others depending on current development in the field.
Students will be strongly encouraged to propose their own research projects, preferably with relevance to their present employment. However, teaching staff will be able to propose project titles derived from their current research, and seminars will be arranged to expose students to current developments in the field of scientific computation and provide ideas for their research projects.
In all cases, each student will need to work out a detailed research plan with a teaching staff (his project supervisor) and to submit the plan for approval by the Project Management Committee. The Project Management Committee shall consist of teaching staff appointed by the course administration and will also be responsible for overseeing assessment of the projects.
For the same rationale, informative lectures will be integrated with assignments and/or mini-projects and laboratory work to enable the students to see theories-in-action as well as to give them valuable hands on experience. In addition to the subject lectures, the course is supplemented by seminars on advanced topics as well as an independent research project. The research project is an essential element of the course in which students demonstrate their grasp of mathematical concepts and how to integrate them with state of the art computing technology to solve scientific or engineering problems.
Depending on the academic performance, the following grades will be awarded to each course subject and the independent research project:
Letter Grade Grade Point Per Unit
A 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D 1.0
F 0
Subjects with Grade D or F must be repeated.
Final examinations are to be scheduled at the end of the semester in which the subjects are taken. A final GPA is calculated from the mean of the subject grades, weighted by the units of each subject taken. Elective subjects are all 2-unit subjects and are therefore weighted equally in the GPA calculation. The research project counts as a 6-unit subject. Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades shall be awarded for the seminar subject and scientific computing laboratory. Students must obtain satisfactory grades for both, but these grades will not be included in the GPA calculation.
Advisors of studies and year tutors are responsible for monitoring student progress and workload, but students are expected to have the maturity to monitor their own progress and to seek guidance when appropriate.
Appendix I outlines procedures followed by internal and external examiners for monitoring all student assessment.
(i) Continuous assessment of homework, computer assignments and mini-projects
(ii) Examinations of 2 to 3 hours duration depending on the number of units credited to the subject
As this course places special emphasis on hands on experience and every subject will involve varying amounts of assignments and/or mini-projects, weighting for continuous assessment will encompass a wide range from 20% to 40%, with the higher percentage reflecting the stronger dependence on mini-project work. In general, a continuous assessment weighting of 20% will be assigned to subjects with assignments only, 30% to subjects with mini-projects, and 40% to subjects with both assignments and mini-projects or subjects with substantial mini-project work. To ensure an even and reasonable workload for students, year tutors are appointed to coordinate with subject instructors to arrange a balanced schedule.
Assessment for seminar presentations will be based on the degree of preparation, the clarity of oral presentation, the structure and logic of the presentation of ideas, and the appropriateness, quality and clarity of visual aids, handouts or other supporting materials. Timing of the presentation and responses to questions from the floor will also be considered in the evaluation.
Assessment for Scientific Computing Laboratory will be based on performance in assignments given in each laboratory session. These assignments are designed to focus the students' attention on particularly important aspects of computing relevant to the course.
Assessment for project work will be based on the thoroughness and richness of research, the structure and logic of the presentation of ideas, the quality of analysis and its relation to relevant concepts, and the clarity, style, format, syntax, and presentation standard.
Each project will be assessed by the Project Supervisor(s) and a Staff Observer. The project grades are then processed through the procedure outlined for evaluating examination papers (see Appendix I). Assessment of the project is composed of three parts: continuous performance, oral presentation, and thesis. Every project student is required to work out a research plan with his/her project supervisor(s) and to provide regular progress reports and/or arrange meetings to discuss difficulties, findings, and research strategies of his/her project. In this way, supervisors can continuously monitor the progress of all project work. Based on the meetings and continuous monitoring, the supervisor(s) can then assess the continuous performance of the student. At the end of the project, each student must submit his/her findings in the form of a written thesis. The thesis will then be assessed by the project supervisor(s) and a staff observer. After submitting his/her thesis, the student is required to give an oral presentation on his/her research project to the class. The oral presentation will be assessed by the project supervisor(s) and a staff observer.
There is a Project Management Committee made up of teaching staff appointed by the course administration to oversee the assessment procedures to ensure fairness and consistency in the grading.
(a) Continuous assessment (20%)
(i) Daily work and practical skills.
(ii) Initiative, motivation and independent thinking ability.
(iii) Problem-solving capability.
(b) Thesis (60%)
(i) Literature survey, background knowledge.
(ii) Communication skills. This includes clarity, coherence, data
presentation and arrangement.
(iii) Argument, discussion and interpretation and organization of
ideas.
(iv) Originality, potential for further development, applicability,
generalization of arguments.
Theses must be typewritten/computer-generated. Assessment will be based on the first submission of the thesis.
(c) Oral presentation (20%)
(i) Presentation is generally expected to be in English.
(ii) Communication skills, speech fluency.
(iii) Material preparation, use of audiovisual aids, abstraction of
information, interpretation of results.
(iv) Questions and answers.
Both the Project Supervisor(s) and the Staff Observer shall assess the thesis and oral presentation of a student. Their individual assessments of the above scheme for thesis and oral presentation will be averaged, except that when there is more than one supervisor, the weighting will be 60% for the supervisors and 40% for the observer, respectively. A sample of the theses will also be inspected by the external examiner(s). The external examiner(s) is expected to comment on the quality and the fairness of the grades given by the project supervisor(s) and the staff observer of the individual thesis. Should there be a large discrepancy between the grades awarded by the project supervisor(s) and the staff observer, the thesis grade will be determined by the Board of Examiners based on the recommendation of the external examiner(s). The continuous performance assessment is strictly the responsibility of the Project Supervisor(s). The grades and remarks will be entered into a standard assessment form (see Appendix I).
Should a thesis be of an unacceptable standard, the Board of Examiners may decide whether it is an outright failure or require it to be rewritten for resubmission, specifying conditions as deemed appropriate.
The degree of Master of Science in Scientific Computing shall be awarded to any student who has satisfactorily completed all the basic requirements of the course. To fulfill these, a student shall obtain at least a C- grade for all subjects and for the independent research project, satisfactory grades for both the seminar and the scientific computing laboratory, and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above. Distinction may be awarded to a student who has attained an overall cumulative GPA of 3.7 or above, with no subject grade below B- and no repeated subjects.
Normally, students are required to complete the course in a period of 24 months. Any exceptions to this must be approved by the Course Board.
(a) Executive : The Course Leader
(b) Committees: Course Board
Course Examination Committee
Board of Examiners
Faculty Advisory Committee
(c) Advisor of Studies
The tasks of the Course Leader include the following, which may be delegated as appropriate:
(a) To chair the Course Board, Course Examination Committee and Board of Examiners.
(b) To ensure adequate management of the course, to see that examinations are properly conducted, and to keep these matters under constant review.
(c) To guide and coordinate the selection and admission of students and to ensure that appropriate policies are developed and adhered to.
(d) To foster and maintain good relations between staff and students, and to cultivate external relationships with the relevant public sectors.
(e) To prepare agendas, accompanying agenda papers, reports, etc. for meetings of the Course Board, Course Examination Committee and Board of Examiners, and to maintain proper records of the activities of these committees.
(a) Membership
Course Leader (Chairperson)
Dean of Science (ex officio)
Head of Department of Mathematics (ex officio)
Head of Department of Computer Science (ex officio)
Full-time teaching staff involved in the Course
Two student members (one from each year)
Academic Registrar or representative
(b) Terms of Reference
(i) To develop the course plan.
(ii) To review and revise the course plan.
(iii) To prepare requests for submission to the Faculty Dean for resources required to implement the course plan.
(iv) To monitor the progress of teaching and learning activities to see that it is in keeping with the course plan.
(v) To collect students' comments on the course plan from time to time.
(vi) To make recommendations to the Faculty Dean concerning staff development in relation to the course plan.
(vii) To make recommendations to the Faculty Board on matters related to the course plan.
(viii) To receive advice from the Faculty Advisory Committee.
The Course Board may choose to delegate day-to-day administration to a course management committee to be composed of a subset of the Course Board membership.
(a) Membership
Course Leader (Chairperson)
Full-time teaching staff involved in the Course
(b) Terms of Reference
(i) The committee will review all subject examination papers to ensure appropriate content and standard. Approved drafts of examination question papers will be forwarded to the Examination Section of the Registry for printing and invigilation arrangements.
(ii) The committee will receive and review reports from subject examiners on student performance each semester, and monitor student progression.
(iii) Marked examination papers and theses will be received from subject examiners and project supervisors along with statistical tabulations, for evaluation and submission to the Board of Examiners.
(a) Membership
Course Leader (Chairperson)
Dean of Science (ex officio)
Head of Department of Mathematics (ex officio)
Head of Department of Computer Science (ex officio)
External Examiner(s) when present in H.K. at the relevant time
Four full-time lecturers involved in the Course
(b) Terms of Reference
(i) To ensure comparability of the standard of the degree with similar taught Master degrees offered by other institutions.
(ii) To ensure that degree assessments are in accordance with the objectives, content and stipulated methods of assessment for the Degree as a whole, and for its constituent subjects.
(iii) To assess the overall performance of students.
(iv) To formulate and approve the Examination Regulations for the Course, and to adjudicate as necessary.
(v) To consider special circumstances.
(vi) To classify and approve the final results.
(vii) To submit the approved passlist to the Academic Board (to be renamed The Senate in due course) for endorsement.
Experts in the field of Scientific Computing may be invited to join the Faculty Advisory Committee, which shall also serve as advisory committee for this M.Sc. course.
Two members of the academic staff are appointed to be Year Tutors (one for each year of the M.Sc. course) responsible for coordinating work assignments, computing laboratories and mini-projects in their respective year so as to ensure that students receive an even and reasonable workload spread over the year.
The IBM workstations are housed in the Scientific Computing Laboratory (T909, Science Tower) which may be accessed via an electronic lock in flexible opening hours. For opening of accounts and regulations concerning the Scientific Computing Laboratory, please consult the Information and Policy UNIX Handbook. All other departmental and University computing resources are scattered around the University campus. For details please consult system administrators or your course advisor.
Staff and students could have access to books, specialist reports, journals, and periodicals in other sister institutions through the use of Inter-Library Loan facility and JUPLAC (Joint University & Polytechnic Libraries Advisory Committee) library cards. For further information regarding literature search using CD-ROM's or any other services and facilities available in the University Library, please consult the Library Guide or enquire at the information desk therein.
At the postgraduate level all essays must go well beyond the level of simple factual recall. You must be able to offer explanations as to why certain things are so, to comment critically and express opinions and judgements about situations and to be able to use a creative imagination in applying your knowledge to novel situations. By and large, course material as presented does not make the basis of good essays. It must of course be known, understood, its relevance assessed and most probably reorganized to be suitable for essays. You must be prepared to selectively draw material from different parts of your own notes and of course it must be added to from other sources such as general reading of textbooks, review articles and papers and from your own experience, whether this be from your employment or from other sources.
Some of these and other points that you should bear in mind are enlarged upon below. Note that the University provides a Writing Enhancement Service, for details please consult the Language Centre or your advisor of studies.
Project Thesis 50-100 pages
Seminar assignment 5-10 pages
Your answer should not only be relevant, it should also cover the topic comprehensively. Sometimes an answer is good in all other respects, except that the writer has limited himself only to one or a restricted number of aspects of the question. Sometimes, selection is necessary of course and it is not possible to include everything, but aim for a balanced selection of topics for inclusion in your answer so that all relevant aspects of the question are covered.
The essay must contain a hard core of relevant, accurate and up-to-date factual material to support its other aspects and also to demonstrate your own in-depth basic knowledge and understanding of the topic. These will be acquired from lecture notes, text books, review articles, original papers and other sources, and of course must be known and memorized for examinations. Again, selection of the relevant factual material is very important. In this respect you should be adept at selecting and combining together factual material from a number of different sources. Some common pitfalls in the selection and presentation of factual material are given below:
(1) Straight recall of sections of your own notes - this can all too easily cause you to stray off the point, and very likely you will not be developing the theme required by the question.
(2) Inclusion of too much basic theory concerning individual techniques in an answer that is supposed to be concerned with applications.
(3) Inclusion of a large amount of trivial practical details as opposed to concentrating on the more fundamental aspects - this will tend to lower the academic standard of your answer.
Specific examples are important to illustrate answers, especially of the more general review type.
In conclusion, eight general points have been drawn to your attention with regard to essay writing. It is hoped that these should help to improve your skills in this area, although in particular situations, there may be other points that you should consider. Nevertheless, try to remember what has been written above, and bear it in mind at all times when preparing written work for the course, and, hopefully, the marks that you obtain for your written work will please rather than disappoint you.
The objective of carrying out a literature search on a particular topic is to produce a list of references, ideally to all the original papers and review articles within a particular period of time (e.g. over the last five years) relevant to that particular topic. There are several ways of achieving this and in practice you will probably find it necessary to use more than one method.
Most original papers in reputable journals are now published with KEYWORDS, a selection of words carefully chosen to represent the topics referred to in the article. To carry out an on-line (computer) search, you may consult the University Library for advice on building up your own profile of keywords which can be linked by such logical operators as AND, OR, NOT, etc. The keywords are then used as the basic of the search which can be limited also with respect to range of dates of publication. The skill in this kind of operation lies in the choice of keywords, such that you retrieve all relevant papers, but at the same time a minimum of irrelevant ones.
The University Library stocks a number of abstracts, indexes, as well as CD-ROM's, and more are being added annually (see Appendix III for full list of abstracts and periodicals available). Students are also encouraged to make use of the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) system to search for books, abstracts and CD-ROM's elsewhere in Hong Kong. Additional material may also be found using the Gopher or Mosaic software. For very general introduction to topics you are unfamiliar with, you may try the Scientific American magazines which publishes cumulative indexes as well as annual indexes (in the December issues).
The major abstracting journals relevant to Scientific Computing are Science Citation Index, Mathematical Sciences (MathSci) and Computer Literature Index. The best way to search for abstracts of relevant papers is to use the Subject Indices (sometimes for the older volumes brought together in quinquennial or decennial indices). To use a subject index effectively, you have to know the best term to look up. Trial and error is the best approach here. If you are not being successful, try looking up different terms until you start to be successful. There are also Author Indices. For the most recent issues, for which indices have not yet been prepared, it may be necessary to go, rather laboriously, through the relevant sections of the abstracting journal itself. Note that papers will appear in the abstracting journals some time after their original date of publication.
In order to get right up to date in your chosen topic, as well of course as to read the original papers, you will need to go to the original analytical journals. There is a large number of these in various languages (but note that translations are available only in some of the more important foreign journals). Most of the major journals published in English are held in our library. Note that for references in journals that we do not have, the Inter-Library Loan service provides a photo-copy service and that other UPGC institution libraries are available at least for reference purposes. The University Library can advise which libraries contain which journals.
In addition to the above, note that for more general purposes there are series of review articles in various publications such as "Advances in .....", "Progress in .....", "Annual Reports on ...". Another way of finding relevant references is via citation i.e. a recent paper in a topic quotes earlier references. "Science Citation Index" enables you to ascertain which paper cites which.
The thesis is the most important single piece of work that you will have to prepare during the MSc course because it is permanent. Not only will you no doubt wish to retain a copy for yourself, but also copies will be retained in the University Library, etc. It is therefore especially important that this document is not something of which you will later feel ashamed.
It is also worth bearing in mind that the thesis will come under close scrutiny by the external examiners and that you will be examined orally on its contents. In other words, you are answerable, under oral examination conditions for every word contained in it.
It goes without saying that one of the first criteria of a good thesis is that it should be written in good English and that there should be no spelling mistakes. It is your responsibility to ensure that the English and spelling are correct, and not the typist's who, because of the technical nature of the language, will most probably type what you have written absolutely letter for letter to the best of his/her ability. However, remember that his/her mistakes are also your responsibility.
Every good thesis should develop the theme of the project in a logical and consistent manner. Because of this, the order in which results appear in the thesis may well bear very little relation to the order in which they were obtained experimentally, and this means that a large proportion of the thesis writing will naturally follow the practical work. Make sure, therefore, that you finish practical work in plenty of time so that you are not in a rush to finish the thesis by the deadline.
The actual structure of the thesis will depend somewhat on the nature of the project. Your supervisor should be able to give you guidance on this matter. However, the overall format of the thesis should follow the following lines:
(1) Title Page
For example:
Inventory Management of Perishable Product
A Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science
in
Scientific Computing
by
A.N. Other, B.Sc.
August 1995
Hong Kong Baptist University
The declaration is a signed statement to the effect that all the work described in the thesis except where otherwise stated (and this must be made clear in the text) is the work of the student.
In the acknowledgement section, acknowledge your supervisor and (for part-time students) your employer (who has allowed you time release to attend the course and may have paid your fees!) and anybody else who has helped you to any major extent with your project.
(3) Abstract
This should consist of about a page of typescript, and should be a true abstract, i.e., it should summarize the experiments that you carried out and the results that you obtained. Do not confuse with statement of objectives or conclusions. The purpose of the abstract is to summarize the contents of the thesis for the benefit of a prospective reader.
(4) Contents Page
This should be sufficiently detailed to allow a person who has read the abstract to find any relevant section of the thesis without difficulty. Main chapter headings alone are not sufficient.
(5) Introduction
This is the start of the thesis proper and is an important and major part of the thesis. A typical structure for a good introduction could well follow a theme such as:
i) A general discussion of the background to the problem to be tackled, leading to a statement of the general aims of the project.
ii) A comprehensive Literature Review of the whole area, which should be relevant and topical. This is likely to be the largest section of the introduction, and will contain most of the references cited in the thesis. The objective of the literature review will be to ascertain what work is published that is relevant to the aims of the project and that will guide the more detailed choice of approach that is to follow in the practical work.
iii) A critical summary of the literature review that will lead in turn to.
iv) A detailed plan of your proposed programme of work, formulated in the light of the literature review (i.e., the specific objectives of the project).
In addition to this, some students feel the need to discuss the basic theory behind the techniques to be used in the project. This is rarely necessary unless the techniques to be used are so unfamiliar that the reader is likely to need such theory to appreciate what is to follow in the thesis.
(6) Chapter on Simulation or Methods of Experiments
Summarize here all simulation set up, numerical calculations or actual experimental methods, either in detail if they are new, or otherwise via a clear reference, used in the first section of your work. Consult any reputable analytical journal if in doubt about this section.
(7) Chapter on Results
This is where the results for your first section appear. The results should appear in their fully processed form (raw analytical data, if it is to be included, is best left to the Appendix). Present results logically as graphs, tables etc.
(8) Chapter on Discussion
At this stage, the discussion is limited to the results obtained in (7). The validity of the results in the light of experimental conditions and statistical tests etc. can be discussed here, as well as interpretation of the results.
(9) Overall Discussion and Conclusions
This is an extremely important section of your thesis, because it is here where your ability to evaluate results from the various sections of the thesis and to draw meaningful conclusions from the comparisons that you can make becomes apparent. The conclusions would draw emphasis to the most important or significant results that you obtained and can also indicate what further work would be carried out were you to extend the project.
(10) Appendices
Include here large amounts of raw analytical data that you wish to see appear in the thesis but which would make the results sections too cumbersome. Also, items such as computer programme listings may be included here.
(11) Bibliography
A list of references, either in the order in which they appear in the text or in alphabetical order with respect to the first author.
It should be pointed out that although this structure is satisfactory for many projects, it is not the only possible structure, and a different approach might be appropriate for certain projects. For instance, a popular alternative approach is:
(1) to (4) As above
(5) Introduction
(6) Results and discussion combined - this has the advantage of showing the logical sequence of experiments allowing a strong "story line" to develop.
(7) Overall discussion and conclusions.
(8) Appendices
(9) Bibliography
(1) The thesis should be typed or word processed on A4 paper and the typing should be double spaced.
(2) The thesis should be securely bound between cloth-backed hard covers.
(3) Pages should be clearly numbered and all sections indexed.
(4) Diagrams may be hand-drawn in black ink, if done carefully - captions should be stencilled or typed.
(5) References in the text should consist of a superscript numeral, e.g. as follows: "Sullivan & Katsaggelos191 described the techniques of virus protection....." and then appear in the Bibliography as follows:
(191 Sullivan, B.J.; Katsaggelos, A.K., Opt. Eng., 1990, 29:205-218)
(authors, journal title, year, volume: page numbers)
Note that the journal abbreviation is as it appears in "The ACS Style Guide: A Manual for Authors and Editors". If in doubt, quote the full name of the Journal. If the reference was an obscure one and only an abstract was obtained, this should be made clear by including the abstract reference in brackets after the main reference. References to text books should consist of:
Author
Title
Publisher
Date of Publication
Relevant pages or chapters
Also note that if the reference quoted was for any reason (such as being hard to obtain or being in a foreign language) consulted only as an abstract from, say, Computer Literature Index, then this must be made clear by adding the abstract reference in brackets to the full reference itself.
(6) The length of the thesis is recommended as being between 50 and 100 pages. However, this is not absolute, and it is quite permissible to stray outside these limits in moderation, if the nature of the project justifies.
(7) The regulations require that you submit THREE copies of the thesis. However, please note that it does not include a copy for yourself. Since it obviously creates an extremely poor impression to attend the oral examination without a copy for yourself, you should have a MINIMUM OF FOUR copies of the thesis prepared.
To this end, you will find that the questions on the paper are set in such a way as to get you to discuss propositions, propose solutions to analytical problems and make critical comparisons. There is a strong "synoptic" (i.e., bringing together) theme going through most papers.
Many of the comments relating to the examinations apply also to the coursework, especially with regard to assignments.
It is most important with regard to coursework that you submit your assignments and laboratory reports by the deadlines in order that you get a good feedback of marks and helpful advice on how to improve your work. Also, in doing so, you avoid getting into crises of trying to get large amounts of overdue coursework submitted while you are revising for examinations.
Criteria for assessing library assignments will basically follow the eight points covered in Section 7.1, "General Advice on the Writing of Essays", i.e.,
i) Length
ii) Style and presentation
iii) Relevance
iv) Comprehensiveness
v) Factual material and examples
vi) Explanations
vii) Critical assessments, evaluations and comparisons
viii) Structure and theme
Criteria for assessing Laboratory Reports will include the following:
(1) The quality and quantity of the results obtained;
(2) The clarity of the description of the numerical or experimental procedures that led to these results;
(3) The way in which these results have been analyzed and interpreted;
(4) The depth and quality of the discussion of these results;
(5) The quality of the presentation of the report.
The mark for this is agreed between your supervisor and an independent staff observer within the University (normally another member of staff associated with the course). The following points are taken into consideration when assessing dissertations:
(1) The amount of initiative and effort put in by you personally (assessed only by your supervisor).
(2) The quality of the introduction which includes the literature survey.
(3) The quality and quantity of results that you obtained.
(4) The quality of the discussion of these results to include your appreciation of their overall significance.
(5) The presentation of the dissertation.
The assessment of the oral presentation of your project research will be based on your ability to present and discuss your work with confidence with your colleagues, and of the oral examination, on your general knowledge and understanding of the subject area of the project and your ability to discuss points arising out of the project, including the significance of the results you obtained.
The Department of mathematics and Department of Computer Studies have a combined staff of 32 full-time faculty members covering most of the major branches of Mathematics and Computing. Ten of the staff have been designated as course lecturers and are directly involved in the teaching and administration of this course, but others may be enlisted to give lectures, seminars or supervise projects as and when deemed appropriate. The list of the course lecturers are given below together with some useful information.
Name: H.C. HUANG
Position: Course Leader & Professor in the Department of Mathematics
Highest Degree: BA (Beijing, 1957)
Research: Numerical Algebra, Finite Elements, Numerical PDEs, Parallel Computation
Room: T705
Tel.: 3411 7024
Fax (course sec) 3411 5811
Email: hchuang@hkbu.edu.hk
Name: F.J. HICKERNELL
Position: Head & Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics
Highest Degree: PhD (MIT, 1981)
Research: Numerical and Statistical Modeling of Data, Computational Statistics
Room: T719A
Tel.: 3411 7015
Email: fred@hkbu.edu.hk
Name: E.C.M. LAM
Position: Head & Associate Professor in the Department of Computing Studies
Highest Degree: PhD (UCLA, 1976)
Research: Information Delivery Systems, Distributed Databases, Software Engineering
Room: R326A
Tel.: 3411 7080
Email: eclam@comp.hkbu.edu.hk
Name: L.Z. LIAO
Position: Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics
Highest Degree: PhD (Cornell, 1990)
Research: Numerical Optimization, Optimal Control, Operations Research, Parallel & Scientific Computing
Room: T718
Tel.: 3411 7022
Email: liliao@hkbu.edu.hk
Name: H.W. TAM
Position: Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science
Highest Degree: PhD (Illinois, 1989)
Research: Parallel Computing, Symbolic Computing, Computer Graphics, Networking
Room: R328
Tel.: 3411 7093
Email: tam@comp.hkbu.edu.hk
Name: C.S. TONG
Position: Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics
Highest Degree: PhD (Cambridge, 1988)
Research: Image Processing, Restoration & Coding, Neural Networks
Room: T703
Tel.: 3411 7023
Email: cstong@hkbu.edu.hk
Name: W.M. XUE
Position: Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics
Highest Degree: PhD (Georgia Institute of Technology, 1984)
Research: Finite Elements, Computational Mechanics, Numerical Analysis & Software
Room: T716
Tel.: 3411 7339
Email: wmxue@hkbu.edu.hk
Name: X.N. WU
Position: Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics
Highest Degree: PhD (Carnegie-Mellon, 1991)
Research: Computational Fluid Dynamics, Optimal Control, Numerical Linear Algebra, Scientific Computing, Large-scale Programming, Numerical Solutions of PDE
Room: T708
Tel.: 3411 7336
Email: xwu@hkbu.edu.hk
Name: Y.C. WU
Position: Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science
Highest Degree: PhD (Cornell, 1967)
Research: Artificial Neural Network, Multi-media, Scheduling, Pattern Recognition
Room: R315
Tel.: 3411 7865
Email: chiangwu@comp.hkbu.edu.hk
Name: Y.T. WU
Position: Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science
Highest Degree: MSc (Huanan, 1963)
Research: Scientific Computing, Algorithm, Petri-net, Symbolic Calculus, Artificial Intelligence, Object Oriented Approach
Room: R319
Tel.: 3411 7094
Email: ytwu@comp.hkbu.edu.hk
Appendix I
Assessment Procedures
1. Examination
1.1 Setting Examination Question Papers
Lecturers Set examination question papers and model Responsible answers.
Course Examination Review all examination question papers and Committee model answers.
Lecturers Revise examination question papers and model Responsible answers, as necessary.
External Comment on examination question papers and
Examiner(s) model answers immediately after Course
Examination Committee Meeting.
Course Examination Amend examination question papers in light
Committee of external examiner(s)'s comments and
submit to Registry.
1.2 Evaluating of Candidates' Examination Scripts
Lecturers Mark examination scripts and propose final Responsible subject grades.
Course Examination Review and endorse examination marks and
Committee subject grades. Submit grade distribution
sum-mary, select sample scripts and
examination papers to external examiner(s)
for comment.
External Comment on the fairness of the marking,
Examiner(s) grade distribution of the subjects, and the
performance of the students.
Board of Examiners Review examination results and overall
performance of students; interview problem
students; decide Year I progression, Year II
passlist and degree classification.
2.
Assessment of Independent Projects
Students Submit Abstracts.
Students Give Oral Presentations.
Students Submit theses.
Lecturers Turn-in of grades and comment to Course
Responsible Examination Committee. Inform students of
necessary revision when applicable.
Course Examination Review and endorse grades. Committee
External Review and comment on the project work and Examiner(s) assessment.
Board of Examiners Review and approve grades as part of overall
performance of students.
Students Make minor correction of theses, if
necessary, to satisfy examiners'
requirements.
3. Sample of Independent Research Project Assessment Form
HONG KONG BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
M.Sc. in Scientific Computing
Independent Research Project
Assessment Form
Project Title/Sub Title: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Student Name: ____________________________ Student Number: ___________________
Name of I _______________________ Signature of I __________________
Supervisor(s): II _______________________ Supervisor(s): II __________________
III _______________________ III__________________
Name of Signature of
Observer: ______________________________ Observer: ____________________
I. Continuous Assessment(20%) Supervisor I Supervisor Supervisor Average
II III
A. Diligence &
Initiative(10%)
B. Skill(10%)
II. Thesis(60%) Superviso Supervisor Supervisor Observe Weighted
r I II III r Average
A. Literature Survey (10%)
B. Communication (10%)
C. Results (40%)
III. Oral Presentation (20%) Supervis Superviso Supervisor Observe Weighted
or I r II III r Average
A.Presentation (10%)
B.Questions & Answers (10%)
Total Marks _________________________ Overall grade _______________
------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------
Signature of Course Leader Date
Grade Evaluation for II and III (Weighted Ratio):
One supervisor and one More than one supervisor and
observer one observer
Supervisor Observer Supervisors Observer
50% 50% 60% 40%
Appendix II
Selected Hardware and Software Available
Appendix II(a)
Computing Resources (Scientific Computing Laboratory)
Hardware
IBM RS/6000 Model 3BT (Compute Server) x 1
187.2 SPECint92
205.3 SPECfp92
IBM Power 67 MHz CPU
1 GB Hard disk
17" Color Display
3 1/2" Floppy Disk Drive
128MB RAM
IBM RS/6000 Model C10 (File Server) x 1
90.5 SPECint92
100.8 SPECfp92
IBM Power PC 601 80 MHz CPU
ASCII Display
3 1/2 Floppy Disk Drive
SCSI-2 FAST/WIDE DIFF
2GB SCSI-2 Hard Disk x 3
3 1/2" 2.88MB disk
64 MB RAM
IBM RS/6000 Model 41T x 12
88.1 SPECint92
98.7 SPECfp92
80 MHz PowerPC 601 CPU
540 MB Hark Disk
17" Color Display
32M RAM
IBM RS/6000 Model 41T x 4
88.1 SPECint92
98.7 SPECfp92
80 MHz PowerPC 601 CPU
540 MB Hark Disk
20" Color Display
32M RAM
IBM 4039 laser printer x 1
· 4mm Tape Drive x 1
· 644MB CD-ROM Drive x 1
· Colour Scanner x 1
Licensed Software
AIXwindows
C compiler
C++ compiler
Fortran compiler
Mathematica
MATLAB
SAS
Appendix II(b)
Computing Resources (Operating Departments)
Hardware
COMPUTERS
AS400
DECstations
Macintoshes
HP Workstation
i386, i486 PCs
PS/2s
SUN Workstations
IMAGE PROCESSING
COHU CCD Camera
COHU CCD Camera (NTSC)
Hitachi VCR VT-168EM
ZEISS Microscope
TRANSPUTER
INMOS B403-4 Transputer (10)
INMOS B404-4 Transputer (4)
INMOS G300 Graphic Tram
Microway B800 Transputer (1)
PERIPHERALS
A3 Plotter
Bernoulli Box removable cartridge drives
CD-ROM player
Colour Bubble Jet Printer
Colour Video Printer
Dot matrix printers
Large High Resolution Monitors
Laser printers
PC-Extension Box
PC Voice Card
Postscript Printers
Scanner
Sound Blaster Multimedia
Video Capture Cards
Software
NUMERICAL CALCULATION
Matlab, Numerical Recipes, IMSL, LINPACK, ELLPACK, Mathematica
STATISTICS
Minitab, Systat, SAS, SPSS - PC
SIMULATION
Extend, GPSS, Dynamo, Simulab
PARALLEL PROGRAMMING
Parallel C, OCCAM Toolset, Parallel Fortran, PVM
OBJECT ORIENTED PROGRAMMING
Small Talk, C++, Think C, Leonardo, MPW Pascal, MPW C
CASE TOOLS/DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS/4GL
ORACLE DATABASE And ORACLE CASE
OS/2 DATABASE MANAGER And SQL
OPERATING SYSTEMS
VMS, VM, UNIX, ULTRIX, MINIX, MS/DOS, OS/2, SCO, SUN OS, Solaris 2.2
LANGUAGES
Ada, C, COBOL, FORTRAN, LISP, Pascal, Prolog, Visual Basic, Visual C++
PC TOOLS
Excel, Corel Draw, Word for Window, Clipper, AmiPro, Freelance Graphics,
Wordperfect for Window, ABC Flowchart, Wordstar, dBase III & IV, Lotus 123,
Eten, Word, Microsfot Windows SDK, X Windows on DOS,Microsft Works,
Microsoft Power Point, Easy CASE Plus, MS WIN Excel Chinese,
MS WIN Word Chinese, Word Perfect for DOS, MS Fox Pro for Window, TEX
Appendix III
Selected Abstracts & Periodicals
Abstracts
Abstracts of papers presented to the American Mathematical Society. 8 vols. 1980-87. Providence, RI: American Mathematical Society. (S 510 AM35A)
Indexes
Applied Science and Technology Index. 1958-. [New York]: H.W. Wilson. (S 016.6 AP58 1972-)
General Science Index. 1977-. [Bronx, NY]: H.W. Wilson. (S 050 G286 1985-)
CD-ROM
Applied science and technology index.
The McGraw-Hill CD-ROM science and technical reference set.
The new Grolier electronic encyclopedia.
Periodical abstracts ondisc.
Dissertation Abstracts Ondisc (1861-)
Inspec ondisc (on order)
MathSci (on order)
Selected Periodicals Available
ACM Computing Reviews
ACM Computing Surveys
ACM Guide to Computing Literature
ACM Letters on Programming Languages and Systems
ACM No-Nonsense Guide to Computing Careers
ACM SIGPLAN Notices
ACM Transactions on Computer Systems
ACM Transactions on Database Systems
ACM Transactions on Graphics
ACM Transactions on Information Systems
ACM Transactions on Mathematical Software
ACM Transactions on Modeling and Computer Simulation
ACM Transactions on Networking
ACM Transactions on Programming Languages and Systems
ACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology
Ada Letters
AI Expert
American Mathematical Monthly
APL Quote Quad
Applied Mathematical Modelling
Applied Mathematics Letters
[Asterisk]
Australian Computer Journal
Automatica
Biometrika
Byte: The Small Systems Journal
CVGIP: Graphical Models and Image Processing (Formerly: Computer Vision, Graphics,
and Image Processing)
CVGIP: Image Understanding (Formerly: Computer Vision, Graphics, and Image
Processing)
College Mathematics Journal
Combinatorica
Communications of the ACM
Computer
Computer Aided Geometric Design
Computer Architecture News
Computer Communication Review
Computer Graphics
Computer Journal
Computer/Law Journal
Computers & Mathematics with Applications
Computer Networks and ISDN Systems
Computers & Operations Research
Computer Personnel
Computers & Graphics
Computers & Security
Computers & Society
Control and Computers
DBMS
Data and Knowledge Engineering
Data Base
Data Communication
Datamation
Discrete Applied Mathematics
Discrete Mathematics
EDPACS: The EDP Audit, Control, and Security Newsletter
Fortran Forum
Graphs and Combinatorics
IBM Systems Journal
IEEE Computer Graphics & Application
IEEE Expert Intelligent Systems & Their Application
IEEE Software
IEEE Transactions on Patterns Analysis Machine Intelligence
IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics
IMA Journal of Applied Mathematics
IMA Journal of Mathematics Applied in Business and Industry (Formerly: IMA Journal
of Mathematics in Management)
IMA Journal of Numerical Analysis
Image and Vision Computing
Information Processing & Management
Information Systems Management (Formerly: Journal of Information Systems Management)
Inside DPMA
International Abstracts of Operational Research
International Journal of Information Management
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science & Technology
Journal of Combinatorial Theory (Series A)
Journal of Combinatorial Theory (Series B)
Journal of Complexity
Journal of Computational Mathematics
Journal of Computer & System Sciences
Journal of Educational Computing Research
Journal of Microcomputer Application
Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications
Journal of the Operational Research Society
Journal of Parallel & Distributed Computing
Journal of Strategic Information Systems (Formerly: Information Age)
Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series A
Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series B
Journal of the Association for Computing Machinery
Journal of Time Series Analysis
Knowledge Engineering Review
LISP Pointers
Letter on Programming Languages and Systems
Managing System Development (Formerly: System Development)
Mathematical and Computer Modelling (Formerly: Mathematical Modelling)
Mathematical Intelligencer
Mathematics and Computers in Simulation
Mathematics Magazine
Mathematics of Computation
Mathematics of Control, Signals and Systems
Mathematics of Operations Research
OOPS Messenger
Operations Research
Operating Systems Review
Optimal Control Applications & Methods
Performance Evaluation Review
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London
Quarterly of Applied Mathematics
Russian Journal of Numerical Analysis and Mathematical Modelling
SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics
SIAM Journal on Computing
SIAM Journal on Control and Optimization
SIAM Journal on Discrete Mathematics
SIAM Journal on Mathematical Analysis
SIAM Journal on Matrix Analysis and Applications
SIAM Journal on Numerical Analysis
SIAM Journal On Optimization
SIAM Journal on Scientific Computing (Continues:SIAM Journal on Scientific and
Statistical Computing)
SIAM News
SIAM Review
SIG Security, Audit & Control Review
SIGACT News
SIGART Bulletin
SIGBOI Newsletter
SIGCAPH Newsletter
SIGCHI Bulletin
SIGCSE Bulletin (Computing Studies Education)
SIGCUE Outlook (Computer Uses in Education)
SIGDA Newsletter
SIGFORTH
SIGIR Forum
SIGLINK Newsletter
SIGMICRO Newsletter
SIGMOD Record (Management of Data)
SIGOIS Bulletin (Office Information Systems)
SIGNUM Newsletter
SIGSAM Bulletin
SIGSMALL/PC Notes
SIGUCCS Newsletter
Simulation
Software: Practice and Experience
Software Engineering Notes
Southesat Asian Bulletin of Mathematics
Statistical Science
Stochastic Processes and Their Applications
Studies in Applied Mathematics
Systems Practice
Teaching Mathematics and Its Applications
Technometrics
Theory of Probability and Its Applications (SIAM Journal)
Trnasactions of the Society for Computer Simulation
UMAP Journal
Appendix IV
Subject Syllabi
Title (Units) : SCI 4010 COMPUTATIONAL METHODS (3,3,0)
Syllabus Prepared by : H.C. Huang, F.J. Hickernell, W.M. Xue, W.K. Tsui
Objectives : To review the fundamental concepts and explore modern approaches in scientific computation; to develop in students the ability to design an appropriate numerical method for a particular problem; to highlight important considerations in algorithms to ensure reliability and efficiency.
References : R.L. Burden & J.D. Faires, Numerical Analysis, 4th Ed., PWS- Kent Publishing Company, 1989.
D. Kahaner, C. Moler& C. Nash, Numerical Methods and Software, Prentice-Hall, 1989.
K.E. Atkinson, An Introduction to Numerical Analysis, John Wiley, 1988.
D.S. Watkins, Fundamentals of Matrix Computations, John Wiley & Sons, 1991.
G.H. Golub & C.F. von Loan, Matrix Computations, 2nd Ed., Johns Hopkins University Press, 1989.
J.R. Rice, Numerical Methods, Software and Analysis, McGraw Hill, 1983.
G. Dahlquist & A. Björck, Numerical Methods, Prentice-Hall, 1974.
G.H. Golub & J.M. Ortega, Scientific Computing-An Introduction to Parallel Computing, Academic Press, 1993.
Assessment : Continuous assessment (30%)
Final examination (70%)
Suggested Software : Matlab, IMSL, Numerical Recipes, Linpack
Subject Content in Outline :
Topic Hours
I. Introduction 6
A. Scientific Computing, Numerical Method, Algorithm
B. Sources of Error
C. Computer Representation of Numbers, Rounding Error
D. Numerical Stability
II. Discretization 10
A. Interpolation
B. Numerical Differentiation
C. Numerical Integration
D. Approximation of Mathematical Physics Problems
III. Solution of Algebraic System of Equations 14
A. Direct Methods for Solving Linear Systems
B. Least Squares Solution of Linear Systems
C. Iterative Methods
D. Newton's Method and its Variations
E. Conjugate Gradient Method
IV. Numerical Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations 6
A. Euler's Method, Trapezoidal Method
B. Multi-step Methods
C. Runge-Kutta Methods
D. Stiff Differential Equations
V. Unconstrained Optimization 6
A. One-Dimensional Optimisation
B. Gradient and Conjugate Gradient Methods
C. Newton's Methods and Quasi-Newton Methods
Title (units) : SCI 4020 COMPUTER SYSTEMS & NETWORKS (3,3,0)
Syllabus Prepared by : Y.K. Chan, K.Y. Ng
Objectives : To introduce the computer structure, the operation of the computer and programming languages; to study the various components of an operating system; to introduce concepts of distributed systems; to examine the basic concepts of data communications and networks with reference to the ISO Model.
References : L.L. Wear, COMPUTER: An Introduction to Hardware and Software Design, McGraw-Hill, 1991.
H.M. Dietel, An Introduction to Operating Systems, 2nd Ed., Addison-Wesley, 1990.
A.S. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, Prentice-Hall, 1988.
C.J. Date, An Introduction to Database Systems, Vol. 1, 5th Ed., Addison-Wesley, 1990.
J.L. Peterson and A. Silberschatz, Operating System Concepts, Addison-Wesley, 1991.
F. Halsall, Data Communications, Computer Networks and OSI, 2nd Ed., Addison-Wesley, 1989.
S.G. Kochan and P.H. Wood, UNIX Networking, Hayden Books, 1990.
D.E. Comer, Internetworking with TCP/IP Principles, Protocols, & Architecture, Prentice-Hall, 1988.
P.A. Bernstein, V. Hadzilacos and M. Goodman, Concurrency Control and Recovery in Database Systems, Addison-Wesley, 1987.
Assessment : Continuous assessment (20%)
Final examination (80%)
Subject Content in Outline :
Topic Hours
I. Introduction 10
A. Introduction to Computer Architecture
B. Overview of Computer Software and Firmware
II. Operating Systems 15
A. Process Management
B. Storage Management
C. Processor Management
Job and Processor Scheduling
D. Auxiliary Storage Management
E. Operating Systems Examples
III. Networks 10
A. Computer Communication
B. Protocol Layers
C. Public Data Networks
D. Local Area Data Networks
E. OSI - Open Systems Interconnection
F. Network Examples
IV. Distributed Systems 5
A. Introduction to Distributed Systems
B. Concept of Atomic Transaction and Recovery
C. Two Phase Commit and Three Phase Commit Protocol
Title (Units): SCI 4030 MODELING AND SIMULATION (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by: H.C. Huang, W.K. Tsui, Peter C.B. Lam
Objectives: This subject is divided into two parts. Firstly, by introducing theoretical concepts and using illuminating case studies, students are to gain a full understanding of what mathematical modeling is, why is it needed, and how it should be carried out step by step. In the second part, simulation techniques for analysing discrete or continuous models are studied in detail.
References: K.A. Ross and C.R.B. Wright, Discrete Mathematics, 3rd Ed., Prentice-Hall, 1992.
D.N.P. Murthy, N.W. Page and E.Y. Rodin, Mathematical Modeling, Pergamon Press, 1990.
J.N. Smith, Mathematical Modeling and Digital Simulation for Engineers and Scientists, John Wiley & Sons, 1987.
H.J. Watson and J.H. Blackstone Jr., Computer Simulation, 2nd Edit. John Wiley & Sons, 1989.
R. Haberman, Mathematical Models, Prentice-Hall, 1977.
G. Gordon, The Application of GPSS V to Discrete System Simulation, Prentice Hall 1975.
G. Gordon, System Simulation, Prentice Hall, 1975.
Assessment: Continuous assignments (30%)
Final examination (70%)
Suggested Software: SimuLab, Dynamo, GPSS
Subject Content in Outline:
Topic Hours
I. Mathematical Modeling 3
A. Need of Mathematical Modeling - Demonstrated by a Series
of Examples
B. Nature of Mathematical Modeling
C. Classification of Mathematical Model
II. Steps in Mathematical Modeling 4
A. A Flow Chart of Mathematical Modeling Process
B. Problem Definition
C. System Characterization
D. Mathematical Formulation
E. Analysis of Mathematical Formulation
F. Evaluation of Mathematical Modeling
III. Case Studies 7
A. Population Dynamics
B. Traffic Flow
C. A Machine Shop
IV. Continuous System Simulation 6
A. Numerical Integration Techniques
B. Languages for Continuous Simulation
C. Applications
V. Discrete System Simulation 8
A. Discrete Events
B. Arrival Patterns and Service Times
C. Languages for Discrete Systems
D. Gathering Statistics and Variance Reduction
Title (units) : SCI 4040 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by : Ernest C.M. Lam, S. Wong
Objectives : To introduce students to software engineering concepts and methodologies. Upon completion, students will understand the different stages of the software life cycle and acquire the knowledge of the common methodologies and techniques for each of these stages.
References : R.S. Pressman, Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach, McGraw-Hill, 1992.
I. Sommerville, Software Engineering, Addison-Wesley, 1989.
E. Yourdon and L. Constantine, Structured Design, Yourdon Press, 1989.
M.L. Shooman, Software Engineering: Design, reliability and Management, McGraw-Hill, 1987.
B.T. Mynatt, Software Engineering with Student Project Guidance, Prentice-Hall, 1990.
Assessment : Continuous assessment (30%)
Final examination (70%)
Subject Content in Outline:
Topic Hours
I. Engineering Approach to Software Development 4
A. Overview of Software Life Cycle and Other
Software Engineering Paradigms
B. Software Cost and Estimation
C. Project Planning
D. Team Organization
II. Software Requirement Analysis 8
A. Formal and Informal Specifications
B. Flow-oriented Approach
C. Structure-oriented Approach
D. Data-oriented Approach
E. Object-oriented Approach
III. Software Engineering Design 5
A. Modularity, Cohesion and Coupling
B. Abstraction, Information Hiding, Decomposition and Refinement
C. User Interface
Title (Units): SCI 4051-2 SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING LABORATORY I & II (1,0,2)
Syllabus Prepared by : Staff of Mathematics and Computer Science Departments
Objectives: To expose students to relevant software tools-of-the-trade in scientific computing, and to give students the opportunity to self-learn various software appropriate to their needs.
Readings: Software literature as appropriate.
Assessment: Continuous assessment (100%)
Subject Description:
Scientific Computing Laboratory is being designed to be "problem-centred" rather than "software-centred" so that the emphasis of the subject is to solve assigned problems using recommended software and in the process learn about the capabilities of the software. A range of software packages will be made available and may include: IMSL, Matlab, SAS, PV Wave, NAG, HIPS, Prolog, CLIPS, SPHIGS, PVM, ADINA, and others depending on current development in the field.
Subject Content in Outline:
I. Computer Systems
II. Mathematical Computing
III. Special Topics Related to Elective Subjects
Title (Units): SCI 4060 SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING SEMINAR (1,1,0)
Syllabus Prepared by : Staff of Mathematics and Computer Science Departments
Objectives: To introduce recent developments of advanced topics, to expose students to current trends in the field of scientific computing, and to provide ideas for their research projects.
Readings: Literature survey appropriate to the seminar topics under study.
Assessment: Continuous assessment (100%)
Subject Description:
This subject exposes students to current developments in the field of scientific computation and provide ideas for their research projects. These seminar will take the form of 50-minute presentations or mini-series of lectures by invited speakers. Speakers for the seminars will include visiting scholars as well as local experts. Students will be required to give presentations and to submit written follow-up reports for assessment.
Title (Units): SCI 4071-2 M.Sc. RESEARCH PROJECT I & II (3,0,9)
Syllabus Prepared by : Staff of Mathematics and Computer Science Departments
Objectives: To guide students in the development of research methodology appropriate to the field and to give students the opportunity to integrate theories with practical problems related to industry.
Readings: Literature survey appropriate to the project topic under study.
Assessment: Continuous assessment (20%)
Thesis (60%)
Oral presentation (20%)
Subject Description:
The research project in the second year of the MSc programme is an essential part of the course. This is where students demonstrate their mastery of integrating mathematical theories and concepts with state of the art computing technology to solve scientific or engineering problems. A thesis and an oral defense are required as part of the project.
Title (Units): SCI 4080 COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by: W.K. Tsui, F.J. Hickernell, W.M. Xue
Pre-requisites: Fundamental Partial Differential Equations
Objectives: This subject covers the numerical methods used to compute fluid flows. The inherent difficulties in simulating different kinds of incompressible and compressible flows are explained and the algorithms developed to overcome these difficulties are discussed.
References: J. Wendt (Editor) Computational Fluid Dynamics-An introduction. Springer-Verlag, 1992
R.J. LeVeque, Numerical Methods for Conservation Laws, 2nd Ed., Birkhäuser Verlag, 1992.
C.A.J. Fletcher, Computational Techniques for Fluid Dynamics, Vol.I and II, 2nd Ed., Springer-Verlag, 1991
R. Peyret and T.D. Taylor, Computational Methods for Fluid Flow, Springer-Verlag, 1983.
Assessment: Continuous assessment (30%)
Final examination (70%)
Subject Content in Outline:
Topic Hours
I. Governing Equations of Fluid Dynamics 4
A. Modeling of Fluid Dynamics
B. General Behaviour of Different Classes of Partial Differential
Equations
II. Discretization of Partial Differential Equations 5
A. Finite Difference Formulations
B. Error Estimates and Numerical Stability
III. Computational Methods for Incompressible Flows 10
A. Formulation of Incompressible Flows
B. Explicit Methods
C. Implicit Methods
D. Techniques of Large Scale Computation
IV Computational Methods for Compressible Flows 9
A. Shock Wave
B. Numerical Dissipation and Artificial Viscosity
C. Numerical Methods for Equations in Conservation Form
Title (Units): SCI 4090 DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by: K.T. Fang, F.J. Hickernell, C.S. Tong
Objectives: Physical and numerical experiments produce a volume of data which must be interpreted by the researcher. This subject covers analysis and visualization methods that can be used by the scientist to uncover underlying structure and dependencies in both noisy and noiseless data. In addition to explaining a variety of generally useful methods this subject also provides guidance on the choice of methods and software implementation of the methods.
References: K.W. Brodlie et al., Scientific Visualization: Techniques and Applications, Springer-Verlag, 1992.
R.S. Wolff and L. Yaeger, Visualization of Natural Phenomena, Springer-Verlag, 1993.
W.S. Cleveland, Visualizing Data, 1993.
P.-J. Laurent, A. Le Méhauté & L.L. Schumaker, eds., Curves and Surfaces, Academic Press, 1991.
T. Lyche & L.L. Schumaker, eds., Mathematical Methods in Computer Aides Geometric Design, Academic Press, 1989.
G.M. Nielson, ed., "Scientific Visualization: Bringing data into focus" special issue of Computer, IEEE Computer Society, Vol.22, No.8, August 1989.
D.F. Rogers, J.A. Adams, Mathematical Elements for Computer Graphics, 2nd Ed., McGraw-Hill, 1990.
Suggested software: Matlab, PV Wave, SAS, S+
Assessment: Continuous assessment (30%)
Final examination (70%)
Subject Content in Outline:
Topic Hours
I. Visualizing Data 6
A. Techniques for Point, Scalar and Vector Data
B. Perspective, Color and Animation
C. Data Transformations
II. Regression Models 10
A. Linear
B. Robust
C. Nonlinear
D. LOESS
III. Splines 12
A. Univariate and Multivariate B-splines
B. Scattered Data
C. NURBS
D. Smoothing Splines
Title (units): SCI 4100 FINITE ELEMENT METHODS (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by: W.M. Xue, H.C. Huang
Pre-requisites: Fundamental Partial Differential Equations
Objectives: To introduce the concepts of finite element methods, typical elements in engineering applications, and demonstrate the use of software packages.
References: J.N. Reddy, An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, McGraw-Hill, 1984.
O.C. Zienkiewicz, R.L. Taylor, The Finite Element Method, 4th Ed., Vol.1, McGraw-Hill, 1989.
E. Hinton, D.R.J. Owen, An Introduction to Finite Element Computations, Pineridge Press Limited, 1979.
Noborn Kikuchi, Finite Element Methods in Mechanics, Cambridge University Press, 1986.
Jean-Claude Sabonnadiere, Jean-Louis Coulomb, Finite Element Methods in CAD, North Oxford Academic, Mackays of Chathan Ltd. 1987.
C. Johnson, Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations by the Finite Element Method, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1987.
Assessment : Continuous assessment (40%)
Final examination (60%)
Suggested Software: SAP84, ADINA
Subject Content in Outline :
Topic Hours
I. Introduction 2
II. Variational Formulation and Approximation 4
A. Boundary Value Problems in Engineering
B. Variational Formulation
C. Approximation Methods
III. Finite Element Methods for 1-D Problems 7
A. Element Formulation
B. Assembly of Global Equation
C. Imposition of Boundary Conditions
D. Solution of Discretization Equation
E. Applications in Frame Structures
IV. Finite Element Methods for 2-D Problems 7
A. Variational Formulation of 2nd Order Equations
B. Finite Element Formulation
C. Various Finite Elements
D. Iso-parametric Element
E. Applications in Heat Conduct Problem
V. Finite Element Methods in Mechanics 8
A. Finite Element Software Package
B. Plane Stress and Plane Strain
C. Beam and Plate Bending Problems
D. Dynamic Analysis
Title (units): SCI 4110 IMAGE PROCESSING (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by: C.S. Tong, P.C. Yuen, W.M. Xue
Pre-requisites: Discrete Fourier Transform
Objectives: This subject aims to develop the theory of Digital Image Processing with special emphasis on applications. It covers two main themes: Image Data Compression, and Pattern Recognition, both of which have wide-spread applications.
References: A. K. Jain, Fundamentals of Digital Image Processing, Prentice-Hall, 1989.
R. C. Gonzalez and R.E. Woods, Digital Image Processing, Asian Ed., Addison Wesley, 1992.
S. Banks, Signal Processing, Image Processing and Pattern Recognition, Prentice-Hall, 1990.
Assessment: Continuous assessment (30%)
Final examination (70%)
Suggested Software: HIPS, Matlab (IP Toolbox)
Subject content in Outline:
Topic Hours
I. Introduction 6
A. Image Representation
B. Edge Detection Schemes
C. Segmentation Schemes
D. Image Transforms
II. Image Data Compression 12
A. Compression Models
B. Information Theory
C. Error-free Compression
D. Lossy Compression
E. Compression Standards
III. Pattern Recognition 10
A. Statistical Approach
B. Syntactic Approach
C. Neural Networks Approach
Title (Units) : SCI 4120 OPERATIONS RESEARCH (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by : Peter C.B. Lam, W.K. Tsui
Objectives : To provide an understanding of major area of operations research. Emphasis will be given to numerical solutions by computer. Software packages for that purpose will also be introduced.
References : Handy A. Taha, Operations research - An introduction, 4th edition, Maxwell Macmillan, 1987
Frederick S. Hillier and Gerald J. Lieberman, Introduction to Operations research, 5th edition, McGraw Hill, 1990
T.L. Saaty, Mathematical Method for Operations Research, Dover Publications, Inc. New York, 1988
Assessment : Continuous assessment (20%)
Final examination (80%)
Suggested Software: SAS, CPLEX
Subject Content in Outline :
Topic Hours
I. Linear Programming 8
A. Linear Programming Formulations
B. Simplex Method
C. Interior Point Method
D. Computer Implementation
E. Utilization of Resources - Slack and Surplus Variables
F. Primal Dual Relationship
G. Sensitivity Analysis
II. Dynamic Programming 7
A. Characteristics of Dynamic Programming Problems
B. Deterministic Dynamic Programming
C. Probabilistic Dynamic Programming
III. Inventory Control 6
A. Component of Inventory Models
B. Deterministic Models - Single and Multiple Period Models
C. Probabilistic Models
IV. Queuing Theory 7
A. Basic Structure of Queueing Models
B. Birth and Death Process
C. Measurement of Performance of a Queueing System
D. Poisson Process
E. Multiserver Models
Title (Units): SCI 4130 PARALLEL SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by: H.C. Huang, W.K. Tsui, W.M. Xue
Objectives : This subject is designed to give students practical experience and current techniques in parallel computation, to enable students to understand how to evaluate different algorithms in different machines, and to introduce parallel algorithms in sorting, FFT, matrix computations and scientific computing.
References : K. Hwang, Advanced Computer Architecture with Parallel Programming, McGraw Hill, 1993.
G. Golub and J.M. Ortega, Scientific Computing, An Introduction with Parallel Computing, Academic Press, 1993.
R. Hockney and C. Jesshope, Parallel Computers: Architecture, Programming and Algorithms, Adam Hilger Ltd., 1981.
S. Lakshmivarahan and S.K. Dhall, Analysis and Design of Parallel Algorithms, McGraw Hill, 1990.
J.J. Modi, Parallel Algorithms and Matrix Computation, Clarendon Press Oxford, 1988.
Assessment : Continuous assignments (40%)
Final examination (60%)
Suggested Software : PVM, Parallel Fortran, Parallel C
Subject Content in Outline:
Topic Hours
I. Parallel Computers 8
A. Classification of Parallel Computers
B. System Interconnect Architecture
C. Performance Measures and Analysis
II. Parallel Arithmetic and Matrix Computations 6
A. Parallel Arithmetic
B. Parallel Multiplication
C. Gaussian Elimination
III. Parallel Algorithms for Some Typical Problems 14
A. Sorting Algorithms
B. Fast Fourier Transform
C. Global Optimization
D. Molecular Dynamics
Title (units): SCI 4140 SIGNAL PROCESSING (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by: C.S. Tong, W.M. Xue, Winson M.C. Kwok
Pre-requisites: Exposure to Theory of Fourier Transform
Objectives: This subject aims to develop the theory of signal processing with special emphasis on adaptive filtering and its applications. In addition, there is also an introduction to recent advances in multi-resolution signal analysis.
References: S. Haykin, Adaptive Filter Theory (2nd Edition), Prentice-Hall, 1991.
G.C. Goodwin and K.S. Sin, Adaptive Filtering, Prediction and Control, Prentice-Hall, 1984.
S. Banks, Signal Processing, Image Processing and Pattern Recognition, Prentice-Hall, 1990.
I. Daubechies, Ten Lectures on Wavelets. CBMS-NSF Series on Applied Mathematics, SIAM, 1992.
Assessment: Continuous assessment (20%)
Final examination (80%)
Suggested Software: Matlab
Subject content in Outline:
Topic Hours
I. Introduction 4
II. Linear Optimum Filtering 6
A. Wiener Filters
B. Linear Prediction
C. Deconvolution
III. Adaptive Filtering 10
A. Kalman Filters
B. Linear Least-Squares Estimation
C. Recursive Least-Squares Estimation
D. Applications
IV. Advanced Signal Analysis 8
A. Windowed Fourier Transform
B. Wavelet Transform
C. Scale Space Analysis
Title (units) : SCI 4150 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERT SYSTEMS (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by : Y.T. Wu and K.Y. Ng
Objectives : A description of the major subjects and directions of research in artificial intelligence. This subject systematically describes principles and algorithms underlying the development of artificial intelligence systems, with special emphasis on expert systems.
References : P.H. Winston, Artificial Intelligence, Addision-Wesley, 1992.
J. Giarratano and G. Riley, Expert Systems Principles and Programming, PWS-KENT, 1989.
E. Rich, Artificial Intelligence, McGraw-Hill, 1991.
N.C. Rowe, Artificial Intelligence through Prolog, Prentice-Hall, 1988.
G.F. Luger and W.A. Stubblefield, Artificial Intelligence and the Design of Expert Systems, Benjamin/Cummings, 1989.
Assessment : Continuous assessment (30%)
Final examination (70%)
Subject Content in Outline :
Topic Hours
I. Knowledge Representations and Methods 7
A. Semantic Nets and Description Matching
B. Nets and Basic Search
C. Nets and Optimal Search
D. Rules and Rule Chaining
E. Frames and Inheritance
F. Propagation
II. Logic and Deduction 5
A. Predicate Calculus
B. Resolution Proofs
C. AI Language - Prolog
III. Learning and Regularity Recognition 6
A. Explanation-based Learning, Goal-oriented Matching
B. Learning by Training Neural Nets
IV. Expert Systems 7
A. Elements of Expert Systems
B. Reasoning Under Uncertainty
C. Knowledge Engineering
D. Expert System Design
E. CLIPS (Expert Systems Language)
V. Introduction of Some Advanced Topics: 3
e.g. Pattern Recognition
Natural Language Processing
Title (units) : SCI 4160 COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by : K.F. Suen, Ernest C.M. Lam
Pre-requisite : Computer Systems & Networks
Objectives : To introduce various computer architecture especially the PC, transputer, and parallel computer. Comparison of their architecture and memory management.
References : K. Hwang and D. DeGroot, Parallel Processing for Super Computers and Artificial Intelligence , 1989.
R.S. Cok, Parallel Programs for the Transputer, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1991.
INMOS Limited, Communicating Process Architecture, Prentice Hall, 1988.
INMOS Limited, Transputer Technical Notes, Prentice Hall, 1988.
Assessment : Continuous assessment (20%)
Final examination (80%)
Subject Content in Outline :
Topic Hours
I. Overview and Comparison of Computer Architecture 4
A. Von Neuman Machine
B. CISC
C. RISC
II. Microprocessor Architecture 3
A. Process Organization
B. Control Design - Hardware Control and Micro-programming
C. Memory Organization
D. System Organization
III. Multi-processor Systems 15
A. Processor Management - SISD, SIMD and MIMD
B. Processor Farms
C. Processing - Deadlock-free Routing, Real-time Processing
D. Transputer Architecture (INMOS Products)
IV. Other Architecture 5
A. Vector Super Computer
B. Fault-tolerant Computer
Title (units) : SCI 4170 COMPUTER GRAPHICS (2,2,0)
Syllabus Prepared by : Y.C. Wu
Objectives : To study aspects of modern interactive graphics such as data structures, mathematical manipulation of graphical objects, the user interface, and the fundamental implementation algorithms.
References : J.R. Rankin, Computer Graphics Software Construction, Prentice-Hall, 1989.
J.D. Foley, A. Van Dam, S.K. Feiner and J.F. Hughes, Computer Graphics, Addison-Wesley, 1990.
N. Magnenat-Thalmann and D. Thalmann, Image Synthesis, Theory and Practice, Springer-Verlag, 1987.
N. Johnson, Advanced Graphics in C: Programming and Techniques, McGraw-Hill, 1987.
R.F. Sproull, W.R. Sutherland and M.K. Ullner, Device-independent Graphics, McGraw-Hill, 1989.
O. Jones, Introduction to the X Window System, Prentice-Hall, 1989.
D. Hearn and M.P. Baker, Computer Graphics, Prentice-Hall, 1986.
E. Angel, Computer Graphics, Addison-Wesley, 1990.
Assessment : Continuous assessment (40%)
Final examination (60%)
Subject Content in Outline :
Topic Hours
I. Primitives 4
A. Points and Lines
B. Circle and Ellipses
C. Other Curves
D. Character Generation
E. Line Styles
F. Color and Intensity
G. Area Filling
H. Character Attributes
II. Two Dimensional Transformations 3
A. Translation
B. Scaling
C. Rotation
D. Reflection
E. Shear
III. Window 3
A. View Port
B. Clipping
IV. User Interface Design 3
A. Dialogue Design
B. Window Management
V. Three Dimensional Graphics 14
A. Representations
B. Transformation
C. 3D Viewing
D. Hidden Surface and Hidden Line Removal
E. Shading and Color Models
F. Curves and Surfaces