Graduate Diploma in Science (Scientific Computation)

GradDipSc(SciComp) Course Code: 6600SSCCMP The Graduate Diploma in Science (Scientific Computation) is designed for people working or studying in areas of science and technology that involve significant mathematical and/or scientific computation. It is intended that the program of study will enhance the ability of the candidates to analyze and implement efficient computational solutions to problems found in their fields of endeavor. In addition, students will have an opportunity to obtain experience using some of the latest computer hardware, including vector and parallel supercomputers. The program of study consists of prescribed course work and a substantial project involving practical computation. Normally the program of study can be completed in one year of full time study or in two years of part-time study. Graduates from the Diploma program, who achieve a sufficiently high standard, may be eligible for admission to a masters degree in a relevant discipline subject to the approval of that discipline.

Course of Study

Candidates of the Diploma must undertake a program of study consisting of 48 units normally consisting of four (6 unit) courses and a (24 unit) project. Students take four courses, and also present two seminars on suitable topics of their own choice. It is also possible to weight the project at 12 units and undertake six (6 unit) courses with the approval of the course coordinator. The lecture course component will be designed in consultation with the candidates and will take into account the candidates previous background. Possible lecture courses include:

• Foundations of Computational Science
• Scientific and Industrial Modelling
• Large Scale Matrix Computations.
• Graphical Data Analysis.
• Environmental Mathematics Honours.
• Case Studies in Advanced Computation.
• High Performance Scientific Computation.
• Data Mining.

Other courses may be made available depending on staff availability and student interest. Not all units will be available in any given year and some units will require prerequisites above the minimum admission requirements.

Project

The project component of the course will involve practical scientific computation of a mathematical nature. Topics for the projects will be actively sought from academic staff of both The Faculties and The Institute who have significant research interests in computational science. The projects will exploit the unique strengths of the ANU in Computational Science and may include the use of vector or parallel Supercomputers on campus. Check out the honours in computational science for links to possible projects.

Admission Requirements

Normally, applicants should have a first degree (B.Sc. or B.E.) including a major stream of mathematics to third year. However, students from cognate disciplines are encouraged to consult the course coordinator. Relevant work experience may also be taken into account. Candidates will need to have a minimum level of computer programming ability comparable to that obtained in first year Computer Science. Application forms for ANU postgraduate courses should be available from the page  but can also be obtained by writing to the course convenor: Related information can be found on the home page for the degree of bachelor of computational science

Further information

Contact the Course Co-ordinator: Dr S. Roberts
Department of Mathematics, School of Mathematical Sciences
Australian National University,
Canberra, ACT 0200
telephone: 02 6249 4445
email: stephen.roberts@anu.edu.au