A First Course in Scientific Computing: Symbolic, Graphic, and Numeric Modeling Using Maple, Java, Mathematica, and Fortran90 [Hardcover]

Rubin H. Landau (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 11, 2005

This book offers a new approach to introductory scientific computing. It aims to make students comfortable using computers to do science, to provide them with the computational tools and knowledge they need throughout their college careers and into their professional careers, and to show how all the pieces can work together. Rubin Landau introduces the requisite mathematics and computer science in the course of realistic problems, from energy use to the building of skyscrapers to projectile motion with drag. He is attentive to how each discipline uses its own language to describe the same concepts and how computations are concrete instances of the abstract.

Landau covers the basics of computation, numerical analysis, and programming from a computational science perspective. The first part of the printed book uses the problem-solving environment Maple as its context, with the same material covered on the accompanying CD as both Maple and Mathematica programs; the second part uses the compiled language Java, with equivalent materials in Fortran90 on the CD; and the final part presents an introduction to LaTeX replete with sample files.

Providing the essentials of computing, with practical examples, A First Course in Scientific Computing adheres to the principle that science and engineering students learn computation best while sitting in front of a computer, book in hand, in trial-and-error mode. Not only is it an invaluable learning text and an essential reference for students of mathematics, engineering, physics, and other sciences, but it is also a consummate model for future textbooks in computational science and engineering courses.

• A broad spectrum of computing tools and examples that can be used throughout an academic career
• Practical computing aimed at solving realistic problems
• Both symbolic and numerical computations
• A multidisciplinary approach: science + math + computer science
• Maple and Java in the book itself; Mathematica, Fortran90, Maple and Java on the accompanying CD in an interactive workbook format

Editorial Reviews

Review

Essential. . . . Rubin Landau offers a practical introduction to the world of scientific computing or numerical analysis. He introduces not only the concepts of numerical analysis, but also more importantly the tools that can be used to perform scientific computing. . . . The presentation is particularly useful because real-life examples with real code and results are included. -- Choice

Not only is [this book] an invaluable learning text and an essential reference for students of mathematics, engineering, physics, and other sciences, but it is also a consummate model for future textbooks in computational science and engineering courses. -- Mathematical Reviews

The contents can be taught in lab-based courses at the undergraduate level. Much of the material covered is usually addressed in separate books. Therefore, the book is also suitable for independent study by graduate students and professional who wish to learn one or more of the languages in a comprehensive way with the emphasis kept on problem-solving. -- Frits Agterberg, Computers and Geosciences

The colloquial and tutorial approach might help alleviate the many practical problems associated with incorporating computational applications into a more traditional lecture environment. The text provides many concrete and programming examples in action and illustrates how much you can accomplish with a few well-chosen tools. . . . [S]tudents impressed with the text's workbook style and reference book quality will add it to their bookshelves and return to it often. -- Michael Jay Schillaci, IEEE Computing in Science and Engineering

From the Inside Flap

"This book fills an important niche for the undergraduate by providing a well-organized, well-written introduction to a subject usually addressed in books for graduate students. Its problem-based approach to programming in Maple and Java, using common physics problems in a multitude of areas such as mechanisms, electromagnetism, and relativity, is very effective method of instruction."--Gregory Moses, University of Wisconsin-Madison

"This easy-to-follow book is novel in being a hands-on workbook rather than a standard textbook. Importantly, it integrates scientific examples with a discussion of programming techniques and algorithm design. By having the student read it while sitting down at the computer, it offers immediate feedback. It is also unusual in using and comparing two very different approaches, Maple and Java."--Jan Tobochnik, Kalamazoo College, coauthor of An Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods and Editor of the American Journal of Physics

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 472 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (April 11, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691121834
• ISBN-13: 978-0691121833
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #98,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Computers & Technology > Graphic Design > 3D Graphics

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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars unusual teaching of numerical analysis and symbolic algebra, August 5, 2005

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W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A First Course in Scientific Computing: Symbolic, Graphic, and Numeric Modeling Using Maple, Java, Mathematica, and Fortran90 (Hardcover)

Landau takes a refreshingly different approach to teaching students scientific computation. The field can be considered as two parts. One, the older and more heavily used, is about the "traditional" numerical analysis. You crunch numbers, and you get numbers out. The other approach is symbolic algebra.

Usually a text only deals with one type. Here, he teaches both. Plus, for each type, he offers the choice of two languages. For the numerical analysis, there is Fortran, version 90, and Java. While the symbolic algebra is performed using Mathematica or Maple. Ecumenical indeed!

These are excellent choices of languages. Fortran still dominates legacy numerical analysis, with massive libraries of subroutines that one has to work with or maintain. While Java lets the student learn good object oriented practices.

And Mathematica and Maple are perhaps the most common symbolic packages available.