Distributed Computation, Numerical Methods, and Scientific Computing for Mathematics and Science Students in an Undergraduate Mathematics Department

数学科学(21)这个项目测试了将数学和理科学生引入数学问题的教育可行性，这些问题的数值解是通过使用分布式计算来实现的。分布式计算是并行计算的一种形式，是通过将计算分布在经由诸如高速以太网之类的廉价网络连接在一起的处理器集群上来寻找数学问题的数值解的过程。低成本计算机网络技术的最新发展首次使分布式计算能力成为本科院校数学系的经济可能性。以低廉的价格获得并行计算能力的前景也导致分布式计算在许多传统上是数学科学客户的领域越来越多地使用。该项目开发了一个原型，其中包括当前课程中两门新课程的教材。这些课程向学生介绍分布式计算的基础知识，前提条件尽可能少。第一门课程介绍数值分析，并使用数学的本地编程语言。第二门课程向学生介绍可用分布式计算方法解决的数学问题。它使用数学的本地分布式计算能力和可通过高级编程语言访问的分布式计算库。该项目包括开发一个计算实验室，以支持分布式计算项目。

Mathematical Sciences (21) This project tests the educational feasibility of introducing mathematics and science students to mathematical problems whose numerical solution is made possible through the use of distributed computation. Distributed computation, one form of parallel computation, is the process of finding numerical solutions to mathematical problems by distributing the computation over a cluster of processors connected together via an inexpensive network such as a high-speed ethernet network. Recent developments in low-cost computer networking technology have for the first time made the capabilities of distributed computation an economic possibility for mathematics departments at undergraduate institutions. The promise of parallel computing power at an inexpensive price has also led to distributed computation being used increasingly in many fields which have traditionally been clients of the mathematical sciences. The project develops a prototype consisting of educational materials for two newcourses in the current curriculum. The courses introduce students to the fundamentals of distributed computation with as few prerequisites as possible. The first course provides an introduction to numerical analysis and uses the native programming language of Mathematica. The second course introduces students to the mathematical problems that are solvable by means of distributed computation. It uses the native distributed computing capabilities of Mathematica and distributed computing libraries accessible through higher-level programming languages. The project includes development of a computing laboratory to support distributed computation projects.