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Graduate Certificate in Computational Techniques and Applications

In 2011, CDS merged with the Department of Physics and Astronomy to form SPACS, the School of Physics, Astronomy, and Computational Sciences. The new web page is here

This certificate program focuses on mastering a variety of basic computational skills. The certificate is independent of the doctoral and master’s programs and is designed primarily for professionals in technical fields who seek to upgrade their computer expertise. This program is also available as an option for prospective or currently enrolled doctoral or master’s degree students. For information about our graduate rates, the median debt of students who complete the program, and other information, please visit irr.gmu.edu.

For more information, please contact the Graduate Coordinator

[notes]

  1. The curriculum requirements given below were submitted for inclusion in the 2012/2013 catalog.
  2. Previous Curriculum requirements: 2011/2012 | 2010/2011 | 2009/2010; (The curriculum requirements that apply to a student is that found in any catalog including and following the first semester in which they enrolled.)

Curriculum Requirements (to appear in 2012/2013 catalog)

The certificate requires a total of 15 credit hours distributed in the following way:

 

 

1. The TOOLS courses are practical, skill-based courses covering specific software packages commonly used by scientists and engineers to solve problems. Depending on the student's background, three to twelve credit hours of TOOLS courses are required. These courses are designed for professionals who are already familiar with other languages, packages, and operating systems, but need a rapid introduction to specific software and mathematical methods used by scientists and engineers.

2. The APPLICATIONS courses provide content from a specific scientific domain and demonstrate the utilization of techniques within the context. These courses are electives that can be selected from any CSI emphasis area. One 3-credit APPLICATIONS course is required.

Special course schedules may be designed depending upon the background and qualifications of the student. For example, some (or all) of the tool and techniques courses may be waived if the equivalent knowledge can be adequately demonstrated by the student. The waived credits are to be replaced with applications courses.

The recommended course sequence is tools and then applications.

Course Descriptions

TOOLS Courses (3-12 credit hours as needed)

  • CSI 500 - Computational Science Tools I  Prerequisites: A year of college calculus, a knowledge of matrix algebra, and computer programming or permission of the instructor. This 3-credit course introduces computer skills and packages commonly used in quantitative scientific research.  It is part of the Department of Computational and Data Sciences certificate and MS programs and should be of interest to a broad range of students both in industry and government laboratories and in the university. (3 credits)
  • CSI 501 - Introduction to Scientific Programming Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.This course introduces and reviews programming in C and FORTRAN with emphasis on the aspects used in the computational and data sciences. The course is conducted through a combination of both lecture and interactive computer laboratory.  (3 credits)
  • CSI 600 - Quantitative Foundations of Computational Sciences Prerequisites: MATH 213 and 214. Accelerated review of mathematical tools for scientific applications and analysis. Topics include vectors and matrices; differential and difference equations; linear systems; Fourier, Laplace, and Z-transforms and probability theory. (3 credits)
  • CSI 700 - Numerical Methods Prerequisites: MATH 214, 203, and some programming experience. Covers computational techniques for the solution of problems arising in science and engineering. Algorithms are developed for the treatment of typical problems in applications, with special emphasis on the types of data encountered in practice. The course covers theoretical development, as well as implementation, efficiency, and accuracy issues in using algorithms and interpreting the results. When applicable, computer graphical techniques are used to enhance interpretation of results. (3 credits)

APPLICATIONS Courses (minimum 3 credit hours)

Any CSI courses excluding CSI 796, 798, 799, 898, 899, 991, 996, and the courses listed in the tools category.