MSc in Computational Science and Engineering

In the 21st century, progress in many branches of Science and Engineering is dependent on the three interrelated themes of theory, experiment and simulation. Numerical simulation complements experiments, and even enables the study and understanding of systems and phenomena that would be too time-consuming, too expensive or too dangerous for experimental investigation. Thus Computational Science & Engineering (CS&E) has emerged as an exciting and important new discipline - see the SIAM pages on Computational Science and Engineering. CS&E is fundamentally interdisciplinary, building on expertise in the three subject areas of Computer Science, Computational Applied Mathematics (particularly Numerical Analysis) and Scientific and Engineering Applications.

Launched in 2001, the MSc in Computational Science and Engineering (The Design and Implementation of Large-Scale Computations) is a research-led Masters course aimed at graduates in the Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics who have an understanding of the role of differential equations in the modelling of physical phenomena. We expect that successful graduates will pursue careers as Applied Scientists in the High Technology sector or as Software Engineers in the Scientific Computing sector. The course concentrates on the means of achieving high-performance in such computational modelling and simulation, including algorithmic aspects, visualisation, the development of software and the use of massively parallel machines for fast simulation. The course combines a wide range of taught modules together with a substantial research project. Much of the material is taught by researchers in the internationally renowned Centre for Novel Computing (CNC) within the Department of Computer Science, and research projects are frequently supported by industrial partners. The course uses the high performance computing facilities owned by the CNC (a 16-processor SGI Origin 3400 and a 16-processor SUN Blackstone Ultragrid machine) and for appropriate topics there are opportunities during the project to use the high performance facilities offered by the CSAR National High Performance Computing service (a 512-processor SGI Origin 3800 and a 512-processor SGI Altix 3700).

Typical research projects from the past two years include:

• Frameworks for Coupled Simulation Modelling.
• Comparison of Various Approaches for the Numerical Solution of the Navier-Stokes Equations (in collaboration with the Computational Mechanics and Biomechanics group in the Department of Mathematics).
• Simulation of Pattern Formation and Evolution in Chaotic Low Temperature Convective Fluids (in collaboration with the Condensed Matter Physics group at the University of Manchester).
• Financial Derivatives Modelling Using PDEs (in collaboration with a major Financial Institution).
• A Multiscale Finite Element Method for the Solution of Elliptic PDEs .
• Accurate Real Time Deformable Tubes: the Space Discretization.
• Storage Formats for Sparse Matrices.

So far, 4 students have graduated from the course successfully, all from the 2001 intake. Of these, two have continued as PhD students in the CNC at the University of Manchester.

The programme is supported by an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Master Training Package and current funding allows us to award studentships or bursaries annually to suitably qualified EU-resident students.

If you are interested in an MSc course that focuses on the more Mathematical aspects of Computational Science see the MSc in Applied Numerical Computing offered by the Mathematics Department at The University of Manchester.

There are two entry routes to this programme:

Direct Entry: For students with a science degree containing a substantial amount of Computer Science and who have achieved at least a 2(i) result, or an overseas equivalent. Applicants with less formal training but sufficient relevant experience in the computer industry may be considered.

Foundation Route: For students who have a good degree in a Science or Engineering subject but little formal training in Computer Science at degree level. To enter the Advanced Programme you take at least two foundation units by e-Learning, normally in the year preceding entry to the Advanced Programme. One of the foundation units is credited to your MSc. If you wish to enter by this route, please indicate this on your application.

• If you are a prospective student or wish to know what the course offers, consult the course Prospectus 
• For a list of the taught modules on offer (and aims and objectives), consult the course Syllabus
• The Handbook contains a description of the course, its regulations and guidance for students.
• Timetables, and other useful information, may be found on the Information Page.