Numerical Methods and Programming

Code:

L.EQ008

Acronym:

PMN

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Mathematics

Instance: 2024/2025 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Chemical Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L.EQ	85	Syllabus	1	-	6	65	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The course on Programming and Numerical Methods has two main objectives:

I. Introduction to Computer Programming

To obtain a perspective of the importance of using computing for solving Chemical Engineering problems, in particular in the development of concepts and methodologies for computer programming using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).

II. Introduction to Numerical Methods

To acquire the fundamentals of relevant numerical methods in Chemical Engineering, namely the application of different numerical methods for problem solving, using spreadsheets and VBA programming.

Learning outcomes and competences

Students must be capable of:

• To recognize digital systems equipments and the specific technical terms used in this subject.
• To implement algorithms, develop procedures and codify in VBA.
• To implement problem solutions using different numerical methods using both spreadsheets and VBA programming.
• To understand the advantages and disadvantages in the use of alternative numerical methods.
•  To recognize the importance of error estimates and use error criteria.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Not applicable.

Program

I. Introduction to Computer Programming

• Introduction to digital systems: concepts and definition
• Data representatio
• Use of MS Excel in engineering problems
• Programming with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
• Constants, variables and expressions
• Intrinsic functions
• Data input and output
• Conditional and cycle structures
• Indexed variables
• External functions

II. Introduction to Numerical Method

• Approximation and errors
• Non-linear equations
• Systems of linear and non-linear equations
• Differentiation and Integration

 

Mandatory literature

Chapra, Steven C.; Numerical methods for engineers. ISBN: 0-07-112180-3
M.M. Dias; Introdução à Programação com VBA , 2004/2005

Complementary Bibliography

Chapra, Steven C.; Power programming with VBA/Excel. ISBN: 0-13-047377-4

Teaching methods and learning activities

TP - Theoretical-practical classes of 90+90 minutes for presentation of the main concepts.

L - Laboratory classes of 120 minutes in computer rooms.

Software

Microsoft Office

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	0,00
Teste	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	100,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

Attendance to classes according to current legislation. 

Calculation formula of final grade

Final grade is based on the following items:

Tests

• T1 - Test #1: max 45 minutes; Excel+VBA
• MP1 - Mini project #1: Excel+VBA
• MP2 - Mini project #2: MN (Excel+VBA)

Final Exam

• EF – Final Exam: to be done during the exams weeks, in person; max 120 minutes; Excel+VBA+MN
• ER – Recourse Exam: to be done during the exams weeks, in person; max 1200 minutes; Excel+VBA+MN

Final Grade:

CF = 0,10 * T1 + 0,15 * MP1 + 0,15*MP2 + 0,60 * EF

or

CF = Max( ER;  0.10 * T1 + 0.15 * MP1 + 0.15*MP2 + 0.60 * ER)

 

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

An exam at the corresponding seasons.

Classification improvement

An exam at Recurso season