What is scientific computing?

Wikipedia states that scientific computing is "the field of study concerned with constructing mathematical models and quantitative analysis techniques and using computers to analyze and solve scientific problems". Though sound enough, this definition doesn't stress some of the more basic computing aspects that one needs to address in order to successfully solve problems in this domain. The UCS' Scientific Computing team can help and advise across a range of related issues, from the very basic to the more esoteric. Topics which we can help with include:

• Programming advice across a number of languages, but especially C, C++, Fortran and Python.
• Numerical techniques, especially when applied using MATLAB or Numpy/Scipy.
• General algorithmic methods (searching, sorting, etc.).
• Distributed computing, e.g. using grids and clouds, but especially using Condor.
• Parallel programming, e.g. using MPI and OpenMP.

This list is not exhaustive, so if you think that we can help then feel free to get in touch.