Many problems in visual computing, robotics, and mechanics lack exact analytical solutions. Numerical computing provides powerful techniques to approximate these solutions using computational methods, combining applied math and programming to solve real-world problems such as simulation, optimization, and data analysis. The course begins with a review on calculus and linear algebra, followed by an introduction to how numbers are represented on computers and error analysis. It then moves on to core topics, including matrix factorization, solving linear and nonlinear systems, optimization, and numerical solution of differential equations. Students will gain hands-on experience developing numerical algorithms and learn to balance accuracy, stability, and efficiency in problem-specific contexts, such as image processing, physics-based animation, motion planning and control, structural analysis, etc.
There will be 10 assignments, each covering two lectures and designed to be completed in less than 5 hours. Assignments include both written and programming components. Starter code (Python) will be provided.
Assignments are posted and submitted via Canvas, where grades will also be released. Each assignment is due by Sunday at 23:59 of the corresponding week.
You have a total of 5 grace days for the semester, with a maximum of 2 grace days allowed per assignment. Each unused grace day will be 0.4% bonus points added to the final grades.
In this course, you are permitted to use generative AI tools for your assignments. These tools, such as ChatGPT, or others, can be powerful aids to increase efficiency, inspire creativity, and help you complete high-quality work.
Mandatory Appendix for AI Tool Usage. If you employ AI tools for your assignments, you are required to include an appendix in your submission that explains how and to what extent the AI tools were used.
Accuracy and Responsibility. It is crucial to understand that AI-generated content may not always be accurate or reliable. It is your responsibility to verify the validity and relevance of such content before incorporating it into your work. Failure to do so may result in a loss of scores.
By using AI tools in this course, you acknowledge your understanding and agreement to abide by these guidelines. Failure to comply will be considered a violation of CMU's academic integrity policy and may result in disciplinary actions.