Numerical Methods and Programming

Teaching Methodologies

The adopted methodologies are aligned with the pedagogical model by promoting active, practical and problem-oriented learning. The theoretical introduction of key concepts is complemented by exercise solving, supporting the gradual consolidation of knowledge. Spreadsheet-based tasks allow students to apply numerical methods and develop essential digital skills. Function programming and script development foster computational thinking, autonomy and the ability to implement solutions in real-world contexts. Activities involving local and cloud digital environments reinforce digital literacy practices. Together, these methodologies ensure an integrated learning experience, centred on the student and aligned with the development of technical and transversal competencies.

Learning Results

The course aims to develop fundamental knowledge and skills in linear algebra, numerical analysis and programming, oriented towards solving applied problems in scientific and technological fields. Students should be able to: understand and manipulate matrices, determinants and linear systems; apply numerical methods to find function zeros and perform polynomial interpolation; use spreadsheets to model and analyse data; understand the principles of information systems; develop functions and create scripts to automate processes in digital environments; and work effectively in both local and cloud-based environments. The teaching methodology-combining theoretical exposition, exercise solving, practical work and programming-is fully compatible with these objectives, enabling an integrated development of knowledge, skills and competencies.

Program

1. Linear Algebra: 1.1. Matrices; 1.2. Determinants; 1.3. Linear systems.

2. Numerical Analysis: 2.1. Function zeros; 2.2. Polynomial interpolation.

3. Information Systems: 3.1. Fundamentals of information processing systems.

4. Programming: 4.1. Function programming; 4.2. Script development.

5. Foundations of local and cloud digital environments: 5.1. Basic concepts: local software vs cloud services; 5.2. Institutional accounts, authentication, permissions and sharing; 5.3. File organisation: local folders, cloud storage, synchronisation.

Curricular Unit Teachers

Elisabete Dinora Caldas de Freitas

Internship(s)

NAO

Bibliography

1. Cabral, I., Saiago, C., & Perdigão, C. (2018). Álgebra linear: Teoria, exercícios resolvidos e exercícios propostos com soluções. Escolar Editora.
2. Pina, H. (2010). Métodos numéricos. Escolar Editora.

3. Villate, J. E. (2015). Métodos numéricos. Publicações FEUP. https://books.fe.up.pt/index.php/feup/catalog/book/978-972-99396-3-1
4. Walkenbach, J. (2015). Excel 2016 Bible. Wiley.
5. Kusleika, M. (2016). Excel 2016 power programming with VBA. Wiley.
6. Lambert, J. (2015). Microsoft Word 2016: Step by step. Microsoft Press.
7. Gilat, A. (2023). Numerical methods for engineers and scientists. Wiley.
8. Kinser, J., & Kinser, R. (2021). Python programming for engineers and scientists. CRC Press.

9. Sauer, T. (2021). Numerical analysis. Pearson.
10. McKinney, W. (2022). Python for data analysis (3rd ed.). O’Reilly.