Aims

The aims of the module are:-

1. To introduce a basic understanding of statistical methods and data analysis in the context of Civil Engineering.

2. To introduce the statistical analysis program Minitab.

3. To extend students' knowledge, understanding and use of differential equations.

4. To impart a basic working knowledge of a range of widely used numerical techniques with some of the underpinning theoretical ideas.

Outline Of Syllabus

Probability, Sampling, descriptive statistics, discrete and continuous
probability, distributions (binomial, Poisson, uniform, normal,
exponential), linear combination of variables, central limit theorem,
confidence intervals for mean hypothesis testing and goodness of fit,
regression, introduction to Minitab.
Basic decision theory (statistical games, decision criteria, the
theory in practice).

Numerical methods for large systems of linear equations; decomposition
and iterative techniques. Numerical determination of eigen-solutions
for large systems; Power Method and related algorithms.

Numerical methods for first-order ordinary differential equations:
Single and multi-step schemes. Error and stability analysis using Taylor series.
Numerical treatment of higher-order differential equations and first-
order systems.

Numerical integration: Romberg integration, Gaussian quadrature, error
analysis.

Introduction to MATLAB.

Engineering applications of numerical techniques; structural
vibrations, flow dynamics and control, evaluation of decision criteria
in optimization, reliability analysis and risk assessment.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are used to provide the theoretical framework of the module, to demonstrate appropriate analyses and examples that illustrate application to simple problems, and to main-stream engineering.
Small group teaching activities and practicals are used to increase understanding of the application of the theory through data analysis and problem solving. In addition they provide support and individual guidance to underpin students' self-directed learning, provide a forum for further discussion and to give feedback to students on assessed work.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination provides an appropriate way to assess both theoretical understanding and practical problem solving skills under time-constraint as required in industry. The in-course assessment enables more detailed engineering problems to be considered in greater depth and software use skills to be employed.