A COMPUTER-BASED LABORATORY COURSE IN MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

Our computer-based laboratory course in mathematical sciences has evolved over a number of years. Details are given of the three main elements of the course as it currently stands. The first is the use of graphics-based software to illustrate important mathematical concepts; the second is a series of case study problems in which the use of the computer is emphasised as a part of the overall solution process; the third is a short course in the use of DERIVE, which is a relatively new computer algebra product. The philosophy which underlies the course as a whole is discussed, and there is an account of how the course has developed and is developing in response to constructive comment from lecturing staff and students. In the B.Sc. degree within which the course is located, this innovative approach has been found to be highly beneficial to students in promoting a sound and well balanced grounding in the whole range of skills which are of importance to the mathematical scientist. It is contended that the approach and philosophy described point the way ahead for mathematically-based courses generally, and should be widely adopted.