Spring 2026 - APMA 935 G100
Analysis and Computation of Models (4)
Class Number: 5255
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
John Stockie
jstockie@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Analysis of models from the natural and applied sciences via analytical, asymptotic and numerical studies of ordinary and partial differential equations.
COURSE DETAILS:
Analysis and Computation of Models: Computational Fluid Dynamics
This course will introduce students to a variety of computational approaches for solving the partial differential equations governing fluid dynamics, focusing on finite difference and finite volume techniques. Theoretical background material will be introduced as necessary, but the emphasis of the course will be on the numerical methods, their accuracy and stability, and applying them in practical calculations of real fluid flows. Students will gain experience writing their own codes, as well as employing existing open-source software packages. Applications will be drawn from a wide variety of problems arising in wave propagation, incompressible fluids, compressible gas dynamics, and porous media flow. In contrast with the common engineering approaches to teaching CFD, I will not emphasize the study of complex flows in sophisticated geometries using commercial codes, but will focus instead on the design of the underlying algorithms, and carefully assessing their correctness, accuracy, efficiency and robustness.
Prerequisites:
Previous courses in ordinary and partial differential equations (such as MATH 310 or MATH 314) are required. A previous course in fluid dynamics (such as MATH 462) would be an advantage, but is not required. Some computing experience is highly recommended (with any programming language). The majority of algorithms presented in class will be implemented in MATLAB, although some codes written in Python, C or FORTRAN may also be used.
Grading
- Homework 60%
- Project 40%
NOTES:
THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
There is no textbook for this course. Material will be drawn from a number of books, articles and other sources, some of which are held on reserve in the library and others distributed in class.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.