Computational Mathematics
The group Computational Mathematics performs mathematical research in geometrical modeling, partial differential equations, numerical analysis, combinatorics and optimization. A lot of the activity is motivated by applications, and very central is the development of numerical algorithms and related theory.
About the group
A core in the group's research is the interaction: THEORY - ALGORITHMS - APPLICATIONS. The mathematical foundation lies within analysis, linear algebra, differential equations and optimization, including a computational approach.
In geometrical modeling one works with problems related to digital geometrical models. Such models are used in industrial design, animation, computer games and other areas. Splines are functions defined via polynomials and they are very important in order to represent geometrical objects and functions in a flexible and efficient way.
Mathematical optimization is an important part of applied mathematics where one studies min- and max-problems. Many interesting problems lie at the borderline of optimization and combinatorics; there are lots of applications, and nice mathematics like polyhedral theory and combinatorial matrix theory. Several problems in industrial engineering, mathematical finance and economics may be studied and solved using optimization.
Partial differential equations (PDE) are used in a wide range of applications like weather and climate models, modeling of oil flow in reservoirs and pipelines, and removing noise from digital images. For instance, a PDE may describe how the temperature of an object will develop during time when its boundary is heated up. The group works on the mathematical anlysis of PDEs and the development of numerical methods for solving such equations. A central topic is to understand the properties of such solution methods. The activity intersects with the research at the group Partial differential equations.
The group has at the moment 6 permanent faculty positions and a number of PhD students, postdocs and visitors.
Cooperation
The members in the group collaborate with several research groups at different universities internationally and in Norway. Moreover there is a close cooperation with SINTEF Applied mathematics in Oslo, both in geometry and optimization.
Academic programmes and courses
The group offers supervision of students at both Master and PhD level. For the Master's degree the main programs are Mathematics, and Computational Mathematics. The group is also very central in the work on the CSE (Computing in Science and Education) project at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science; this project is focused on introducing an overall computational perspective in science.
For courses taught by the group, see the Norwegian website.