Objectives
The course aims to apply numerical methods to solve some simple problems of fluid dynamics. Strengths and weaknesses of various finite difference schemes for advection, oscillations and wave processes, and diffusion will be discussed.

Content
The course gives a description of numerical methods that are used to solve the partial differential equations (e.g. shallow water equations) of dynamical meteorology and oceanography. In addition to the methods used for initial value problems, the course also presents the relaxation method to solve diagnostic boundary value problems.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge
The student

• knows how a numerical model is built up and how numerical schemes and grids influence the behavior of the model
• can test a scheme for numerical stability
• can discuss the scale dependency of the model results, and discriminate physical effects and model artefacts
• knows how an iteration procedure works for solving a boundary value problem

Skills
The student

• is able to discretize an equation in a consistent way, and assess the accuracy of the discretization- is able to analyze the various sources of error that may turn up in the model, like damping errors and phase errors
• is able to discuss limitations of a numerical model

General competence
The student

• can use programming tools to make numerical calculations
• can use numerical models as a tool to solve dynamical problems in meteorology or oceanography
• understands modelling terminology

The learning methods are lectures; work with practical modelling tasks, and solving exercises.

Lectures / 4 hours a week during 15 weeks.

Exercise workshops will be scheduled and take place instead of lectures. The work with the model tasks will be self-study, but certain problems may be discussed during the lectures.

Five approved assignments.

(Valid for four semesters: The semester mandatory activities have been approved and the three following semesters.)

Written exam, 4 hours

Due to the measures taken to avoid the spread of SARS-CoV-2, UiB is closed for teaching and assessment. As a consequence, the following changes is made to assessment spring semester 2020:

• Portfolio assessment instead of written examination
• Grading scale ¿Pass/Fail¿ instead of ¿A-F¿