Scientific Simulations in Java

MATHSC 481/983 Special
Topics in Computational Math (3 hours)

       
Spring Semester, 2000
Instructor: Daniel D. Warner, 656-5244
Office: Martin Hall O-203,
Hours: 9:00 - 10:00 & 13:30 - 14:15 MWF
Classroom: Martin Hall M-301
Class Times: 11:15 - 12:05 MWF

Last updated on January 22, 2000.

 

 

Because of its Object Orientation, its Platform Independence, and its tight specifications on arithmetic operations; Java is an appealing language for the development of Scientific Simulations. Since Java based simulations can be distributed in the context of web-based documentation, such Java based simulations can greatly enhance the dissemination of scientific knowledge and can substantially improve scientific training particularly in the area of understanding complex models.

This course will focus on developing Scientific Simulations written in Java and distributed through the World Wide Web. The course will be project oriented and will involve the development of interactive web-based simulations of scientific topics chosen by the students.

Topics:

Textbooks:

There are so many Java books on the market that there will be no required text. O'Reilly & Associates has a useful but somewhat out of date bibliography which describes some of the leading works in various categories.

The syntax of the Java language is quite simple. However, the libraries included with the Java runtime are very extensive, and a reference book of some sort is absolutely essential. I would are highly recommend any of the following books.

  1. Java in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference, 3rd Edition
    by Dennis Flanagan.
    O'Reilly & Associates, 3rd Edition November 1999
    628 pages, $29.95, ISBN: 1-56592-487-8
    The third edition of this bestselling book covers Java 1.2 and 1.3. It contains an advanced introduction to Java and its key APIs and provides quick-reference material on all the classes and interfaces in the following APIs: java.lang, java.io, java.beans, java.math, java.net, java.security, java.text, java.util, and javax.crypto.
  2. Java for Engineers and Scientists
    by Stephen J. Chapman
    Prentic Hall, 1999
    572 pages, $65.00, ISBN: 0-13-919523-8
    From the very beginning, this concise introduction to Java develops and executes practical examples useful for solving problems in an engineering environment. Focused on the proper way to write reliable Java programs, it outlines excellent software development practices; uses a top-down design technique to break the program up into logical portions; and demonstrates object re-usability by building later examples on the classes and methods created in earlier examples. The text makes learning an interactive experience by providing all sources for all examples through a Website.
  3. Java Foundation Classes in a Nutshell, A Desktop Quick Reference
    by David Flanagan
    1st Edition September 1999
    748 pages, $29.95, 1-56592-488-6
    Java Foundation Classes in a Nutshell provides an in-depth overview of the important pieces of the (JFC), such as the Swing components and Java 2D. It also includes compact reference material on all the GUI- and graphics-related classes in the numerous javax.swing and java.awt packages. Covers Java 1.2.
  4. Java Enterprise in a Nutshell, A Desktop Quick Reference
    by David Flanagan, Jim Farley, William Crawford & Kris Magnusson
    1st Edition September 1999
    622 pages, $29.95, 1-56592-483-5
    The Java Enterprise APIs are essential building blocks for creating enterprise-wide distributed applications in Java. Java Enterprise in a Nutshell covers the RMI, Java IDL, JDBC, JNDI, Java Servlet, and Enterprise JavaBeans APIs, providing a fast-paced tutorial and compact reference material on each of the technologies. Covers Java 1.2.
  5. Java Examples in a Nutshell, A Companion Volume to Java in a Nutshell
    by David Flanagan
    1st Edition September 1997
    414 pages, $24.95, 1-56592-371-5
    From the author of Java in a Nutshell, this companion book is chock full of practical real-world programming examples to help novice Java programmers and experts alike explore what's possible with Java 1.1. If you learn best by example, this is the book for you.
  6. Exploring Java, 2nd Edition
    by Patrick Niemeyer and Joshua Peck
    O'Reilly & Associates, 2nd Edition September 1997
    614 pages, $32.95, ISBN: 1-56592-271-9
    This tutorial is written for Java users who already have a fundamental understanding of computer programming principles. With a practical, hands-on approach characteristic of O'Reilly's Nutshell Handbooks., Exploring Java, fully revised for Java 1.1, gives a clear, systematic overview of the language. It covers the essentials of hot topics like Beans and RMI, as well as writing applets and other applications, such as networking programs, content and protocol handlers, and security managers.
** Virtually all Java books, including the books listed above, can be purchased online thru Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobel, or Powell's Books.
If you have any questions, contact warner@math.clemson.edu.