[Review] M. Feistauer, J. Felcman, I. Straskbraba, Mathematical and Computational Methods for Compressible Flow, Oxford Science Publication, Oxford, ISBN 0198505884, 2004 (535pp.)

The growth of computer power allows the solution of complex problems related to compressible flow, which is an important class of problems in modern day CFD. Over the last 15 years or so, many review works on CFD have been published. This book concerns both mathematical and numerical methods for compressible flow. In particular, it provides a clear cut introduction as well as in depth treatment of modern numerical methods in CFD. This book is organised in two parts. The first part consists of Chapters 1 and 2, and is mainly devoted to theoretical discussions and results. Chapter 1 concerns fundamental physical concepts and theoretical results in gas dynamics. Chapter 2 describes the basic mathematical theory of compressible flow using the inviscid Euler equations and the viscous Navier–Stokes equations. Existence and uniqueness results are also included. The second part consists of modern numerical methods for the Euler and Navier–Stokes equations. Chapter 3 is devoted entirely to the finite volume method for the numerical solution of the Euler equations and covers fundamental concepts such as order of numerical schemes, stability and high-order schemes. The finite volume method is illustrated for 1-D as well as multidimensional Euler equations. Chapter 4 covers the theory of the finite element method and its application to compressible flow. A section is devoted to the combined finite volume–finite element method, and its background theory is also included. Throughout the book numerous examples have been included to demonstrate the numerical methods. The book provides a good insight into the numerical schemes, theoretical analysis, and validation of test problems. It is a very useful reference for applied mathematicians, numerical analysts, and practice engineers. It is also an important reference for postgraduate researchers in the field of scientific computing and CFD.

Some issues on assessment methods and learning in mathematics and statistics

This paper looks at the application of some of the assessment methods in practice with the view to enhance students’ learning in mathematics and statistics. It explores the effective application of assessment methods and highlights the issues or problems, and ways of avoiding them, related to some of the common methods of assessing mathematical and statistical learning. Some observations made by the author on good assessment practice and useful approaches employed at his institution in designing and applying assessment methods are discussed. Successful strategies in implementing assessment methods at different levels are described.

The Royal Statistical Society and statistical education

This paper describes the role of the Royal Statistical Society in shaping statistical education within the UK and further afield. Until 2001 the Society had four agencies concerned with education at all levels. The work of these is discussed and recent new arrangements are outlined. The Society’s efforts to disseminate good practice through organising meetings and running a network of Associate Schools and College are explored in some detail.

[Review] Assessment: Problems, Developments and Statistical Issues; a Volume of Expert Contributions. Edited by H. Goldstein and T. Lewis. ISBN 0 471 95668 6. Wiley, Chichester, 1996. viii+274 pp., £45.

This is a book on general issues to do with assessment, not a statistics book, although it touches on statistical issues. Although it is intended for an international readership to include teachers, educationalists, policy makers and personnel managers and would be of interest to such groups it has been written mainly from the viewpoint of developed countries and is not obviously essential reading or an essential purchase for anyone. Short biographies of the 15 contributors are given at the start of the book and references from all the chapters are brought together at the end. The order of chapters appears to be arbitrary to some extent and there is little cross-referencing from one chapter to another.