Abstract:

Mathematics is one of the oldest sciences. Thanks to the abstraction of mathematics, it is possible to model and understand many phenomena of nature. At present, the existence of a close relationship of these with the rest of the sciences, as well as with technology, is undeniable. Mathematics and its own style of thinking is an essential element in the culture of contemporary man and even more so in that of those people directed to a professional activity of a scientific or technical nature.

In the training of a graduate in Computer Software Engineering, Mathematics plays a fundamental role, both from a training point of view and from a practical point of view. It should be noted that mathematics is the language of physics and engineering, since the laws of nature are expressed through mathematical laws and, in the specific case of Computer Engineering, his is linked to Mathematics since its origins.

Therefore, from the point of view of the training of a future graduate in Computer Software Engineering, it is necessary to familiarize them with the formal language of mathematics. It is not just that graduate must be able to mechanically solve certain standard problems, but above all he or she must acquire a mastery of logical thinking and abstract mathematical concepts. Only if you know the fundamentals of problem solving will you be able to apply this methodology throughout your professional life. In the context of a degree in Computer Software Engineering, the question that students sometimes transmit about whether traditional numerical analysis is necessary or whether it would be enough to do a learning based exclusively on code programming seems to be sensible.

Most of the competencies of a degree in Computer Software Engineering (product and service planning, innovation, forecasting, information and knowledge management, process improvement, etc.) require graduates to have a solid mathematical foundation. Therefore, an adequate knowledge of mathematics is essential for the good performance of the profession by graduates in Computer Software Engineering. For the graduate in Computer Software Engineering, Mathematics is not an end in itself, but rather a tool at the service of the development of their profession. It is, therefore, necessary to encourage the student with examples that highlight the application of mathematics and more specifically of numerical methods in Computer Software Engineering. This approach to practice should not be an excuse that justifies the loss of rigor or depth of the concepts explained. Therefore, it is necessary to develop programs that manage to cover not only the needs of the rest of the subjects of the degree, but also the key mathematical concepts and methods for the intellectual formation of students.

The aim of this paper to describe how a machine learning methodology like support vector machines can be introduced in the program of the subject of Numerical Methods in the context of a degree in Software Engineering, detailing which mathematical concepts must be taught, how in can be linked to the rest of the contents of the subject and which kind of examples would be appropiate for the students understanding of this methodology.

Keywords:

Numerical Analysis, Computer Engineering, Machine Learning, Support Vector Machines.