Maxima use at BITS Pilani (India)

I was interested to find that the Birla Institute of Technology And Science
in India is a heavy user of Maxima.

......

Here is a Gemini AI summarY

At BITS Pilani, Computer Algebra (symbolic computation) is central to the
curriculum within the Departments of Mathematics and Computer Science,
particularly in the B.E. Mathematics and Computing program. The institute
employs a mix of proprietary and open-source tools to bridge abstract
theory with applied computation.
### Computational Tools & Infrastructure
 * **Software Ecosystem:** While the curriculum integrates commercial
software such as **Mathematica** and **MATLAB**, **Maxima** serves as the
primary open-source Computer Algebra System (CAS). Its GPL license allows
students to use it on personal devices across all campuses (Pilani, Goa,
and Hyderabad) without institutional network dependencies.
 * **Core Competencies:** Students are trained in symbolic manipulation,
including exact fraction evaluation, calculus, differential equations
(ODEs/PDEs), Laplace transforms, and matrix algebra. Instruction covers
Maxima’s strict command syntax, assignment operators, and output
suppression techniques.
### Curricular Integration
 * **Foundational Courses:** Computer Algebra concepts are woven into core
subjects:
   * **Mathematics Practicals:** Lab sessions using wxMaxima for
multi-variable calculus visualization.
   * **Linear Algebra & Optimization:** Bridging matrix theory, AI
computation, and nonlinear algebraic modeling.
   * **Discrete Mathematics:** Supporting formal proofs and Boolean algebra.
 * **Extended Learning:** The institute offers Work Integrated Learning
Programs (WILP), including an online B.Sc. in Computer Science, and
regularly hosts faculty-led workshops to advance symbolic and numerical
computing skills.
### Research Directions
Academic and research efforts focus on algorithmic dynamics, machine
intelligence, and the application of abstract algebra to fields such as
cryptography, physics, and heterogeneous computing platforms.

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