MATH 373: Spring 2009
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Professor: Dr. Talitha M. Washington Contact Info: Office: KC 318; Phone: 488-2213; E-mail:
[email protected] Office hours: Mon 9-10, 12-1; Tu 10-11, 12-1; Th & Fr 9-11, 12-1 Text: Numerical Analysis, Timothy Sauer Course Website: Blackboard, http://acebb.evansville.edu Course Description: Math 373 deals with the design, implementation, and analysis of algorithms for finding numerical solutions to mathematical problems. Major topics include error analysis, solutions of equations in one variable, interpolation and polynomial approximation, numerical differentiation and integration, initial value problems for ordinary differential equations, and solutions of linear systems of equations. Prerequisites: Mathematics 222 and Engineering 122 or Computer Science 210 or equivalent. Course Learning Objectives: This course is an introduction to the design and implementation of algorithms for the solution of mathematical problems. This course strives to help you: • • • •
gain factual knowledge about numerical approximation techniques acquire methods to solve mathematical problems numerically learn fundamental principles of numerical methods learn to apply course material using the software package MATLAB for analysis and presentation of data
Nature of the Class: This is a course on computational methods for solving mathematical problems using computers. This includes the construction, application and analysis of computational algorithms. The style of the course will be skewed towards solving mathematical problems with computers, and not very theoretical in nature. Since many of the numerical methods will be derived from calculus, I expect familiarity and expertise with the concepts in computer programming as well as Differential and Integral Calculus. However, this is a 300-level math class and I will expect a corresponding level of mathematical rigor and student responsibility. Software: The main software tool is MATLAB. MATLAB is available on campus in several computer labs in Koch Center (such as KC 270) and tutorials are cited on our class website. You may use the Scilab or Octave to complete the assigned work but MATLAB definitely has superior programming capabilities, graphics, and library functions. Methods of Instruction: Typical class periods will follow a lecture/discussion format. Some days we will meet in KC 270 so that we can actively incorporate MATLAB into the lecture/discussion. You are expected to read the text, have patience with the programming, and complete all assigned work. Grading: The weights in determining your final grade are as follows: • 50% – Homework • 20% – Midterm Exam • 30% – Final Exam The course grade will be given on a 90-80-70-60 curve. Other factors which may (positively) affect your course grade are: the quality of your final exam, your interest in the course, and attendance. Course requirements and policies: a. Attendance: You are expected to attend class on time every day. However, if you miss a day, it is up to you (not me, or your classmates) to catch up and learn what you have missed. d. Homework: Assignments will be posted on the class website. Assignments must be turned in at the start of class on the day that they are due. Late homework will be accepted to a point, but will be subject to a penalty.
MATH 373: Spring 2009
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c. Exams: The exams are take-home. Take-home exams will not be accepted late for any reason except in extreme circumstances that are documented university approved, and only if I am aware of the circumstances prior to the exam. d. Submitted Work: Take care in writing up your solutions for the homework assignments and exams. If critical steps in the solution of a problem are missing, expect to lose points. In general, be sure to show your work. All written solutions must be clear, concise and correct. Even if your solution is correct, expect to lose points if it is difficult to read and understand. This includes solutions that are confused, incomprehensible, unnecessarily complicated, verbose, illegible or incomplete. e. Honor Code: It is expected that students are familiar with and will comply with the terms of the University's Academic Honor Code. I will neither give nor receive unauthorized aid, nor will I tolerate an environment which condones the use of unauthorized aid. Note that collaboration on homework is allowed and encouraged, but the work submitted should be your own. Giving or receiving help of any kind on exams is strictly prohibited. f. Accessibility: Please let me know immediately if you have a learning or physical disability requiring accommodation. For more information, contact the Office of Counseling and Health Education at 488-2663. Tentative Course Outline Chapter 0 Fundamentals (0.1-0.5) Chapter 1 Solving Equations (1.1-1.5) Chapter 2 Systems of Equations (2.1-2.5) Chapter 3 Interpolation (3.1-3.4) Chapter 4 Least Squares (4.1) Chapter 5 Numerical Differentiation and Integration (5.1-5.5) Chapter 6 Ordinary Differential Equations (6.1-6.4) Chapter 9 Random Numbers (9.1)
Have a great semester!
