CAAM 353

Computational Numerical Analysis

Spring 2008

general information lectures assignments

General Information

About this Course

This course is an introduction to a broad range of numerical methods for solving mathematical problems that arise in Science and Engineering. The goal is to provide a basic understanding of these numerical methods. This will help you choose and apply the appropriate numerical techniques for your problem and interpret the results. For a listing of topics see the lectures-page.

Time and Room

Classes: T/Th 9:25am - 10:40am, Room: DH1075

Instructor

Matthias Heinkenschloss
Office: Duncan Hall 3088
Phone: x5176
Office Hours: Tuesdays + Wednesdays 11am-12noon and by appointment.
email:Matthias Heinkenschloss

Announcements

You might be interested in VIGRE. To learn more about VIGRE, the various VIGRE activities and courses (PFUGs) offered, visit the VIGRE webpage.

Check the lectures-page and the assignments-page regularly for updates. Homework grades will be posed on the assignments-page. (See items 5, 6 in Grading below.)

Textbook and References

We will use the book Cleve Moler: Numerical Computing with Matlab, SIAM Philadelphia, 2004. PDF copies of this book as well as Matlab programs discussed in this book are available for download from the book web-site. You can purchase the book for about $40. Note that we will not cover all of the topics in this book and in many cases I will provide extra material. Hence, regular attendance of the lectures is required. I will provide handouts on the lectures-page that contain additional material discussed in the lectures.

The material of this course is covered in most books on Numerical Analysis (call number QA 297) or on Scientific Computing (call number QA 183) and you are encouraged to browse the library.
Numerical Analysis software can be found at

We use Matlab for programming exercises. See the Matlab help page.

Grading

  • Homework will be assigned roughly once a week.
  • Unless noted otherwise, you may discuss homework with fellow classmates. You are expected, however, to individually write up your solutions.
  • There will be pledged homework assignments. These carry twice the weight of regular homework assignments. On pledged assignments, you are not allowed to discuss homework with fellow students.
  • The grade will be determined from your scores on the homework assignments.
  • You may, with impunity, submit up to two assignments up to one class period (not one week) beyond their due date. Subsequent submissions will incur penalties in increments of 10%. Homework submitted later than one class period beyond its due date will not be accepted without a written excuse.
  • Homework frequently involves Matlab computer projects. Program source code must be turned in and must adhere to the programming standards.
  • Look over the graded homework as soon as it is returned. If you detect mistakes in the grading, notify your instructor immediately. Homework scores will only be changed during the first two weeks after they have been returned!
  • Homework grades will be posed on the assignments-page. Check the postings regularly. If you detect discrepancies between the posted scores and your records, please notify your instructor immediately. Homework scores will only be changed during the first two weeks after they have been returned!

Honor Code Policy

Unless noted otherwise, you are encouraged to discuss homework with fellow classmates. You are expected, however, to individually write up your solutions. On pledged assignments, you are not allowed to discuss homework with fellow students.

Note on Disability Based Accommodations

If you have a documented disability that will impact your work in this class, please contact me to discuss your needs. Additionally, you will need to register with the Disability Support Services Office in the Ley Student Center.

This web page is located at http://www.caam.rice.edu/~caam353 and maintained by Matthias Heinkenschloss.