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
along with a rudimentary understanding of finite precision arithmetic.
This will help you choose and apply the appropriate
numerical techniques for your problem, interpret the results and assess
accuracy.
For a listing of topics see the
lectures/readings-page.
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 homework-page
regularly
for
updates.
Homework
grades
will be posed on Owlspace.
Textbook and References
We will use the book "
A First Course in
Numerical Methods" by
Ascher and Greif.,
SIAM, 2011.
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.
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.
We shall 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 regular homework
assignments with fellow classmates. As a rule of thumb, try to work on
the problem for at least an hour by yourself before you consult with
others. 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 course grade will be determined from your scores on the
homework
assignments. There will be no exams.
- You may, without penalty, submit up to two assignments up to one
class period (not one week) beyond their due date. Subsequent
late submissions will receive no credit.
- Ex: Homework due Tuesday, you can turn it in late up to
Thursday of that week (same time of day as original assignment)
- Ex. Homework due Thursday, you can turn it in late up to the
following Tuesday of the next week. (same time of as original
assignment)
- Homework frequently involves Matlab computer projects. Program
code and output 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 week after they have been
returned!
- Homework grades will be posted on Owlspace. Check your grades
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 week after they have been
returned!
Turning in Homework
Homework will be due:
- Uploaded to Owlspace
by 11:55
pm on the due date
- OR Written/Printed out and slid under my office door (Duncan
3018) by noon on the due date
Acceptable Homework Formats
How to type math:
If you don't want to "type" math:
- Write LEGIBLY (answers), MATLAB pdf (code)
Sample MATLAB report .m file and generated pdf
Common
Latex/TeX/MATLAB
$$ mode Symbols
Honor Code Policy
Unless noted otherwise, you
are encouraged to discuss regular homework assignments 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. Any suspected violations of the
honor code will be reported to the honor council.
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.
