Course Policy

Objective  

To understand the technical issues involved in numerical computing and to learn how to select specific numerical algorithms for particular problems.

Course Material  

Errors in computation, interpolation, numerical differentiation and integration, initial value problems for ordinary differential equations, algebraic systems of equations (direct and iterative methods; linear and non-linear systems), approximation theory, boundary value problems and solution of partial differential equations.

Course Format  

The format of the class consists of lectures, reading assignments and their discussion, weekly homeworks, a term project for which regular updates must be prepared and a final exam.

Reading Assignments  

Weekly assignments from the text as indicated in the course outline . Fulfillment of the weekly reading assignments is mandatory.

Term Project  

Students will produce a term paper on a topic of their choice but directly related to the class. A two-page long proposal is due on 10/7/99. A finished final draft report is due on 12/09/99. The preferred document format for all written work in this class is html . The final report is due on 12/16/99. For additional information on the term project including a list of suggested topics please click here

Exam  

One final exam on 12/16/99 .

Homework  

Homework problems will be assigned weekly. Electronic answers (via e-mail and in html format) are due the following week and will be graded. Students unable to attend class must still submit their homework by the deadline via e-mail since no homework will be accepted past the deadline. Please take note of the following standards concerning homework:
Include all your answers into a single file.
Write your name, the class name and the homework number at the beginning of the file.
Save the file as html (or at least as text - with line breaks -) prior to sending it.
Save graphs and pictures as gif or jpg files prior to sending them.
Write in the RE line of your message: NAE - hw #
Please make sure to inspect the posted copy of your homework and to report any problems.

Computer Laboratory  

Your text contains the minimum necessary software for this class. However, more sophisticated software is also readily available to those wishing to beyond the text (see list of software sources ). Students can use the Sun network for all coursework in this class. For information on login IDs and passwords please send a message to TIS. To do the work on their own PC, two additional pieces of software are required: a compiler (Fortran, C or Pascal) and a symbolic mathematical manipulator (Maple or Mathematica). Students are expected to develop familiarity not only with basic high level programming, but also with symbolic manipulation software (Maple), electronic typesetting (Latex) and with scientific graphing programs such as Gnuplot.

Grading  

Grades will be assigned based on the following scale and criteria:

A : Outstanding

B : Good

C : Sufficient

D : Fail

I welcome inquiries about grades but you must make convincing arguments about the correct place of your work on the above scale .

Please note that incomplete homeworks can not receive a grade of A.

The final grade will be calculated from the contributions of the three graded components as follows:

Term Project: 30%

Exam: 30%

Homework and Reading Assignments: 40%

Code of Ethics  

Ethical and professional conduct is expected from everyone. Violations of this code such as academic dishonesty, misrepresentation and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Failing grades will be assigned to any student who is found to engage or participate in unethical behavior.

Office Hours  

Open, but only by previously arranged appointment.


Updated: 1999-11-18, 15:08