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MATH 3600-100 (6115), Spring 2015

Applied Numerical Methods

Catalog Description:

A survey of numerical methods for engineering, science and mathematics students. Topics include: solutions of systems of linear and nonlinear equations, eigenvalues, numerical differentiation and integration, and numerical solution of ordinary and partial differential equations. The topics will be posed in a setting of problems intended for engineering students using MATLAB. The course will simultaneously introduce numerical methods, programming techniques, problem solving skills and the Matlab language, in a lecture-lab format.

Desired Learning Outcomes:

• The ability to use MATLAB as a programming tool to solve common engineering and scientific problems.
• Understand and know how to apply common numerical methods for solving equations and linear systems, integration and differential equations.
• The ability to define and understand the practical consequences of issues such as convergence, stability, computational cost, and error propagation as they apply to various numerical problems.

Prerequisites:

MATH 3400 Elementary Differential Equations.

Instructor:

Martin J. Mohlenkamp, mohlenka@ohio.edu, (740)593-1259, 315-B Morton Hall.
Office hours: Monday 3:05-4pm, Wednesday 3:05-4pm, and Friday 10:45-11:40am, or by appointment.

Web page:

http://www.ohiouniversityfaculty.com/mohlenka/20152/3600.

Class hours/ location:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4:10-5:05pm in 314 Morton Hall.

Text:

Introduction to Numerical Methods and Matlab Programming for Engineers, Todd Young and Martin Mohlenkamp. Available at http://www.math.ohiou.edu/courses/math3600.

Homework:

Each lecture in the text has a few homework problems, which are due two class days after we cover that lecture. Do the homework in a group of 2 or 3 and submit a single solution for your group.

Good Problems:

About once a week, one homework problem is designated a Good Problem. These problems will be graded both on content and on presentation. The idea is to practice writing mathematics regularly but in small pieces.

Tests:

There will be three mid-term tests, in class, without the aid of the computer (or calculator, notes, etc.).

Final Exam:

The final exam is on Monday, April 27, at 4:40 pm. The exam is cumulative, but the questions on Parts I, II, and III will be based closely on the questions that appear on the tests for those parts.

Attendance:

This is a "lab" class, so your attendance, participation, and collaboration are essential. Each class you attend earns you 0.25% toward your final grade, up to a maximum of 9%. Since there are 41 classes, this allows for 5 absences, including university excused absences for illness, death in the immediate family, religious observance, jury duty, or involvement in University-sponsored activities. Your attendance record will be available in Blackboard.

Grade:

Your grade is based on attendance 9%, homework 41%, each test 10% and the final exam 20%. An average of 90% guarantees you at least an A-, 80% a B-, 70% a C-, and 60% a D-.

Late work:

Homework is due by the end of class. Late homework is penalized 5% for each class day (or part thereof) late. You can resubmit a homework to improve your score, but the late penalty will apply.

Academic Misconduct:

Tests, final exam:

You may not give or receive any assistance during a test or the exam, including but not limited to using notes, phones, calculators, computers, or another student's solutions.

Homework:

• If your group receives any help on the homework, you must acknowledge in writing what help you received and from whom or what source (including internet links).
• It is permitted to have a student who has already taken this course explain a homework problem to you; however, it is not permitted to look at their written work or programs.
• It is permitted to search the internet for help on homework problems. It is not permitted to look at (or contribute to) any postings of solutions to the specific homework problems for this class. (If you find posted solutions, please send me the link.)

A minor, first-time violation of this policy will receive a warning and discussion and clarification of the rules. Serious or second violations will result in a grade penalty on the assignment. Very serious or repeated violations will result in failure in the class and be reported to the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility, which may impose additional sanctions. You may appeal any sanctions through the grade appeal process.

Special Needs:

If you have specific physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities and require accommodations, please let me know as soon as possible so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. You should also register with Student Accessibility Services to obtain written documentation and to learn about the resources they have available.

Learning Resources:

• Your classmates are your best resource. Use them!
• The Academic Advancement Center's Math Center has drop-in help, tutors, online help, and a telephone hotline.
• MATLAB and Latex links
• Linear Algebra free online text.
• Notes on Diffy Qs: Differential Equations for Engineers free online text.
• Octave is an open-source alternative to Matlab, with the same syntax but less functionality. You can do simple Octave computations by setting the language to octave in the sage cell:

Schedule