Syllabus

Mathematica - CS 165 - Spring 2004

Class Meetings: R 3:00-4:25, Fowler 112.

Text: An introduction to programming with Mathematica, By Gaylord, Kamin, and Wellin. This book is out of print. Used copies can be obtained at the bookstore or on the web. The book Mathematica for scientists and engineers, by Thomas B. Bahder, is also a good book; it has lots of clear examples and explanations, but it too is old and out of print.

Homework: HW will be assigned in every class meeting, due the next class meeting. I will not collect HW; instead, we will work together on the HW problems in class. But because we won't have time to cover every problem in class, you are strongly encouraged to work with your classmates or get help from me on problems you can't do.

Midterms: There will be three exams, on the following dates (subject to change with prior notice): R 2/12, R 3/11, R 4/15.

Final : The final exam will be on Tuesday, May 4, 2004, 8:30-11:30 AM. Please make sure you do not have any time conflicts with this date and time (or any early travel plans), as I do not give early or late finals!

Make-ups: No make-up exams will be given. If you miss a midterm with a valid excuse (e.g., a medical reason), and provide documentation for it, that midterm will simply not count for you—instead, your other midterms and the final exam will count proportionally more. This policy does not apply to the final exam.

Extra Credit Problems: On each exam there may be one or more challenging problems designated as extra credit problems. They do not carry any points; but, in borderline cases, they may help you earn a higher grade.

Grading: I use a "curve" for grades, but in a small class such as ours, the curve will necessarily be somewhat subjective: I will determine it according to the overall performance of the class, the material covered, exams, homework, etc. But you are guaranteed a grade of at least A- for 90% or higher, B+ for 87% or higher, B for 83% or higher and so on (every ten points). A score of 95% or higher guarantees you an A. Your total number of points for the semester will be computed according to the table to the right.

Midterms 60% Final 40%

Attendance: You are responsible for everything that goes on in every class meeting, such as announcements, handouts, taught topics that are not in the class notes, etc.  This means even if you miss a class for a valid reason, it is your responsibility to contact me and find out what you missed.

E-mail: When necessary, I will make announcements via the class mailing list, instead of in the classroom. You are expected to check your email at least once a day. You are encouraged to use our class email list, comp165-L@oxy.edu, to send messages to everyone in the class.

Academic Honesty: I feel strongly about protecting honest and hard-working students against unfair and dishonest actions sometimes committed by a few. I don't give warnings; I refer all suspicious cases to the Judicial Examiner without hesitation.

Students with learning disability: you are welcome to see me and the CTL to arrange for any special needs.