INSTRUCTOR
Ron Buckmire
323-259-2536 ~ ron@oxy.edu ~ http://faculty.oxy.edu/ron
OFFICE HOURS
I am
almost always in my office until at least 5pm (except Tuesdays).
My official office hours for Math 370 in Fall
2004 are MWF 3:30-5:00pm and R 10:00-11:30am.
I am readily accessible by electronic mail at ron@oxy.edu and by phone at x2536. My AOL Instant Messenger name is Buckmire2536.
If you need to see me at a time not specified here, do not hesitate to contact me and make an appointment and I'll be happy to meet with you. I think out-of-classroom student interactions with faculty are important and I encourage it as much as I can (NOTE the participation portion of your course grade).
CLASSROOM
We will meet MWF from 2:30pm-3:25pm in Fowler North 3.
TEXTBOOK
Numerical Methods with MATLAB: Implementations and Applications by Gerald
W. Recktenwald (Prentice Hall, 2000). ISBN 0201308606.
NATURE OF THE
CLASS
Numerical Analysis is the study of computational methods used for the solution
of real-world problems, mathematically. In this class, I shall introduce you
to a number of
modern approximation techniques and algorithms. I
will explain how, why and when these methods can be expected to work.
The class will be of an introductory nature, but with enough depth to provide a solid basis for further study in numerical analysis and/or scientific computation. You should gain proficiency with a number of tools which can be useful in solving scientific problems in a number of different fields.
FORMAT OF THE
CLASS
We will be
making extensive use of the MATLAB computer algebra system. I expect a lot of participation in class and will facilitate this through the
use of daily class formats (worksheets), group work, in-class computer
exercises, abbreviated lectures and online communication.
GOALS
At the end of this class you will have been exposed to a number of
standard numerical methods and algorithms which you can use when you are faced
with certain typical mathematical problems. The idea is that you are being
trained to be someone who can solve various numerical problems using computers.
Even though computer programming in any particular language is not a large part
of the course, you should be able to express HOW to solve a problem using ``pseudocode''
and also be able to demonstrate how you would solve a problem by hand or using a
calculator.
GRADES
Your course
grade will be composed of the following:
HOMEWORK SETS
(25 per cent)
There will be approximately 5 to 8 homework sets which will attempt to assess
how and what you are learning in the class. They will mainly consist of short
homework questions, reflective writing assignments, longer computer-related
assignments, and some open-ended problems.
They will have two parts: one part on course content, the other part is for you to give written feedback on how the class is going and your assessment of the way in which you are learning the material. This is an opportunity for you to reflect on your own learning of the material.
QUIZZES
(25 per cent)
There will be
quizzes given every week. These quizzes will almost always be take-home, weekend
quizzes given out on class on Friday to be handed in in class on Monday. They
will consist of relatively simple homework problems which you work on by
yourself and will be a way in which you can assure yourself you are keeping up
with the course. The quiz, and hints to the quiz will be posted on the web
messageboard.
TESTS
(20 per cent)
There will be two (2) exams in this course.
The mid-terms are currently scheduled for Friday October 15 and Friday November 19. These dates are subject to change until 1 week before the scheduled date. You may not be excused from a test without notifying me at least 1 week before the scheduled test date.
FINAL
PROJECT
(20 per cent)
In groups of 2 or 3 you will attempt to solve a real-world problem using
numerical techniques learned during the course. After the mid-term exam I will
assign groups and you will be able to select one of several open-ended problems
to which your group will produce a written solution. The format will be that
your group is acting as ``mathematical consultants'' to the person who posed the
problem. This is not to be treated as an academic exercise, but as an example of
how the problem-solving skills you have developed can be applied. The
presentation of the solution reports may involve oral or poster presentations.
PARTICIPATION
(10 per
cent) This
consists of two parts: online participation and offline participation. Online
participation consists of electronic exchanges with me and your classmates. In
order to earn full credit for this you must post a total of at least 20 messages
throughout the semester, or more than one per week.
In addition to the email list there is a class messageboard. Posts to the messageboard will count towards fulfilling your online participation quota. Offline participation consists of visits during office hours, attendance in class, asking questions in class, answering questions in class, participation in groupwork, private appointments and overall participation in the class.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
I expect the highest level of academic honesty from my students.
If you have any questions about academic honesty you should read the sections
on ``Spirit of Honor'' (front cover) and ``Academic Policies'' (pp 111-112)
found in the
Student Handbook. Any instances of plagiarism or cheating will be dealt with
strictly and in accordance with procedures outlined in the Handbook.
OTHER NOTES
We will not have class on Monday September
6
(Labor Day), Friday October 22 (Fall Break) and Friday November 26 (Thanksgiving Break).
I will let you know at least one week ahead of time if there may be other days on which class is cancelled.
ONLINE MATERIALS
The URL is http://faculty.oxy.edu/ron/math/370/04/
There is a class mailing list, to which all registered students are subscribed, at math370-L@oxy.edu.
The website can be accessed also via Blackboard, at http://blackboard.oxy.edu. Part of the Blackboard website includes web bulletin boards, where students are encouraged to interact with each other, with me and continue engagement with the course material outside the classroom. You will need your Oxy webmail login and your student ID number (as your initial password) in order to access Blackboard, where you can also check your grades online.
This document can be printed out from http://faculty.oxy.edu/ron/math/370/04/syllabus.pdf
Last Updated: Sunday, June 29, 2008 by Ron Buckmire