Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR
Ron Buckmire ~ 259-2536 ~ ron "at"oxy.edu ~ MadProfessah

OFFICE HOURS

I am almost always in my office (Fowler 313) until at least 5pm.
My official office hours for Spring 2009 are MTWRF 10:30-11:30am and R 3-4:30p.

I am readily accessible by electronic mail at ron@oxy.edu and by phone at x2536. My
AOL (and Yahoo) Instant Messenger name is MadProfessah and I strongly encourage
you to chat with me about class-related topics. 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). 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.

CLASSROOM We will meet in Fowler 110, MWF from 11:30am-12:25pm.

TEXTBOOK (Required) Numerical Methods using MATLAB (Fourth Edition) by John H. Mathews and Kurtis D. Fink (Prentice Hall, 2004). ISBN 0-13-065248-2.
(Recommended) Numerical Computing with MATLAB by Cleve B. Moler (SIAM, 2004) . ISBN 0-89871-560-1.

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, classroom voting and online communication.

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 computerprogramming 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 by using a calculator.

GRADES

Your course grade will be composed of the following:

• Homework Sets 25%
• Two (2) Tests 20 % (10 % each)
• Quizzes 25 %
• Term Project 20 %
• Participation 10 %

HOMEWORK SETS (25%)

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.

QUIZZES (25 %)

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, hints (and solutions) to the quiz will be posted on the web.

TESTS (20%)

There will be two (2) exams in this course. The mid-terms are currently scheduled for Friday February 27 and Friday April 17. These dates are subject tochange 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.

TERM PROJECT (20%)

In groups of 2 or 3 you will attempt to solve a real-world problem using numerical techniques learned during the course. 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%)

We shall occasionally use “classroom voting” techniques which may or may not involve using ”clickers.” Classroom voting is a technique which is used to encourage student understanding by increasing communication and interaction between students as they grapple to learn the material together with the instructor merely present as a guide. Being engaged in class (and obviously, in attendance) is a way to improve your participation grade.

This a (non-exhaustive) list of my course policies

• Make-up tests will not be given except for compelling reasons which have been communicated to me well-in advance (i.e. at least 7 days) of the test date.

• If you are late to a test, you will only be allowed the time remaining in which to complete your test.

• Late quizzes (or homework) will not be accepted under any condition since the solutions will be made available on the same day that they are collected to be
graded.

COLLEGE POLICIES

Here are some official policies of the College which are in effect for this course:

Disabilities: Please let me know immediately if you have specific physical or learning disabilities and require accommodations. These discussions will remain confidential.You should also contact the Coordinator of Academic Services, Diana Linden, linden@oxy.edu.

Honest Academic Work: No form of academic dishonesty will be tolerated in this course. Any instances of cheating and/or plagiarism will be reported on the firstoffense. Oxy has policies regarding intellectual honesty in the student handbook or see

http://departments.oxy.edu/studentlife/studenthandbook/academic.policies/academic.ethics.html.

Classroom Conduct:
The goals of this course can only be accomplished in a setting of respect. Although differential equations rarely lends itself to too much controversy, we must still provide a safe environment that is conducive to learning. All are welcomed and encouraged to actively participate in the learning of differential equations,regardless of gender, race, nationality, native language, sexuality, political ideology, and especially personal mathematical history. Any student who feels she or he is experiencing a hostile environment should speak to me. Also, remember common courtesy
such as turning all electronics and cell phones off before coming to class;
these are adistraction from the course and should not be in use during class time.

ON-LINE MATERIALS

There is a class mailing list, to which all registered students aresubscribed, at math370-L@oxy.edu. I have produced a website for the course, where
more detailed (and current) information about the class will be published. The URL is http://faculty.oxy.edu/ron/math/370/09/ .
 I shall be using Moodle as an online portal for the first time.

The official syllabus is found at: http://faculty.oxy.edu/math/370/09/syllabus.htm

EXTRA CREDIT

There will be a limited number of extra credit opportunities (ECO):
These assignments will not replace any of your grades, but they will be used to round
your grade up at the end of the semester. Items that will count for extra credit:

Attendance at a math department seminar talk and writing up a summary of the talk
as well as reflecting on any connections between the talk and your life will count as an
extra credit assignment. Finding an article in the New York Times, or Nature, or some
other similar publication that includes discussion of the use or application of numerical
analysis or scientific computation, providing a copy of the article, and writing a two page
summary of how the article relates to the class material. If the connection to the
class is not strong enough, then you will not get credit for the ECO. You may come up
with your own idea for an ECO as long as you clear it with me first. All extra credit
assignments must be type written for credit and submitted by the last day of class.
You must get credit for a majority of the possible extra credit opportunities in order
to increase your grade by up to 1/3 of a letter grade (i.e. from A- to A).

ABSENCES

We will not have class on Monday February 16 (Presidents Day), March 9-13 (Spring Break) and Friday January 30 (Buckmire out of town). I will let you know at least one week ahead of time if there may be other days on which class is cancelled.