Math 2650 - Intro to Computational Math - Spring 2012
Edward Boggess

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Course Description

Computing is an essential part of modern mathematics. Many scientific endeavors require knowledge of sophisticated mathematical tools, which are computational in nature. This one-credit hour course is a hands-on introduction to computations as a problem solving tool in mathematics, using primarily the MATLAB platform. The labs will cover arrays and mathematical operations with arrays, representation of mathematical equations and functions using arrays, visualization of data and functions. MATLAB programming, including general program organization, m-files, built-in mathematical functions as well as user-defined functions, and symbolic math computations will be thoroughly discussed. Applications such as solving equations in one and several variables, finding min/max of a function, numerical integration will be highlighted. A more detailed list of topics is included in the course outline below.

Homework and Grading:

There will be weekly homework assignments, commensurate with the 1-credit hour workload. Collaborations outside of the classroom are allowed and even encouraged, but each student has to write his/her own code and submit the entire assignment. HMW needs to be submitted as a hard copy report at the beginning of each class, and electronically via Blackboard. HMW will constitute 90% of the grade. 10% of the grade will be given on attendance and class participation. There will be no exams.

Topics Covered:

1. Starting with MATLAB. Script Files |
2. Creating Arrays. Mathematical Operations with Arrays |
3. Symbolic vs Numeric World |
4. 2d Plots |
5. Programming in MATLAB |
6. User-Defined Functions and Function Files. Data Management |
7. Polynomials. Interpolation and Curve Fitting. |
8. 3D Plotting |
9. Applications to Numerical Analysis |
10. Numerical Integration and Solving ODEs |

Computer software: MATLAB

During the lectures, the instructor will introduce some of the computational tools that are relevant for solving differential equations, using the computer software MATLAB. No prior experience with MATLAB is required. MATLAB is installed on ALL IT lab computers throught campus, including ENG 136 and ENG 233. Remote access to MATLAB is available for current UCCS students. MATLAB self-paced tutorials are also provided at the MATLAB resource page http://www.uccs.edu/~eboggess/resources/. For a thorough introduction to Computational Math using MATLAB, you may consider the 1-credit hour lab MATH 2650.

Learning Resources

Math Learning Center (MLC) Free tutoring service is available at the Math Learning Center (MLC) located in EN 136. It is recommended that you use this facility for questions regarding homework, computer algebra systems, review for exams or any other course material that you are having difficulty with. Please visit the MLC website http://www.uccs.edu/~mlc/ for more information.

Other policies:

To make the most of your class, you are required to attend every class session. Students should notify (in advance) the instructor if they need to miss more than one session. Supporting documentation may be required. Drop dates: Please seek counseling from the Dean's office before dropping any course and note the following important dates: Feb 1 – last day to drop and receive a full tuition refund; March 30 – last day to drop without special permission from the Dean.

Academic Dishonesty:

Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful. The academic community regards academic dishonesty as an extremely serious matter, with serious consequences that range from probation to expulsion. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, or collaboration, consult the course instructor.

Disability Services:

If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your responsibility to contact and register with the Disability Services Office, and provide them with documentation of your disability, so they can determine what accommodations are appropriate for your situation. To avoid any delay in the receipt of accommodations, you should contact the Disability Services Office as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that disability accommodations cannot provided until an accommodation letter has been given to me. Please contact Disability Services for more information about receiving accommodations at Main Hall room 105, 719-255-3354 or dservice@uccs.edu