Syllabus

Mathematics 280 - Mathematical Computing

Instructor

Dr. Chris Dugaw
Email dugaw@humboldt.edu
Office: BSS 354
Office Hours: Mon. 10-11,Weds. 10-11,Thur. 8-9,1-2, Fri. 10-11 & by appointment

Optional Textbooks (none required)

A Guide to Matlab for beginners and Experienced Users by Hunt, Lispman and Rosenberg.

The Student's Introduction to Mathematica: A Handbook for Precalculus, Calculus, and Linear Algebra by Torrence and Torrence.

Course Time and Location

Mon. 1-1:50 HGH 225
Weds. 1-2:50 BSS 313
Fri. 1-1:50 BSS 313

Midterm

TBA

Course Description

Use of mathematical software such as Matlab and Mathematica. Elementary programming, numerical and symbolic computation, visualization, and technical reporting in a mathematical context. Prereq: Math 109 and Math 110 (concurrent enrollment okay).

Topics

We will cover computer programing in Matlab and symbolic computing in Mathematica. We will also learn how to typeset mathematics in LaTeX.

Grading

Your grade will be based on the following grading scheme:

Labs/Quizzes - 20%
Homework - 30%
Midterm - 25%
Final Project - 25%

Homework

There will be regular homework assignments. You have the option of working on the homework in teams of two or individually. Teams or individuals should not share their solutions with others. Both members of a team should make significant contributions to the solution, and the each team should submit only one solution. You can ask me for hints on the homework. Late homework will not be accepted, but you can make arrangements with me to turn it in early if you have to miss class.

Learner Outcomes

This course addresses the following Learner Outcomes from the 2005-2006 Mathematics Department Program Review:

Competence in Mathematical Techniques

1.4 The ability to write algorithms to investigate questions, solve problems or test conjectures using standard tools (e.g., spreadsheet), specialized programs (e.g., C++, MATLAB), and statistical programs (e.g., SASS)

Communication

3.1 Written presentations of pure and applied mathematical work that follows normal conventions for logic and syntax.
3.2 Oral presentations of pure and applied mathematical work which are technically correct and are engaging for the audience/
3.3 Individual and collaborative project work in which a project question is described, methodology is discussed and implemented, results are analyzed, and justifiable conclusions are drawn.

Course Policies

Students with Disabilities

Persons who wish to request disability-related accommodations should contact the Student Disability Resource Center in House 71, 826-4678 (voice) or 826-5392 (TDD). Some accommodations may take up to several weeks to arrange. http://www.humboldt.edu/~sdrc/

Add/Drop policy

Students are responsible for knowing the University policy, procedures, and schedule for dropping or adding classes. http://www.humboldt.edu/~reg/regulations/schedadjust.html

Incomplete policy

I will only give incompletes to students that satisfy all of the following conditions: the student has completed the majority of the course, the student is currently earning a passing grade (C or better), the student has a serious and compelling reason for requesting an incomplete.

Emergency evacuation

Please review the evacuation plan for the classroom (posted on the orange signs), and review http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/emergencyops/campus_emergency_preparedness.php for information on campus Emergency Procedures. During an emergency, information can be found campus conditions at: 826-INFO, or http://www.humboldt.edu/emergency

Academic honesty

Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding academic honesty: http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/judicial/academic_honesty.php or see the catalog: http://www.humboldt.edu/~reg/catalog.html

Attendance and disruptive behavior

Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding attendance and disruptive behavior: http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/judicial/attendance_behavior.php

No part of your grade in this class is based on attendance; however attendance is expected. Students are responsible for material covered in class and announcements made during class.