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Course Content:  

Recommended Texts: Numerical Computing with MATLAB, C. Moler or Fundamentals of Numerical Computation, T. A. Driscoll and R. J. Braun. Each has online material: Moler - Online Chapters , Driscoll and Braun - Online Julia Version.

Course Description: Introduction to scientific computing and numerical algorithms. Includes scientific and numerical computations, elementary discussion of errors, linear algebraic systems, eigenvalue problems, curve fitting, root-finding, and numerical solution of ordinary differential equations. The algorithmic approach and efficient use of the computer are emphasized using scientific programming software.

Goals:

The goal of this course is to provide a basic understanding of the derivation, analysis, and use of  numerical methods to obtain approximate solutions to problems in mathematics. This would include a rudimentary understanding of finite precision arithmetic and the conditioning and stability of the various problems and numerical methods. The types of problems we will explore include root finding, solving linear algebraic systems, interpolation, numerical integration, the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, and solving eigenvalue problems. We will also learn how to use a variety of software platforms to solve these problems.

Learning Outcomes:

The student will be able to

• Demonstrate understanding of common numerical methods.
• Apply numerical methods to obtain approximate solutions to mathematical problems.
• Analyze and evaluate the accuracy of numerical methods.
• Implement numerical methods using modern computing languages and software.
   

Web Pages/Email:

This syllabus as well as a variety of other relevant information for this class is posted on the internet. The website is located at http://people.uncw.edu/hermanr/mat325/index.htm.

You are encouraged to log onto this page often to check the assignments, read text material, listen to videos, and read about related topics and further examples. You will need to continually watch for additions, changes, and announcements for the class. So, make it a daily habit to go to the web site and read something different.

Advice for Success:  

In order to learn the material in this course and earn a good grade, you need to put in some effort. Do not put off assignments or reading. If you do not understand something, ask the instructor. Come to office hours, use the email, ask knowledgeable students, or go to the library/internet and find supplementary material. Additional material (videos, links to papers, books, lecture notes) will be posted at the course website. You are expected to not only listen to the lectures, you need to read the texts and additional materials provided.

Course Requirements:

Assignments: Assignments will be collected on a regular basis and you will be told when the work is due. As doing homework is very important for learning the material in this course, it will count as 50% of your grade. Late homework is subject to a 10% penalty..

Papers and Presentations: There will be opportunities to investigate course topics further in the form of a project or investigation. These will make up 10% of the course grade.

Attendance: YOU ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND ALL OF THE CLASSES! However, in this time of Covid, allowances may be made with appropriate opportunity to make up for missed classes.

Exams and Grades: There will be two exams and a final in this course. Each exams will cover  the course material. The tentative dates for the exams are below.

Your final grade will be based on the following:

This syllabus is subject to change!
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Academic Honor Code:

All members of UNCW's community are expected to follow the academic Honor Code. Please read the UNCW Honor Code carefully (as covered in the UNCW Student Handbook). Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated in this class. Please be especially familiar with UNCW's position on plagiarism as outlined in the UNCW Student Handbook. Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty in which you take someone else's ideas and represent them as your own.

Student Disabilities: UNCW Disability Services supplies information about disability law, documentation procedures and accommodations that can be found at http://uncw.edu/disability/. To obtain accommodations the student should first contact Disability Services and present their documentation to the coordinator for review and verification.