CSC 540
Advanced Scientific Computing
Spring 2008

Introduction

CSC 540 will focus on the design, implementation, application, and performance of numerical algorithms that are fundamental to scientific computation. Skills gained from this course will enable students to bring together concepts gained in their mathematics and computer science courses and apply them to real problems. The course will provide an introduction to applications of  Fourier and wavelet transforms, computing discrete Fourier or wavelet transforms, spectra/spectrographs, and energy distributions; convolution, correlation, auto-correlation, windowing, and filtering. In addition, the course may include selected topics and techniques for constrained optimization, curve/surface fitting, constraint satisfaction, fuzzy logic, and numerical integration and differentiation, or other topics of mutual interest to both the students and the instructor.

Section 001: M-W, 4:30-5:45 PM, CIS 1006
Course Schedule

Instructor

Dr. Gene Tagliarini
E-mail: tagliarinig@uncw.edu
Phone: (910) 962-7572

Office and Office Hours

CIS 2038

T-R, 10:50-11:30 AM

M-W, 3:00-4:15 PM

Other office hours may be readily arranged by appointment.

Textbook

Robert J. Schilling and Sandra L. Harris, Applied Numerical Methods for Engineers Using Matlab and C, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, New York, NY, 1999, ISBN 0-534-37014-4.

Grading

Routine

Since this is an algorithms-oriented course, the grading scheme will reflect a strong emphasis on implementing various computer algorithms yourself(!), as well as comparing and demonstrating algorithm behaviors on various problems. Accordingly, grading for this course will be based upon performance on a mid-term examination (20%), the final examination (30%), and algorithm implementation, validation, and demonstration (50% = 5% x 6 exercises + 10% x 2 exercises). Notice again that the implementation, comparison, and demonstration component is a central and sizeable portion of the grade that must be taken very seriously.

Incomplete grades

Incomplete grades are given only very rarely and only when the student is

-         otherwise passing the course,

-         able to complete the work of the course entirely on his/her own, and

-         prevented from completing the course by verified unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the student. 

The instructor MUST be able to certify all three of these factors to the chair before assigning a grade of "I".

Expect your class and homework to include presentations of findings and to be subject to peer review and constructive criticism from your student colleagues.

The mid-term test and the final examination will be given on the dates shown in the course schedule. All tests and exams are closed book.

Final grades are normally assigned according to the following:

90 – 100 average, all written deliverables acceptably submitted, and an excellent, fully functioning project => A

80 - 89.99 => B

70 - 79.99 => C

60 - 69.99 => D

Below 60 => F

The instructor reserves the right to apply a grading curve and, at his sole discretion, lower the cut-off scores. If your course score falls just below a cutoff, the higher grade may be assigned solely at the discretion of the instructor.

In choosing UNCW, you have become part of our community of scholars. We recognize that the UNCW learning experience is challenging and requires hard work. It also requires a commitment to make time available to do that hard work. The university expects you to make academics your highest priority by dedicating your time and energy to training your mind and acquiring knowledge. Academic success in critical thinking and problem solving prepares you for the changes and challenges you will encounter in the future. Our faculty and academic support resources are readily available as partners in this effort, but the primary responsibility for learning is yours.

You are expected to take an active role in your learning in this course. This includes regular attendance, contributing in class, reading the textbook, and completing all course requirements.

It is the responsibility of every student to uphold and maintain the UNCW Academic Honor Code. For specific information, refer to the Student Handbook and Code of Student Life.

Other Administrative Matters

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and vigorous participation in class are expected but not required.  However, if you desire the "benefit of the doubt" in any matter related to your grade in the class, you will routinely be present, ask relevant questions, and cooperate with the instructor as well as the course objectives.  Each student is personally responsible for material covered during each class meeting.

Americans with Disabilities Act

If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodation in this course, you should inform the instructor of this fact in writing within the first week of class or as soon as possible.  If you have not already done so, you must register with the Office of Disability Services in Westside Hall (ext. 3746) and obtain a copy of your Accommodation Letter.  You should then meet with your instructor to make mutually agreeable arrangements based on the recommendations of the Accommodation Letter.