Many physical phenomena are governed by differential
equations. Newton's second law of motion is in general a set
of second order time-dependent differential equations. In
this course our main goal is to develop a number of tools for
solving these and other equations numerically. Our main
focus is in developing numerical methods for such purposes
This information document covers the following subjects: how to contact the staff, prerequisites, textbooks, course work and
grading, late
penalties.
If you have a general question about something that is NOT covered
here, or if you wish to talk with your GSI or me, the easiest way is to
come during office hours. Otherwise, please make an appointment by
sending the staff electronic mail.
Staff
Instructor
Prof. Ming Gu
Office: Evans 861
Office Hours: MWF Noon-2:00PM; or by appointment.
Phone: 642-3145
Email:
mgu@math
GSIs
Prerequisites
The prerequisites are Math 53 and 54 or equivalent. If you
have doubts about them, please come talk with the instructor.
Textbooks
Our textbook is
Our recommended book on matlab programming is
This book can be purchased at Ned's for $29.95. Alternatively, you can also purchase it at the Decagon Press Website http://decagonpress.com/CSSVersion/index.php. In the "Purchase" Screen, enter the Promotion Code 128S2008 for the discount price of $29.22.
There are a total of 100 points you can earn toward your final grade in the course. There will be two midterm exams. The better of the two is worth 20 points and the worse 15 points. The final exam is worth 30 points. All exams will be graded by the GSIs and myself. In addition to exams, there will be up to 14 homeworks, 5 quizzes, and 5 programming assignments. We will count the best 10 homeworks, all 5 quizzes and all 5 programming assignments towards your final grade, with each homework worth 1 point, each quiz 2 points, and each programming assignment 3 points. Homeworks and programming assignments are due on Wednesdays during discussion. Quizzes are in general in every other week, except when there is a midterm exam. Here are the quiz dates:
Our GSIs will provide solutions to all homeworks and midterm exams.
Here are the exam dates:
Homeworks and programming assignments will involve written
assignments to be done individually, although group
discussion is allowed. Basic programming skills will be
needed in both some homework assignments and all programming
assignments. The GSIs and myself will offer help for
languages we are familiar with (mostly matlab and Fortran.)
Your final letter grade will be determined based on the class
performance curve , which is based on the number of points you
earned in the course. In general the large majority of
the class will get A and B level grades. To get a good
grade, make sure you do your homework and programming
assignments on time, and prepare well for your quizzes; your
exam scores only go so far.
Grades of Incomplete will be granted only for dire medical
or personal emergencies that cause you to miss the final,
and only if your work up to that point has been
satisfactory.
To obtain an early report of your grade, leave a stamped,
self-addressed postcard with your final or in my mail
box. I will only post the class performance curve
after the final exam.
Lateness
We will give no credit for written homework turned in after
the due date and there will be no make up quizzes and exams.
The only exception to this policy is medical or personal
emergencies.