General Objectives

1. To learn computer based problem solving of equations occurring in mathematics and science
2. To learn how to use numerical packages and libraries
3. Understanding how to incorporate numerical methods into a computer program
4. Develop the ability of students to construct solutions for large, complex problems

Specific Objectives

1. Programming and other assignments
2. Understanding the numerical methods for solving equations, approximating functions, etc.
3. Writing computer programs to solve a specific problem using numerical methods

Learning Outcomes 
 

• C1:  To understand the well-known numerical methods and algorithms for solving problems in science and engineering.
• C2:  To recognize the type of problem at hand and make use of the appropriate existing methods for its solution.
• C3:  To change or adapt numerical methods to solve new problems.
• C4:  To understand the mathematical foundations of numerical methods.
• C5:  To understand and recognize the various kinds of numerical errors such as rounding errors, truncation errors, and numerical instability.
• C6:  To understand the relative practical advantages and disadvantages of the available methods for solving a given problem

Major Topics

1. Errors and their sources
2. Roots of equations
3. Approximating functions
4. Numerical integration
5. Solving linear and nonlinear equations
6. Solving differential equations
7. Solving boundary value problems

Instructional Methods and Techniques

1. Some normal lectures (face-to-face)
   
2. Some PowerPoint presentations with narration
3. Questions and answers (using e-mail)
4. Interactive Zoom sessions (just a few)
5. Programming assignments (5)
6. Examinations (Midterm and Final)

Assignments for Course

Some of the assignments in our course ask you to write a program

and also, for you to write down (in your output file or in another file submitted

with your program) any conclusions that you can make from

these experiments.  So please submit your program as a typical

source or text file (such as "SmithAssignment1.cpp" for a C++ program),

a second text file containing the output such as “SmithOutput.txt”, and

possibly a third text file with the conclusions.  If you like, you may

simply include your conclusions in the second file.  There is no need

to send a Microsoft Word document instead of a text file, but

It is okay if you want to do that.   

Please zip all of your files together and name the zipped file

something like "SmithAssignment1.zip", and send it to the TA

as an email attachment.  Thank you.

 

1. Readings from the textbook(s)
2. Outside reading from computing and information science journals and periodicals
3. Readings from documents on the World Wide Web.
4. Laboratory programming assignments (5)                 Note: Dates subject to change    (NOTE:  The links will probably not work until about 2 or 3 weeks before assignment is due)
   • 1. Rounding Errors versus Truncation Errors                Due: Sept.13
     
   • 2. Finding a Zero                                                            Due Sept. 27
     
   • 3. Numerical Quadrature                                                Due October 11
     
   • 4. Runge-Kutta Method                                                  Due November 15 
   • 5. Numerical Solution of a Two-Point Boundary-Value Problem  Due Date November 29

Evaluation of Assignments

1. Programming assignments (5)
2. Assignments will be graded for:
   1. 30% - Working program?  Correct results (with no compiler or run-time errors)
   2. 10% - Documentation (Were programming policies followed?)
   3. 20% - Organization and structure (Proper choice of data and control structures, logical units, subprograms, etc.)
   4. 20% - Readability and clarity, choice of variable names, etc.
   5. 20% - Output (Organization, readability, conciseness, orderliness, etc.)
   6. Note:  Assignment grade will be reduced by 20% for each day late.
      Assignments will not be accepted if more than five days late.
   7. If you are sick, just email me at feagin@uhcl.edu, and let me know you need more time.
      
3. Midterm Exam will be given over the lectures, readings and laboratory assignments
4. Final Exam will also be given over the lectures, readings and laboratory assignments

Attendance:

Exams and Assignments:

Course Evaluation:

Grades will be determined (approximately) according to this scale :

Honor Policy:

Students with Special Needs / Handicaps:

Students who may have special requirements for this course or who may require assistance in the event of an emergency should notify the instructor immediately.

Makeup Exams:

Course Outline       (Dates Shown are Approximate)