Math 366 - Numerical Analysis

Spring Semester, 1997-98

Go straight to the course syllabus.

One of the best definitions of numerical analysis appeared several years ago in SIAM News. In a commentary, Lloyd N. Trefethen defined numerical analysis as "the study of algorithms for the problems of continuous mathematics." Thus, in view of this definition, a numerical analyst is a mathematician who develops, analyzes, and evaluates algorithms for obtaining (approximate) solutions to mathematical problems.

Numerical analysis has evolved to the point where it is regarded as a branch of mathematics in its own right, but it has strong roots and ties to the applications of mathematics and the development of computer science and technology. It involves applying the power of mathematics and the power of the computer to solving quantitative problems in science and engineering.

The picture shown is a collage of several spectacular graphics obtained from the Mathematica Graphics Gallery.

CLASS INFORMATION:

• Meeting time: TTh 10:00-11:15
• Meeting room: Glatfelter 203

OFFICE AND OFFICE HOURS:

• Office: Glatfelter 215A
• Office hours: MWF 9:00-10:50 and by appointment

TELEPHONE NUMBER AND E-MAIL:

• Telephone: 337-6630
• E-mail: jfink@gettysburg.edu
• WWW page: http://www.gettysburg.edu/~jfink/courses/ma366.html
• Class e-mail alias: math-366-a@gettysburg.edu

EXAM DATES:

• Exam 1: Thursday, February 26
• Exam 2: Thursday, April 9
• Final Exam: Wednesday, May 6, 1:30-4:30 PM

PREREQUISITES:

• Second-semester calculus and linear algebra (Math 112 and 212) with C grades or better and basic computer programming

TEXTBOOK:

• Numerical Methods for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering by John H. Mathews, second edition

COURSE CONTENT:

• Topics from Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9
• Detailed syllabus

GRADING POLICY:

• Your grade will be determined by your scores on the following:
  • team homework and quizzes (30%);
  • two exams (15% each);
  • final exam (30%);
  • class attendance and participation; attendance at three or more department colloquia and other designated special events (10%).
• ***There will be no make-up exams, and late work will not be accepted.***

DAILY READINGS:

• Read the textbook! Assigned readings should be done before class so that you will have some familiarity with the new material when it is discussed in class.
• Working problems is essential for an understanding of the material, and there is an adequate supply of problems in the textbook.

TEAM HOMEWORK:

• Homework will be assigned, collected, and graded. It is due at the beginning of class. As noted under GRADING POLICY, late homework will not be accepted.
• Assignments may include material that will not be discussed in class. You are expected to learn this material on your own and to make use of the resources available to you to complete the assignments.
• Homework will be completed by teams of three people with each team producing a single write-up.
• Homework must be written neatly in standard English with complete sentences using standard 8-1/2 by 11 paper (no ragged edges) in a style appropriate to the subject. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Do not write to me. Assume instead that you are writing to other students in the class.
• Grading will be based both on mathematical content and on the quality of your write-up. NEATNESS COUNTS! Show all work necessary to justify your solutions. Answers alone are not sufficient.

COURSE SOFTWARE:

• The computer software we will use this semester includes:
  • MATLAB
  • Mathematica