Syllabus and Course Details
AMSC/CMSC 460 - Spring 2018

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This page constitutes the official course syllabus.

Course Information

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Description

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Basic computational methods for interpolation, least squares, approximation, numerical quadrature, numerical solution of polynomial and transcendental equations, systems of linear equations and initial value problems for ordinary differential equations. Emphasis on methods and their computational properties rather than their analytic aspects. Intended primarily for students in the physical and engineering sciences.

Here is the course catalogue description

For a more detailed outline of the course topics, see the Course Schedule.

Prerequisites

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You are expected to have taken (and gotten a grade of C-) or better in:

• Multivariable Calculus (MTH241 or MTH340)
• Linear Algebra (MTH240, MTH341, or MTH461)
• Programming (CMSC106 or CMSC131)

It will be helpful (though not necessary) if you have taken ODEs (MATH246).

Some exposure to MATLAB is a must.

Textbook and notes

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We will primarily be using two "texts" for the course:

• Numerical Computing with MATLAB by Cleve Moler
• Introduction to Numerical Analysis by Doron Levy

both are available for free online.

We will also be using several supplementary notes from a variety of sources. These can be seen listed on the notespage.

MATLAB

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The use of the MATLAB software package will be an important element in this course.

MATLAB software is available from various sources on campus. The latest version can be downloaded by students for free from UMD's terpware website.

There are also many computer lab locations around campus with access to MATLAB. The closest such location is in the math OWL Lab in MATH 0203.

Students also have to option to run MATLAB through the engineering department's Virtual lab.

Grades

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Homework

There will be 7 homeworks worth 50 pts each. They will be assigned on the website on the assignments page and due dates will also appear on the course schedule page.

The assignments are due in class on the due date listed. Late assignments (any time after the end of class) will lose 10pts (20%) for each day late.

Midterms

There will be 2 in-class midterm exams worth 150 pts each. They will be held in class on the dates listed in the course schedule.

Make-up exams will be given only in the event of an excused absence.

Final

The Final Exam will be a take-home exam worth 200pts and comprehensive.

The breakdown and percentages are described in the following table:

Grades will be tentatively be assigned based on the following cutoffs. These cutoffs may be subject to change as the course progresses.

Grade modifiers (+-) may be added to grades within ~1% of the boundary points. Eg: 89% = B+. I reserve the right to assign grade modifiers to student grades as I see fit.

Academic Integrity Policies

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The University has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council. It is expected that all students will abide by this code during all assignments, quizzes, and examinations in this course. A summary of the code can be found on Testudo.

The Student Honor Council proposed and the University Senate approved an Honor Pledge. Each student will be asked to hand write and sign the University of Maryland Honor Pledge on each examination.

This Pledge reads:

I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination.

Visit the Student Honor Council webpage about the University of Maryland Honor Pledge.

Students with Disabilities

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The University of Maryland provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. Please notify me immediately if you require such accommodations (do not wait until the day before the first exam).