Textbook:

Numerical Computing with MATLAB, Cleve B. Moler, 2004, SIAM.
Web edition of the book is published by The MathWorks, Inc. It is available at http://www.mathworks.com/moler

Description:

An introductory course on the use of numerical algorithms in science and engineering applications. Topics include: solving linear and nonlinear equations, interpolation, integration, and numerical solutions of ordinary differential equations. Extensive use is made of MATLAB, a high level interactive numerical package.

Evaluation

• TEST NOTE: You are expected to write all the tests during the term, except when ill or away for academic or personal emergencies.
  • Up to 2 test grades (including zeros for missed tests) will be replaced by your exam mark, if it is to your advantage.
  • It will always be to your advantage to write a test; missing a test will essentially add the weight of that test to the final exam.
• EXAM NOTE 1: Students with a grade of 60% or higher on the final exam will be given whichever 30%/40% project/exam split is to their benefit.
• EXAM NOTE 2: Students with a grade of 50% or lower on the final exam will have a 20% project/50% final exam weight.

Rules and Regulations

• During a test or exam, no access to external materials is permitted in the lab even before you start the test.
  • Once you enter the lab room, the only activity permitted is writing the test.
  • If you accidentally click on or access materials while in the test room you must inform the proctor immediately.
• In the tests and exam, only the resources inside MATLAB and those provided explicitly in the test itself can be used. No web sites, communication tools, electronic or paper reference materials can be used without explicit permission.
• First violation on a test: Zero on two tests, informing the Faculty.
• Second violation on a test, or violation in the exam: zero for the course, informing the Faculty.

Project

• The project is a group project, which will start around the 4-5th week of class, with final submissions early in the last week of class.
• Up to 4 students can be part of a group; larger groups can be arranged with permission
• The project is broken into 3 software development Phases, and then a set of 3 design challenges.
• The mark for the project will be computed as:
  • 10 marks each for the 3 software development Phases (30 marks)
  • 15 marks each for the design challenges (best 2 designs taken, 30 marks)

General Notes

• The skill you are to master in this course is to have programs that run correctly and solve a problem. Since "running" is a necessary part of this, submitting scripts and programs that don't run will be given half marks at most.
• "Running correctly" is the second goal, and it is distinct from just "running". You are expected to think about your results, and are encouraged to comment on strange properties in your solutions when you notice them. If you submit contradictory or clearly unreasonable answers to a question without any comment, expect penalties.
• Following instructions correctly is important: marks may be deducted for not providing what was asked for on tests and the project.