Math 151A -- Applied Numerical Methods, Fall 2008
| Time: | MWF 11 - 11:50am |
| Place: | MS 6229 |
| Textbook: | Burden, Numerical Analysis |
| Instructor: | Jason DeVita |
| Office: | MS 7354 |
| Email: | jason@math.ucla.edu |
| Office Hours: | M 12-1:30pm, W 1:30-3pm, or by appointment |
Course description
This is a course on numerical methods. We will study algorithms for root finding, polynomial approximation, integration and differentiation, and linear systems. 151A/B provides a foundation for understanding how to solve problems computationally.
Programing
One of the best ways to learn numerical methods is to actually write the code. This course will require significant programming work. It is expected that you already know how to program, at least at a basic level (loops, conditionals, etc). The "official" language for this course will be Octave / Matlab. It is a high level language that allows us to focus on algorithms, and not on programming details. However, you are welcome to program in any language you like.
Homework
Homework will be assigned weekly on Fridays. Each homework will be due one week after it is assigned. Students are encouraged to work together on the homeworks, but each student must submit his/her own work.
Late homework will not be accepted. The lowest homework grade for the term will be dropped.
Exams
Midterm: Friday, October 31
Final exam: Tuesday 12/9, 8am-11am
Mark these dates on your calendar. There will be no make-up exams. The final exam is mandatory. If you do not take the final, you will not pass the class.
Grades
Your grade for the course will be computed with the following weights:
25% Homework
30% Midterm
45% Final