MAT 305: Mathematical Computing I

Spring 2014

Instructor information

Instructor: Dr. John Perry
Office: Southern Hall, 317C
Office Hours: MWF 11a-12p
Office Phone: 601·266·5505
Email: john.perry@usm.edu
Instructor's web page:  http://www.math.usm.edu/perry/
Class web page: http://www.math.usm.edu/perry/mat305sp14/
Class meeting times and locations:MWF 10-10·50a, SH 205

Course information

Course Description: Introduction to a computer algebra system using calculus-based projects. Students will solve mathematical problems in the Maple SAGE environment which require an understanding of calculus concepts.

Prerequisite: MAT 280 (Multivariable Calculus, but as far as I'm concerned you can have it as a co-requisite).

• Required:
• Python Programming: an Introduction to Computer Science, Zelle, Franklin, Beedle & Associates, Inc., 2004.
• Optional:
• The SAGE computer algebra system. (I can burn it onto a DVD for you if you desire.)
• Mathematical Computing: An Introduction to Programming Using Maple, Betounes and Redfern, Springer TELOS, 2002.
• The Maple computer algebra system. (I cannot give you a copy, and I will not require you to work in this system.)

Grading policies

Grading: Your grade depends on a weighted average of attendance and assignments. A list of weights appears below. At any point during the semester, you may determine your standing by multiplying the average for each category by the category's weight, then adding the products.

Grades are awarded according to the following tableaux:

There is no curve.

Late Assignments: Any assignment turned in past the specified due date and time will receive a grade lowered by one letter grade for each school day late.

Makeup work: I do not give makeup tests/quizzes/etc. without an excused absence. If you must miss class, then you must also produce documentation of the reason for your absence. If you were sick, you can show me the receipt from the hospital or doctor; if you had a sports event, you can show me the schedule; if someone died, you can show me an obituary notice; if the tire on your car blew out, you can show me the receipt from the mechanic.

Other policies

Additional class materials:

• Type or use a pencil. Work that is written in pen will be penalized.

• If a student violates this policy during lecture, I will ask that student to leave the room immediately. The student's attendance grade will not be affected.
• If a student violates this policy in email, I will neither acknowledge nor answer the email.
• I am not concerned with what you say or write in other forums. Feel free to express your opinions of me and the course in whatever manner you choose.

Note: The last day to drop a full-semester course without academic penalty is Monday, February 24th.

ADA Syllabus Statement If a student has a disability that qualifies under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and requires accommodations, he/she should contact the Office for Disability Accommodations (ODA) for information on appropriate policies and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning, psychiatric, physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders. Students can contact ODA if they are not certain whether a medical condition/disability qualifies. Address: The University of Southern Mississippi Office for Disability Accommodations 118 College Drive # 8586 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001 Voice Telephone: (601) 266-5024 or (228) 214-3232 Fax: (601) 266-6035 Individuals with hearing impairments can contact ODA using the Mississippi Relay Service at 1-800-582-2233 (TTY) or email Suzy Hebert at Suzanne.Hebert@usm.edu.