MAT 305: Mathematical Computing I

Fall 2009

Instructor information

Instructor: Dr. John Perry
Office: Southern Hall, 310
Office Hours: M—F 4—5p or by appointment
Office Phone: 601·266·4293
Email: john.perry@usm.edu
Instructor's web page:  http://www.math.usm.edu/perry/
Class web page: http://www.math.usm.edu/perry/mat305fa09/
Class meeting times and locations: TTh 9·30—10·45, SH 318 (SOAR lies.)

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).

• 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.)

Final Exam: Thursday, 10 December, 8—10·30a

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.

Other policies

Additional class materials:

• Use a pencil. I do not accept work that is written in pen.

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: There are no tests, so makeup work is not possible.

Team projects: For several projects, you will work in teams. The teams will change with each project.

• I will give time in class for the teams to meet, but it will not suffice to complete the project. You should therefore exchange phone numbers and emails, and arrange times for meetings. It is natural, and expected, that some people will contribute more than others to the final result. However, each member should provide a full effort.
• You receive two grades for each team project.
• I award one grade to each member of the team, depending on whether the submitted material satisfies the requirements of the project. This is the team project grade.
• In addition, each team member submits on a separate sheet of paper a grade for each of the other members' contribution. I record the average of those grades as the team evaluation of a student.
• The grade is on a 0—10 scale.
• Team evaluations are anonymous; no one will ever see which member awarded what grade.
• Any student who receives a poor team evaluation receives a warning, and will have to meet with me to discuss strategies for success on future projects.
• Any student who receives a second poor team evaluation will complete the remaining assignments as individual projects.
• At my option, I may request to meet with you and ask the reasons for the score you gave. If you cannot provide an explanation that satisfies me, I will throw out your score, but not otherwise penalize you. I will probably never do this, but I must reserve the option in order to prevent personal relationships from interfering with class.

Language and behavior: I do not tolerate profanity or rude behavior. You are free to express any opinion you choose, but you must do so in a manner that conforms to the formal, respectful setting of a classroom lecture. Mathematicians value the ability to reason and to solve problems, not the ability to inflame passions or to express oneself colorfully.

• 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.