Math 248 Course Policies

"The purpose of computing is insight, not numbers" -- Richard Hamming

Professor

Dr. Carla Martin
112 Roop Hall
Email: carlam (at) math (dot) jmu (dot) edu

Class Times

Both lectures in Miller G080
Section 1: MW 2:30-3:20pm, TuTh 2:00-3:15pm
Section 2: MW 3:35-4:25pm, TuTh 3:30-4:45pm

Office Hours

Held in Roop 112:
Tues 5-6pm
Wed 1:30-2:30pm, 4:30-5:30pm
Thurs 1-2pm, 5-6pm

Office hours are for going over problems that you are having with homework, tests, or lectures you have attended. They are not for making up missed lectures. Coming to class is your responsibility and lecture material will be crucial to course development and your success.

Textbook

Computer and Numerical Algorithms Part I and Part II Course Notes (see Course documents) by C. Dave Pruett and Anthony Tongen.

USB memory stick used to transfer your MATLAB programs between computers when working in the computer lab.

(Optional): Matlab Software (Student Version). Available at Campus Bookstore.

Course Description

Math 248 is a unique course, in which 1) you will learn to program in MATLAB and 2) you will write efficient and well-structured programs to perform a variety of numerical tasks: find the roots of a nonlinear equation, find the solution of a linear system of equations, numerically evaluate a definite integral, and determine and evaluate an interpolating polynomial. The relative emphases on these two objectives will be approximately 1/3 to 2/3. Most people, even those proficient in the daily use of computers, are unaware that computers can sometimes provide inaccurate or erroneous results, even when they are functioning correctly. Consequently, we will spend a good deal of effort identifying sources of error and performing error analyses. When all is said and done, you will not only be able to program numerical algorithms, you will be able to argue that your answers are (almost) correct! Prerequisite: MATH 236, or corequisite MATH 236 and consent of instructor. This course is not open to students who have previously earned credit in MATH/CS 448.

Objectives

Grading

Homework (weekly)35%
Programming Assignments (2)30%
Exams (2)20%
Final Exam15%

Note: All assignments factor into your grade. This means: no grades will be dropped.

Your weighted average (as a percentage) determines your grade for the class on the standard 10pt scale (i.e. 100-90 = A to A-, 89-80 = B+ to B-, 79-70 = C+ to C-, 69-60 = D, below 60 = F). The grades for this class are generally not curved.

Homework

It is impossible to learn to program without getting your hands dirty. Homework assigned will be a combination of computer programming and pencil problems. Homework will be collected electronically. All assignments are to be emailed to math248@math.jmu.edu. You must send it from your JMU account for it to be received.

To receive proper credit, you must name your files according to the naming convention given on the assignment. Assignments are due by 11:59pm on the due date. For example, if your assignment is due 1/20, then it must be submitted by 11:59pm 1/20. Unless announced, Late homework will be accepted up to one date late with 20% penalty. No homework will be accepted more than one day past the due date. The format for submitting HW will be specified on the assignment. You will be graded on the submission instructions, clarity, programming style, functionality, and efficiency.

NOTE: math248@math.jmu.edu is an account solely setup for the purposes of sending completed HW assignments. Do not attempt to contact me with this email or send text. You may contact me through my email address listed at the top of this document.

Projects

There will be two programming projects. These are of a larger-scale than the weekly HW assignments. These assignments be in general by quite challenging and will take most students a LARGE block of time to complete properly. To minimize late nights in the lab, it is paramount to get started on these assignments right away. The last few days prior to the due date should be devoted primarily to the writeup. If your program is not completed at least a few days before the due date, your writeup will suffer and it will show. Specific instructions and submission criteria will come later.

Exams

There will be two exams given during the semester and a final exam. A portion of exam 1 and the final exam including writing code. The coding portions are open-notes and are conducted on separate days. The written portions are close-notes. The Final Exam is mandatory, and unless you have documentation of extenuating circumstances, you cannot pass the class if you do not take the final.

Attendance

Attendance is one of the most important aspects of any mathematics course. There is a strong correlation between attendance and success. If you have extended illness or other extenuating circumstances that prevent you from attending daily, you should contact me as soon as possible.

Bonus Points

Bonus points will be awarded sporadically throughout the semester. These include attending department colloquia (Mondays 3:45-4:45pm), turning in dept problem of the week, or attending the MAA Section Meeting at JMU in April (more on this later).

Academic Integrity

Honesty with oneself and with others is of utmost importance in life. We will strictly abide by the JMU Honor Code. Any breach of the honor code results in failure in this course. I encourage working in groups but not copying in groups. Functionally or logically identical programs are considered violations of the honor code to be prosecuted rigorously. If you have any questions about what does or does not fit under the umbrella of academic integrity, please contact me.

Words of Wisdom

Advice from Spring 2007 248 students: