CPSC/MATH 402A: Numerical Analysis

Course Web Site: http://cs.roanoke.edu/Spring2006/CPSC402A

Text: A Friendly Introduction to Numerical Analysis by Brian Bradie. Pearson/Prentice-Hall, 2006.

Course Objectives: To introduce the student to the concepts and techniques of the design, implementation, and analysis of numerical algorithms. At the end of the course the student should understand the basic concepts involved in numerical analysis: accuracy, stability, and convergence rate (or convergence order). The students should also know how the computer stores and manipulates numbers; be able to anticipate errors that may arise from computer arithmetic and be able to determine ways to perform computations to minimize the errors; be familiar with several standard algorithms for solving equations and systems of equations, for function approximation, and for numerical differentiation and integration; be able to analyze the error involved in numerical approximation algorithms; know that when using a computer to find numerical solutions to problems one must carefully consider both the algorithms used and the implementation of the algorithms (and the best idea is look up and use algorithms that have been thoroughly analyzed and tested). Topics in chapters 1 - 6 will be covered.

Prerequisites: Mathematics 201 (Linear Algebra), Mathematics 122, and CPSC 120 (or basic proficiency in programming).

Attendance Policy: Class attendance is a very important aspect of a student's success in this course. The student is expected to attend every class and is accountable for any missed classes.

Grading Policy: The course grade will be based on 2 in-class tests, homework assignments (one or more may involve group work), attendence at two MCSP Co-curricular events, and a comprehensive final examination with weights as follows:

Assignments: The assignments in this course will involve a combination of "paper and pencil" exercises and computer exercises. Computer exercises will involve some programming in a high level language (C++ or Java) and some experimentation with and exploration of existing programs (Mathematica, spreadsheet software, handheld calculators). There will routinely be "turn in" problems (often from the text) to be turned in for a grade in addition to other problems that are to be done but not turned in. Assignments to be turned in are due at the beginning of class on the due date (which occasionally may be the next class period after they are assigned) unless otherwise specified. Assignments will vary in size and difficulty; some may involve group work. Most work will not be accepted late; in the cases that late work is accepted there will be a 10% per day penalty and will not be accepted after 3 days.

Co-Curricular Requirement: The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics is offering a series of lectures designed to engage the campus community in discussions of ongoing research, novel applications, and other issues that face these disciplines. You are invited to attend all of the events but participating in at least 2 is mandatory. Within one week of attending an event you must submit a one page paper reflecting on the discussion. If you do not turn the paper in within the one week time frame you may not count that event as one you attended.

Make-up Policy: Everyone is expected to take tests and the exam at the scheduled time. Make-ups will be given only for legitimate, documented absences and, if given, may be oral.

Academic Integrity: Students are expected to adhere to the Academic Integrity Policies of Roanoke College. All work submitted for a grade is to be strictly the work of the student unless otherwise specified by the instructor. Group work assigned in the course must be the collaborative work of the individuals in the group (and none others). A student who does not contribute to a group assignment is considered to be in violation of the academic integrity policy if that student's name appears on the work handed in. The policies as outlined in the Academic Integrity handbook will be enforced in this course.

Computer Use Policies: All students must abide by the Computer Use policies of the Roanoke College. Failure to do so will result in involuntary withdrawal from the course.