COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Introduction to method of approximation to mathematical problem, with emphasis on  application of techniques to solve problems in engineering and physical sciences.

PREREQUISITES:  Grade of C or better in AMTH 242 and AMTH 544 or consent of instruction, and a working knowledge of programming.

TEXTBOOK:

• Numerical Methods(Third Edition), by J. Douglas Faires and Richard Burden.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Develop a basic understanding of the numerical methods.
  
• Develop an understanding of the computer implementation of these numerical methods.
  
• Be able to assess the reliability of the numerical results.

COURSE ORGANIZATION & TOPICS TO BE COVERED: This course requires background on Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equation, Linear Algebra. We will review some basic concepts at the beginning of this semester. *You might not know some of the contents from your calculus class. *    Then we will work on various problems of numerical approximation.  For each problem,  we will discuss: how to use numerical methods for solving the problem; how to implement the methods on computer; how to get the accuracy you need.

Topics include solutions of equations in one variable, interpolation and polynomial approximation, numerical integration and differentiation, numerical solution of initial value problem, methods for solving linear system, approximation theory

GRADING POLICY: Two major tests: 30% Homework & Quiz:  40% Cumulative Final Exam: 30%

GRADING SCALE: 90-100 A, 86-89 B+ 80-85 B, 75-79 C+ 68-74 C, 65-67 D+ 60-64 D, 0-59 F

Homework and Quiz: There will be about 7 homework assignments. Assignments are collected at the beginning of class on due date.  All work, whether it uses standard or symbolic writing, must be presented in a clear and logical form. Points may be deducted for bad style and sloppiness and exceptionally messy work may not be graded.  Please check the course website for homework information and due date.
We will have short quiz(10-15 min) roughly every two week. Most questions of the quiz are conceptual questions or similar questions from the homework. The lowest score of quizzes will be dropped.

Late Homework Policy: Late less than 2 days: 10% off, late more than 2 days: 50% off, late more than a week: grade zero. If you miss the class, it is your responsibility to submit homework assignment on time.

Major tests: There will be two 75-min tests given throughout the semester. Each test will have one or two programming problem.  Please check the tentative schedule for test dates. NO MAKE-UP on tests will be given. If you miss the test and present a valid excuse within one week after the test date, final exam grade will replace that test grade.

FINAL EXAM: Final exam is on Thursday, May 1, 2008, from 11:00-2:00pm in the same room the class has met all semester. The final exam is a cumulative exam and will cover all of the material covered in class. You can not pass the course without taking the final exam.

NOTES:

1. Help: Please feel free to contact me if you need help. You can also visit Math Lab  where there are tutors available to assist you.
2. Attendance Policy: Class attendance is required. It is highly recommended that you do not miss any class. You cannot readily make up the material missed if you are absent. More than 4 unexcused absences may result in a grade of F for the course. Excused absences will be granted for documented incapacitating illness, official representation of the University, death of a close relative, religious holidays, jury duty, or subpoena to appear in court.  Arriving late or leaving early will count as 1/2 absence.
3. Special Circumstance: If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability which might affect your performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services, 126A B&E, (803) 641-3609, as soon as possible. The Disability Services Office will determine appropriate accommodations based on medical documentation.
4. Academic Honesty: Please read and review the Academic Code of Conduct relating to Academic Honesty located in USC Aiken Student Handbook, 2007-2008, pages 18-21. If you are found to be in violation of this Code of Honesty, a grade of F(0) will be given for the work. Additionally, a grade of F may be assigned for the course and/or further sanctions may be pursued. Information can also be found on http://www.usca.edu/studenthandbook/judicial.html .
   
5. CELL PHONES/PAGERS: As a courtesy to the class, cell phones and pagers should be placed in such a mode that they will not disturb the class.

Tentative Schedule: