Cheg 258 - Computer Methods


Schedule


Instructor


Textbooks

In addition to the extensive online course notes, two textbooks have been selected for the course.
  1. Kahaner, Moler and Nash (1989). Numerical Methods and Software. Prentice Hall.
  2. Sigmon (1993). Matlab Primer, 3rd ed.
The first book is becoming a classical text on numerical analysis, and provides excellent descriptions of much of the theory underlying the techniques we will be using. Unfortunately this book is out of print. You may be able to purchase used copies from juniors and seniors, or at a used bookstore on the web (ISBN=0136272584). The second text is a postscript document which can be downloaded to your directory and printed out free. It provides a summary of Matlab commands, their syntax, and their uses. It is based on an earlier version of Matlab, though, so some of the higher level commands have been changed a bit. The fifth edition is available for a fee through CRC Press here.

Course Outline

  1. Introduction to numerical computation.
  2. Representing numbers.
  3. Linear equations.
  4. Nonlinear equations.
  5. Optimization
  6. Statistics and data analysis.
  7. Quadrature.
  8. First-order ordinary differential equations.
  9. Higher-order ordinary differential equations.
  10. Eigenvalue problems.

Grading

The course will involve extensive out-of-class problem solving. The purpose of the homework is to enhance the acquisition of problem solving skills, and to accelerate the learning of the computer environment. There will be two hour examinations, and a final exam with both an in-class and independent project component.