M515 - METHODS OF APPLIED MATH     Fall 2009

 

 

Professor: Robert Decker

 

Office Phone: 768-4677

 

Office: Dana 231

Office Hours: Tues: 11:00-12:00, 3:30-4:30, 6:30-7:30

Thurs: 11:00-12:00, 3:30-4:30

Email: rdecker@hartford.edu

 

Website: uhaweb.hartford.edu/rdecker; check the website for assignments, homework sets, and other materials

 

Texts/software:

Matrix Analysis for Scientists & Engineers, Alan J. Laub, SIAM

Linear Algebra, Gilbert Strang, Wellesley-Cambridge Press

The Student Edition of Matlab

 

The primary text for the course is the one by Laub. It is somewhat tough-going, especially if you don’t have a strong linear algebra background. The text by Strang is an excellent undergraduate level text on linear algebra; if you still have your own undergraduate text, you may not need this one. Matlab will used extensively in the course; you can either purchase the student edition, or use the computers on campus.

 

Course Summary: This is an applied analysis course for graduate engineers. It covers linear algebra and matrix theory in depth, and applies these tools to solving problems in linear regression and linear difference and differential equations. It will be necessary to have the mathematical software MATLAB available. This will be required to do many of the problems on the problem sets and for exams. There are two free alternatives to MATLAB: Octave and Scilab. Scilab has the better interface; Octave is more MATLAB compatible. I will use MATLAB in class, but I will demonstrate a bit of Octave as well.

 

Problem Sets: Four problem sets will be handed out. These will have a specific due date, and no late Problem Sets will be accepted unless this is pre-arranged with the instructor and a valid reason is given. All problems are to be done individually. You may discuss them with other members of the class, but the work handed in must be your own.

 

Grading: The term grade will be computed as follows: problem sets 50%, two midterm exams 30%, final exam 20%

 

Webwork: Webwork is an internet based homework system. The problems are graded by the computer. I will post occasional practice problems on Webwork, which will count for an additional 5% extra credit.

 


Course Outline:

Week                                   

Sections

Sept 1, 3

Chap 1

Sept 8, 10

Introduction to MATLAB/Octave

Sept 15, 17

Chap 2

Sept 22, 24

Chap 3

Sept 29, Oct 1

Chap 5

Oct 6, 8

Review, Exam I

Oct 13, 15

Chap 6, Chap 7

Oct 20, 22

Chap 7, Chap 8

Oct 27, 29

Chap 8, Chap 9

Nov 3, 5

Chap 9

Nov 10, 12

Review, Exam II

Nov 17, 19

Chap 11

Nov 24

Chap 11

Dec 1, 3

Nonlinear systems

Dec 8, 10

Nonlinear systems, Review