PRINCE GEORGE'S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Welcome to Introductory Numerical Methods!
EGR 205 – Introductory Numerical Methods
Spring 2006
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Scott D. Johnson, Associate Professor, Physical Sciences and Engineering
OFFICE: CH-310C
PHONE NUMBERS: 301-386-7536
EMAIL ADDRESS: sdjohnson@pgcc.edu
To facilitate e-mail communication with me, please include the following code: NM231 along with the course designation (EGR 205) in the subject of any e-mails to me during the spring 2006 semester.
WEB PAGE: http://academic.pgcc.edu/~sjohnson
OFFICE HOURS: W 4-5pm, TTh 1:00-3:00pm, by appointment all other times
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The understanding of a variety of numerical methods is crucial to solving most high-level applications in engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology. This course, recognizing this fact, emphasizes case studies in a number of areas including mechanical, civil, environmental, electrical, aerospace, chemical, and biological engineering. Subjects to be studied include error analysis, roots of non-linear equations, systems of linear equations, optimization, curve fitting including splines, Fourier analysis, modeling, numerical differentiation and integration, and numerical solving of differential equations including, but not limited to, predictor-corrector methods and finite element analysis. Extensive surveys of a number of advanced subjects include digital filters, molecular dynamics, percolation, and Monte Carlo simulation methods. Some new mathematical concepts will be introduced in the class. A number of software packages important to engineering are surveyed with primary emphasis on MATLAB.
PREREQUISITES:
MAT 242. Some knowledge of computer programming.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of the course a student will be able to
Give an error on solutions to numerically solved problems and qualify that error.
Demonstrate the ability to use the appropriate numerical methods to solve complex science or engineering problems.
Use a software package to aid in the solution of a complex science or engineering problem.
Solve for the roots, minimum, and maximum of an equation, solve a system of equations, fit a curve to a set of data, and perform numerical differentiation and integration.
Perform a rudimentary Fourier analysis.
Demonstrate an understanding of the numerical techniques to solve differential equations.
TEXTBOOK:
Numerical Methods for Engineers 5th Edition. Chapra, Steven and Canale, Raymond. McGraw-Hill. (2005/2006).
OTHER REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:
Handouts on material not covered in the required textbook to be distributed in class throughout the semester.
OUTSIDE CLASS REQUIREMENTS:
As with any class an amount of time at least equivalent to two times the credit hours is expected to be performed for homework and labs. Note that this is an advanced class so expect to spend significantly more time on outside work than in most class.
GRADING CRITERIA:
Evaluation of student performance is to be based on:
Four extensive projects will be assigned that will constitute 60% of the total grade.
A four to five page essay surveying the material in the course. This essay is to include not just the methods but a practical guide on to when to use different numerical methods. This is worth approximately 20% of the semester grade.
A number of short homework exercises emphasizing various concepts which will be worth approximately 10% of the grade.
A final discussion which will be graded on participation and will be worth approximately 10% of the grade. This will be a group activity. Participation includes showing up for the discussion, being an active member of the discussion, and putting forth reasonable ideas.
HOW ASSIGNMENTS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED
Homework is due at the start of class (or before) except for in-class projects.
Make-up homework, quizzes, and/or tests are up to the discretion of the teacher (excused absences only). No makeup will be possible for laboratory work, sufficient time should be available to recover if an absence is necessary.
COURSE OUTLINE
New topics are to be covered each week and include but are not limited to the following subjects. This outline is subject to change.
Week 1
Week 2 Modeling and Error Analysis
Week 3 Roots of Equations
Week 4 Roots of Equations
Week 5 Linear Algebraic Equations
Week 6 Linear Algebraic Equations
Week 7 Optimization
Week 8 Optimization
Week 9 Curve Fitting
Week 10 Fourier Analysis
Week 11 Numerical Differentiation
Week 12 Numerical Integration
Week 13 Differential Equations
Week 14 Finite Differences and Finite Element method
Week 15 Simulation methods: Molecular Dynamics, Monte Carlo, and Percolation
Tests will be announced a week before and will depend on our progress in the classroom.
The Blackboard Login Procedure Has Changed For ALL Students
HOW TO LOG IN TO BLACKBOARD (note these class does not use blackboard)
Blackboard is a web-based program that serves as the college’s online classroom. You will use Blackboard to communicate with your instructor, to see your course materials, to submit assignments and to discuss course ideas with your classmates.
To login to your Blackboard course, please follow these steps:
Go to the Prince George's Community College Blackboard web site which is located at http://pgcconline.blackboard.com. NOTE: There is no “www” in the Blackboard address.
ALL STUDENTS must use their myPGCC username and password to login to Blackboard. The Blackboard account login information has changed for students. You will not be able to login using your “old” Blackboard username and password
If you do not have a myPGCC account, you will need to create one:
Go to http://my.pgcc.edu to create a myPGCC account. You will use your myPGCC username and password to login to Blackboard.
If you already have a myPGCC account, reset your password, if necessary:
The first time you access Blackboard using your myPGCC account, you must change your myPGCC password to access Blackboard. When you change your myPGCC password, the Blackboard system is updated with the myPGCC account information.
Go to http://my.pgcc.edu to reset your myPGCC password. Blackboard will be updated 1-2 minutes after you reset your password.
Once you have your myPGCC account information, type it in the Blackboard login box at the http://pgcconline.blackboard.com. (Write down your account information so you can refer to it if you forget.)
If your login is successful, you will see the Blackboard “Welcome” screen. In the box labeled “My Courses”, you will see the course or a list of courses in which you are enrolled. Click on the course name to enter your Blackboard course.
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Students requesting academic accommodations are required to contact the Disability Support Services Office (M-1042) or call (301) 322-0838 (voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) to establish eligibility for services and accommodations. Students with documented disabilities should discuss the matter privately with their instructors at the beginning of the semester and provide a copy of their Student/Faculty Accommodation Form.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities of students and establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with violations of the code and other rules and regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the college's function as an educational institution. Refer to the 2005-2006 Student Handbook, beginning on page 41, for a complete explanation of the code of conduct, including the Code of Academic Integrity and the procedure for dealing with disruptive student behavior.
CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest principle. In the pursuit of knowledge, the college community expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share responsibility for adhering to the values of honesty and unquestionable integrity. To support a community committed to academic achievement and scholarship, the Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning process. The complete text of the Code of Academic Integrity is in the 2005-2006 Student Handbook (pages 42-45) and posted on the college's website.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
Food and drink in limited quantities (snacks, not meals) are permitted in restricted areas (not near electronics) and will be revoked if proper cleanliness is found wanting.
Cell phones must be in vibrate mode and are only to be answered for emergencies (step outside please).
Common courtesy is to apply at all times.
IMPORTANT DATES
Last day to apply for spring graduation Wednesday, February 15
Presidents' Day - College Closed, No Class Monday, February 20
Last day to change from "audit" to "credit" or "credit" to "audit" Friday, March 3
Spring Break - College Closed, No Classes Mon.-Sun., April 10-16
Last day to withdraw from full-semester classes Friday, April 21
Final Exam Wednesday May 10
DELAYED COLLEGE OPENINGS
When the college announces a delayed opening, all classes with at least 45 minutes of class time remaining at the time of the opening will be held. For example, in the event of a 10 a.m. opening, a 9:30-10:45 a.m. class will be held. This procedure applies to all credit classes.
LAB INFORMATION
No lab for this class, however computer work will be extensive and access to a computer is a mandatory.
COLLEGE RESOURCES and SERVICES
Student Assessment Services Center (Testing Center)
Bladen Hall, Room 100 301-322-0090
(www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/student_services/student_assessment_services.htm)
Check the web site for hours and policies and procedures.
Mathematics Learning Center (π Shop)
Marlboro Hall, Room 3104
Walk-in computer and mathematics assistance (note that due to overwhelming demand this service is being curtailed) for Mathematics and mathematical software such as MATLAB.
Tutoring and Writing Centers (www.pgcc.edu/students/tutoring_writing_grammar)
Bladen Hall, Room 107 Stop by or call 301-322-0748 to make an appointment.
The Tutoring Center can help you in many courses with free one-on-one or group tutoring.
The Writing Center offers one-on-one tutoring for all students who are working on a writing assignment in any course.
Student Development Services 301-322-0886
(www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/student_services/index-sds.htm)
Student Development Services has various programs that provide students with mentoring, advising and individual counseling. Call or check the website for more information.
Library (www.pgcc.edu/library)
Accokeek Hall General information: 301-322-0105
Circulation services: 301-322-0475
Reference services: 301-322-0476
The Library provides a range of library and media services.
Refer to the web site for hours and more information about the services.
Campus Bookstore (www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/bookstore.html)
Largo Student Center, Room 116 301-322-0912