Math 2070: Numerical Methods in Scientific Computing I

Instructor: Catalin Trenchea
Lectures: MW 3:00-4:15 Thackeray Hall 704

Office Hours: MW 10:00-11:30am and by appointment
Office: Thackeray 606
Phone: (412) 624-5681
E-mail: trenchea@pitt.edu

Lab Instructor is Dr. Mike Sussman . Labs are available online.

Textbook An Introduction to Numerical Analysis, second edition, by K. Atkinson. Available from Pitt Bookstore.

Content This is the first part of the sequence MATH 2070- MATH 2071 which is intended as an introduction to numerical methods for science and engineering. The course is complemented with a fully integrated computer laboratory. We will emphasize both theoretical analysis of the algorithms and practical implementation issues. MATH 2070 covers chapters 1-5, and MATH 2071 covers chapters 6-9.

Prerequisites Single variable and multivariable calculus, a knowledge of computing programming, linear algebra. Any programming language can be used in the computational assignments. Assistance will only be provided for C and Matlab. An introduction to Matlab will be given in the Lab.

Grading Policy The final grade will be based on homeworks (30%), lab assignments (30%) and exams (40%). There will be two exams: one at the middle of the semester and one at the end of the semester. Late homework will be accepted only by special permission of the instructor.

Homeworks

A printed copy of the Matlab codes is to be included.
  • Homework 1, due September 18: pages 43-50 number 10 (a)(b)(c)(d); 12(b); 15; 20; 21 (a)(b); 25(a); 26 (a); 32 (except last question)
  • Homework 2, due October 9: pages 118-119 number 6,10,16,23,28,32,47 + bonus 51
  • Homework 3, due October 16: 2,6,11,14 (bonus), 16.
  • Homework 4, due December 6.

    • Exams

  • Midterm: October 23. This is a closed book, closed notes exam. No calculators are allowed. Part I - in class, Part II - 1 hour take home. Chapters 1,2,3.
  • Final: December 11. This is a closed book, closed notes exam. No calculators are allowed.> Chapters 4,5.
  • Matlab Primer
  • Matlab Tutorial: ps; HTML
  • Kendall Atkinson's class web page
    • If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Disability Resources and Services, 140 William Pitt Union, 412-648-7890 or 412-383-7355 (TTY) as early as possible in the term. DRS will verify your disability and determine reasonable accommodations for this course.