MATH 528, Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences I
Fall 2007, MWF 12:00-12:50, Phillips 328
Text: Advanced Engineering Mathematics, 2nd Edition, by M. D. Greenberg
Instructor: Peter J. Mucha
Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays, 11:00-11:30 & 1:00-2:00
Goals
This course is the first half of a year-long sequence in applied and computational mathematics for advanced students in engineering and science. These courses emphasize scientific applications which are modeled by differential equations, and both analytical and numerical methods of solution of these equations. The first semester focuses primarily on ordinary differential equations (ODEs), including initial value and two-point boundary value problems, Fourier and Laplace transform methods, and various methods for numerical solution of ODEs. To this end, we will be covering most of Chapters 5, 6, and 17 in the Greenberg text, as well as some additional materials presented on or linked to from the course wiki.
Course Wiki
The students are responsible for regularly checking the course wiki (http://www.unc.edu/~mucha/528), where additional materials will be presented, along with information about assignments and exams. In addition, a Discussions group is available for students to use in conjunction with the course (no longer available on new courses site).
Prerequisites & Expectations
It is assumed that the students remember the essentials of Calculus and a first course in differential equations (such as Math 383), including knowledge of and ability to use most of the material in Chapters 1-4 of the text. It is also assumed that the students have a willingness to learn some useful computational tools, notably some things we will do using MATLAB and Mathematica. Class attendance and homework (including some computational assignments) are critical to success in this class. No class will be held during university recognized holidays. Refer to the university calendar for drop dates. No late assignments will be accepted nor make-up examinations given without a validated excuse obtained in a timely manner. In short, be responsible.
Exams
Three in-class exams (50 minutes each) will be given, on Friday September 21st, Wednesday October 24th, and Monday November 19th. The final exam will be Monday December 10th at 12noon.
Homework
Homework will be assigned typically every 3-5 lectures. All homework will be due one week after it is assigned unless otherwise specified.
Grades
Each in-class exam will count for 1/5 of the total course grade. The homework score can be used to replace one of the three in-class exam scores, but otherwise will not be used to assign the course grade. The final exam will comprise 2/5 of the total course grade. It is important to emphasize that grades will not be solely determined by the “90/80/etc.” system that many of you may be used to; rather, the dividing lines between grades will be determined by instructor expectations, and will be communicated after each exam. The grades are not set by a curve.
Honor Code
Students in this class are expected to abide by the UNC Honor Code. All academic work should be done with the high level of honesty and integrity that this university demands. Students must avoid any academic misconduct, including but not limited to: (1) possessing, using, or exchanging improperly acquired written or oral information in the preparation of a paper or for an exam; (2) substitution of material that is wholly or substantially identical to that created or published by another individual or individuals; (3) false claims of performance or work that has been submitted by the student.
Resources
In addition to office hours, which you are encouraged to take advantage of, you are also encouraged to use your fellow students as a resource, and to make use of the Discussions group of pages to faciliate communication (no longer available on new courses site).
