Math 340 Comuting for Mathematicians, Spring 1999
Section 31     7:05-9:45pm Tue. Sci 242 / 7:05-8:20 Thur. CLS 2054

Instructor:      Dr. Z. Zeng,   Office: Sci 204H,   Phone: 773-794-6518
email:           zzeng@neiu.edu
Web site:        http://www.neiu.edu/~zzeng/math340.htm

Office hours:    10:00-12:00am, 2:00-3:00 Wed., 9:40-11:20am TR  

Prereq:          taking or finished Math 202 with grade A, B, or C

Text:            Computing for Mathematician
                 Z. Zeng
                 http://www.neiu.edu/~zzeng/340/textbook.htm

Software:        It is recommended that you purchase the Maple V.5 
                 (student edition) if you have a computer at home. 
                 otherwise you'll have to use the computing labs on campus.

Course           Fundamentals of computer programming, experimentation,
Description      and simulation in mathematics with Maple and Fortran 
                 programing languages. Introduction to documentation, electronic
                 communication and problem solving in mathematical sciences.
                 No prior computer skills required.

Method           Lectures, question and answer sessions, moderated individ- 
of Instruction   ual and group problem solving sessions, hand-in problem 
                 assignments, regular use of technology in and out of the
                 classroom.

Homework:        There will be weekly homework assignments.  These
                 assignments will be graded on the basis of mathematical 
                 correctness and presentation. Assignments must be in final
                 form printed out from Maple worksheet when turned in - no
                 scratch work please. Homework is due on every Tuesday at the 
                 beginning of the class unless otherwise announced. No late
                 homework will be accepted but two worst scores will be dropped.
                 Each assignment must be typed in Maple worksheet with detailed
                 presentation of of your work and results. I reserve the right
                 to deduct 50% or more for poorly presented assignments.  You
                 are encouraged to discuss with each other but may not copy 
                 works. If you miss a class, please check the web site for 
                 the assignment. 

Exams:           There will be a midterm exam on March 9 , a semester project 
                 and a comprehensive Final Exam on Tue., May 4, 8:00-9:50pm 

Method           Evaluation of your performance in the course is based on
of Evaluation    the mid-term exams (100 points), homework (200 points),
                 the project (100 points) and the Final Exam (200 points). 
                 The total number of points is 500. The scale of grading:

                 90-100% (450-500 pts): A, 80-89%(400-449 pts): B, 
                 65-79% (325-399 pts): C, 55-64%(275-324 pts): D 

Department secretaries will not give out final grades. Please do not ask.

Friday, March 19 is the last day to drop this class