Math 482: Applied Mathematics 2003

Boyce & DiPrima, Chapters 5, 10, 11

Dr. Roland Minton office hours 4M, 11:30T, 5W, 3Th

Trexler 270-G, 375-2358 www.roanoke.edu/staff/minton/ccourse.html

Course Objectives: The primary problem-solving skill in this course is the use of transformations to reduce a difficult problem into smaller, solvable components from which a full solution may be constructed. This skill is invaluable in technical industry, since very few problems come to us in a nice standard format. The material in this course can be very messy, but is basic to a wide variety of engineering applications. Applications we will look at include heat flow, wave propagation, music synthesis and digital photographic enhancement.

Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is essential. The problems are intricate enough that you will want to hear the explanations and ask questions. Merely reproducing lecture notes will not work well. Also, it is vital that you spend enough time working outside of class that you can participate in class to make sure that class time is spent in a profitable way. You are responsible for everything done in class, through your attendance and sharing class notes with classmates.

Equipment: We will use the TI-89 calculator and Mathematica, a very powerful computer software package available on the college network. Both will be used on homework assignments. The TI-89 will be used on tests.

Academic Integrity: The college policy is fully supported. Tests are closed notes, closed book. Homework assignments will typically be discussed in class, and you may always ask me for help. Otherwise, homework is to be your own work.

Study Problems: Problems will be assigned at the end of each section of the book. You are expected to attempt every problem before the next class and ask questions in office hours about those you do not understand. Study problems will indicate what you are responsible for on tests.

Homework: Homework problems to be turned in will be assigned throughout the term. These problems typically involve computer or calculator usage to explore solutions in more depth than we can accomplish working by hand. They are intended to be thought-provoking and interesting. Think about them, discuss them and learn from them.

Tests: There will be three tests and the final exam. Each test will cover all material discussed since the previous test. Anticipated test dates are (T) 2/11, (T) 3/18 and (T) 4/15. The final exam is cumulative and is scheduled for Thursday, 4/24, 8:30-11:30.

Make-ups: In case of sickness or scheduling conflicts, get in touch with me ASAP.

Grading: One homework grade will be dropped; the rest will count as one test grade. The final exam counts as one test grade. Grades may be curved up based on consideration of one unusually low test score or other extenuating circumstance.

A : 93-100 A-: 90-92 B+: 87-89 B : 83-86

B-: 80-82 C+: 77-79 C : 73-76 C-: 70-72

D+: 67-69 D: 63-66 D-: 60-62 F: below 60