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CS 123 :: Intro to Scientific Computing with Matlab :: Spring 2012
- Instructor: Prof. Doug Turnbull (dturnbull -AT- ithaca.edu)
- Class: MWF 9-9:50pm, Williams Hall 303
- Lab: Tu 2:35pm-4:25pm, Williams Hall 303
- Teaching Assistant: Emily Backus (ebackus1 -AT- ithaca.edu)
- TA Help Session: TBA
Description
Our goal for this course is to:
- introduce fundamental ideas in computer science
- teach you how to write computer programs (in Matlab)
- study how computation can be used to solve difficult scientific problems
We will study algorithms for solving problems and implement solutions in the Matlab programming language.
This course is appropriate for all students who want to learn how to write computer programs and think like computer scientists. It is specifically designed for science majors (e.g., physics, chemistry, biology) who will likely use computation in their future studies.
Goals
- Show that computation is a powerful tool
- Given a computational problem, be able to design a clear, concise, and correct algorithm to solve it
- Be able implement, debug and test algorithms in a systematic manner
- Create powerful visualizations to gain scientific insight
What is Matlab?
- One of the most frequently used tools in scientific computing
- Comes with an expressive programming language
- Has an excellent user interface
- Has powerful visualization tools
- Can interface with other systems (e.g. Excel, Java, Python)
- Used for statistics, bio-informatics, image processing, cellular automation, etc.
Textbook
- Introduction to Scientific Computation and Programming by Daniel Kaplan
Grading
- Class Contribution - 10%
- Labs - 15%
- Quizzes - 25%
- Project - 25%
- Final Exam - 25%
Class Contribution (10%)
The best way to learn computer programming is to learn by doing. Our class meetings will be very interactive (e.g., "Team Coding", "Whiteboard Session") so it is important that you contribute. Please ask questions and please tinker as much as possible!
Lab Assignments (15%)
There will be about 8 labs during the course of the semester. They will generally be assigned on Friday, and will be due before class on Thursday. You are expect to complete labs individually. For most labs, you are encouraged to ask questions and get help from me, the teaching assistant and your classmates. However, there will be approximately 2-3 labs where you are NOT allowed to get help from classmates. These labs will count more and be more closely graded as a means of accessing your progress through the course.
The grade for labs that are turned in after class on Thursday will be graded at 90%. Labs that are more than 1-day late will be graded at 80%.
Quizzes (25%)
Every other Tuesday, we will have a 20-minute quiz that will help me access your progress. You will be allowed to drop your lowest grade. There will be no makeups quizzes if you miss class. (Unless you have prior approval from me.) We will often use these quizzes for various in class exercises once they are graded and returned. Use them as a learning opportunity.
Project (25%)
Towards the end of the semester, you will be asked to do a project that involves some aspect of scientific computing. You may choose a problem for another class or work on something that interests you. You may work with one other person on the project.
We will talk more about the project as the semester progresses. For now, you should start brainstorming some ideas.
Final Exam (25%)
There will be a final exam for the course during finals week. This exam will be comprehensive for the whole course. The exam questions will be similar to the quiz questions.
How to Succeed in CS 123
- Read the material before you come to class - no need for total comprehension. Just get the flavor of the material.
- Ask questions if you don't understand - I guarantee that you are not the only one who is confused.
- Come to Office Hours & TA Sessions - Come early and often. Don't wait until you are totally lost.
- Tinker, Tinker, Tinker - learn by doing. It is the way.
- Have Fun - think of programming like playtime. Have fun with it.
- Be Patient - When it gets frustrating, step away. Take a break. Maybe a nap. Come back fresh.
Attendance Policy
I do not take attendance. However, class is designed to be highly interactive. If you are frequently late or absent, your grade will likely suffer (e.g., class contribution).
Student Accommodation
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided to students with documented disabilities on a case by case basis. Students must register with the Office of Academic Support Services and provide appropriate documentation to the college before any academic adjustment will be provided.
Mental Health
Diminished mental health, including significant stress, mood changes, excessive worry, or problems with eating and/or sleeping can interfere with optimal academic performance. The source of symptoms might be strictly related to your course work; if so, please speak with me. However, problems with relationships, family worries, loss, or a personal struggle or crisis can also contribute to decreased academic performance.
Ithaca College provides a Counseling Center to support the academic success of students. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides cost-free services to help you manage personal challenges that threaten your well-being.