Course: Math 201-01 - Engineering Computer Programming - 3 Credit Hours - Spring 2011
Meeting Time: TTh 1:30pm - 2:45pm
Meeting Place: Room 2625

Instructor: Steve Kifowit, Rm 2305, Ph. (708) 709-3954
Email: skifowit 'at' prairiestate.edu
Web: http://prairiestate.edu/skifowit/math
Office Hours: MW 3:30pm-5:00pm, MW 11:00am-12:00pm, or by appointment

Text: Introducing C++ for Scientists, Engineers, and Mathematicians; 2nd edition; D. M. Capper

Course Description: This course is designed to help students learn to use the computer in the study of problems in engineering, mathematics, and the physical sciences.  The course covers the C++ syntax and procedural as well as object-oriented programming in C++.  Emphasis is on problem analysis and problem solving.

Course Prerequisite: Math 171, Calculus I, with a C or better

Course Goals/Objectives: Successful Math 201 students will be able to:
1.) Organize a problem for computer solution.
2.) Write structured C++ code to solve a problem.
3.) Use C++ functions in modular programming.
4.) Give a discrete numerical solution for a problem.

Course Content: The course will cover basic C++ programming and its applications in math and science.  We will get through as much of the textbook as possible with the goal of covering at least most parts of Chapters 1-10, 12, & 16.  Specific applications that we will discuss include root finding, numerical integration, linear regression, matrix operations, and solving linear systems.  The best way to learn a programming language is to write programs.  The C++ syntax will be presented by example---expect to write example programs every day!  You are encouraged to bring your laptop computer to class with you each day. 

Attendance Policy: Regular class attendance is an essential component of successful learning. Students are responsible for prompt attendance and participation in all class meetings. If you miss class, you will not be allowed to make up any tests, quizzes, or homework assignments that you may have missed. All material covered in class is the student's responsibility.

Grading: Your grade will be based on your performance on three 50-point tests, a 75-point final project, approximately ten homework assignments worth 10-15 points each, and miscellaneous problems (0-50 points). The grading scale is as follows:

You may estimate your current grade at any time during the semester by computing the following percentage: 100% * ( Total points accumulated ) / ( Total points possible ). Please feel free to discuss your grade with me at any time during the semester.

Homework: Homework problems will be assigned on a daily basis. Some work will be collected and graded, and some work will be merely suggested---the difference should be clear.  Programming assignments will always be due (via email) on Friday mornings at 9am.  Work submitted late may or may not be graded.  As a general rule of thumb, "Be safe, don't hand in late!"

Tests/Exams: On tests you will be required to write programs and program snippets, analyze code to detect compile-time errors, run-time errors, and style problems, determine the output of program code, and solve computational problems similar to class examples. Some test problems may be multiple choice, true/false, or fill-in-the-blank.  Partial credit may be awarded on any type of problem, but only for correct work.  You must work individually on all tests. No make-up tests will be given.

Final Project: Final projects are due Friday, May 20, at 9am.  Each student must present his/her project to the class when we meet for our scheduled final exam on Thursday, May 19, from 1pm-3pm.  You should choose a final project with the consultation of your instructor sometime around the 10th week.  Your final project should be fairly comprehensive---it should address a practical problem and incorporate many aspects of the C++ language.  Examples include design and implementation of a fraction class, a polynomial class, or a square-matrix class, implementation of an adaptive step-size numerical integrator or ODE solver, etc.

Reading Assignments:  Readings will be assigned daily.  Read the text! Write lots of example programs!

Misc. information:
1.) The last day to withdraw from the course is April 15. For refund information, refer to the spring schedule book. If you wish to withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to do so. Any student who does not come to class, yet fails to withdraw, will be given an F.
2.) You are expected to spend roughly 9 hours per week on coursework - 3 hours in class and 6 hours out of class. If you cannot make this commitment, you may want to reconsider taking this course.
3.) The grading scale will be strictly adhered to! Final percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole number.

Important Dates:
February 15 - Test 1
March 15 - Test 2
March 22 & 24 - No class
April 15 - Last day to withdraw
April 26 - Test 3
May 19 - Final project presentations