Math 426 – Introduction to Mathematical Software Packages: Matlab

Fall – Yukun Wu

Section 0101 – Schedule Number 4458

Basic Information

  • Instructor:
    Yukun Wu
    MP201, (410) 455-3174, yukun1@math.umbc.edu,
    office hours: Tu/Th 6:30pm-7:10pm or by Appointment
  • Time and location of classes: Tu/Th 7:10pm- 8:25pm at ENGR333
  • Web Page: http://circ.umbc.edu/outreach/software-packages/math426fall08/
  • Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in Math 152, Math 221, CMSC 201, or instructor approval.
  • Textbook: Desmond J. Higham and Nicholas J. Higham, Matlab Guide, second edition, SIAM, 2005.
  • Grading policy: Your grade in this course will be mainly based on your performance in the computational/programming assignments which you will be doing in this course. You will do eight assignments, from which the seven best scores will be counted. In addition, 5% of your final course grade will be based on your active participation in lectures and in-class lab work.
    Letter grades for the course will be decided using the following:

    Score above 90% 80% 65% 50% otherwise
    Letter grade A B C D F

    Please note that the syllabus is subject to change by announcement.

  • Late Homework Policy: An assignment given in class is due in the subsequent “lecture” unless the due date is changed by the instructor. In case of a late assignment a 10% deduction in score will take effect.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this class you should

  • be able to use Matlab’s extensive linear algebra capabilities,
  • be able to program in Matlab efficiently,
  • be aware of the flexible file I/O capabilities provided in Matlab,
  • know how to utilize the extensive 2D and 3D graphics capabilities in Matlab,
  • know how to use Matlab specific programming features such as logical subscripting and vectorization,
  • be aware of the great number of built-in numerical methods in Matlab.

List of the Topics Covered

Class Week (tentative) Main Topic(s) Chapter(s)
1 1, Th-08/28 Basic Tutorial 1, 2, 3
2,3 2 Operator precedence, Mathematical functions, Matrix Algebra 4, 5
4,5 3 Programming I: Basic programming constructs (flow of control), Functions 6, 7
6,7 4 Input and Output 13
8,9 5 Programming II: Function Handles, Subfunctions Anonymous functions, Scope rules 10
10,11 6 3D Graphics Tutorial 8
12,13 7 Some Matlab specific features: Logical Subscripting, Vectorization, global and persistent variables
14,15 8 Numerical Methods in Matlab: data fitting, interpolation, optimization, ordinary differential equations. 11, 12
16,17 9 Make-up Lecture —

UMBC Academic Integrity Policy

By enrolling in this course, each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in UMBC’s scholarly community in which everyone’s academic work and behavior are held to the highest standards of honesty. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and they are wrong. Academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal. To read the full Student Academic Conduct Policy, consult the UMBC Student Handbook, the Faculty Handbook, the UMBC Integrity webpage www.umbc.edu/integrity, or the Graduate School website www.umbc.edu/gradschool.