ERE335/ERE530 Numerical and Computing Methods
Fall 2011
Instructor: Dr. Jungho Im
Email: imj@esf.edu
Office: Baker Lab #417
Office hours: M 11:30 – 12:30
F 11:30 – 1:30
TA: Ms. Huiran Jin
Email: hjin02@syr.edu
Office hours:
Senior Assistant: Mr. Dingqiang Zhao
Email: dzhao@syr.edu
Office hours:
Lecture: MWF 10:35 – 11:30 at Baker 309 (MW) and Baker 437 (F)
Required Textbook
 Amos Gilat and Vish Subramaniam, 2010, Numerical Methods for Engineers and
Scientists: An introduction with Applications using MATLAB, Wiley, ISBN-13:
9780470565155.
Purpose of Course
This course focuses on an introduction to numerical and computing methods, commonly used in
engineering. This course aims to provide a solid grounding for students on algorithm
development and the techniques of solving problems by numerical and computational methods.
It trains students to apply numerical methods in solving engineering problems using state-of-theart software packages (MATLAB and EXCEL: Visual Basic for Applications) in writing
computer programs and analyzing solutions of problems. The numerical methods include roots
of equations, linear algebraic equations, optimization, curve fitting, and interpolation.
Expected Outcomes:
 Students will learn how to solve engineering problems using the numerical methods.
 They will learn how to use state-of-the-art software tools to solve the engineering
problems using the numerical methods.
 Students will work on individual projects to practice their programming skills and
analytical techniques that they have obtained during the course.
 ABET
o a. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering
o e. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
o k. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools
necessary for engineering practice
Prerequisite: Differential Equations
Grading:
Labs (36%): There will be 12 laboratory assignments in the course. Labs are due the following week
after lab hours (by 5 pm). Late labs are assessed a 5% penalty for each day tardy. Note: copying code or
answers is not permitted!
1 Quizzes (8%): There will be four random quizzes. I will use the quizzes to take attendance. The quizzes
will be usually taken at the end of class for 5 min. No makeups.
Exams (15% for each of Exams #1-#3): There will be three exams in the course.
Final Project (11%): Each student is expected to conduct a small project using your programming skills.
A list of engineering problems will be distributed in November. Each student will need to solve one
problem using both MATLAB and VBA tools.
Your final grade will be: A (≥93%), A- (≥90%), B+ (≥87%), B (≥83%), B- (≥80%), C+ (≥77%), C
(≥73%), C- (≥70%), D+ (≥67%), D (≥63%), D- (≥60%), and F (<60%).
If you are a graduate student, please come and see me during the first week of the semester. Additional
assignments will be given and different grade policy will be applied based on the discussion with the
student considering his or her research interest.
* Please do not copy your classmates’ work! Do not just copy internet resources, books, etc. Proper
citations are required.
** When you use computers in class, DO NOT use the Internet for your personal use (e.g. checking
your email or visiting your personal webpage). The first violation of this rule will result in one
grade down (e.g. B- C+). The second will result in two grades down.
2 Tentative Course Schedule Week 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
8/29 (M)
8/31 (W)
9/2 (F)
9/5 (M)
9/7 (W)
9/9 (F)
9/12 (M)
9/14 (W)
9/16 (F)
9/19 (M)
9/21 (W)
9/23 (F)
9/26 (M)
9/28 (W)
9/30 (F)
10/3 (M)
10/5 (W)
10/7 (F)
10/10 (M)
10/12 (W)
10/14 (F)
10/17 (M)
10/19 (W)
10/21 (F)
10/24 (M)
10/26 (W)
10/28 (F)
10/31 (M)




























11/2 (W)
11/4 (F)
11/7 (M)
11/9 (W)
11/11 (F)
11/14 (M)
11/16 (W)
11/18 (F)
11/21 (M)
11/23 (W)
11/25 (F)
11/28 (M)
11/30 (W)
12/2 (F)
12/5 (M)
12/7 (W)
12/9 (F)
12/20 (M)


















Topics
Course overview; MATLAB (UI; basic data manipulation)
MATLAB (basic & user-defined functions)
MATLAB (data input/output; logical functions and controls)
No class (Labor Day)
Lab #1: MATLAB I
MATLAB (recursion; matrix algebra)
MATLAB (plotting; images)
Lab #2: MATLAB II
Programming practice in MATLAB I
Programming practice in MATLAB II
Exam #1
Numerical methods (roots of equations)
Numerical methods (roots of equations)
Lab #3 Roots
Numerical methods (linear algebraic equations)
Numerical methods (linear algebraic equations)
Lab #4: Linear equation
Numerical methods (optimization)
Numerical methods (optimization)
Lab #5: Optimization
Numerical methods (curve fitting – least squares regression)
Numerical methods (curve fitting – least squares regression; interpolation)
Lab #6: least squares regression
Numerical methods (curve fitting –interpolation); Review for Exam #2
Exam #2
Lab #7: Interpolation
Spatial interpolation
Project topics distribution; EXCEL: Visual Basic for Applications (VBA;
logical functions & controls)
Lab #8: Spatial interpolation using MATLAB
EXCEL: VBA programming (data input/output)
EXCEL: VBA programming (recursive functions)
Lab #9: VBA I
EXCEL: VBA programming (forms)
EXCEL: VBA programming practice (roots; linear equations)
Lab #10: VBA II
Accuracy assessment (categorical vs. continuous data)
No class (Thanksgiving)
No class (Thanksgiving)
No class (Thanksgiving)
EXCEL: VBA programming practice (optimization; curve fitting)
Lab #11: Geospatial engineering application (accuracy assessment)
Review for Exam #3
Exam #3
Lab #12: Hydrologic engineering application (stream discharge calculation)
Projects (help session)
Final project due
3