Curriculum Proposal
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Department: MCSS
School Document Number: EMS 15-04
Author (Contact): Nicolae Tarfulea
School Approval Date: 3/20/2015
Date: 2/18/2015
CEP Review Date: 4/8/2015
Effective Term: Fall 2015
Senate Approval Date: 5/6/2015
Type of Proposal
(place an X in the proper box)
Course: X
addition X
Program:
Experiential
Learning
General
Education
deletion
revision
Proposal Subject: (One sentence overview of the proposal. Examples: change in title, prerequisite and description of NUR XYZ. Create new plan of
study in XYZ department, etc.)
MA 3XXXX is the first part of a new two semester course sequence on Computational Mathematics. It will be a required course
(within the major) for Mathematics majors.
Justification: (Explain the rationale for the proposed change.)
The department of MCSS is currently restructuring its undergraduate mathematics major to give students the option of choosing more
applied courses including numerical analysis. MA 3XXXX will be a required course (within the major) for Mathematics majors.
Current: (If proposal is for a course change, enter current course
Proposed: (If proposal is a for a course change or new course,
information here. Include title, credits, pattern, course description
and course outcomes or objectives. If proposal is for a change in
plan of study, enter name here, and include current bingo sheet as
an attached document, labeled CURRENT.)
enter new course information here. Include title, credits, pattern,
course description and course outcomes or objectives. If proposal
is for a change in plan of study, or new plan, enter name here and
include proposed bingo sheet as an attached document, labeled
PROPOSED.)
None
Title: MA 3XXXX Computational Mathematics I
Credits: Lecture 3, Lab 0, Credit 3
Prerequisite: MA 26500
This is the first half of a two course sequence in Computational
Mathematics. The purpose of this specific course is to introduce
students to the techniques and concepts of computational
mathematics in an elementary fashion. The students will
investigate algorithms and numerical methods for a variety of
basic problems, studying their reliability, efficiency, and
computer implementation. This course is designed primarily for
junior undergraduate students in mathematics, computer science,
sciences, and engineering. Topics include solutions of equations
and systems, numerical linear algebra and eigenvalues,
interpolation and approximation, and curve fitting. Each
numerical method discussed in class will be demonstrated
through the use of MATLAB, which is user friendly and
presents advantages such as: powerful matrix structure, versatile
two- and three-dimensional graphing facilities, and a vast
number of built-in functions.
Learning Objectives:
Curriculum Proposal 1
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Students will be familiar with representations of real
numbers on computers, the accumulation of roundoff
error through a sequence of calculations, and the types
of operations that should be avoided in the construction
of a numerical algorithm.
Students will be able to find the zeros (roots) of
functions numerically (e.g., through the bisection
method, the method of false position, fixed point
iteration schemes, and Newton’s method);
Students will be able to solve linear systems of
equations numerically (e.g., Gaussian elimination and
iterative techniques for linear systems);
Students will be able to compute eigenvalues and
eigenvectors of matrices numerically (the power
method);
Students will be able to use interpolation for solving
real-life problems.
Students will be able to represent tabular data through
curve fitting.
Students will learn how to use MATLAB for numerical
solutions.
Impact on Students: (Explain how students will be affected by the proposal. Benefits to students should be listed.)
Students will have a wider pool of applied mathematics course options. The course addresses a very important area of study with a
rich variety of real world applications. Working knowledge of numerical analysis will enhance students’ career opportunities.
Impact On Other Departments: (Explain how other academic departments may be affected by the proposal, and summarize any discussions with
other departments about the proposal. If adding or deleting a course, explain how other departments may be affected.)
No impact on other departments.
Impact on University Resources: (Curriculum changes affect university resources. Explain here how instructional, lab, computer or library
resources may be affected by the proposal. It is especially important to address the possible need for additional faculty.)
No need for additional resources. Current faculty members are capable of teaching this course.
Impact on General Education Requirements: (If the proposal fulfills or changes general education requirements in your department, explain this
here.)
No impact.
Curriculum Proposal 2