MAT 331
Mathematical
Problem Solving with
Computers
Spring 2010
Ctr-alt-F1 Creates
account
Crtl-alt-F7 back to
initial screen
Choose bash
Instructor: Moira Chas

Assistant Professor
Department of Mathematics
Best way to contact me: moira@math.sunysb.edu
Office Location:
3-119 Math Tower
Office hours:
Tu 9-11am (office)
Th 10-11am. (P 143)
Math Interests: Low dimensional topology and geometry.
Course Webpage
•
•
http://www.math.sunysb.edu/~moira/mat331-spr10/
Announcements
Syllabus
Schedule
Homework assignments
Handout presentation
Worksheets
Projects description
http://blackboard.stonybrook.edu/
grades
link to course website
Course Description
Exploration of the use of the computer as a tool to
gain insight into complex mathematical problems
through a project-oriented approach. Students learn
both the relevant mathematical concepts and ways
that the computer can be used (and sometimes
misused) to understand them.
The particular problems may vary by semester; past
topics have included cryptography, fractals and
recursion, modeling the flight of a glider, curve
fitting, the Brachistochrone, and computer graphics.
No previous experience with computers is required.
5
How are grades computed?
• Homework and class participation 15 %
• Projects (3) 85%
Except for the class participation, the grade will be
strongly based on performance.
Effort will always contribute but it is not the basis of
the grade.
QuickTim
eﾪand adecom pressor
TIFF
(Uncom
pressed)
are needed t o see t his pict ure.
How can you succeed in this
course?
•Work on the projects and on the weekly
homework assignments (around 6 hours/wk)
•Read the textbook beforehand.
•Be completely in the class.
•Ask questions.
•Answer questions.
•Turn off electronics in class (cell-phone, MP3
player, etc.)
Homework Assignments
You cannot learn in this course without working on
problems.
Expect to spend a few hours a week (between 6 and
8) working on homework.
Start submitting homework from the beginning of
the course (and don’t stop until the end!).
Homework and Exams policy
No late homework or projects will be accepted.
But if you have a serious documented reason
communicate it to me as soon as possible and the
semester grade will be determined based on the
balance of the work in the course.
Any issue interfering with your course work should
be communicated as early as possible.
Homework Assignments
One problem from each weekly set will be graded.
Each graded problem “worths” 10 points.
Homework should be submitted clearly written in
complete English sentences.
Homework is due on Thursdays.
Homework must contain
•The statement of the problem
• An answer that is emphasized.
•If there is no work shown, there is no credit. In other
words, an answer with no justification is not
admissible (even if it is the correct answer!)
1
1
Projects
•Both the expository (paper or wiki) and
computational (Maple worksheet) aspects of
the project write-ups will be graded.
•We will start working in class.
•Each project requires many hours of work.
1
2
Is it allowed to work in teams?
• You may discuss the assignments in this
course with classmates, before working in
the write-up.
• Each student's submission must be his or
her own work.
•
It is not allowed to browse the Internet
for solutions.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
• All work you submit for homework, final, or exams
MUST be your own work.
• If you cheat or aid someone in cheating, you will
automatically fail this course and be brought up on
charges of academic dishonesty without warning.
• Cheat includes: presenting work of other as your
own (such as cutting and pasting from the internet),
copying other student work, facilitate that other
student copies your work, use of notes and/or
electronic devices during examinations.
Maple
•We will be working on the Linux computers on S235.
•In class we will be using Maple 13 but you are
welcome to use other software for the projects.
•Maple is available in all Sync sites.
•You can obtain Maple for your computer in either of
the following ways.
•The Seawolves Marketplace sells Maple CD’s for $5.
•You can download Maple from
•http://it.cc.stonybrook.edu/software/
(you will need NetID
and password)
1
5
Remote access
•You can access the files in your account by
•ssh to mathlab.sunysb.edu
(and your username and password.)
•ssh is available in
•the sync sites,
•possibly already installed in your computer, but if not, you
can download it from http://it.cc.stonybrook.edu/software/
(you will need NetID and password)
Email and homework submission
I will use email for communication so make sure that
Blackboard has the correct address.
The homework must be submitted through
Blackboard. If there is a problem with your
submission, please contact me by email.
When you submit homework or projects, do not
include messages. Instead, write whatever you need
to say in your maple file.