Comments on Math 318 by Terry Akai <akai.1@nd.edu; 1-7446>

This course was specially designed by the Math and CSE departments to
provide an introduction to numerical methods (as distinct from analysis)
to seniors in the Computer Science and Computer Engineering degree programs.

The current class has 41 students; all are CSE students, although two Math
students were registered at the beginning of the semester.  There are 13
juniors in the class -- I understand that this is an unusually high number.

Students should have a decent mathematics background (all had/are taking
Math 325) and a decent programming background in ANSI C.

The course as currently taught is more toward the applied side.  The basic
philosophical goals are:

   1. Students should be exposed to a variety of numerical methods.

   2. Students should be able to implement methods (by hand/computer) for a
      variety of problems.

   3. They should have a concept of how the methods are developed.

   4. Even though the course is on "methods" and not "analysis", they
      should be aware of the behavior of methods and be able to choose
      among different methods of performing the same task.

   5. Although the course is "applied", students should acquire and
      appreciate some of the mathematical flavor inherent in the methods.


At the moment, we uses ANSI C as the "lingua franca" because this is the
language taught in CSE 232.  Next year will be a transitional year to C++,
which is now being taught to sophomores in CSE 232.  Math majors interested
in Math 318 should take the CSE 232 version of programming.  CSE majors
are generally weak on formalism in proofs -- many are capable, but they
lack the sustained experience.

I maintain teaching notes, assignments, and exams.  Obviously, these are
being developed as the semester progresses, since this is the first time
I'm teaching the course.  I shall be happy to send you a set of materials
at the end of the semester.