~2_~ C 9-4-


A4 C-adc-

Physics 240 Syllabus (Spring 2002)

* Instructor: Prof Alejandro Garcia

 0 Office: Science 245, (408) 924-5244, (408) 924-2917 [FAX]

 E-mail: alaarcia


WWW: www.algarcia.org
Office Hours: also by appointment.

 Course description: This course will present an introduction to a variety of numerical methods
 applied to problems in physics. An undergraduate background in science or engineering and
 some familiarity with computer programming is required.

 Enrollment: The course is open to any SJSU student; others should enroll through Open
 Univers .

 Textbook: Numerical Methods for Physics, 2nd Edition, A.L. Garcia, Prentice Hall (2000). For
 info on the text, go to http://www.algarcia.org/nummeth/nummeth.httnL
Language: You may use any language you wish to complete the assigriments. I regularly use C,
 C-~+, FORTRAN and MATLAB but can also read several others. A student edition of
 MATLAB, which includes a manual, is available in the bookstore (look under the computer
 science or engineering textbooks). For information on how to download the programs in the
 textbook go to htti)://www.algarcia.orp-/nummeth/nummeth.html
Homework: Exercises will be assigned continuously. Most of the exercises involve
 programming projects. The homework will count 85% of the course grade. Homework exercises
 may be turned in by fax (408-924-2917) or by e-mail sent as PDF files (please limit attachments
 to less than 2 Megabytes). Late homework will not be accepted.

 Exams: There will be one midterm exam that counts for 15% of the grade; there is no final
 exam.

 Computer Access: You may use any computers at your disposal.

 Emergencies: if you hear a continuous alarm or are told to evacuate the building, walk quickly
 to the nearest stairway at the end of each hall. Do not use the elevator. Take your personal
 belongings with you. Be quiet and follow instructions. Move away from the building and do not
 return until informed by police or coordinators.