Title

Introduction to Mathematica

Author

Education level

Precollege

Objectives

The overall objective of this course is to introduce the student to the four main areas of Mathematica: graphics, symbolic calculation, numerical calculation, and programming. We show how these four areas can be seamlessly integrated, using functional and rule-based programming methods, to undertake scientific computing. Programming concepts are illustrated using mathematically based problems with applications in engineering, physical and biological sciences, and social sciences.

Materials

The Beginner's Guide to Mathematica Version 4 by Jerry Glynn and Theodore Gray

Course Materials: Students can download Mathematica notebooks from the class web site.

Description

The course is offered in a computer lab so that students have an opportunity during each lecture session to extend their skills through practice on examples and exercises. The format for a typical 100 minute lecture session is as follows:

35 minute lecture of selected topics (part 1) 15 minute workshop session on problems and exercises 35 minute lecture of selected topics (part 2) 15 minute workshop session on problems and exercises

This course is opened to all students on campus. Some knowledge of calculus is assumed. Enrollment is limited by the size of the computer lab, approximately 30 students.

See course web site for details of topics covered.

Subjects