An introduction to programming for computationally oriented scientists. Fundamental programming skills, using MATLAB and another imperative programming language (such as C). Problem analysis and algorithm design, with examples drawn from simple numerical and discrete problems. 

Organizational

Class Hours: MWF 1:00-1:50 PM FB 007 (Fred Brooks Building)
Instructor: Vishal Verma
Office Hours:  MW 3-4pm SN328 (Subject to change)
Office: SN328 
Office Phone: 919-962-1869 
Email: < last name>@cs.unc.edu
Meetings: We will have an in class lab every Friday and short programming exercises interspersed within the lectures. Bring your computer.

Prerequisites: Please contact me if you are concerned about whether you have the background required for this course.

• MATH 231:  We assume familiarity with univariate differential and integral calculus, and the ability to manually solve a system of simultaneous linear equations.  
• Computer Literacy:  Basic proficiency with using a personal computer, using a mouse and keyboard, word processing, email, and finding information off the internet is assumed. 
• Laptop:  Each student needs their own laptop computer for installing and using the MATLAB software during the course of the semester. 

Postrequisites:  COMP 116 satisfies the General Education, Quantitative Reasoning requirement of 3  credit hours.  For students interested in computer science as a major or minor, most upper level and graduate classes in computer science, assume that the student has learned basic programming by taking one of the following courses:  COMP 110, COMP 116, or COMP 121.  

Note: Students can only receive credit for one of COMP 110, COMP 116 or COMP 121

Topics Covered: After taking the class, students will learn to do:

• Numerical Computation:  Use MATLAB for doing numerical computation: including arithmetic, algebra, calculus, working with Matrices, and solving systems of linear equations.
• Programming:  Create programs to solve scientific problems using MATLAB..
• Fundamentals:  Learn the fundamentals common to many programming languages (variables, data types, flow of control, modular design, etc.).
• Debugging:  Avoid and track down bugs using defensive programming techniques.
• I/O:  Work with user input (or file input) and transform it into 2D & 3D graphics (or file output).

MATLAB software:  I will distribute copies of MATLAB 7.12, and help students install it on their laptops, during the first in class lab session. (UNC has a site license that makes MATLAB 7.12 available to all UNC students; for information and ordering, see http://help.unc.edu/3684): MATLAB is also available in the computer labs on campus (http://help.unc.edu/1871) or you can install and run it on your own computer.

Grading:

• Quizzes (15%): There will be a 10 minute quiz at the end of almost every Wednesday class. No makeup is given for missed quizzes, but the lowest quiz score is dropped at the end of the term.
• Assignments (35%): Every week there will be an assignment to write a program and turn it in using Sakai. Assignments are to be submitted before midnight on their due date. You get a total of three late days (i.e. You can submit one assignment 3 days late or 3 assignments one day late etc.)
• Midterm (25%) and Final (25%): There will be two midterms in class and a final exam. These are designed so that you do not need to use a computer or perform calculations in the exams, so computers, programmable calculators, and cell phones are not permitted.

Etiquette: With the exception of laptops used to take notes or run MATLAB, please keep electronic devices (e.g., cell phones) off or silenced during class.  Class participation counts towards your final grade and I reserve the right to dock points for improper etiquette.

Collaboration: Collaboration on assignments IS encouraged. However, what you hand in must be your own writing/typing. Good scholarship requires that all collaboration must be acknowledged. Thus, if you collaborate on the solution of a problem set, I expect that you list your collaborators at the top of the page. Collaboration on in-class evaluations (quizzes, midterms, final) is, of course, a violation of the Honor Code. 

Learning a programming language is like learning spoken language -- this has several implications for how to study for this class: 

• In my experience, texts and lectures alone are insufficient—one must spend time using a language to make it one’s own. The regular quizzes are designed to encourage practice in MATLAB.

• Keep a record of things you learn in the lab, lecture, and recitation sections. Whether this is a formal lab notebook, or a small diary or PDA for “new vocabulary”, find a way that works for you to record your insights and ideas. 

• There is always more than one way to say something, but some ways will be more “elegant” than others. You learn to recognize elegant expressions as you become more familiar with a language and to use them as you become more skilled. 

• Languages classes are cumulative; don't fall behind. Ask for assistance from your fellow students or from me, especially if you find yourself struggling.