MA 798N - Numerical and Stochastic Tools in Mathematics and Science

Class: T TH 10:15AM - 11:30AM, HA 123.

Instructor:

Dr. Alina Chertock
Office: HA 212
Phone: 515-3200
Office hours: by appointment
E-mail: chertock@math.ncsu.edu
Homepage: http://www.math.ncsu.edu/~acherto/NCSU/MA798/798.html

Course Objectives: The course will provide an introduction to probability-based modeling and will cover basic stochastic and numerical tools used in physics, chemistry, engineering, and the life science. It aims at bridging a gap between the theoretical treatments familiar to mathematical specialists and the more practical questions raised by specific applications.

The course will not present a full, rigorous theory of probability and its applications, but will rather give students an insight into some beautiful applications of probability, as well as introduce the nonmathematical students to the general ideas behind methods and tools they already use.

The students will also be introduced to mesh-free numerical methods for approximating solutions of partial differential equations and numerical methods for stochastic partial differential equations.

Topics include:

All topics touched upon will come with immediate applications. The applications include data assimilation, prediction from partial data, spectral analysis, and turbulence.

Prerequisites: I will try to make the course self-contained. Basic knowledge in PDE's would be helpful. No computer programming skills are required.

Textbook: I will select some chapters from: Stochastic Tools in Mathematics and Science, by A. Chorin and O. Hald, 2005. Additional notes and papers will be provided.

Grading: The grade will be given on the basis of successful completion of a project. The project can be chosen as one of the following: (1) an oral presentation of a recent paper or chapter from a book suggested by the instructor or (2) a computer project such as the writing of a Matlab/Fortran/C routine or the application of routines already available to the problems under consideration.

Grading Scale: 86%-100%: A, 71%-85%: B, 61%-70%: C, 55%-60%: D, 55%: F (+ and - will also be used.)

Notifications: Students will be notified in class or via email of announcements associated with this course. The email address registered with the NCSU online directory will be used for this purpose. It is the student's responsibility to maintain a valid email address and check the email sent to it.




Policy on Attendance, Excused Absences, Missed Work.

NCSU policy, including what constitutes an 'Excused Absence,' is at NCSU policy, including what constitutes an 'Excused Absence,' is at this link.

Academic Integrity Statement.

Students are required to follow NCSU policy available at www.ncsu.edu/provost/academic_regulations/integrity/reg.htm. "Academic dishonesty is the giving, taking, or presenting of information or material by a student that unethically or fraudulently aids oneself or another on any work which is to be considered in the determination of a grade or the completion of academic requirements or the enhancement of that student's record or academic career." (NCSU Code of Student Conduct)

The Student Affairs web site has more information (http://www.ncsu.edu/student_affairs/osc/AIpage/acaintegrity.html).

Utilization implication of the Honor Pledge.

"I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment."

Expectations concerning honesty in the completion of test and assignments.

This has been outlined above.

Students with Disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation.

Further Information:

NCSU Academic Regulations can be found at www2.ncsu.edu/unity/project/www/ncsu/provost/info/academic_policies/