Syllabus
Syllabus
The School of Engineering acknowledges that the land on which we are situated is the ancestral, traditional,
and unceded territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) People.
Instructor
Lectures
Office Hours: Open Door policy: please feel free to stop by my office any time for quick questions (5 mins).
If you have long questions, please book a time with me via my ubc email using Zoom meeting.
In order to best support student learning and in accordance with the policy from Faculty of Applied Science,
UBC, in-person classroom lecture delivery is used during the lecture times. Active engagement in the
classroom, offered by the in-person lectures and labs significantly increase student learning experience and
performance. Therefore, the students are strongly encouraged to attend the in-person lectures while
the in-person labs are mandatory.
Please ask questions well in advance of pending deadlines and I will attempt to respond within 24 hours. I
will post general comments and suggestions as announcements in Canvas if I see common questions or
confusion.
Labs
Labs are in-person in computer labs on campus according to your lab session registration. You can use the
UBC computers in the computer labs or bring your own laptop with Matlab installed on it. You can
download a free Matlab license into your own laptop as a UBC student. The lab tasks are delivered through
Canvas/Matlab Grader which automatically marks your Matlab coding solutions. The lab teaching
assistants (TAs) will check in-person lab attendance, answer questions on Matlab programming and check
your Matlab coding results. Lab section and TA contact information are shown below.
*** Be sure to check your course schedule to confirm your lab session and computer lab location. ***
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L1H Thu 4 PM 5 PM SCI 234 Mohammad Alboghobeish [email protected]
L1I Wed 5 PM 6 PM EME 2205 Mohammad Alboghobeish [email protected]
L1J Thu 10 AM 11 AM SCI 234 Hesam Mokhtarzadeh [email protected]
L1L Wed 5 PM 6 PM ASC 165 Shamim Noroozi [email protected]
L1M Fri 4 PM 5 PM SCI 234 Shamim Noroozi [email protected]
Course Format
The content of APSC 256 is covered in lectures via handwritten notes and summary modules that parallel
the assigned readings in the textbook. It is important that you follow the course material and take notes
during the lectures. You will get an electronic copy of a summary module after each course module is
completed. These will be posted on Canvas.
The content of APSC 256 is practiced and applied in the labs. Each lab has three parts (posted on Canvas):
i. A tutorial, in the form of a video, which you are to view before the scheduled lab,
ii. A prelab manual, which contains practice problems that must be completed prior to the scheduled lab.
iii. A Canvas-based MATLAB programming test, which is completed individually during the scheduled
lab, with help from the TA.
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Learning Outcomes
This course will provide you with a solid foundation on the application of numerical methods to
engineering. After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
• Develop a working knowledge of the MATLAB programming environment,
• Create mathematical models of simple and complex engineering systems,
• Quantify and evaluate the effects of round-off and truncation errors in numerical methods,
• Apply root finding and optimization in the analysis of engineering systems,
• Apply several numerical methods to the solving of linear systems in engineering,
• Apply numerical integration and differentiation to calculus-based problems in engineering,
• Apply several numerical methods to the solving of ordinary differential equations and
initial/boundary value problems in engineering.
Engineering Accreditation
The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board requires students to have achieved competency in a twelve
main areas by graduation. To ensure that our program provides sufficient instruction in these 12 graduate
attributes, course learning outcomes have been mapped to the graduate attributes for each course. The
relevant graduate attributes for this course are identified below.
Graduate Attributes
Course Learning Outcomes (for CEAB purposes) (as defined below)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Formulate mathematical models on the basis of scientific principles to
simulate the behavior of engineering systems.
D
Identify round-off and truncation errors, and other sources of errors,
quantify numerical errors, design numerical solutions according to the D
requirements on modeling accuracy and precision.
Identify appropriate numerical algorithms for various mathematical
problems such as root finding, optimization, linear systems, integration D
and differentiation, and ordinary differential equations.
Formulate numerical solutions for various engineering problems using
numerical techniques including Taylor series expansion, linearization of
non-linear equations, quadratic interpolation/ extrapolation, and
D
discretization methods of differential equations.
Evaluate and appreciate the accuracy, efficiency and complexity of
D
various numerical algorithms used for solving engineering problems.
Be able to use scientific programing language MATLAB to implement
D
numerical algorithms for computer modeling and simulation.
CEAB Graduate Attributes
1. A knowledge base for engineering: Demonstrated competence in university level mathematics, natural sciences,
engineering fundamentals, and specialized engineering knowledge appropriate to the program.
2. Problem analysis: An ability to use appropriate knowledge and skills to identify, formulate, analyze, and solve
complex engineering problems in order to reach substantiated conclusions.
3. Investigation: An ability to conduct investigations of complex problems by methods that include appropriate
experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of information in order to reach valid conclusions.
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4. Design: An ability to design solutions for complex, open-ended engineering problems and to design systems,
components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate attention to health and safety risks, applicable
standards, and economic, environmental, cultural and societal considerations.
5. Use of engineering tools: An ability to create, select, apply, adapt, and extend appropriate techniques, resources,
and modern engineering tools to a range of engineering activities, from simple to complex, with an understanding of
the associated limitations.
6. Individual and team work: An ability to work effectively as a member and leader in teams, preferably in a multi-
disciplinary setting.
7. Communication skills: An ability to communicate complex engineering concepts within the profession and with
society at large. Such ability includes reading, writing, speaking and listening, and the ability to comprehend and write
effective reports and design documentation, and to give and effectively respond to clear instructions.
8. Professionalism: An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the professional engineer in society,
especially the primary role of protection of the public and the public interest.
9. Impact of engineering on society and the environment: An ability to analyze social and environmental aspects
of engineering activities. Such ability includes an understanding of the interactions that engineering has with the
economic, social, health, safety, legal, and cultural aspects of society, the uncertainties in the prediction of such
interactions; and the concepts of sustainable design and development and environmental stewardship.
10. Ethics and equity: An ability to apply professional ethics, accountability, and equity.
11. Economics and project management: An ability to appropriately incorporate economics and business practices
including project, risk, and change management into the practice of engineering and to understand their limitations.
12. Life-long learning: An ability to identify and to address their own educational needs in a changing world in ways
sufficient to maintain their competence and to allow them to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
Quizzes 10%. Quizzes will be carried out on Canvas every one to two weeks during the lectures. They
will have multiple-choice questions and/or numerical problems on recent lecture topics. You may wish to
have computer/cellphone with you during the lectures to solve the quiz questions from Canvas.
Labs 10%. Labs will start September, 03, 2024. For each lab, you will need to view the video tutorial and
practice the problems in the lab manual prior to the scheduled lab time. During the lab time, you are to
complete the MATLAB programming test on the given topic in Canvas with help as needed from the TA.
In-person lab attendance is required. Missing a lab will lead to a mark of ZERO for a student. The
TAs cannot make up the missed labs.
Midterm Exam 20%. The midterm exam will be held on October 30th Wed., 3: 30 to 4:50 PM (the same
time and classroom as the lectures). It will test your knowledge on the numerical methods introduced in
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this course and your knowledge of MATLAB programming as seen in lectures, assignments, and labs.
Details on the midterm exam's format and protocols will be given out well in advance of the exam.
Final Exam 50%. The final exam will take place at a scheduled time at the end of the term. You will be
informed of the final exam's format and protocols well before the exam. In order to pass the course, at a
final grade of 50% or higher, you must obtain a minimum of 40% on the final exam. If you do not
obtain a minimum of 40% on the final exam, your final grade will be capped at a maximum of 45%.
Required Readings
Textbook. You will be required to do readings from the course's textbook to supplement the lectures. You
can use any edition of the textbook that you wish as a hardcopy or an electronic version. The most recent
edition of the textbook is available at UBC's Bookstore as a hardcopy and an electronic version:
Applied Numerical Methods with Matlab for Engineers and Scientists, 5th edition (hardcopy or
paperback), by S. C. Chapra, ISBN: 9781265148225, or
Applied Numerical Methods with Matlab for Engineers and Scientists, 5th edition (electronic version
with Connect and Smartbook), by S. C. Chapra, ISBN: 9781265865788
Software. You will be required to use MATLAB for your assignments, labs, and exams. MATLAB is freely
available to UBC students and can be installed via the instructions at the following link:
https://it.ubc.ca/services/desktop-print-services/software-licensing/matlab#getMATLAB
Recommended Readings
You are welcome to use this textbook, which is available as a free electronic copy through UBC's library:
Matlab – A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving, 4th edition, by S. Attaway,
ISBN: 9780128045251.
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School of Engineering’s Calculator Policy
The School of Engineering has a calculator policy whereby only the two models shown below are permitted
in midterm and final exams. The policy applies to all students incoming as of September 2024 (i.e. for the
2024-2025 academic year, the policy will apply to all first-year, second-year, and third-year students).
In the case of a violation, the student will be asked to surrender his/her calculator to the instructor/invigilator
(instructors may add other penalties). Any violations will be treated as cases of academic misconduct and
will be reported. At no time during the exam, calculators should be able to transmit data to and/or receive
data from other calculators and/or electronic devices. Students are not allowed to use cell phones as
calculators in an exam.
Both calculators will be available through the bookstore and have the following functionalities:
• solar + battery powered • numerical integrals and derivatives
• “natural” 4-line display • statistics, regressions, and distributions
• standard scientific operations (trig, hyp, exp, log, etc.) • base 2, 8, 10, 16
• complex numbers • stored variables and operations
• numerical solver • constants and conversions
• roots of quadratic and cubic polynomials • NOT programmable
• simultaneous linear equations (up to 3 unknowns) • NOT graphing capable
• vector and matrix operations (real valued, up to 3x3) • NO wireless functions
• NO file storage
Attendance Policy
As per university policy, regular attendance is expected of students in all their classes. Students who neglect
their academic work may be excluded from final examinations. Read more here:
http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=3,293,864,0.
Final Examinations
The examination period for Term 1 of Winter 2024 is December 9th – 20nd, 2024. Except in the case of
examination clashes and hardships (three or more formal examinations scheduled within a 27-hour
period) or unforeseen events, students will be permitted to apply for out-of-time final examinations only if
they are representing the University, the province, or the country in a competition or performance; serving
in the Canadian military; participating in observances of religious significance or observances of cultural
importance to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students; working to support themselves or their family; or
caring for a family member; or unforeseen events include (but may not be limited to) ill health or other
personal challenges that arise during a term and changes in the requirements of an ongoing job. Further
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information on Academic Concession can be found under Campus-wide Policies and Regulation in the
UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar, see https://okanagan.calendar.ubc.ca/campus-wide-policies-and-
regulations/academic-concession
Academic misconduct:
Academic misconduct includes any conduct by which a student gains or attempts to gain an unfair
academic advantage or benefit thereby compromising the integrity of the academic process, or helping or
attempting to help another person commit an act of academic misconduct or gain, or attempt to gain, an
unfair academic advantage. Examples of academic misconduct include (see full details here):
• submitting false or incomplete records or information to UBC, or failing to provide relevant
information when requested, and which includes application misconduct;
• cheating (see examples here);
• possession during an examination of any materials or devices not specifically permitted by the
instructor or examiner;
• failing to comply with any rule or direction governing examinations given by an instructor or
examiner or any policy governing examinations;
• committing plagiarism, namely submitting or presenting the work of another person as one’s own,
without appropriate referencing. A student who seeks assistance from a tutor, a student, or other
scholastic aids must ensure that the submitted work is the student’s own. Students who are in any
doubt as to what constitutes plagiarism should consult their instructor before handing in the work.);
• committing self-plagiarism (reuse of one’s own previous work, whether in whole or in part, or the
same or substantially the same work, without appropriate referencing and without prior approval from
the instructor(s) to whom the work is to be submitted);
• impersonating a student, facilitating the impersonation of a student, or allowing another person to
impersonate them during an examination or any other academic assessment;
• failing to comply with any disciplinary measure imposed for academic misconduct; and
• failing to comply with the terms of an integrity plan.
All students are expected to know, understand, and follow these policies and regulations. Violating
these policies and regulations or helping other students in such violations is academic misconduct.
Consequences of academic misconduct include a mark of zero on the assignment or exam, a report to the
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School of Engineering Academic Misconduct Review Committee for record keeping and applying
disciplinary measures, and in some cases more serious consequences may apply if the matter is referred to
the President’s Advisory Committee on Student Discipline.
Additionally, be wary of sites that market themselves to be “study aids” as they may fall under the
definition of contract cheating (https://academicintegrity.ubc.ca/academic-integrity-in-teaching-and-
learning/contract-cheating/). In addition, there have been instances where these sites have blackmailed
students even after graduation.
For additional language specific to online education, please consult the Academic Integrity Working
Group’s website.
Academic Concessions
The School of Engineering recognizes that over the course of the term, unanticipated events and
circumstances may arise for a student that may hinder the student’s participation or attendance at a class
session or examination or their ability to otherwise fulfill the requirements of a course in a timely manner.
For a full overview of what constitutes grounds for academic concession, please refer to the UBC
Okanagan Academic Calendar under Academic Concession.
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Types of Academic Concessions:
Grounds for academic concession fall into one or more of the following categories: Conflicting
Responsibilities, Medical Circumstances, and Compassionate Grounds. If your situation meets the
grounds for academic concession, one or more of the following concessions may be applied:
• Deferred Standing
You may be eligible to apply for accommodations for your final exam, including deferring the exam. To
apply for a standing deferred final examination, please speak to an academic advisor and submit a request
form, https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/resources/forms/out-of-time-final-examination-request/. Deferred
standing may be granted by the Associate Director, Undergraduate Studies.
• Late withdrawal
If your circumstances are such that you are unable to complete the required course components, you may
be eligible to submit a late withdrawal request for review by the Associate Director, Undergraduate
Studies. To apply for a late withdrawal, please speak to an academic advisor and submit a late withdrawal
request form. https://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/resources/forms/late-withdrawal-request/.
“These requests should clearly state the grounds for the academic concession and the anticipated
duration of the conflict and/or interference with academic work. In some situations, this self-declaration
is sufficient, but the submission of supporting documentation may be required along with, or following,
the self-declaration.”
“For students who are requesting an academic concession on the ground of sexualized violence, Sexual
Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) can make the request directly to the Dean on behalf of
the student. Full details of the incident and its impacts do not have to be disclosed.” (Academic Calendar)
If you have questions about this process or what information you may be required to disclose, when, and
to whom, please speak to an academic advisor: https://soeadvising.ok.ubc.ca/academic-advising/.
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Resource Links
• UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar: https://okanagan.calendar.ubc.ca/
• UBC Okanagan Provost Learning Services Faculty Resources for Academic Integrity:
https://provost.ok.ubc.ca/initiatives/online-transition/faculty-resources/faculty-resources-for-
academic-integrity/
Academic Integrity at UBC https://academicintegrity.ubc.ca/
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.students.ok.ubc.ca/drc
At UBC Okanagan health services to students are provided by Health and Wellness. Nurses, physicians
and counsellors provide health care and counselling related to physical health, emotional/mental health
and sexual/reproductive health concerns. As well, health promotion, education and research activities are
provided to the campus community. If you require assistance with your health, please contact Health and
Wellness for more information or to book an appointment.
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accompany you to the hospital, or support you with academic accommodations. You have the right to
choose what happens next. We support your decision, whatever you decide.
Visit www.svpro.ok.ubc.ca or call us at 250.807.9640.
SAFEWALK
Don't want to walk alone at night? Not too sure how to get somewhere on campus?
Call Safewalk at 250-807-9236
For more information, see: www.security.ok.ubc.ca
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