CSC 102 - Using MATLAB

MATLAB is a command-line oriented mathematics program.  It is available on Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX platforms.  You enter simple mathematical definitions and functions at the command line, and MATLAB performs the computations.  It is designed for engineering applications, and its data entry is very simple.  The program is especially useful in matrix calculations (MATrix LABoratory).  It contains many easily accessed mathematical functions which are used just like in ordinary mathematical language.

Specialized toolboxes, compilers, and interfaces are available for MATLAB but will not be discussed here.  These 10 topics represent only an introduction to using MATLAB.

<>Textbook: Getting Started with MATLAB 5 A Quick Introduction for Scientists and Engineers, Rudra Pratap, Oxford Press (ISBN:  0-19-512947-4)

Consider trying an open source version of MATLAB. It's called Octave and is available at http://www.octave.org . The best download page, however, seems to be: http://octave.sourceforge.net/
 

WEEK #
 Textbook Chapter
Topics
Exercise
 Sample Scripts
1
2.1 - 2.3, 6.1
Introduction - command line operations, arrays, simple 2 D plots
Exercise
2
2.4, 4.1, 4.3.1, 4.3.5
script files,
input, output
Exercise
3
2.5, 4.2
function files
Exercise
4
6.3
 3-D plots
Exercise
  
5
  
Mid-Term Project
    
6
4.3, 6.1, 6.2
control structures, sub-plots
Exercise
If Plot
Loop Plot
Piecewise Function
7
4.3.7
File I/O
Exercise
File Maker

File Reader
8
6.4
handle graphics
Exercise
9
5.5
differential equations
Exercise
  
10
3.1, 3.2, 5.1
linear algebra
Exercise