Summer 2021: Python in Math 152

Overview

Problems will be posted below. The first week will consist of an introduction to/review of the basics of symbolic Python; content from then on will come from previous course material.
Students will work in their assigned teams during lab to complete as many of the problems as possible. All unfinished problems must be completed before the start of the next computer lab.
You will use a Jupyter Notebook as your Python interface. Jupyter is available for free from the Anaconda website (see "Accessing Python" below for details. You do not have to run each problem in one block of code, but problems should be separated by explanatory text (change "Code" to "Markdown" in the appropriate drop-down menu, then press Shift-Enter when you are done. Alternatively, use comment lines in your Code.)
When you have finished, convert your notebook to PDF using the following steps:
1. Select "File/Print Preview"
2. Print the resulting screen (Ctrl-P) and select "Save as PDF" as the printer.
Team members' names should be entered at the beginning of the file (see the template for more details).
Once your PDF is created, upload it to the place in eCampus, Canvas, or Gradescope specified by your TA.
Do any hand/setup work on scratch paper, which will not be submitted. All computational aspects of each problem must be done in Python unless otherwise specified in the problem.
Attendance in lab is strongly encouraged, as you are able to get help from each other and from the TA during that time.
Students who prefer to use a different Python interface, such as PyCharm or Spyder, may do so, but it is their responsibility to create ONE PDF containing all commands, output, and graphs.

Assignments

(will be posted below before lab each week)

Course Overview (to be reviewed BEFORE the start of class June 1)

Lab 1: Problems Template (Should automatically download. If not, right-click link and select "Save As". Then open in Jupyter. Assigned June 1, due June 8)
Overview of Useful Commands

Lab 2: Problems Template (assigned June 8, due June 15)
Overview of Useful Commands

Lab 3: Problems Template (assigned June 22, due June 29)
Overview of Useful Commands

Lab 4: Problems Template (assigned Jun 29, due July 6)
Overview of Useful Commands

Lab 5: Problems Template (assigned July 13, due July 20)
Overview of Useful Commands

Lab 6: Problems Template (assigned July 20, due July 27)
Overview of Useful Commands

There will be an assignment each week except for exam weeks.
(Mac users-if you are getting a .txt extension when you save the template, try using this strategy to fix it!

Accessing Python

Engineering students should have Python installed on their devices. If you need to transfer files to/from your university account, use a flash drive, cloud storage, email, or FileZilla.
If you do not have Python installed on your device, it is free. Details on how to download are available HERE or in the Course Overview above.

Helpful Resources

List of Commands used in lab: includes brief summaries and links to online help pages (alphabetical, with newest commands first).
Python Instructional Video Series c/o the Math Learning Center
Taming math and physics using SymPy by Ivan Savov.
SymPy 1.3 documentation tutorial (includes a Quick search box)
Can't find what you're looking for at the links above? There is no formal textbook, so search and learn-just like in the real world!

Last updated by djm on Wed, 25/May/2021 at 3:02 pm CDT