These years of academic activity along with practical experience in science and engineering projects have motivated the learning and teaching of the topics covered in this text. Background in calculus, differential equations, and physics is assumed. Review of some of the techniques in these subjects may be necessary for some students. There is extensive computer software available for computations with either anayltical functions or numerical procedures, as well as for spreadsheet and graphics. The material in this course should provide a foundation for better use and understanding of these programs.
Software can greatly facilitate practical application of applied mathematics and physics today.
The author has benefited from association with numerous teachers, professional colleagues, students, and others over time. W. P. Hollowell, C. Boykin, H. Beard, W. Lamb, W. H. Danforth, J. van Schilfgaarde, H. D. Bowen, K. A. Jordan, R. J. Miller, E. T. Smerdon, F. C. Wang, T. P. Smith, W. G. Leseman, S. R. Wilkinson, E. A. Angley, L. Z. Wang, R. L. Chu, B. R. McMahon, D. K. Ammerman, M. N. Allhands, T. C. Perry, Jr., W. R. Reck, D. M. Wilson, J. F. Willcutts, and S. A. Allick. Highest debt is owed to my parents who emphasized the intrinsic as well as the economic value of education. Special thanks to D. L. Overman for patience with my preoccupation with popular books in math and physics. These individuals have shared topics from science to Laplace transforms to physics to computers to symmetry to agriculture, and have inspired my pursuit of order and truth.