For nearly everyone, a scientific calculator will be a valuable aid in doing many of the homework problems.   Any type of scientific calculator is allowed.  Calculators of any sort may also be used on take-home exams.

        Some of the suggested homework problems will be non-trivial computer exercises.  Students who like to do things with computers may wish to attempt some of these problems.  Any software package can be used or, if students are so inclined, they can write their own programs in whatever languages are at their disposal. Those of us who are not particularly sophisticated with computers will applaud an occasional tour-de-force by a member of the computer cognoscenti.

       Regardless of how much or low little computer sophistication you may possess, if you don't particular enjoy spending time with computers, you should NOT feel under any obligation to do even a single one of the suggested computing problems.  There will be plenty of other challenging problems from which to choose.