Introduction to Contemporary Applications in Mathematics
-- William Drummond
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INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Mark Parker
OFFICE: 119 Science OFFICE PHONE: 447-4572
E-MAIL: mparker@carroll.edu OFFICE HOURS: MWF 3:15-5:00 TR 8:00-9:00, 11:00-12:00
About the cover: The quote is appropriate since the focus of this course will be upon developing our (mathematical) reasoning skills; which, as we will see, have a wide range of applications. The figures in the top row are of: a) the Konigsburg bridge problem: does there exist a path that allows a person to cross each bridge exactly once and return to the same location they started from? and b) a histogram showing the distribution of the time of the first lightning flash each day at a site in Colorado. The figures in the second row are of c) the dispersion of data observations about the mean for a normal distribution and d) a sketch from M.C. Escher’s notebook showing the tile design for the Horseman print (Escher No. 67). All figures are from the textbook.
Welcome to Contemporary Mathematics! This is a course designed for students with varied mathematical backgrounds and diverse interests. Stressing the connection between contemporary mathematics and modern society, topics covered include management science, statistics, coding information, social choice and decision making, and size and shape. The role of computers in the evolution of mathematical applications is seen throughout the course and selected computer software will be used when appropriate. We will focus on conceptual understanding rather than computational expertise. This course satisfies a general liberal arts requirement but not a statistics requirement. You might have a few questions about the course; hopefully, many will be answered below.
“What is this course about?”
Rather than having you take yet another course in Algebra, the purpose of this course is to expose you to the excitement of contemporary mathematics. It will also help you develop the capacity to engage in logical thinking and to read critically some of the technical information from modern society. It attempts to implement for the study of mathematics Thomas Jefferson's notion of an "enlightened citizenry," in which individuals, having acquired a broad knowledge of topics, exercise sound judgment in making personal and political decisions.
“I’m not sure I’m ready for this class… what kind of background do I need?”
A background equivalent to one year of high school algebra is presumed. More specifically, you should be familiar with the following:
· Familiarity with fraction, decimal, and percentage notation for numbers and the mathematical operations with numbers in these forms.
· Familiarity with exponential notation, scientific notation, and laws of exponents
· Familiarity with algebraic expressions and solution of linear equations
I will provide a self-assessment skills examination for you to evaluate your preparedness for this course.
“OK… I’m sold!… what is the layout of the course?”
We will focus our efforts on five diverse topic areas of modern mathematics:
1) Management Science,
2) Statistics,
3) Coding Information
4) Social Choice and Decision Making,
5) and Size and Shape.
Throughout the semester, we will focus on understanding what type of problem we are trying to solve and how mathematics is used to solve the problem.
“What book are we using?”
The book we will be using is For All Practical Purposes: Mathematical Literacy in Today’s World, 5th Edition, by COMAP (W. H. Freeman and Company Publishing). It is a very readable text, and you will be expected to read material prior to our discussions in class. There is also an optional student study guide for the book which is available from the bookstore. For each chapter, there are a list of learning objectives, key ideas from the reading, detailed examples, and practice quizzes.
We will spend our class time discussing material from the book and working examples. You are also welcome to consult other books and resources as you need them, I have a good library available.
I will assume each lesson that you have been reading the book. If you have questions about the reading, let me know, either in class or in my office.
I will occasionally supplement the text with handouts, which will also be electronically available.
“Do we get to use the computer?”
You must have a scientific calculator with power keys and a few statistical keys. You can purchase such calculators at many stores for about $10. Graphing calculators are not required, but can be used if desired.
Every couple of weeks, we will meet in the computer labs (room 147 Science) to practice what we have been covering in class. Most labs are for your edification and will not be handed in; however, a few Lab Projects will be handed in for grading. Several software packages, including Excel and SPSS, will be used and we will gather real data via the web throughout the class.
All software will be available on the computers in the Science Building computer labs (both rooms 146 and 147).
“Any other resources?”
There is a set of twenty-six half-hour films that accompany the text. Some of these will be shown in class and all of the films are available in the library and from me. Current information to be used for writing papers is available over the Internet or in periodicals from the library.
“How will my grade be determined?”
Your grade will be based on the following:
ASSIGNMENT POINTS % OF TOTAL
Portfolio 100 10 %
Projects 200 20 %
3 Exams (150 points each) 450 45 %
Final Exam 250 25 %
1000 100 %
“What about that Portfolio?”
Your portfolio will consist of your homework sets and your exams. You will turn it in twice during the semester – once before midterm and once before the final exam.
Homework will be assigned for each block of material we cover between exams. These exercises will be geared towards helping you understand and work with the basic concepts from each lesson. We can spend time in class going over these problems; and additionally, I will make solutions available for you. I will look over your homework when you hand in your portfolios to assess your homework effort .
You will also keep your old exams (including your self-assessment test) in your portfolio. After each exam, you should rework those problems that you missed on the exam. These corrections will help you to learn from the mistakes that you made on the exam. I will look over your corrections and provide you written feedback on them
“What’s your policy on late work?”
I collect projects, take-home exams, etc. at the beginning of class on the due date.
Late work (less than 1 week from due date) will be accepted for 1/2 credit.
Work that is more than 1 week past due date will not be accepted for credit.
“What about getting some help?”
Stop by if you need help! My office is always open; however, you may find that I’m not always the person in my office. I will be on campus MWF afternoons (1:00 – 5:00) and TR mornings (8:00 – 12:00) only. If you stop by at other times, you will find my wife inhabiting our shared office (I will be at home playing Daddy with our three-year-old daughter). If my office hours don’t work for you, let me know and we can schedule another time for me to be on campus.
“Are there any course policies I need to know about?”
I don’t take attendance, but for your success in the class it is crucial that you attend. If you are going to miss a class where we have an exam scheduled or an assignment due, it is imperative that you let me know as soon as possible, preferably in advance. As a general rule, I do not give make-up exams – if you have a legitimate extreme excuse, we can make other arrangements for missed assignments.
“Anything else?”
I welcome your constructive comments to help me make this the best course possible. I think that you will find this is unlike any mathematics course you have previously taken. The key to your success in this course depends mainly upon your attitude, your study habits, and your desire to learn. Good luck!
MA 105: Introduction to ContemporaryApplications inMathematics
TENTATIVE SYLLABUS SPRING 2001
Management Science
Chapters 1 and 2
3 weeks
EXAM #1
6 February
Statistics Chapters 6, 7, and 8 4 weeks
EXAM #2 6 March
Coding Information Chapter 9 1 week
Social Choice and Decision Making Chapters 11, 12, 13, and 14 4 weeks
EXAM #3 17 April
Size and Shape Chapters 16, 17, and 18 2 weeks
FINAL EXAM 8 May
10:00 – 11:45am