MATH 106 (3 CREDITS) Instructor: Professor Arthur Alt
Contemporary Mathematics School of Math and Sciences
Office: Physics Lab, Science Bldg.
Phone: 791-5381
Office Hours: As posted and
by appointment
SYLLABUS
CONTEMPORARY MATHEMATICS
1. Objectives of Course:
This course is designed to be a magnificent display for both the science and non-science major, to give an overview of the wondrous advances of Mathematics that has dramatically changed our understanding of how nature acted in the past and is acting presently. The emphasis for this class will be mathematical - it will be on the level requiring algebra, with a little geometry. Topics will cover the range and breadth of studies dealing with the field, with speculations of subjects as diverse as:
Art of problem solving; set theory; logic; real numbers and algebra; neat graphs and their interpretations; tricky geometry and trigonometry usages; probability for Las Vegas; statistics and your body weight; fantastic consumer math for home and business; and about a thousand other topics.
Course objectives:
By the end of the course, each student will be expected to be conversant with:
a) the scientific method and its application to solving problems;
b) a basic knowledge and insights into the nature of mathematics, particularly understanding of set theory and set operations;
c) problem-solving in a variety of areas, using both quantitative and qualitative methods and reasoning, said areas to include algebra, rectangular coordinate systems, basic linear models, and the ability to determine quantities associated with lines;
d) identifying some of the relationships between various topics of mathematics and the common ideas which exist within these topics;
e) the methods and tools which can be used in non-academic life, including basic concepts of statistics, probability, and an understanding of financial math, including simple and compound interest, amortization, investments, and the ability to solve basic practical consumer finance problems;
f) the problems that can be investigated by the use of mathematics associated with the environment and modern technology;
g) An appreciation for the diversity of phenomena found in the universe and the interwovenness of all the general areas of scientific study and mathematics.
II. Texts:
Aufman – Mathematical Thinking and Quantitative Analysis
Texas Instruments TI-82 or TI-83 graphing calculator
Note: you should bring your text and graphing calculator to each class meeting. They are used during discussions, in-class projects, quizzes, and exams.
III. Grading Scheme:
(A subject near and dear to the heart of all college students, and to other parts of the anatomy as required):
The grade for the class will be based on the following:
Homework - 20 points each = 140 points
Exams (1per chapter) 100 points each = 700 points
Final - 200 points = 200 points
Journal project - 100 points = 100 points
In-class activities - 100 points = 100 points
The lowest exam and homework will be thrown out at the end of the semester, and replaced with your next lowest score. This way, you are not penalized if you need to miss an assignment, or have a disaster, etc.
The final is mandatory - missing the final will result in either an “incomplete” (at my discretion), or a final grade two letters lower than obtained for the rest of the class work.
Quizzes will be at my leisure, whenever one is necessary, or when particularly difficult topics are finished.
Homework will be turned in at the end of the week covering that material and sections. It is due by the following Friday – late papers will lose 10% for each day (including weekends) late.
Journal project – This will entail you documenting what you thought was important in each section covered in the text – it should not be construed to be a mere listing of equations, but rather an evaluation of what you found of importance and interest in the section In addition, you should repeat the procedure for each of the video tapes made for the class, with particular emphasis on what you found particularly interesting. The journals will be collected at unspecified times during the term for evaluation. Journals will not be accepted late. PLEASE DO NOT KEEP OTHER MATERIALS OR HOMEWORK PROBLEMS IN YOUR JOURNA!
Participation refers to participating in the learning process. This has several components for this class:
Showing up on time for class each day;
Asking and answering questions;
Doing your homework in a timely manner so as to be able to ask for help as needed;
For in-class participation points (100 – see above), there will be the following in no particular order:
For attendance of less than 50%, the entire grave will be dropped 20%;
Minute essays will be given out and due at the next class meeting;
Each person will be assigned a share of the required reading for the next class at random.
Please note – these are not to penalize you, but rather to be sure you keep current and are not having undue problems with the assignments or discussions,
The final grade will be based on a total of 1,200 points, with the breakdown of:
90% = A
80% = B
70% = C
Less than 70%, find another class to goof around in !!!
No curve is used, in the respect that you are judged how well you do on an accumulative not necessarily against your fellow students (I want you to enjoy learning some science and mathematics, not worry how other geniuses study!!! Working together is fine, so do it!!).
An I grade (Incomplete) will be given ONLY in accordance with UGF policy. You should also make sure you are aware of UGF policies on Withdrawals and dates.
Final note: Class participation is not mandatory., except as noted above However, if you do not take an active part (such as listening to the lectures, or conversing once in a blue moon with the instructor), it is guaranteed your grade will suffer - past classes have shown that those taking part always seem to learn faster, and can focus better on the relevant aspects of the class, than those individuals preferring to spend their days in front of the boob-tube and catching up on their sleep. Be warned!!
(Note RULES OF THE GAME at the end of the syllabus).
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If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask, either during class or later (there is no such thing as a dumb question - stupid ones, yes, but dumb ones, never!). The stupid ones are the ones that don’t get asked, then appear on the exam, anyway! I will go over the grading very completely the first day, but don’t be afraid to ask questions later.
And to keep it more interesting, let’s try to make this a dialogue, not a monologue - my voice sounds much better in concert with some one else’s.
Cheers - and hope you enjoy this fascinating, spectacular, magnificent, stupendous and simply wondrous rumble through the hallowed (and not-so-sacred
Halls of mathematics.
IV. Course Content
The following is an outline of course material. The order is that in which the material will be covered, but the rate at which we cover the material will depend upon class make-up, attempting to keep those with stronger backgrounds from becoming bored while not leaving those less prepared in the dust.
Chapter 1 Section 1, 2, 3 Problems in review exercises – 1,4, 11, 17, 30, 32, 39-46, 59, 71, 73
Chapter 3 Section 1,2,3,4 Problems in review exercises- 1,4,9,11,17,24,25
Chapter 4 Section 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Problems in review exercises – 1,7,13,19,24,33,35,38,39
Chapter 5 Sections 1,2,3 Problems in review exercises – 5,8,13,19,39
Chapter 7 Sections 1, 2, 3,4,5 Problems in review exercises – 1,5,11,15,19,22,25,28,30,33
Chapter 8 Sections 1, 2, 3,4,5,6,7 Problems in review exercises – 7,15,19,23,27,31,45,51,54,67
We will also do mathematics using the following topics, just for giggles and chuckles:
Light and sound waves; optics of mirrors and lenses; wonders of gravity and Einstein; atomic physics and wave dualities; models of the atom; nuclear radioactivity; lives of stars; wandering continents and earthquakes; electric charges; biophysics of nature; clouds and weather; archaeology dating; properties of hell; light speed travel in the universe; environmental catastrophes; time travel; and thermodynamics of evolution.
Enjoy!!!
RULES OF THE GAME
So there will be no false misconceptions about what is expected of you from this class, be aware of the following rules/requirements that I will be placing upon you during this semester. Remember, for this class, the motto is always:
Don’t try: Don’t give it your best shot: JUST DO IT!
I expect you to develop, if you haven’t done so already, the abilities of creativity, critical analysis, information synthesis, problem-solving, and rational reasoning (based on scientific data, not emotions, religion, or pseudo-science nonsense). We’ll use about 20 such learning tools in the class – I expect you to learn each one and how to apply it! Above all else, I’m a firm believer that learning should be fun, an experience well worth repeating, for your entire life. If this isn’t, let me know (that does not include you concluding there’s too much work, or it’s too hard, etc.).
1. I appreciate students greatly, and I expect to be friends of the vast majority. But you cannot pass by making friends with me – if you don’t do the work expected, you won’t pass!
2. The class is your responsibility – don’t fight it! You need to be prepared to work alone, with another, and in teams – so if you’re bashful, shy, introverted, don’t expect that to last if you plan to get through the class successfully. One of the best ways to learn is through team interaction – you’re expect to participate as an active member of the team – you get nothing for being laid-back and letting others do all the work!
3. Attendance: you will not be penalized for missing classes (however, see note above). However, what is covered you are responsible for – and if you miss a quiz, lab, activity, be aware that those points count negative towards your grade (unless you have a phenomenal excuse! (See next rule). In other words, I expect 100% attendance, 100% of the time, with no major exceptions.
4. There will be no make-up exams, quizzes, labs, etc. unless you have made arrangements ahead of time, and have a valid excuse (i.e. 2 broken arms, brain surgery, kidnapped by aliens - your kitten ran away is not an adequate excuse!).
5. You missa de class, you finda the notes – don’t ask me for them (that is if you can find someone gullible enough to lend them to you).
6. For the duration, you belong to Me – this is not a Pass-or-Fail class, so everyone that makes it passes. There is no choice in this – set your mind so you will pass or go find another class to loaf in!).
7. This class is about results. Most people use circumstances as reasons not to have positive results – it’s always someone else’s fault. Not here – you are totally responsible for your grade, your actions, and your success! Also note – any student will a documented need for special accommodations for academic purposes such as testing environments should contact the professor privately during the first week of class. The Center for Academic Excellence in Sullivan Hall provides additional support (phone 791-5213).
8. There are no loopholes – I don’t believe the universe gives 2nd chances! (see next rule)
9. There will be no incompletes given at all unless absolute disaster falls (you not being able to finish your work on time isn’t a disaster – you just think it is!).
10. I don’t grade on a curve, but any evidence of cheating, copying, plagiarism, getting papers from other classes, etc. will get you an automatic “F”. Same goes for laboratory write-ups. Since no curve is used, you pick the grade by what work you’re willing to do – you’re not competing with other super-geniuses in the class, so help each other!
11. YOUR DISASTER ISN’T MINE – don’t ask!
12. For me, the defining definition of adulthood = responsibility. You have only one real choice: you can be free or you can be cattle. A free man or woman doesn’t survive – he or she challenges everything and anything. As a side-note, you are responsible for your own homework. It is due on the date due, not later – for each day late, 10% of the possible points will be lost.
13. Due to prior years, I’m not loaning anything, so research elsewhere. Also, if I find you borrowed from the library without borrowing correctly, you will receive a definite “F”.
14. Since this is a math-science class, be forewarned: the National Inquirer, all magazines of that same category, and the Bible, are not acceptable references. I expect you to cultivate an open mind in this class, but not so open your brains fall out!
15. DO NOT CALL ME AT HOME UNLESS IT IS A TOTAL EMERGENCY. (that will cost you 20 points and a nasty dialogue with my wife). Call or come in during office hours – if you have to, we’ll schedule some other time. Also, if I’m with someone else, respect their privacy and don’t barge in (I don’t like to be rude, but I will if necessary to make you aware of your actions).
16. I do not accept homework via e-mail, nor am I responsible for your trying to contact me via the Internet. Either do it in person or over the phone.
17. Last point – in class, I’m the boss (at least nominally). If you want to argue, great- I expect debate and controversy over the entire semester or you aren’t doing your readings. If you want to be nauseating, or a troublemaker, be prepared to be ejected! Rudeness will definitely act against you in class performance points. Also in that regard, a cell phone going off in class is a huge distraction to the instructor and the other students. So let’s follow this procedure: If you have a valid reason for having your cell phone on during class, it must be out where you can answer it immediately. Exit the room as quickly and quietly as possible and do not have the conversation where you disturb any classroom in the building. If you do not have a valid reason (as defined by the instructor), please turn your phone off. Failure to follow that policy will result in loss of 10 points/incident.
Now, despite all that, I expect this to be an enjoyable learning experience, filled with challenges and meaningful activities you can carry away with you. The success of the course is totally up to you -–if you feel something is going wrong, speak up! The only way classes get better is by constructive criticism that is followed up on – I can’t tell if I’m doing something wrong unless students tell me it isn’t working right – so don’t be bashful. I’ve yet to murder a student for making critical evaluation comments (perfect murder schemes are just too darn hard to come by). But, again be forewarned – if you just like to whine, note the sign:
Whiners please use the cliff exit!