MATH110-05 Contemporary Math -- Fall 2000
SYLLABUS

Instructor: Richard Varron, Programmer I, WPUNJ                                  Phone: 1-973-720-3307
Section: MATH110-05                                                                                   Time: TR 2:00-3:15
Room:  S111                                                                                                     Mailbox: College Hall 220
Office Hours: MW 12:30-1:30 (College Hall 220 call first); by appointment.
E-Mail:  varronr@wpunj.edu
Prerequisites: MATH106 or passing Basic skills test

All of Richard Varron's Pages

Additional course material can be found at Black Board: USERNAME: MATH11005 / PASSWORD: math11005

The instruction of getting into Blackboard are here. Please use this site in the future ass assuagements will be updated there

CHANGE: Since Chapters 3 on Probability and 4 on Statistics follow from what we are currently doing on combinations and permutations in sections 1.3 and 1.4, I am going continue with Chapters 3 and 4. If there are parts of Chapter 2 that are needed, I will cover them in the context of Chapters 3 and 4. When we are done with chapter 4, we will go back and do chapter 2.  

If there are concepts that you don't understand or questions that I haven't gotten to in class, e-mail me. 

Keep in mind that in this class we are looking at how we arrive at a solution or formula rather than just memorizing a formula. It takes a bit more work (and gets messy at times), but in the end, you will really understand why and what you are doing and you will be able to apply what you know to new situations.  

My assumption is that you have read the material before class and have an idea of the main points. (I don't assume that you have understood everything.) In class, what I will generally do is to focus in on some of the more difficult areas or some areas that have larger implications and connections. I try to use problems that are not in the book so that you have some additional examples and approaches. After class, review what we did in class and reread the text. Don't be surprised if it takes some time to put everything together   

Notes

BACKGROUND OF INSTRUCTOR

My main goal in this course is to show you the vastness of the field of mathematics and how different branches of mathematics can be used to understand and solve problems. A secondary goal is to show you that ways developed to approach  problems in one area can frequently be used to attack seemingly completely different problems in another area. Lastly, one of my goals is to get you to develop your own ability to find the material necessary to understand and solve problems that you are interested in. 

The focus of this course is in understanding and solving real-world problems. For every problem that we do, you should ask yourself, "Have I seen a problem like this before?"  

Who is this course for? People who want to understand various ways to approach problems. People who want to have fun at discovering new ways to look at things. People who think that Algebra is the only area of Mathematics. People who have been traumatized by Math classes.  People who say they, "Can't do Math." People going into teaching that want to be able to explain the "why" of a problem, not just the "how" of the solution.

Who might this not be the right class for? Students whose major requires a different GE Math course.   

1. Deadlines to Drop Course
2. Description, Objectives  and Contents
3. Texts
4. Plagiarism

Deadlines to Drop Course

9/12/00                100% refund

10/10/00              50% refund

10/24/00             last day to drop class

Texts 

Jani, Mahendra and Coomes, Judy, Basic Concepts of Mathematics, Prentice Hall Publishers, PA, 1998
    

Course Description, Objectives and Content

1.	Description of Course: This course is intended to provide an understanding of some of the mathematical ideas expected of an educated adult. Topics include logic, set theory, introductory combinatorics and applications selected by the instructor.
2.	Course Objectives:  The basic course objective is to introduce you to some of the ideas of contemporary mathematics with emphasis on applications. In particular, the objectives are To be able to approach a problem systematically To be able to realize math patterns and use these patterns to solve problems To learn the basic ideas of logic used in elementary mathematics and able to derive valid logical conclusions Understand the basic notions related to sets Be familiar with the basic notions of probability Able to read simple graphs and understand the basic notions of measures of central tendency (averages and standard deviation) To be able to present data using line, bar and pie graphs learn basic applications of matrices appreciate and apply the basic concepts of Algebra and Geometry
3.	Student Learning Outcomes:  After taking this course, you should be able to: Effectively express yourself in written and oral form Demonstrate ability to think critically Locate and use information Demonstrate ability to integrate knowledge and idea in a coherent and meaningful manner Work effectively with others.
4.	Topical Outline of the Course Content: 1. Problem Solving 2 weeks 2. Set Theory & Logic 2 weeks 3. Introduction to Probability 2 weeks 4. Graphs & Introduction to Statistics 2 weeks 5. Communication Problems & Projects 2 weeks 6. Basic Algebra 1 week 7. Geometry, Life & Art 2 weeks
7.	Mode of Instruction: Lectures and classroom discussions  In class group work  Collecting data and reading graphs from the newspapers.  Student projects –submission and presentation.
8.	Student Assessment (Grading): Short, unannounced  quizzes; mid-term and final - these quizzes and exams assess problem solving skills and skill to apply mathematics theory. There is no makeup for quizzes. The quizzes will account for 20% of your grade; the midterm and final will account for 20% each. In class discussions. 10% of grade Assignments (collected randomly) 10% of grade   Minimum two or three project submissions and/or presentations. Projects include data collection and presentation using various graphs; group projects are encouraged. 20% of grade.
10.	Bibliography of Supportive Texts and Other Materials: Smith, Karl J., The Nature of Mathematics, Eighth Edition, Brooks/Cole Publishing Co., CA, 1998 Johnson, David B. and Mowry, Thomas A., Mathematics: A Practical Odyssey, Third Edition, Brooks/Cole Publishing Co., CA, 1998 Bello, I., and Britton, J., Topics in Contemporary Mathematics, Houghton Mifflin Co., MA, 1997 Billstein, R., Libeskind, S., and Lott, J., A Problem Solving Approach to Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., New York, 1993 Other Reading Materials: American Mathematical Monthly Mathematics Magazines The mathematical intelligencer The New York Times & Other Local Newspapers Internet search; in particular www.ams.org and www.maa.org

 

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ATTENDANCE:

Since each section builds on the previous section, regular attendance is required. Attendance is taken daily. 6 absences will result in a grade of "F" at the discretion of the instructor. Your  textbook, homework and notes are an integral part of your attendance and class participation. Not being prepared for class will result in a lost of your class grade for the day (an absence).  

If there are extenuating circumstances for absences or handing in assignments late, the reason should be submitted in a well written formal E-mail message as soon as is feasible.

Requests for extensions should be made via E-mail prior to the due date outlining the reasons for the extension and including what work has been done thus far. In addition to writing practice, this will provide you with the communications skills needed in today's business world by having you present your concerns and requests in writing. As in any business situation, how you state your case will have an effect on whether or not your request will be granted. As in business, there will be times when you need to call because of time constraints and then follow up in writing. Verbal request must be followed up in writing.

 

If there are any problems with getting an assignment done or any other complications during the semester, feel free to either see me before class or call me. I work full-time as a programmer in College Hall and I am in from 6:30am until 2:00pm and I am logged on constantly.

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   READ CAREFULLY

Plagiarism is trying to pass off someone else's work as your own without proper citation. This includes not only paraphrasing material from outside sources without citation but also includes using programs and work from your sources without citations. It includes taking ideas from sources without attribution (including a classmate's work). It also includes copying from your source by changing a few items here and there.  In all respects, your work should be your own voice except where you have indicated that you have incorporated ideas from others. Remember, it is not improper to use outside sources-- in fact it is frequently a good idea to do so-- as long as you clearly indicate what are your ideas and what are the ideas of others.  If you work with a classmate on a work, put both your names on both papers to indicate the collaboration. If only part of the work was worked on jointly, then cite those parts. Not only is this the correct thing to do, but it avoids the problem of who was/were the original writer(s) when, by sharing ideas, you come up with a work that is similar to someone else's. In any event, both works/programs should be distinct with each writer contributing his or her own ideas. (i.e.. if two people are working on an assignment, the ideas may be similar, but the papers should be written by each person.) Work which is in whole or substantially identical will both receive an "F" since it is plagiarized unless there is proper citations.  If you are unsure about what constitutes plagiarism or what you need to avoid it, make sure you ask or put a note on your work.  Why is plagiarism frowned upon? The reason is that you are submitting work that was done by others and handing it in to be graded as you own work. In addition, it is not fair to the people that do their own work. The minimum penalty is an F on the paper. Subsequent violations may result in an "F" for the course. (See Student Handbook for College policy.)

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