MTH
150
Mathematics:
Myths & Realities
Fall
2003
Section
05 MWF 11:00-11:50 (H-13)
Dr. Richard Di Dio
O-237, x1792
Office Hrs:
MWF 9:00-10:30, T 10:30-12:00 & by appt.
Course Description
While you may naturally think of mathematics as
dealing in abstract realities (e.g. 1 + 1 = 2), the real power of mathematics
lies in the ability to use it in various guises to analyze, model, predict, and
understand the world around you. This
course provides a broad overview of mathematical concepts and practices that
are essential tools in navigating life not only as a student, but also as an
informed and contributing citizen. By
the end of this course you should be able to choose from a wide variety of
mathematical tools and use common sense and sophisticated reasoning in
approaching many complex problems in a logical fashion. Just as important, you will be able to think
and argue your way past fallacious arguments, dangerous counterintuition, and
downright myths. In short, you will be
able to read a newspaper or follow a political campaign with a healthy
skepticism that allows you to discern nuances, and make use of probability and
statistics in guiding your own decisions in life. The main subject areas
covered this semester will be:
·
Logical
Reasoning
·
Numbers
·
Probability
·
Statistics
·
Mathematical
Models
Time permitting, we will take many interesting side
paths, including Financial Mathematics, Voting, Codes, Art & Music,
Philosophy, & Ethics
Bennett,
Briggs, Using and Understanding Mathematics:
A Quantitative Reasoning Approach, 2nd Ed, Addison Wesley,
2002. Text Web Site:
Testing /Grading
·
Two
Semester Exams - each worth 15% of final grade
·
Quizzes
- total 15% of grade
·
Comprehensive
Final: 25% of grade. Counted as 40% and lowest semester test dropped if
beneficial.
·
Participation
in class & on-line discussions – 15% of final grade
·
Projects
– 15% of final grade
·
Final
grade determined by:
|
< 60 |
60 |
64 |
68 |
72 |
76 |
80 |
83.3 |
86.6 |
90 |
93 |
|
F |
D |
D+ |
C- |
C |
C+ |
B- |
B |
B+ |
A- |
A |
NOTE: The weights listed here
assume that you are not absent for class participation and tests. (See Attendance Policy below.)
Communication: e-mail & web
All class information, including news,
assignments, exam news, class notes, etc., will be available through mylasalle. E-mailing must be done through mylasalle. It is your responsibility to check the class
site daily!
Exams
·
The
following dates are approximate.
|
Test 1 |
Friday, October 3, 2003 |
|
Test 2 |
Friday, November 21, 2003 |
|
Final |
Week of December 8-12 |
·
The
final exam will be cumulative. There
will be no exemptions from final.
·
No
make-up semester exams given. One missed exam will count as the drop test.
Missing more than one semester exam, or not taking the final exam, will result
in failure of the course.
Projects
·
Usually
taken from the projects listed in the textbook or from the text web site
· Must be typed and submitted on time. 50% deduction for each day late.
Study Groups
·
Membership
in a 2-3 person Formal Study Group is recommended.
·
Study
group requirements
-
Members
promise to work together an average of 2 hrs/week
-
Electronic
posting to the course web site by 5 PM every Monday indicating the previous
week’s group activities, questions, and course comments
·
Study
group benefits
-
Groups
work on homework together
-
Projects
may be done as a group project
Technology
A
scientific calculator is required. A
graphing calculator of the TI-83 type (or equivalent) is recommended. Carry it
with you at all times. Failure to have
calculator reduces your class participation grade.
Attendance/Plagiarism Policies
·
For
every three absences/late arrivals the maximum total grade a student can
achieve will be reduced by 12 percentage points. You must keep me informed of
any serious issues that prevent you from attending class for extended periods
of time.
·
Missing
more than one exam, or the final exam, will result in a non-passing grade.
·
Cheating
during an exam/plagiarizing on assignments will result in a failing grade in
the course for all parties concerned.