Math 187
Fall 2008

10:40 am - 11:30 am MTWF

B301(M-W-F) and E221(T)

 

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Course Description


This course is an introduction to the mathematical method (as distinguished from the scientific method). Students will learn the methods and principles of exact reasoning throughout mathematics, computer science and modeling in the exact sciences. The specific topics used to teach the mathematical method will be selected from mathematical logic, combinatorics, number theory and group theory.

Core Outcomes
MATH 187 is a core course. Several of the desired outcomes listed in the university's ``Core Philosophy and Goals Statement" will be assessed during the semester. By the end of the course students of this course should have the following competencies:

1 Apply the technique of counting a collection of objects in two different ways to give a combinatorial proof of an equation.
2 Determine from the multiplication tables of groups if these groups are isomorphic.
3 Use modus ponens and ``unpacking of basic definitions" to construct a mathematical proof of a logical implication.
4 Use the principle of mathematical induction to construct a mathematical proof.
5 Distinguish hypotheses from derived facts; identify the strategy used to derive facts from hypotheses.
6 Write logically correct, complete explanations of mathematical information in correct English.

Text: E.R. Schneierman, Mathematics: A discrete introduction (2nd Edition), Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2006

Calendar:
Sept. 1:    Labor Day. No classes
Sept. 8:    Last day to add, change to audit, drop without a "W"
Sept. 26:  Test 1 of 2 tests.
Oct.  3:    Last day to drop classes or completely withdraw
Nov. 7:    Test 2 of 2 tests.
Nov. 24:  Thanksgiving break until Nov. 28.
Dec. 8-12: Dead week
Dec. 17:   10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Final Examination.

Examinations: There will be two tests and a final examination in this course. The two tests will be given on Fridays. These should be taken when scheduled. Under exceptional circumstances supported by acceptable substantiation given at least a week before the scheduled test, a make-up test can be arranged. However, make-up tests will be more difficult than the regularly scheduled tests. The date and time of the final examination is non-negotiable. There will be no make-up final examination offered. Failure to take the final examination on schedule will automatically constitute a failing grade in the course.

Homework: Not all assigned homework will be collected for grading. Some of the homework problems will be on topics not yet covered in class. The purpose of these assignments are to prepare for the upcoming class. Some of these may be collected for grading. Some homework problems will be directly from the text, and some will be custom designed. Homework to be collected for grading must be handed in at the beginning of the class on the date it is due. Late homework will not be graded - hand in on time, or take a zero for that assignment.

Attendance: No attendance is taken. You are responsible for all information that comes up in class. None of this information will be repeated by me - consult a class mate for any missed information.

Point-values represented by graded activities:
Homework           200 points
2 tests                  200 points
Final Examination 200 points
 
Letter grade scale:
 

 

-

 

+

A

90 - 92.4

92.5 - 97.4

97.5 - 100

B

80 - 82.4

82.5 - 87.4

87.5 - <90

C

70 - 72.4

72.5 - 77.4

77.5 - <80

D

60 - 62.4

62.5 - 67.4

67.5 - <70

An exception to this letter grade scale: Failure to take the final examination on schedule will automatically constitute a failing grade in the course.