Fall 2009 Course Syllabus
Course: 0824.402.
Course Title: Mathematical Patterns.
Time: Thursday, 5:30 - 8:50.
Place: G061 TUP.
Instructor: Ehrenpreis, Leon.
Instructor Office: 441.
Instructor Email: leon.ehrenpreis@temple.edu
Instructor Phone: x6741.
Office Hours: Tues, Thurs, 2:00PM.
Prerequisites: none.
Textbook: none.
Course Goals: Understanding the true meaning of numbers.
Topics Covered: Weeks 1-5. We shall examine the meaning and significance of numbers, expecially large numbers. We shall introduce the student to the concept of infinite numbes and explore the differences amongst such numbers. Weeks 6-8 . We shall explore small numbers and their significance. One major point that will be studied is the famous Greek problem called "Xeno's paradox" regarding the possibility of motion. Weeks 9-12. We shall explore the differences of numbers from a the point of algebra. In particular, we shall study the question of which numbers can be the solutions of various equations. We shall show how to count the number of solutions of equations. Weeks 13-15. We shall study probability. In particular, what chances do you have in variious card and dice games. Weeks 1-5. We shall examine the meaning and significance of numbers, expecially large numbers. We shall introduce the student to the concept of infinite numbes and explore the differences amongst such numbers. Weeks 6-8 . We shall explore small numbers and their significance. One major point that will be studied is the famous Greek problem called "Xeno's paradox" regarding the possibility of motion. Weeks 9-12. We shall explore the differences of numbers from a the point of algebra. In particular, we shall study the question of which numbers can be the solutions of various equations. We shall show how to count the number of solutions of equations. Weeks 13-15. We shall study probability. In particular, what chances do you have in variious card and dice games. Weeks 1-5. We shall examine the meaning and significance of numbers, expecially large numbers. We shall introduce the student to the concept of infinite numbes and explore the differences amongst such numbers. Weeks 6-8 . We shall explore small numbers and their significance. One major point that will be studied is the famous Greek problem called "Xeno's paradox" regarding the possibility of motion. Weeks 9-12. We shall explore the differences of numbers from a the point of algebra. In particular, we shall study the question of which numbers can be the solutions of various equations. We shall show how to count the number of solutions of equations. Weeks 13-15. We shall study probability. In particular, what chances do you have in various card and dice games.
Course Grading: exams, class participation, homework.
Exam Dates: End of week 5, end of week 8, and final exam.
Attendance Policy: Absence can hurt your grade.
Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible. Contact Disability Resources and Services at (215) 204-1280, 100 Ritter Annex, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed here.
Students will be charged for a course unless a withdrawal form is processed by a registration office of the University by the Drop/Add deadline date given below. For this semester, the crucial dates are as follows:
- The first day of classes is Monday, August 31.
- Labor Day is Monday, September 7.
- The last day to drop/add (tuition refund available) is Monday, September 14.
- Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26.
- The last day to withdraw (no refund) is Monday, November 2.
- The last day of classes is Wednesday, December 9.
During the first two weeks of the fall or spring semester or summer sessions, students may withdraw from a course with no record of the class appearing on the transcript. In weeks three through nine of the fall or spring semester, or during weeks three and four of summer sessions, the student may withdraw with the advisor's permission. The course will be recorded on the transcript with the instructor's notation of "W," indicating that the student withdrew. After week nine of the fall or spring semester, or week four of summer sessions, students may not withdraw from courses. No student may withdraw from more than five courses during the duration of his/her studies to earn a bachelor's degree. A student may not withdraw from the same course more than once. Students who miss the final exam and do not make alternative arrangements before the grades are turned in will be graded F.
The grade I (an "incomplete") is reserved for extreme circumstances. It is necessary to have completed almost all of the course with a passing average and to file an incomplete contract specifying what is left for you to do. To be eligible for an I grade you need a good reason and you should have missed not more than 25% of the first nine weeks of classes. If approved by the Mathematics Department chair and the CST Dean's office, the incomplete contract must include a default grade that will be used in case the I grade is not resolved within 12 months.