2019 Fall Course Syllabus - Mathematics 0824.002

Course: Mathematics 0824.002.

Course Title: Mathematical Patterns.

Time: 10:40 - 11:50 MWF.

Place: Gladfelter 0L024.

Instructor: Edgar Bering.

Instructor Office: Wachman 1021.

Instructor Email: edgar.bering@temple.edu

Instructor Phone: InstructorPhone.

Office Hours: 9:30-10:30 MW or by appointment.

Prerequisites: Placement Exam Score or Elementary Algebra (Math 0701) or equivalent.

Textbook: None.

Course Goals: Describe how mathematics can contribute to the solution of problems in the natural world or human society. Employ critical thinking skills, drawing upon prior knowledge when possible, to analyze and explore new and unfamiliar problems. Form and communicate generalizations of patterns discovered through individual or group investigations. Solve problems using algorithms, formulas, or logical deduction. Use intuitive tactile and visual models to solve problems. Communicate logical arguments and their conclusions for the clarity of the receiver. Experience the current breadth of the living tradition of mathematical knowledge and discovery.

Topics Covered: Math 0824 is designed to improve the level of quantitative awareness of students and to convey a sense of purpose for studying mathematics. The objective is not to make mathematicians of the students, but to help gain a mathematical perspective and engage confidently with an environment that increasingly makes use of quantitative reasoning. This will be accomplished by a series of vignettes touching on logic, cryptography, music theory, geometry and tilings, voting districts, probability, and dynamics.

Course Grading: Pre-class reflection & preparation: 10%. Attendance and in-class participation: 10%. Interview: 5%. Homework (10 assignments): 25%. Module tests (4): 50%.

Exam Dates: Test 1: Sept 23. Test 2: Oct 14. Test 3: Nov 4. Test 4: Dec. 6.

Attendance Policy: Required.

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.

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