Syllabus Math 155 Spring 2016

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Elementary Mathematical Models (Math 155)

Materials: [New Lectures for Spring 2016][Problems/Homework/Exercises][Links and Other Materials]

Instructor: Sean Carver, Ph.D., Professorial Lecturer, American University.

Contact:

  • 107 Gray Hall
  • carver@american.edu
  • office phone: 202-885-6629

Learning Outcomes: [Credit Prof. Mitchell's, 2013]:

My goal is that the students will (1) develop a general understanding of how mathematical models are developed and used, (2) learn specific methods for one modeling methodology (difference equations), (3) experience the progression from simpler to more complex models, (4) observe how traditional mathematical operations and functions arise out of the models we study, (5) learn the organizational strategy of grouping functions into families defined in terms of parameters, and (6) learn the core concepts of chaos as a significant limitation on the discrete mathematical modeling methodology.

What I expect that students will take away from the course of most value to them is greater confidence vis-a-vis mathematics.

Confidence with Mathematics: Increased confidence in mathematics will help you in other areas, no matter what you choose to do. Developing confidence requires challenging yourself, and working hard to meet your challenges. I will help you do that.

Text: "Elementary Mathematical Models: Order Aplenty and a Glimpse of Chaos," by Dan Kalman, The Mathematical Association of America, 1997.

Office Hours: Students are strongly encouraged to come to office hours if they need or want help.

My office is Gray Hall, Room 107. Office hours are TENTATIVELY scheduled as follows: (may be adjusted throughout the semester)

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 4:30 PM TO 6:30 PM.

NOTE: If you would like to come to office hours on a regular or irregular basis and you have a compelling reason why you cannot make it during the hours listed above, please send me an email. I cannot guarantee that I can find a time that works, but I will try.

Tutoring through AU's Academic Support and Access Center. By appointment. See http://www.american.edu/ocl/asac/Tutor-Services.cfm

Tutoring through MATH/STAT tutoring center: Gray Hall, Room 110, Hours:

  • Walk-ins welcome
  • The tutoring center has not posted its hours for the Spring semester.

Tutoring Lab Hours during Fall Semester:

  • Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Sunday: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed

Class times and locations:

  • Monday & Thursday: 2:35 AM - 3:50 PM, WARD CIRCLE BUILDING, Room 302
  • Wednesday: 2:35 AM - 3:35 PM, WARD CIRCLE BUILDING, Room 302

Important Dates:

  • January 11 (Monday): First day of class
  • January 18 (Monday): Martin Luther King Day, no class
  • February 4 (Thursday): Midterm Exam 1 (tentative date pending availability of computer lab for another class)
  • March 7 & 10 (Monday, Thursday) Spring Break, no class.
  • March 31 (Thursday): Midterm Exam 2 (tentative date pending availability of computer lab for another class)
  • May 2 (Monday): Final Exam (11:45AM - 2:15PM, our classroom MGC 331)

Tentative grading scheme:

ITEM PERCENT
Homework 15%
Exam 1 25%
Exam 2 25%
Final 25%
Attendance and Participation 10%
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