AMTH 118 - Concepts in Discrete Mathematics

AMTH 118 Section 1
Concepts in Discrete Mathematics
Fall 1998

Instructor:

Dr. Henry S. Gurr

Office:

Science Building Room 323

Office Hours:

MWF 2:00-3:00 and by appointment.

email:

henryg at usca.edu

About the Course:

Description:

Mathematical concepts involving discrete mathematics, their historical/cultural backgrounds and their applications in modern society are presented in this course. Using the text: For all Practical Purposes - Introduction to the Contemporary Mathematics, we shall cover the following topics:

Part I

MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (Chapters 1-4) Street Networks, Visiting vertices, Planning and Scheduling, Linear Programming.

Part II

STATISTICS: THE SCIENCE OF DATA (Chapters 6-7) Producing Describing Data, Mathematics of Chance.

Part III

SOCIAL CHOICE AND DECISION MAKING (Chapters 11-15) Social choice and the Impossible Dream, Weighted Voting Systems, Fair Division.

Parts of IV

ON SIZE AND SHAPE (Chapters 16-22) Growth and Form, Geometric Growth, In-Accessible Distances. Reflecting the Universe, New Geometries for a New Universe, Symmetry and Patterns, Tilings.

Course Requirements and Grading:

GRADING	GRADE SCALE
3 Exams 45%	92-100 A	70-74 C
Weekly Writing Journal 15%	85-91 B+	65-69 D+
Math Home Work 15%	80-84 B	60-64 D
Final Exam 15%	75-79 C+
Instructor's Evaluation 10%

Journal:

You will record your observations of "Real World" Mathematics Applications that you see in your daily life in a bound lab notebook (or soft cover report binder). You may report and discuss any mathematics application that you find significant or interesting. Of special importance are the topics covered in class and/or the topics discussed in the AMTH 118 textbook. Each week look around you and ask, "Where have I seen mathematics happening?" You may discuss this with your classmates, but should not have duplicate responses.

A new journal entry will be due each week. Each weekly journal must be greater than 300 words in length. You MUST show your word count or calculation of estimated number of words at the end of each weekly journal. Your bound lab book with all entries (in time order) must be turned in at the time of the final exam to receive credit (15% Journal).

Course Objectives:

To understand the mathematical concepts and their historical development introduced in the course.
To be able to apply these concepts to solve relevant problems.
To be able to communicate using mathematical language and symbols.

PLEASE NOTE:

You are expected to attend every class and stay in class for the whole period. In the event that you have to miss a class (or leave the class early) you should talk to the instructor about it as soon as you can.
If you have a learning disability which might affect your performance in this class, please inform your instructor and the USCA Counseling Center as soon as possible in order to verify your status and provide you with appropriate assistance. The USCA Counseling Center is located in Room 116C of the Administration Building (phone 641-3317).
A more detailed schedule of topics, exams, homework, and project dates will be provided later.
It is a good idea to read ahead, ask questions in class or outside class, and to study with classmates.
In this course you will be expected to develop a thorough, competent and scientific understanding of mathematics as befits a truly educated person and as befits a person who will apply the knowledge gained in this course as part of their qualification for graduation from this great university. In the class and from the surrounding world you will record extensive observations in a bound log book and provide extensive written analysis of what you have observed. You will be expected to show competence and be able to use the knowledge you have gained in this course. This means you will demonstrate understanding of text reading assignments by answering questions over this material in homework assignments and examination. (See textbook for examples of such questions).
If you are going to be absent from an exam, you MUST notify the instructor PRIOR to the exam or you will receive a failing grade on the exam. You may call the department secretary at 641-3446 and leave a message.

This page copyright © 1998-99, The Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina.
Send comments to: henryg at usca.edu.
URL:http://www.usca.edu/math/~mathdept/hsg/m118f98s.html
This page has been accessed 289 times since November 2, 2001 . Last updated Friday, 24-May-2002 13:21:37 EDT.

Instructor:	Dr. Henry S. Gurr
Office:	Science Building Room 323
Office Hours:	MWF 2:00-3:00 and by appointment.
email:	henryg at usca.edu

Description:	Mathematical concepts involving discrete mathematics, their historical/cultural backgrounds and their applications in modern society are presented in this course. Using the text: For all Practical Purposes - Introduction to the Contemporary Mathematics, we shall cover the following topics:
Part I	MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (Chapters 1-4) Street Networks, Visiting vertices, Planning and Scheduling, Linear Programming.
Part II	STATISTICS: THE SCIENCE OF DATA (Chapters 6-7) Producing Describing Data, Mathematics of Chance.
Part III	SOCIAL CHOICE AND DECISION MAKING (Chapters 11-15) Social choice and the Impossible Dream, Weighted Voting Systems, Fair Division.
Parts of IV	ON SIZE AND SHAPE (Chapters 16-22) Growth and Form, Geometric Growth, In-Accessible Distances. Reflecting the Universe, New Geometries for a New Universe, Symmetry and Patterns, Tilings.