Syllabus for Math 103, Topics in Math for the Liberal Arts, Section 01, Spring 2008

Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra, Rutgers Math 026, Math 027, or equivalent.

Text: Excursions in Modern Mathematics with Mini-Excursions, 6^th Edition, by Peter Tannenbaum.

Course Web page: http://www.math.rutgers.edu/~weingart/103s08-01

Meeting times: MTh 8:10-9:30 in Campbell A3

Instructor: Dr. Michael Weingart

Email: weingart [at] math [dot] rutgers [dot] edu

Office hours: M 3:30-4:30 and T 10:00-11:00 in Hardenbergh B7, W 2:00-3:00 in Hill 209, and by appointment.

Extra review sessions: Wednesday afternoons, 3:10-4:40 in ARC 328 (in the MSLC on Busch campus).
Since there is no formal recitation in this course, these weekly sessions will serve as an informal recitation, focused on problem solving. You are welcome to ask questions about the content of lectures, homework, or anything else, and find out what questions your classmates have.

Tentative schedule of lectures

Calculator: A basic calculator capable of computing square roots will be needed for both homework and examinations. Computers and calculators with typewriter keyboards or built-in computer algebra systems, such as the TI-89 and TI-92, will not be permitted on exams.

Other materials: A small plastic ruler will be required for homework and examinations during the later part of the semester.

Online resources: This course uses RutgersOnline, accessible at rutgersonline.net. Use this to view solutions to homework problems (which become available after each assignment is due), view your grades, and participate in online threaded discussions about the subject matter of the course.

Course topics: This section of Math 103 will cover chapters 1-8 and 13-14, on the mathematics of voting, weighted votings systems, fair division, the mathematics of apportionment, Euler circuits, the Traveling Salesman Problem, the mathematics of networks, the mathematics of scheduling, and collecting and representing statistical data.

Grading: The term grade will be based on the results of the examinations, the scores on written homework, and on “one-point quizzes” given in class. Assuming that 20 one-point quizzes are given, the term grade will be based on a possible total of 500 points, as follows:
 
 

Here is more information about the individual components of the grade:

Exams: There will be two midterm exams and a cumulative final. The midterm exams will count for 100 points each and the final will count for 200 points. The exams will be closed book and student-prepared formula sheets will not be permitted.

Homework: There will be a written homework assignment for each chapter. These ten assignments will count for 10 points each, of which the lowest two will be dropped, for a total of 80 points. Due dates for each assignment are indicated tentatively on the schedule of lectures, and will be announced definitively in class.
Each homework assignment you submit must be neat, legible, stapled (if more than one sheet of paper), and with your name and section number (01) written clearly on top.
Since the solutions to homework assignments will be posted online the day the assignment is due, late homework will not be accepted. Or, to put it another way, late homework will not be accepted.
You are permitted, and in fact encouraged to work together, but all homework assignments you submit must ultimately be your own work.

One point quizzes: In most class meetings there will be a short quiz, or in-class exercise, usually on some topic mentioned the previous class or the current one. These quizzes will count for 1 point each. Credit will be awarded to anyone present who hands in a paper with their name on it. The answers will be read by the instructor and comments will be provided where appropriate, so that students can get immediate feedback about their understanding of the material.