Algebra to Algorithms -- Elementary Mathematical Models, Spring 2004

http://grace.evergreen.edu/~sherri/aa

Last Updated 03/2/2004 Use Refresh on your browser to get the most recent update of class pages.

Faculty 

Sherri Shulman 867-6721  Sem 3163    sherri@evergreen.edu

Themes of Study and Equivalent Credits

The unifying theme of this thread is the formulation of a model in terms of a difference equation and the development of a solution to that difference equation. We will use systematic investigation and patterns to identify the solutions of the difference equations as well as numerical and graphical methods. We will explore the idea of expressing the solution to the difference equation as a function and of evaluating or inverting that function to answer questions about the model. By the end of this thread students will be studying sophisticated models with unexpected and nontrivial behaviors. Prerequisite: Willingness to recover high school algebra in the context of problems and discussions.

Class activites will include mathematical reading, discussion, problem solving, and presentations.

The following table is Sherri's schedule in both AtoA and SOS and independent contracts.
  Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri
10-12 SOS Design Patterns AtoA Math Models SOS Design Patterns AtoA Math Models Prep Day
12-1:30     AtoA: Problem session  
1-3 SOS Project Meetings Judaic Studies C for Programmers SOS Program lecture
3-4 office hours Faculty Research meeting    

Textbook list

Written Assignments

One weekly paragraph on the reading is required. Discussion paragraphs on Kalman are due on Thursday.

All problems must be completed and ready for questions, examination, or presentation by Thursday morning.

Credit and Evaluation Policy

Successful learning requires active involvement in learning activities: reading, writing, problem solving, and discussion. Therefor Credit and evaluations are based on:

Credit is awarded on an all or nothing basis and no incompletes will be given. Failure to attend four or more seminars or four or more scheduled group study sessions is sufficient grounds for loss of credit. Failure to achieve satisfactory results on exams or failure to submit satisfactory written assignments in a timely way is sufficient grounds for loss of credit.

Portfolios of written work will be periodically reviewed. Draft self evaluations are due on Thursday of the last week of classes. Final self evaluations and faculty evaluations on the official evaluation forms are due at your evaluation conference scheduled during week 11 of the quarter.

Supplementary texts and resources (Not required)