Spring 2001

MT-A125 Seminar in Mathematics: Infinity, the Fourth Dimension, Primes and Chaos: Mathematical Thinking in the Real World


General Information, Syllabus, Assessment and Test Dates

What is this course?

This is a course about discovering the true nature of mathematics and how some of the greatest ideas in mathematics are used in our modern-day world. The course emphasizes strategies of thought and analysis in examining topics ranging from prime numbers to infinity, the fourth dimension, chaos and fractals.The class is in seminar format - most class time will be spent in discussion and group activities. Students are important active participants in the teaching and learning process!An important component of the class is that it should be fun. The ideas discussed in the course are among the most beautiful and elegant of the ideas of humankind.Although MT-A120 College Algebra is a stated prerequisite, the course does not require students to have mastered all the material of College Algebra. What it does require is an ability and commitment to think hard and logically about all kinds of interesting questions.

Syllabus

(Links are to online copies of the "surfing" sections for each chapter)
Chapter 1: Fun and Games: An Introduction to Rigorous Thought
Chapter 2: Number Contemplations (2.1 - 2.6)
Chapter 3: Infinity (3.1 - 3.3)
Chapter 4: Geometric Gems (4.7 only)
Chapter 5: Contortions of Space
Chapter 6: Chaos and Fractals

Assessment
1. Homework and Projects20%
2. Class participation20%
3. Tests36%
4. Final Examination24%

Test Schedule

Test 1: Wednesday, February 7
Test 2: Wednesday, March 7
Test 3: Wednesday, April 18

Final: Monday, May 7 from 12 noon to 1:50 p.m.
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Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Computer Science Saint Louis University
Last Modified: January 10, 2001 email webmaster: blythrd[at]slu[dot]edu
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