Spring 2005
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 (4.1 - 4.5, 4.7)
Chapter 5: Contortions of Space (5.1 - 5.3)
Chapter 6: Chaos and Fractals
Assessment| 1. Homework and Projects | 25% |
| 2. Class participation | 15% |
| 3. Tests | 36% |
| 4. Final Examination | 24% |
Test Schedule
Test 1: Wednesday, February 2
Test 2: Wednesday, March 2
Test 3: Wednesday, April 13
Final: Friday, May 6 from 12 noon to 1:50 p.m.