MATH 166H

Topics in Contemporary Math II

Spring 1998

Instructor:Michael S. Pilant
Section:200
Time:MWF 10:20-11:10
Location:BLOC 126

E-mail:mpilant@math.tamu.edu
Web Page: http://www.math.tamu.edu/~mpilant

Office: Blocker 507-C
Phone:845-5631 (862-2716)

Office hours: MWF 9:30-10:20 a.m., MWF 11:10-11:45, or by appointment.

Text: Tan; Applied Finite Mathematics, fifth edition.

Supplemental Text: Hester/Ryan; TI-82/83 Student Resource Manual for Applied Finite Mathematics.

Calculator Policy: Unlike other sections of this course, this section DOES NOT REQUIRE that you have a TI-83 graphing calculator. Opportunities for optional extra-credit will be periodically given during the semester, some of these will involve the use of the TI-83 calculator.

Nature, Scope and Content: finite mathematics, matrix theory, probability theory, game theory.

Course Objectives: To master the concepts underlying the topics covered in this course. To demonstrate this mastery by applications and projects. To utilize the capability for computer aided instruction to further increase understanding of these concepts.

Credit:Three semester hours

Assessment:
Exam 1 100 pts 20%
Exam 2 100 pts 20%
Exam 3 100 pts 20%
Final 200 pts 25%
Homework 100 pts 10%
Project 100 pts 5%
Extra Credit 1 pt per problem ---

Grading Policy: (Straight Percentage)
600 - 540 : A
539 - 480 : B
479 - 420 : C
419 - 360 : D
below 359 : F

Online grade queries will be supported later in the term.

Exams:Three exams and a comprehensive final will be given. The format of the exams will be discussed the day before each exam as will be the final.

Make-up Policy:Make-up exams will be given if the exam is missed for A&M regulation reasons. In case of illness, a student MUST contact me within two days and present a doctor's excuse before the make-up exam will be given.

Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend class when scheduled. If class attendance becomes a problem, roll will be taken.

Additional Opportunities:

  1. Use of the NCD X-terms to access Unix accounts.
  2. Use of the SGI-O2's for specialized software.
  3. Access to Web sites with interactive Java applications.