Math 331: Mathematical Problem Solving with Computers
Spring 2006

• General Course Information
• The Textbook
• Classwork, Homework and Projects
• Computer Resources
• Grading Policy
• Prerequisites
• Special needs

• Instructor:
  • Prof. Moira Chas. email: moira@math.sunysb.edu
  • Office hours: By appointment and Tu 12:40-2pm, Th 9:30-11:20am. "Unofficial" office hours (this is, you have a 90% probabilty to find me) are  Wed 1-3pm  in the Math sync site or in my office.                      
  • Office: Math tower 4-103.
    
• The course meets Tue-Thu 11:20pm- 12:40pm, in room S-235 of the Math tower.
• About the course:
  The emphasis in this course is on the "problem solving" portion of the title. The discussion of the problems and development of the necessary mathematics will be done in the classroom, and then students adjourn to the computers to work out solutions. These should be found by the class with a combination of experimentation and mathematical analysis (plus maybe some help from the instructor). This is not a programming course and no previous experience with computers is required.
  
  
              A tentative schedule will be periodically updated according to the progress of the class. You can find the latest version at  http://www.math.sunysb.edu/~moira/sp06/schedule.html .
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  In order to make it easier for you to keep up with the lectures, any Maple worksheets from each lecture will be available from this page. 
  You can find them at http://www.math.sunysb.edu/~moira/sp06/classes/    These are saved in files named by the date of the lecture . Depending on how your browser is set up, you might be able to just click on the worksheets, or you might have to right-click and select "save link as..." and then open them from maple once you have saved a copy. Alternatively, you can open them directly from maple.

For some topics of the course we will be using the  Notes for Mat331, Mathematical Problem Solving with Computers, by Santiago Simanca and Scott Sutherland, Summer 2002 edition.  (http://www.mathlab.sunysb.edu/%7Escott/Book331/). In Blackboard you will find a more extensive bibliography. Exploring books is highly recomended!

 
Exercises:
(30% of your grade)
There will be a number of exercises assigned. An ``exercise'' is like a homework assignment--something that you should be able to do in at most a few hours. Each exercise is worth 1 point, and can be handed in any time before its due date. You should upload your homework in the Digital Dropbox in blackboard, saved as a file YourLastName_Problems_theProblemsYour areSubmitting (For instance, I would submit problems 2 and 3 as chas_problems2_3). Late homework will not be accepted.


Projects:
(60% of your grade)
There will be three projects assigned during the semester. A ``project'' is more like a term paper-- you will be expected to devote a significant amount of time to doing it, as well as taking care with the presentation. The expository and computational aspects of the project write-ups will be graded separately.


Working together on the projects and problems is encouraged, although each student will be responsible for turning in a write-up of the problem and solution. This should contain a detailed description of the problem or topic, what means were used in solve it, and the solution. These write-ups should be produced by each student individually, and should be detailed enough so that someone who has not taken the class can read and understand them, and will believe the solution is correct. These write-ups are often acceptable for the mathematics writing requirement.

Class Participation:
(10% of your grade)
I expect you to read along in the text, and actively participate in classroom discussions.

C or higher in MAT 203 or 205 or AMS 261.

If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services, ECC       (Educational Communications Center) Building, room 128, (631) 632-6748. They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and           appropriate.   All information and documentation is confidential. Students requiring emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures and information, go to the following web site.  http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/disabilityservices/