Spring 2006 Problem-Based Inquiry Seminar – Problems from Discrete Mathematics PBIS 187
Section 002 10:20 – 11:20 AM Swart 325 Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Instructor Information
Name: Linda Eroh
Office: 124 Swart
Office Hours: 9:10 - 10:10 Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 1:50 – 2:50 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; Other times by appointment. Drop-ins are welcome.
Office Phone: 424-7343; Home Phone: 685-0351
e-mail: eroh<at>uwosh.edu
Required Materials
Required: Steven Roman, Modules in Mathematics: Counting and Probability, Crytology, Codes and Coding
A small binder to organize hand-outs and homework
You will need some type of calculator for some modules. You only really need basic arithmetic, though other features—such as factorials, combinations, permutations, matrix operations, etc.—might be helpful.
Major Course Goals (as set by the Mathematics Department for all PBIS classes)
Our goal for you this semester is that you…
- improve your ability to reason logically
- collect data, observe patterns, make and verify conjectures
- develop effective written and oral communication skills
- improve skills related to critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity
- use and understand symbol systems and quantitative methods
- understand the principles of mathematics and the sciences
This is an active, problem-solving class. Some class time will be spent discussing necessary background material, but a substantial amount of class time will be spent on actual problem-solving, both individually and in groups, and in presenting solutions to problems.
Drop Date Reminder
February 10, 2006, is the last day to drop and receive a full refund. March 20, 2006, is the last day to drop. We have been told that late drops will be much more difficult to obtain than in the past and will only be given when extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control occur after the March 20 deadline. If at any point you are concerned about your progress in the class, please ask me and/or make an appointment to discuss the situation with me. It is always best to deal with any problems as soon as possible, before you fall further behind.
Homework
There will be two types of homework. Some homework will be routine exercises, mostly assigned from the Modules in Mathematics, to allow you to practice and make sure you understand the background material. This homework should be completed individually and at home, though if you have difficulty, you may seek help from me, tutors, or one another.
There will also be more challenging, thought-provoking problems. Some of the more challenging problems will involve group work and/or class time; others may be assigned individually as homework. In many cases, I am more concerned about your approach to the problem and your development as a problem-solver than I am about the actual solution. You will find yourself stuck on some of these problems; that is to be expected and is perfectly OK. Success is often determined by your perseverance on a problem, not by the ease with which you solve it. You will gain more by occasionally challenging yourself than by repeating easy exercises. You will be asked to turn in longer, more detailed write-ups on many of these challenging problems.
Homework and assignments may be accepted one class period late with a 25% penalty. Homework will not be accepted more than one class period late. If you are having difficulty completing homework on time, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss the situation.
There will be no extra credit offered. The best way to improve your grade is to spend more time on regular assignments, homework, and preparation for exams.
Presentations
You will also be expected to present your solutions to some of the more challenging problems. I will sometimes accept volunteers, but I also expect each student to present at least twice during the semester. If (as often occurs) there are no volunteers or only the same few people volunteering, we will also use a more random approach to decide who will present.
Exams and Quizzes
We will have 3 exams, weighted equally, throughout the semester. Exams are tentatively scheduled for March 3, April 14, and May 12. Exact exam dates and coverage will be announced in class in the week or two prior to each exam. Since the problems solved in class are important, you will see questions relating to these problems on the exams.
We will also have periodic short quizzes, about one every two weeks, mostly to check your knowledge of the background material. You will be allowed to drop your lowest quiz score. Missed quizzes may not be made-up. However, if you know that you will miss a quiz, due for instance to a family situation or a sporting meet, you may take the quiz early outside of class.
Special Accommodations
In fairness to other students, I cannot offer unique accommodations to any student without proper documentation through Disability Services in the Dean of Students Office or Project Success. However, if you need accommodations, please talk to me, and I’ll help you make the necessary arrangements.
Grade Distribution
Your grade will be distributed as follows. Feel free to contact me at any time during the semester to obtain your current grade or to discuss your progress.
- Class presentations and participation 5%
- Quizzes 10%
- Routine homework 10%
- Projects and extended problems 15%
- Exam 1 20%
- Exam 2 20%
- Exam 3 20%
Grading Scale
You are guaranteed at least the grade you earn on the following scale. Notice that the scale is given in percentages and not points.
92-100% A 82-87.9% B 70-77.9% C -59.9% F
88-91.9% AB 78-81.9% BC 60-69.9% D