Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - EDUC 211 D100

Mathematical Experience I: Numbers and Beyond (3)

Class Number: 6986

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 16, 2021
    Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Students who have credit for MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, MATH 157 need permission of the instructor to participate in EDUC 211 and EDUC 212.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Utility and aesthetics of mathematical experience is presented through the exploration of selected topics. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores a variety of mathematical topics in order to increase the mathematical literacy of Liberal Arts students in general, and to increase their capabilities for quantitative reasoning and deductive argumentation in particular. Our focus is on the issues of aesthetics and utility of mathematical experience, emphasizing the human experience in learning and doing mathematics.

The approach of this course is a pedagogical one, which draws on the knowledge and practices from education rather than applying the lecture/tutorial format most commonly seen in undergraduate mathematics courses. Students will engage in problem solving, investigate conjectures, and develop connections among mathematical topics.

The mathematical content may include:

  • Fibonacci Numbers and Patterns of Nature
  • Pascals Triangle Focus on Integers: Divisibility, casting out nines, prime numbers as building blocks
  • Modular (clock) arithmetic
  • Exploring the infinite
  • Mathematics of chance topics in probability

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Students will increase their capabilities for quantitative reasoning and deductive argumentation
  • Students will experience the aesthetics and utility of mathematics

Grading

NOTES:

Two guiding principles were used in the development and coordination of the assessment tools through which you will show that you have met the objectives: First, there are multiple ways for you to demonstrate your competence – timed (exams); untimed (homework, problem sets); individual work (exams); collaborative work (project, homework, and, to an extent, problem sets); analytical problem-solving (problem sets, exams). Homework: 80; Problem Sets: 100; Midterm: 100; Final: 150; Project: 100

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Heart of Mathematics, An invitation to effective thinking, 4th Edition, by Burger and Starbird. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

NOTE: Previous editions of the text can also be used.
ISBN: 9781118156599

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.