Spring 2019 - EDUC 211 D100
Mathematical Experience I: Numbers and Beyond (3)
Class Number: 4889
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 15, 2019
Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Robert Sidley
rbsidley@sfu.ca
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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. 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 will include:
- Fibonacci Numbers and Patterns of Nature
- Pascal’s 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
Grading
- 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
The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure, by Hans Magnus Enzensberger. Henry Holt and Company.
NOTE: Previous editions of the text can be used, hardcover or paperback.
ISBN: 9780805062991
Registrar Notes:
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
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS