COURSE: MAED 200-002 -- Introduction to Mathematica (1 credit hour)
COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course will cover the basics of the comprehensive computer algebra system Mathematica. Mathematica will be used to study calculus topics such as functions, limits, derivatives, and integration. The course will include instruction in producing high quality graphics, and will investigate the use of Mathematica in mathematical instruction.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will develop familiarity with the computer algebra system Mathematica. Students will understand how to plot functions, perform calculus operations, and to solve various types of equations. Students will develop an appreciation for data structures in Mathematica and will gain a basic understanding of programming and using data.
TIME/LOCATION: Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:00 - 3:15 p.m., Sims 114
INSTRUCTOR: Tom Polaski
OFFICE: Bancroft 158 OFFICE PHONE: 323-4604
E-MAIL ADDRESS: polaskit@winthrop.edu HOME PHONE: 704-523-8279
HOME PAGE: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/polaskit/
OFFICE HOURS: Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Other times may be arranged by appointment.
TEXT: No text is required for this course. Help, tutorials and examples are available within the Mathematica program and online.
WEEKLY PROBLEM SETS: Each Wednesday a Mathematica notebook containing a set of problems will be posted on the course website. You should download this notebook, work the problems and e-mail the completed notebook to me by 4:00 p.m. on the following Wednesday. At the end of the course your problem set grades will be averaged and rescaled to a 100-point scale. The grading scales for the problem sets will also be averaged and rescaled.
TESTS AND GRADING: There will be a 100-point midterm examination given along with a 200-point cumulative final examination. No make-up tests will be given unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. A point system will determine your final grade. There are 500 points possible; 200 from the weekly problem sets, 100 from the midterm, and 200 from the final. An approximate grading scale for each test and problem set will be determined after it is graded. The semester grading scale will be based upon these grading scales and on the scale for the final examination.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance at all scheduled class meetings is strongly encouraged. Your number of absences will not be counted, nor will they be used to determine your grade. Attendance is mandatory for those meetings which include a test. If no prior arrangements are made with the instructor, a zero will be recorded for a test not taken due to absence.
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM THE CLASS: Friday, February 5. Note that this date is much earlier that the corresponding date for full-semester courses. Students withdrawing prior to this date will receive an "N" in the course. Students may not withdraw from a course after this date without documented extenuating circumstances.
FINAL EXAMINATION DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, February 24 at 2:00 p.m.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Each student is responsible for conforming to University policies on academic misconduct. Academic misconduct can result in failing grades for individual assignments and for a failing grade in this course. The complete Student Code of Conduct is available at http://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf.
PROGRAM ASSESSMENT: Your work in this course will be used for assessment of the Department of Mathematics. Samples of your work will be taken and assessed after the conclusion of the course; your grade will not be affected.
FOR
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Winthrop
University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability
and require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact Services for Students with
Disabilities at 323-3290 as early as possible. Once you have your official notice of accommodations
from this office, please inform your instructor.
HELP: You should discuss your homework with your classmates and instructor as a part of your study. The instructor's office hours are a good time to clear up any difficulties you have with the material.
TECHNOLOGY: This class will use the software package Mathematica. This software is available in all campus labs.
ALTERATIONS TO THIS
SYLLABUS: The
instructor reserves the right to make modifications to this syllabus. Students
will be notified in class and by email of any modifications.
COURSE SCHEDULE
|
LESSON |
DATE |
CONTENTS |
|
1 |
W 1/20 |
The Basics of
|
|
2 |
M 1/25 |
Using the Plot Command -- 2-D Graphing |
|
3 |
W 1/27 |
Mathematica does
Differential Calculus |
|
4 |
M 2/1 |
Mathematica does Integral Calculus |
|
5 |
W 2/3 |
Functions,
Lists, Tables, and Matrices |
|
6 |
M 2/8 |
Midterm Examination |
|
7 |
W 2/10 |
Solving
Equations |
|
8 |
M
2/15 |
Solving Systems of Equations and Differential Equations |
|
9 |
W
2/17 |
More on 2-D
Graphing; 3-D Graphing; Graphing Inequalities |
|
10 |
M 2/22 |
Review and Evaluation |
|
11 |
W
2/24 |
|