Math Placement Exam Information
The Math Placement Exam will be given on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 5:30 PM in Williams Hall Room 309. Students who need or want to re-take the Math Placement Exam must register with Arlene Dende, Administrative Assistant by calling 274-3107 or by email, prior to taking the exam.
For information about upper-level course offerings see the note at the beginning of the 300 level courses.
MATH-10000-01 FUNDAMENTALS U LA
1 CREDIT
INSTRUCTOR: Dani Novak, Williams 311D, X43595, novak@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25 per section.
PREREQUISITE: Math Placement in Group 4.
OBJECTIVES: Any student with group 4 designation is asked to take this course before taking any other math or computer science course. Math-10000 is designed to give you an understanding of the basic concepts underlying algebra, functions, exponents, areas, fractions, and percents. I believe that everyone can learn math in their own way. If you need to take this course your relationship with math is probably wounded and the purpose of the course is to heal it. We will help you empower yourself. The purpose of college education is not to get a piece of paper that defines your degree but make you self confident and fully capable to use the reasoning skills you were born with. This course is designed to do just that!
FORMAT AND STYLE: Combination of lectures and group discussions, and small group and individual work. We will use free software called GeoGebra and APGS. There are teacher notes but no text book. My teaching style combines Math, Life, Nature and Spirituality.
NOTE: Completion of Math-10000 with a grade of C or better changes your math placement to group 3.
MATH 10500- all MATH FOR DECISION MAKING NS 2b
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS:
01: Staff
02, 03: Nick Vandam, Williams 217, X45705, vandam@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25 per section.
PREREQUISITES: Math Placement in Group 3, 2, or 1.
OBJECTIVES: The course introduces students to probability, math of finance, and linear programming.
STUDENTS: Course is required option for students in a number of majors, particularly in health-related fields.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures with discussions. In some sections students will be encouraged to do some work in groups.
REQUIREMENTS: Regular homework, 2-3 prelims, final exam. Weekly quizzes in some sections.
NOTE: Students may not receive credit for both Math 10500 and Math 10600.
MATH 10700-all sections FUNDAMENTALS OF APPLIED CALCULUS NS LA
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS:
01, 02: Margaret Robinson, Williams 321A, X43277, robinson@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30 per section
PREREQUISITES: Math Placement in Group 3 or 2. Not open to students who have taken MATH 10800, MATH 11100 or MATH 11200.
OBJECTIVES: To give the student an understanding of the main results of the calculus and some experience in finding and using mathematical models to solve problems in business and the social sciences. Applications are emphasized.
STUDENTS: Mainly business, accounting, biology and economics majors. There will be some social science and health science majors or minors.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures, small group work, full class discussions.
REQUIREMENTS: Quizzes, prelims, comprehensive final, written homework.
GRADING: Based on student’s overall performance.
NOTE: Completion of this course with a grade of C- or better will move students in math placement group 3 to group 2.
The instructors of this course require the use of a graphing calculator. The department recommends a calculator in the TI-83/84 series.
MATH 10800-all sections CALCULUS FOR DECISION MAKING LA NS 2b
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR:
01, 03 Staff
02: Teresa Moore, Williams 311E, X41568, moore@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30 students per section
PREREQUISITES: Math Placement in Group 2 or 1. Not open to students who have taken MATH 10700, MATH 10800, MATH 11100, or MATH 11200.
OBJECTIVES: To have students develop an understanding of the basic concepts, manipulations, and applications of calculus. Applications are emphasized.
STUDENTS: All majors.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures, activities, and discussion.
REQUIREMENTS: 3 in-class exams, comprehensive final, quizzes and regular homework.
GRADING: Based on student's overall performance.
NOTE: Students with a group 1 placement who plan to take more than one semester of calculus should instead take MATH 11100.
This course requires the use of a graphing calculator. The department recommends the TI-83 PLUS OR TI 84 calculator.
MATH 11100-all sections CALCULUS I LA NS 2b
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS:
01: John Rosenthal, Williams 311B, X43616, rosentha@ithaca.edu (Note: Section 01 will not meet on Wednesday, March 31, the second day of Passover nor on Monday, April 5, the seventh day of Passover.)
02: John Maceli, Williams 402E, X3611, maceli@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30 per section
PREREQUISITES: Math Placement in Group 1.
OBJECTIVES: To give the student and understanding of the basic concepts, manipulations, and applications of calculus. The basic concepts stressed are functions, limits, derivatives, antiderivatives, and definite integrals. These concepts will be investigated in algebraic, geometric, numerical and practical settings.
STUDENTS: Open to all students who meet prerequisite. Required for mathematics majors, computer science majors, and most science majors. Useful for students in other subjects that rely on the language and knowledge of mathematics.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures, activities, and discussions. Students will be encouraged to do some work in groups.
REQUIREMENTS: Frequent homework, frequent quizzes, preliminary exams and a comprehensive final. Preliminary exams may be held at night. Students in section 2 are required to complete projects.
NOTE: Instructors of this course require the use of a graphing calculator. The department recommends the TI-83/84 series.
MATH-11200-all sections CALCULUS II LA NS 2b
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS:
01: Eric Robinson, Williams 321D, X43586, robinson@ithaca.edu
02: Steve Hilbert, Williams 402D, X43601, hilbert@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30 per section
PREREQUISITES: MATH 11100 or AP credit
OBJECTIVES: Calculus is the study of quantities that change; to understand these, we study limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration. In Calculus II, we pursue these important notions further and expand to important related topics. Two topics in the latter category are differential equations and infinite series which connect to the study of some techniques of integration and to the use of complex numbers. Concepts will be investigated in algebraic, geometric, numerical and verbal settings. Theory will be applied in practical settings.
STUDENTS: Open to all students who meet prerequisites. Required for mathematics majors, computer science B.S. majors, and the math minor and most science majors. Useful for students in other subjects that rely on the language and knowledge of mathematics.
FORMAT AND STYLE: A variety of lectures, discussions, and student activities; group projects.
NOTE: Instructors of this course require the use of a graphing calculator. The department recommends a calculator in the TI-83/84 series.
MATH 13100-01 POWER ALGEBRA LA NS 2b
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Dani Novak, Williams 311D, X43595, novak@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 30 per section
PREREQUISITE: Math Placement in Group 3.
OBJECTIVES: Gain Self Confidence and learn beautiful Mathematics along the way. Construct mathematical models (linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic) using computers. College algebra theory will be introduced as motivated by the applications. We will be using the free language GeoGebra which you can download from www.geogebra.org.
The language is intuitive and through it you learn the math by doing the math. This course has the potential to transform your attitude towards math and have a profound effect on your life.
STUDENTS: Students wishing to satisfy a NS (Natural Science) or a General Education requirement or any student wishing to take a useful, enlightening, math appreciation class.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures involving student participation. Group projects and enriching activities like participate in Math Days for kids. My style of teaching combines spirituality, life, nature and mathematics. It is all connected. Theatre majors and music majors are very welcome!
REQUIREMENTS: Review of class notes and keeping a math journal, 2 prelims, a final presentation, group projects, blogging.
SOFTWARE: GeoGebra and APGS (both free). No text book
NOTE: A grade of C- or better moves students’ math placement to a group 2.
MATH 14400-all sections STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS, ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT NS
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS:
01, 03: Emilie Wiesner, Williams 212D, X41220, ewiesner@ithaca.edu
02, 05: Marty Sternstein, Williams 401D, X41494, martys@ithaca.edu
04, 06: Tom Pfaff, Williams 311A, X47066, tpfaff@ithaca.edu
07: Staff
ENROLLMENT: 30
PREREQUISITES: Math Placement in Group 2. Students are recommended to take MATH 10700 or another calculus course prior to taking this course. Not open to students who have completed PTBS 39000, MATH 14500, MATH 24300, MATH 24400, or MATH 21600.
OBJECTIVES: Descriptive statistical techniques; introduction to probability theory (expected value, independence, random variables and their distributions); statistical inference including problems of estimation and hypothesis testing; correlation and regression analysis.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures and discussion, and use of computers/calculators The department recommends a calculator in the TI-83/84 series.
REQUIREMENTS: Daily assignments and 2 or 3 prelims, and a final exam. Some sections may also require a project.
STUDENTS: Business students and others who meet the prerequisites and want or need an introductory statistics course. Not open to students who have completed PTBS 39000, MATH 14500, MATH 24300, MATH 24400,, or MATH 21600.
NOTE: The instructors of this course require the use of a graphing calculator. The department recommends a calculator in the TI-83/84 series.
MATH 14500-all sections STATISTICS FOR HEALTH, LIFE & SOCIAL SCIENCE NS
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS:
01: Aaron Weinberg, Williams 402C, X47081, aweinberg@ithaca.edu
02: Staff
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: Math Placement in Group 2 or 1. Not open to students who have completed PTBS 39000, MATH 14500, MATH 24300, MATH 24400, or MATH 21600.
OBJECTIVES: A first course in statistics covering descriptive statistical techniques; introduction to probability; statistical inference including problems of estimation and hypothesis testing; one-way ANOVA; design of experiments. Most of the data sets and exercises will be chosen from the fields of biology, health, and life sciences, as well as from everyday life.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures and discussion, with some use of computers/calculators. The department recommends a calculator in the TI-83/84 series.
REQUIREMENTS: Daily assignments, 2 midterms and a final, projects, quizzes.
STUDENTS: Open to any student meeting the pre-requisite. This course is especially designed for students in the health, life and social sciences and those students needing introductions to experimental design and ANOVA tests.
MATH 15200-01 WHAT IS MATHEMATICS? NS 2b
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Dani Novak, Williams 311D, X43595, novak@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: Math Placement in Group 3, 2, or 1.
OBJECTIVE: We will explore the nature of mathematics, work with interesting mathematical ideas, and enhance our ability to think more effectively, intuitively, and creatively as we analyze and solve problems. Questions to consider may include: What is the role of mathematics in our world? What is infinity? When is there a best way to get somewhere? Are straight lines really straight? Can pictures or ideas be infinitely intricate? Why are amazing coincidences nearly certain to happen?
FORMAT AND STYLE: We will help create a homey atmosphere in the classroom where students feel comfortable with each other and are open to share ideas and grow. We connect math and spirituality.
STUDENTS: Anyone interested in understanding the nature of mathematics, where it comes from, and how we think about it. Theatre and music majors are very welcome!
GRADING: Based primarily on participation, responses to readings, presentations, and project write-ups.
MATH 15500-all secdtions BASIC STATISTICAL REASONING NS 2b
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS:
01, 03: Doris Wolfgramm, Williams 220, X45705, dwolfgramm@stny.rr.com
02, 04: Jack VanDerzee, Williams 321C X43250, vanderze@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25 per section
PREREQUISITES: Math Placement in Group 3, 2, or 1; and completion of one course in the social or natural sciences. Not open to first semester freshman. Not open to students who have taken MATH 10800, MATH 11100, PSYC 20700, or PTBS 39000.
OBJECTIVES: This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of statistical reasoning. The students will be introduced to variability and uncertainty through real world (every day) examples. This course is concerned with the understanding of some common concepts of statistics; it is not a methods course.
STUDENTS: This course is appropriate for students in the following areas: environmental studies, psychology, sociology, political science, health administration, physical education, speech communication.
GRADING: Grades will be based on quizzes, exams and some special assignments.
MATH 16100-01 MATH AND SOCIETY NS 2b
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: John Maceli, Williams 402E, X3611, maceli@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: Math Placement in Group 2 or 1.
OBJECTIVES: We will explore mathematics and its relationship to the world around us. The primary goal is that a student will finish this course knowing the mathematics understanding of political, economic, aesthetic and social choices and their consequences. A second goal is to offer each student a modest repertoire of mathematical concepts and techniques that improve her/his ability to absorb and assess information about the world.
FORMAT AND STYLE: The course will be divided into several units. Each will be grounded both in mathematics and some area of practical or intellectual importance to modern Western society. In each unit, we will spend significant time developing the non-mathematical, societal aspect side of the applications. Classroom techniques will range from discussion sessions, films, and guest lecturers to the more traditional methods used in most mathematics courses.
Topics offered in the spring will be selected from:
STUDENTS: Anyone interested in understanding how mathematics relates to other areas is encouraged to satisfy their math and formal reasoning general education requirement or the natural science distribution requirement by taking this course.
GRADING: Homework, short papers, term project and exams.
MATH 18500-01 MATHEMATICAL EXPERIMENTATION LA NS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: David Brown, Williams 402A, X47375, dabrown@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITE: Math placement group 1
OBJECTIVES: Students explore mathematical phenomena experimentally, detect patterns, and (attempt to) provide mathematical explanations for these patterns. Students gain insight into mathematical thinking and the process of conjecture by designing and implementing mathematical algorithms with a Computer Algebra System. Discrete dynamical systems will be investigated. Other topics vary but may include the distribution of prime numbers, modular arithmetic, the Collatz Conjecture. Students also learn LaTeX, a mathematical typesetting language.
STUDENTS: Designed for mathematics majors, but open to any interested students.
FORMAT & STYLE: Daily computer mathematics labs; weekly written reports; final research project and presentation.
MATH 21100-01 CALCULUS III LA NS 2b
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Stan Seltzer, Williams 212C, X43561, seltzer@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: MATH 11200
OBJECTIVES: Students are introduced to multi variable calculus. The course uses vectors and matrices to study the geometry of multi-dimensional space. Then calculus is developed to study graphing, derivatives, integrals and applications of multi-variable functions.
STUDENTS: Recommended for majors in sciences, social sciences and with strong interest in mathematics.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures and computer demonstrations.
REQUIREMENTS: Daily homework, prelims, comprehensive final.
MATH 21200-01 CALCULUS IV LA NS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Teresa Moore, Williams 311E, X41568, moore@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: Math-21100
OBJECTIVES: This course covers: Change of variables and applications of multiple integrals; Vector fields; describing curves and surfaces in R3 and computing integrals defined on them; the 3 classical theorems of vector calculus.
STUDENTS: This course is most useful 1) for students who enjoyed Calculus I-III and wish to complete the calculus sequence and 2) for physics majors, because the theorems of vector calculus are the mathematical framework for the study of electricity and magnetism and areas of advanced mechanics.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures, discussions, daily/weekly assignments, exams.
MATH 21400-01 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS LA NS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Steve Hilbert, Williams 402D, X43601, hilbert@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITE: MATH 112000
OBJECTIVES: This course develops methods needed to apply the mathematics of ordinary differential equations. An understanding of their qualitative behavior provides a structure for the analysis of wide ranging problems. Technology is a necessary tool of modern mathematics, and will be introduced and used in the course. A modeling part introduces the use of differential equations to mathematically model the dynamics of various real life situations from many disciplines including economics, biology, chemistry, and physics.
STUDENTS: Any student who has interest applications of mathematics in physical and social sciences.
FORMAT & STYLE: Lecture, exams, homework and in class assignments, projects.
MATH-22000-01 MATHEMATICS FOR CHILDHOOD EDUCATION LA NS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Aaron Weinberg, Williams 311C, X47081
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: EDUC-21910 or EDUC-34000 (may be taken concurrently)
OBJECTIVES: We will explore our number system, arithmetic, and system of measurement. Although most people are familiar with how to subtract whole numbers or multiply fractions, many have not discovered why they work. In order to teach these concepts, it is important to develop a deep understanding of them; to do this we will look at alternate number systems, student-generated algorithms and challenging math problems.
FORMAT & STYLE: Group investigations and projects.
NOTE: This course is required for admission into the graduate program in childhood education.
MATH 23100-A01 LINEAR ALGEBRA LA NS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Emilie Wiesner, Williams 212D, X41220, ewiesner@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITE: Pre- or co-requisite MATH 11200
OBJECTIVES: Students will learn linear algebra and matrix theory including applications. Topics covered will include systems of linear equations, matrices and matrix algebra, bases, vector spaces and subspaces, eigenvalues and Markov models. Other topics may be covered as well if time allows. The course will include some use of the mathematical software MATLAB. REQUIREMENTS: Written homework, a group project, prelims, and a final.
MATH 25000-01 PROBLEM SOLVING SEMINAR NS
.5 CREDIT
INSTRUCTOR: Staff
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: MATH 11100
OBJECTIVES: Techniques used in the solution of diverse mathematical problems are developed and discussed. Problems will often be drawn from national competitions such as the Putnam Exam and the COMAP Modeling Competition, or from problem sections of mathematics journals.
FORMAT AND STYLE: We meet once a week in the evening to solve the week's problems. Discussion of solutions are often carried out by students. This is a Pass/Fail course.
MATH 26500-01 HONORS INTERMEDIATE SEMINAR: MATHEMATICS IN ART AND ARCHITECTURE LA NS
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Osman Yurekli, Williams 402B, X41434, yurekli@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITE: Open only to H & S Honor students without permission of instructor.
OBJECTIVES: The course will use the student's interest in art or architecture as motivation for learning the mathematics in particular geometry needed to construct or to understand the work of art throughout history. Furthermore, the course will attempt to use student's interest in geometry as motivation for learning about art and art history. It will also show that mathematics in particular geometry is a dynamical field that is related to many other human endeavors in particular art and architecture.
The course will emphasize multicultural aspects of mathematics. This approach helps to promote a holistic view of mathematics. For example, we will explore Islamic art, design, and architecture. This will give students a chance to see the mathematical, historical, aesthetic and religious dimensions of Islamic World. Students will able to connect other liberal art subjects such as art, religious studies, history and social studies. The seminar will emphasize experimental and investigative mathematics not just proofs. For instance, we will investigate how numbers, arithmetic, and mathematics are invented and how these concepts helped create geometrical designs and beautiful architecture.
As a result of this course, the student should learn to view mathematics more broadly and to appreciate the varied roles mathematics has played in people’s lives throughout the world.
STUDENTS: Humanities and Sciences honor students or permission of instructor.
MATH 27000-01 REASONING WITH DISCRETE LA NS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Teresa Moore, Williams 311E, X41568, moore@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITE: MATH 23100 or MATH 18500 (MATH 18500 may be taken concurrently).
OBJECTIVES: To improve student's ability to prove mathematical conjectures and to communicate proofs in writing.
FORMAT & STYLE: Lectures with active student participation.
REQUIREMENTS: Daily assignments, 2 or 3 prelims, and final exam.
MATH 29100-01 SOPHOMORE SEMINAR NS
1 CREDIT
INSTRUCTOR: David Brown, Williams 402A, X47375, dabrown@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: Completion of MATH 11200; and MATH 23100 or MATH 27000 (MATH 27000 may be taken concurrently).
OBJECTIVES: A group approach to mathematical exploration. Students work with faculty on the reading and exposition of some topic appropriate to the sophomore level.
STUDENTS: Required for all math majors and minors.
GRADING: Pass/Fail
NOTE:
Algebra (30300) is offered every fall and Analysis (30500) is offered every spring. (In addition, Junior Seminar (39700) remains a fall course, and Research Experience (39810) will be available each spring.)
Starting in 2007-2008, Geometry (36200) will be offered every fall and Probability (31600) will be offered every spring; the latter course, formerly Probability/Statistics, will concentrate on topics in probability. (Algebra, Analysis, and Geometry, are 4 cr. courses; Probability and other upper-level courses are 3 cr.)
Level 4 courses for the following two years:
Fall 2010: Topics in Applied Mathematics – Mathematical Modeling (43000)
Spring 2011: Connections in Advanced Mathematics (48000)
Fall 2011: Topics in Continuous Mathematics (41000)
Spring 2012: Graph Theory and Combinatoric (42100)
MATH 30500-01 INTRODUCTION TO ANALYSIS LA NS
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Osman Yurekli, Williams 402B, X41434, yurekli@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: MATH 21100 and MATH 27000
OBJECTIVES: To develop a rigorous and deeper understanding of calculus; to improve ability to read and communicate mathematically and to write formal mathematical arguments.
STUDENTS: Required for math majors; open to any student who meets the prerequisites.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lecture, small group work, and full class discussion.
GRADING: Based on regularly assigned homework, exams (prelims and a cumulative final), and participation.
MATH 31600-01 PROBABILITY LA NS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: John Maceli, Williams 402E, X3611, maceli@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: MATH 21100
OBJECTIVES: This course will emphasize mathematical probability. Topics include probability systems, random variables and their properties and distributions, stochastic processes (including an introduction to Markov processes). In Spring of 2010, a historical approach will be taken through the semester.
STUDENTS: Any student who has taken Calc III and is interested in learning about probability. This course will be a good preparation for the first actuarial exam.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Daily lecture/discussions, weekly assignments, exams and projects.
MATH 39810-01 RESEARCH EXPERIENCE IN MATHEMATICS LA NS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS:
David Brown, Williams 402A, X47375, dabrown@ithaca.edu &
John Rosenthal, Williams 311B, X43616, rosentha@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: MATH 39700; permission of instructor
OBJECTIVES: This course is designed to give you insight into how mathematicians work and think. In particular, you will gain an enjoyment of discovering and exploring mathematics for yourself. To this end, we will highlight that mathematics is a current and vibrant subject. In addition, you will learn to effectively communicate mathematical ideas both through writing and oral presentation.
FORMAT & STYLE: Students work in groups exploring, in depth, a mathematical topic. Class time is used for students to present their work to the instructors and discuss the next direction of investigation. Instructors give guidance throughout the semester’s projects, with students leading the investigations.
GRADING: Final grades will be determined by written projects, oral presentations, and participation
MATH 42100-01 GRAPH THEORY AND COMBINATORICS NS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Tom Pfaff, Williams 311A, X47066, tpfaff@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 25
PREREQUISITES: MATH 27000; at least one level-3 mathematics course
OBJECTIVES: The course is intended to introduce the basic concepts of combinatorics and graph theory (both topics in discrete mathematics). Topics from combinatorics will include the pigeonhole principle, permutations and combinations, the binomial theorem, generating functions, Catalan numbers, and Stirling numbers. Graph theory topics will include basic properties, Eulerian trails, Hamilton chains, trees, the chromatic polynomial, planar graphs, and the independence number.
FORMAT & STYLE: Lecture and discussion.
GRADING: Exams, quizzes, homework problems and one paper.
