Instructor: Dr. Peter Tannenbaum
Office: Peters Business Building 343
e-mail: petert@csufresno.edu

TEXT
Excursions In Modern Mathematics (3rd ed.), by Peter Tannenbaum and Robert Arnold. Prentice Hall, 1998.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This is a survey course, where we will touch upon many concepts and ideas. In fact, modern mathematical ideas and how they are applied in the real world are the primary focus of the material covered in this course. The primary goal is to show you how mathematical ideas and theories get started and how they end up being used in a practical way, even where you least expect them.

A second important goal is to make this GE mathematics course a positive learning experience. We have made every effort to create and organize a course that you can pass and might even actually enjoy. All we ask from you is that you be diligent and responsible with your assignments and deadlines and approach the course with an open and inquisitive mind.

COURSE OUTLINE
We will cover the following material out of the book:
Chapter 1: The Mathematics of Voting (approx. 4 lectures).
Chapter 2: Weighted Voting and Power (approx. 4 lectures).
Review: Chapters 1 & 2
Test 1 [100 points]: Chapters 1 and 2.
Chapter 3: The Mathematics of Fairness (approx. 4 lectures).
Chapter 4: The Mathematics of Apportionment (approx. 4 lectures).
Review: Chapters 3 & 4
Test 2 [100 points]: Chapters 3 and 4.
Chapter 5: Euler Circuits and Applications (approx. 4 lectures).
Chapter 6: Hamilton Circuits and Applications (approx. 3 lectures).
Review: Chapters 5 & 6
Test 3 [100 points]: Chapters 5 and 6.
Chapter 7: Optimal Networks and Applications (approx. 3 lectures).
Chapter 8: The Mathematics of Scheduling (approx. 4 lectures).
Review: Chapters 7 & 8
Test 4 [100 points]: Chapters 7 and 8.
Chapter 11: Symmetry (approx. 4 lectures).
Chapter 12: Fractal Geometry (approx. 4 lectures).
Review: Chapters 11 & 12
Test 5 [100 points]: Chapters 11 and 12.

HOMEWORK

There will be five homework sets, each one corresponding to the material covered in a test (i.e. Homework set 1 covers chapters 1 and 2; Homework set 2 covers chapters 3 and 4; and so on.) Homework sets are due the day of the corresponding test. (Please do each homework set in a bluebook ­ it makes bookkeeping easier for me ­ I will show my appreciation by not docking you any points.)

GRADING

Your grade will be based on the following:

Tests: Best four out of your five test scores = 400 points.
Five homework sets (20 points each) = 100 points.
Ten in class quizzes (10 points each) = 100 points.
TOTAL = 600 points.

A = 510-600 points
B = 450-509 points
C = 390 -449 points
D = 300 -389 points
F: less than 300 points.

About the Homework: Homework is assigned on a regular basis, but you only turn in your homework five times throughout the semester. Each homework set is due in class the day of the test for the corresponding part, and is to be done in a blue book (it makes the handling a lot easier). No late homework allowed. The purpose of the homework is to help you assess how well you understand the material and not to punish you for doing it wrong. Thus, if you turn your homework in and show all your work, you will get at least 75% credit for it.

About the Quizes: There will be ten short (10-15 min.) quizzes given throughout the semester. The quizzes are not graded (you get credit for your work, right or wrong). The purpose of the quizzes is to (a) kick off the discussion on a new or important topic, and (b) reward you for being in class. There are no makeups for missed quizzes.

About the Tests: Each test will cover 2 chapters and will consist of 25 multiple choice questions. Tests are worth 100 points each. The lowest test score gets dropped. There are no makeups except for compelling reasons (illness or travel on a university sanctioned activity).