Syllabus for MAT375: Applied mathematical models

INSTRUCTOR: Andy Long. Office: MEP 443; phone: 572-5794; email: longa@nku.edu

MEETING TIME/PLACE: MWF, 9:00-9:50, in MEP306

EXPECTED BACKGROUND: C- or better in (MAT 129 or MAT 227) and (STA 205 or STA 212 or STA 250). If you have doubts or concerns about your background, please see me as soon as possible.

GOALS OF THE COURSE:

• To practice working in a group on realistic problems.
• To study and apply the process of modeling.
• To study basic types of models and how they have been applied.
• To learn/review some basic properties of these models.
• To study and learn some (perhaps new) mathematical techniques useful in modeling.
• To practice the technical presentation of mathematics.

TEXT: We'll be using a variety of different sources. Your "text", insofar as we have one, will be provided by your notes from class, occasional lectures over examples and ideas important in the modeling process, handouts, and the like.

GRADING: There will be some homework (including mini-projects), a couple of mid-term exams, and a final, as well as a final project (paper). You have a small (10%) component related to participation. I expect you all to participate in class, and will be making notes of days when you make contributions. Your group-mates will also be scoring you, and you them. Your course grade will be determined as follows:

Exams will be given in class. You may use your course notebook during the exams (I suggest a loose-leaf binder so that you may easily assemble a variety of materials). The final is comprehensive. Make-up exams will be given only under extraordinary circumstances.

ATTENDANCE: The student is responsible for all material assigned or discussed in class. Attendance will be taken, and will be used along with class effort (as measured by participation - asking questions, answering other students' questions, group work, etc.) to resolve borderline grades.

WITHDRAWAL: The last day to drop a course with a grade of W is Monday, March 23.

OFFICE HOURS: MW 10:00-12:00 and 1:00-2:00; TR 10:45-12 and 1:00-1:30; F 10:00-11:00. I am also available by appointment, and at random when approached with a smile.

Notes:

• Course homepage: http://www.nku.edu/~longa/classes/mat375/
• I reserve the right to alter this syllabus if necessary. Any changes will be discussed in class, and all students will be notified.
• If you need accommodations for a physical, psychological, or medical disability please talk with me so that I may do my best to meet your needs.
• The general syllabus for all Mathematics and Statistics courses courses is to be considered a part of the syllabus for this course. Additional information concerning Secondary Education Students is available on the Departmental Syllabus.
• No cell phones or other noise makers permitted in class without a doctor's orders. You may use your computer, of course, but please use it only for class-related activities.