Math 139A, Fall 2017
Applications
of Mathematics
Instructor
John
E. McCarthy
Class
Tu
10.00-11.00 in 115 Cupples I
JM Office
105 Cupples I
JM Office Hours M 3.00-4.00,
Tu 2.00-3.45, Th
10.00-11.30, and
by appointment
Phone
935-6753
Prerequisites
Math 131, taken concurrently
Description
Mathematics can often seem intimidatingly abstract.
"Why do we need to know this?" and "What is this good
for?" are common
questions, which sometimes are not adequately answered.
It is all very well to say that mathematics is needed for cell-phone
design, or
to make ultrasound images, or for Google to calculate page-rank; but
explaining
exactly how it is used in any of these applications takes a great deal
ot time.
The purpose of this course is to give examples of how mathematics can be
used
to
understand real world problems. It is restricted to students enrolled in
Calculus I, Math 131,
so we will start with problems that only need pre-calculus to solve, and
work
up to ones that use
calculus.
Do I need to be a math wiz to take this
course?
No. The course is for students who are curious about how mathematics is
used in
the modern
world, and like learning.
Content
Here is a tentative schedule. The first seven do not use calculus, the
next six do.
We may change some of these topics.
Basis for Grading
Grading will be based on classrooom participation, and a term paper.
The topic of the term paper should be chosen in consultation with the
Instructor.
A preliminary draft should be handed in October 31st. This will be
graded and returned,
and a final version should be handed in December 5th.
Classroom Participation (contribution to discussion): 20%
Term Paper - first draft: 30%
Term Paper - final draft: 50%
Class
I do expect you to come to class every day, and to participate in class
discussions.
I expect you to read the corresponding section in Korner's book.
I may call on you at
any time to answer a question.
Texts
The Pleasures of Counting, by T.W. Korner
(Cambridge, 1996).
This is a lovely book. If you get bogged down in
some section, it is okay to move on.