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Course Details
Spring 2009-2010
Course books
Evaluation* MAT 190 (QR)
The Magic of Numbers
This course will explore some of the intriguing and beautiful mathematics that underlie the arts, technology, and everyday life. This interactive course will cover materials ranging from prime numbers and encryption codes to Escher drawings, musical rhythms, games of chance, and mathematical designs in nature. Emphasis will be placed on discovering and analyzing patterns in a variety of contexts.
Sample reading list:
Gross and Harris, The Magic of Numbers
See instructor for complete list
Reading/Writing assignments:
Short readings from texts and course packet. Weekly exercise sets.
Requirements/Grading:
Mid Term Exam - 20%
Final Exam - 40%
Class/Precept Participation - 15%
Problem set(s) - 25%
Prerequisites and Restrictions:
No prior mathematical background is assumed beyond high school math..
Other information:
Topics will include Number Patterns and sequences (2 wks.); Math in music and visual arts (2 wks.); Platonic solids, origami and the math of shapes (1 wk.); The Island of Zeke and other Logic Puzzles (1 wk.); Basic probability questions such as; how likely is it that 2 people in a class of 25 have the same birthday? (2 wks.); Modular arithmetic and prime numbers (3 wks.); Applications to technology, communications codes and cryptography (2 wks.)
Schedule/Classroom assignment:
| Class number | Section | Time | Days | Room | Enrollment | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45210 | C01 | 11:00 am - 12:20 pm | T Th | McCosh Hall 10 | Enrolled:160 Limit:175 | |
| P01 | 10:00 am - 10:50 am | M | Lewis Library 121 | Enrolled:18 Limit:22 | ||
| P02 | 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm | M | Lewis Library 134 | Enrolled:19 Limit:22 | ||
| P03 | 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm | M | Lewis Library 134 | Enrolled:20 Limit:22 | ||
| P04 | 3:00 pm - 3:50 pm | M | Lewis Library 134 | Enrolled:16 Limit:22 | ||
| P05 | 10:00 am - 10:50 am | T | Fine Hall 322 | Enrolled:21 Limit:22 | ||
| P06 | 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm | T | Fine Hall 401 | Enrolled:16 Limit:22 | ||
| P07 | 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm | T | Fine Hall 601 | Enrolled:15 Limit:22 | ||
| P08 | 3:00 pm - 3:50 pm | T | Fine Hall 322 | Enrolled:19 Limit:22 | ||
| P09 | 7:30 pm - 8:20 pm | T | Fine Hall 601 | Enrolled:15 Limit:22 |