Math 418 – Mathematical Modeling (3 credits)
Dakota State University, Spring Semester 2012

• Section 01: MWF 02:00 - 02:50 am, Science Center 113

Professor
Dr. Jeffrey S. Palmer
Office: Science Center 146 I
Phone: 256-5190

Email: jeff.palmer@dsu.edu

Office Hours: MWF 08:30 - 08:50 am, T 08:30 - 09:50 am, MTWF 11:00 - 11:50 am, & MW 03:00 - 03:30 pm
Homepage: http://www.homepages.dsu.edu/palmerj/

Prerequisite

Completion of Math 125 - Calculus II or Math 315 - Linear Algebra

Catalog Description

Creating and using mathematical models for solving real world problems. (2011-2012 DSU Undergraduate Catalog)

Required Text
None - If you wish to have a reference, the course is loosely based on material from A Course in Mathematical Modeling by Douglas Mooney and Randall Swift (The Mathematical Association of America)

Use of Tablets in the Classroom
The Tablet PC platform has been adopted across the DSU campus for all students and faculty, and tablet usage has been integrated into all DSU classes to enhance the learning environment. Tablet usage for course-related activities, note taking, and research is allowed and encouraged by DSU instructors.  However, inappropriate and distracting use will not be tolerated in the classroom.  Instructors set policy for individual classes and are responsible for informing students of class-specific expectations relative to Tablet PC usage. Failure to follow the instructor’s guidelines will hinder academic performance and may lead to disciplinary actions. Continued abuse may lead to increased tablet restrictions for the entire class. Because tablet technology is an integral part of this course, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that his/her Tablet PC is operational prior to the beginning of each class period.

Introduction and Objectives

This course is an introduction to the formulation, analysis, and interpretation of mathematical models. In this context, you will also have the opportunity to review and use a number of the mathematical skills you have learned in previous courses. We will examine the theory and application of discrete time (difference equations) models as applied to a variety of problems, principally problems in biology (and particularly population dynamics). Excel, Maple, and Stella will be used to help us with the analysis and simulation of our models. As a student in this course you are expected to

•                     learn, practice, and master basic skills

•                     understand important concepts

•                     apply your knowledge to other disciplines

•                     engage in problem solving and critical thinking

•                     use technology as an appropriate tool

Evaluation Procedure

There are four 60-point examinations scheduled for this course (see the approximate schedule at the end of this document for the scheduled examination dates). Each exam will be cumulative, covering material from the beginning of the course through the preceding Friday, however, the emphasis will be on new material.

Your grade will be calculated using your accumulated point total. The grading scale is

                               A                             B                             C                             D                             F

                       204 - 240               168 - 203               144 - 167               120 - 143               000 - 119

Students near a cutoff may receive the higher grade at the discretion of the instructor.

Attendance

While there is no policy of required attendance of lectures in this course, it is unlikely that you will be able to earn a good grade without regularly attending the lectures. When you miss class, whatever the reason, you really miss important material from three lectures not one. Obviously the lesson covered that particular day is missed but you also miss out on important connections of that days material with the previous days lesson and the following days lesson. Also, if you are on academic probation or are an at-risk student, you are required to attend every class meeting. You are expected to arrive at lecture on time and to remain for the entire class period. If for some reason you must arrive late or leave early please do so quietly. Talking or other behavior that disrupts lecture will not be tolerated. If for any reason I am late for the start of class and you have not received official notification that the class has been canceled, you are expected to remain for 15 minutes before “assuming" that the lecture has been canceled for the day. Above all else, show respect for your classmates. Your attendance, behavior, and participation in the class have effects on others beside yourself.

Academic Honesty

Cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty run contrary to the purpose of higher education and will not be tolerated in this course. Academic dishonesty includes giving, receiving, or using unauthorized aid on any academic work. All academic work done contains an implicit pledge by you that no unauthorized aid has been received. A student guilty of first-offense academic dishonesty will receive a grade of zero for the work attempted. A student guilty of the second offense will receive a grade of “F" for the course. DSU’s policy on academic integrity (DSU Policy 04-05-00) is available online at http://www.departments.dsu.edu/hr/newsite/policies/032200.htm

Freedom in Learning Statement
Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under Board of Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study.  It has always been the policy of Dakota State University to allow students to appeal the decisions of faculty, administrative, and staff members and the decisions of institutional committees.  Students who believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct should contact the dean of the college which offers the class to initiate a review of the evaluation.

ADA Statement

If you have a documented disability and/or anticipate needing accommodations (e.g., non-standard note taking, test modifications) in this course, please contact the instructor. Also, please contact Dakota State University’s ADA coordinator, Keith Bundy (located in the Student Development Office in the Trojan Center Underground or via email at Keith.Bundy@dsu.edu or via phone at 605-256-5121) as soon as possible. The DSU website containing additional information, along with the form to request accommodations is available at http://www.departments.dsu.edu/disability_services/. You will need to provide documentation of your disability. The ADA coordinator must confirm the need for accommodations before officially authorizing them.

Statement on Feedback and Communications
Typically I access and read email once per day Monday through Friday when classes are in session. I generally respond to email messages within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Feedback from assignments is almost always provided within 1 week, excluding holidays, of the assignment due date unless otherwise noted.

Student Concerns

There is an established policy for resolving concerns regarding grades and other academic matters. This policy may be found in the university catalog. If you should have a complaint or concern about grades or any other aspect of this course you are responsible for following this established procedure.

The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments in this course!

Approximate Schedule and Course Outline

13 Jan

F

M

17 Jan

T

18 Jan

W

19 Jan

R

20 Jan

F

23 Jan

M

24 Jan

T

25 Jan

W

26 Jan

R

27 Jan

F

30 Jan

M

31 Jan

T

01 Feb

W

02 Feb

R

03 Feb

F

06 Feb

M

07 Feb

T

08 Feb

W

09 Feb

R

10 Feb

F

M

14 Feb

T

15 Feb

W

16 Feb

R

17 Feb

F

20 Feb

M

21 Feb

T

22 Feb

W

23 Feb

R

24 Feb

F

27 Feb

M

28 Feb

T

29 Feb

W

01 Mar

R

02 Mar

F

M

T

W

R

F

12 Mar

M

13 Mar

T

14 Mar

W

15 Mar

R

16 Mar

F

19 Mar

M

20 Mar

T

21 Mar

W

22 Mar

R

23 Mar

F

26 Mar

M

27 Mar

T

28 Mar

W

29 Mar

R

30 Mar

F

02 Apr

M

03 Apr

T

04 Apr

W

05 Apr

R

F

M

10 Apr

T

11 Apr

W

12 Apr

R

13 Apr

F

16 Apr

M

17 Apr

T

18 Apr

W

19 Apr

R

20 Apr

F

23 Apr

M

24 Apr

T

25 Apr

W