Course Information |
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From the 2007-2008 Catalog: 3 credits. Prerequisite: three years high school mathematics, including trigonometry and logarithms.
Introduction to linear algebra, probability, and Markov chains that develops the parts of the theory most relevant for applications.
Specific topics include equations of lines, the method of least squares, solutions of linear systems, matrices; basic concepts of probability,
permutations, combinations, binomial distribution, mean and variance, and the normal approximation to the binomial distribution.
Examples from biology and the social sciences are used.
Is Math 105 the right course for you? Make sure you talk to your advisor (and others) before taking this course. There may be other courses more appropriate for your future course work and background than Math 105.
If you need to take a math course, but don't need to take calculus or this particular course, you might want to take Math 103 (Mathematical Explorations) or Math 171 (Statistics).
Weekly work load: This is a 3 credit course, so you should plan on spending at least 9 or 10 hours a week working on the course. We expect you to read assigned sections before attending class. Before you set out to do the homework, make sure that you understand the class material.
Attendance and missed assignments:
Homework: The homework is a very important part of the course. No matter how well you think you understand the material presented in class, you won't really learn the course material until you do the problems. You are free to devise whatever strategy for learning the material that suits you best. This may involve collaboration with other students. (Please list all collaborators on your homework paper.) We believe, however, that most people will get the maximum benefit from the homework if they try hard to do all the problems themselves before consulting others. In any case, whatever you turn in should represent your own solution, expressed in your own words, even if this solution was arrived at with help from someone else. Remember, you are doing the homework in order to learn the material; don't try to defeat the purpose of it! Moreover, you will be graded both on the effort demonstrated and on the correctness of your work.
Exams: There will be three prelims in this course. The final exam will be on Thursday Dececember 6, from 2:00 - 4:30PM. If you have been approved for extended-time or special condition exams (for approval, contact the Cornell Student Disability Services), you need to notify your instructor in writing (email is OK) as early as possible.
Makeup Exams: No make-up exams are anticipated. If you cannot take the exam at the scheduled time, you must inform the lecturer in writing (email is OK) as early as possible. Sickness verified by the Clinic prior to an exam will be handled by special arrangement.
Grading policy: The course grade will be based on your score out of 500 points. Each prelim is 100 points, the final exam is 150 points, homework and class participation are 50 points. Note that this means 90% of your final grade is based on exams and 10% is based on your homework and class participation.
The code of academic integrity applies to this, as to all other courses. See the webpage http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/Academic/AIC.html for the full text of the University Policy. Note in particular that academic misconduct of any kind may result in a grade penalty or the assignment of a failing grade.
Resources: The staff of Math 105, as well as the Mathematics Department offer the following out-of-class resources for students who feel they need additional help:
- HW Study Sessions: Check back for details.
- Office Hours: The instructors in the course welcome students to their office hours several times per week at times listed below. These hours can be used to go over specific questions or exercises, or for more general problems related to the course. We instructors want to get to know you during this course and office hours provide a very useful tool for accomplishing this.
- Free Tutoring: This is supplied by the Math Support Center. You should stop by or call for an appointment.
- Math 005: Math 005 is offered S/U only in conjunction with Math 105 to supplement lecture material. It is run through the Learning Strategies Center. You can attend lectures without enrolling.
Section Specific Information, Instructor Information, and Office Hours.:
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Office Hours: TBA