The sections of the text that we will cover and an estimate of when each section will be introduced is given in the calendar below. We will use the Excel spreadsheet environment to extend our computational power. No prior experience with Excel is assumed.
Note: Homework assignments and other course announcements will be posted on Blackboard. This semester my classes are testing a new version of Blackboard; access this via http://blackboardtest2.davidson.edu/.
Some assignments (ordinary homework from the text or Excel projects) will be done collaboratively, while others must be done independently. Generally, homework exercises are open for discussion, though it is always assumed that you can defend whatever you turn in. On a given event, it should be clear what level of peer assistance is permissable, but do not hesitate to ask for clarification if the ground rules are vague. Homework will be collected on Mondays (by 12:30 pm) and on Thursdays (in class).
You should come to class prepared to discuss readings and problems from the text. Each member of the class is a valuable resource for others in the class. Absences and tardiness diminish the quality of the course; come to class and come on time. I monitor attendance; missing 20% of class meetings can trigger action to encourage more faithful attendance. In any event, you are responsible for all material discussed in class, whether you are present or absent.
| Date | Section | Event/Topic | |||
| Aug 24, 26 | 1.1,1.3 | 1.4, 1.5 | ch 1: Linear Equations | ||
| Aug 31, Sep 2 | 2.1, 2.2 | 2.3 | ch 2: Matrices | ||
| Sep 7, 9 | 2.4 | 2.5 | Weekend Writ #1 (due Sep 14) | ||
| Sep 14, 16 | 2.6 | 5.1 | ch 5: Sets & Counting | ||
| Sep 21, 23 | 5.2, 5.3 | 5.4, 5.5 | |||
| Sep 28, 30 | 5.6 | Review | Review #1 | ||
| Oct 5, 7 | 5.7 | 6.1, 6.2 | ch 6: Probability | ||
| Oct 12, 14 | no class | 6.3, 6.4 | Fall Break | ||
| Oct 19, 21 | 6.5 | 6.6 | Weekend Writ #2 (due Oct 26) | ||
| Oct 26, 28 | 6.7 | 7.1, 7.2 | ch 7: Probability & Statistics | ||
| Nov 2, 4 | 6.8, 7.3 | 7.4 | |||
| Nov 9, 11 | 8.1, 8.2 | .. | ch 8: Markov Processes | ||
| Nov 16, 18 | Review | 9.1, 9.2 | ch 9: Game Theory; Review #2 | ||
| Nov 23, 25 | .. | no class | Thanksgiving | ||
| Nov 30, Dec 2 | 9.3 | .. | Mid-Week Writ #3 (due Dec 2) | ||
| Dec 7 | debrief | Reading Day | |||
| Dec 10--16 | Final Examination | ||||