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Homework will be assigned at the end of every class. Turn in the homework at the start of the next class. Late assignments will not be accepted, except in genuine emergency situations.
You are encouraged to work with other students in solving the homework problems. However, for the sake of better learning, as well as honesty, please adhere to the following guidelines:
Write up your solutions yourself.
Acknowledge in writing anyone with whom you work and any assistance you receive.
Acknowledge in writing any revisions of your work based upon solutions given in class.
Failure to indicate collaboration, assistance or sources will be construed as plagiarism.
Your solutions should be written clearly and carefully, as described below.
Exams:
All exams will be in class, closed book.
Exam #1: Thur., Oct. 4
Exam #2: Tue., Nov. 13
Exam #3: Thur., Dec. 20
What is Math 104
This course examines applications of mathematics to a number of topics related to data and decision-making. Topics will be chosen from three relevant areas of mathematics: voting systems, networks and statistics, all of which involve extracting information from various types of data. There is no particular mathematical preparation needed for this course beyond basic algebra, and a willingness to explore new ideas, construct convincing arguments and use a spreadsheet.
The prerequisite for this course is passing Part 1 of the Mathematics Diagnostic Exam.
If you are unsure whether Math 104 is an appropriate course for you, please consult with the instructor.
Office Hours
If you have any problems with the course, or any questions about the material, the assignments, the exams or anything else, please see the instructor about it as soon as possible.
If you cannot make any of the scheduled office hours, please make an appointment for some other time. To make an appointment, or to discuss anything, talk to the instructor after class, or send him an email message, or just stop by his office.
Calculators, Computers and Electronic Devices
For most of the course, pencil and paper will suffice.
A calculator will be needed for some exercises. Free calculator apps are available for smartphones, tablets and computers.
Programmable and/or graphing calculators are not required; do not spend any money buying a calculator for this course.
Electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets and laptop computers, may be used during class only for reasons related to the class, for example as calculators, to take notes or to read the text.
Texting, messaging and using social media is not allowed during class
Mathematics Study Room
The Mathematics Study Room is staffed by undergraduate mathematics majors who are available to answer your questions; you can go to the study room to work on your homework and ask for help with the material
Hours: TBA Location: TBA
Tutor
If you need additional help beyond office hours, you can meet with a tutor. This service is provided by the Bard Learning Commons.
If you want to meet with the tutor assigned to this course, you can either go to the tutor's office hours, or email the tutor to set up an individual appointment, or both.
Tutor: TBA Office hours: TBA , Mathematics Common Room (third floor of Albee). Email to Make an Appointment: TBA .
Grading
This course is graded PASS/D/FAIL. Passing (including the grade of D) or failing will be determined by the exams and homework assignments.
Each of the three exams will count for 30% of the grade, and homework will count for 10% of the grade.
Grades will be determined by work completed during the semester, except in cases of medical or personal emergency. There will be no opportunity to do extra credit work after the semester ends.
Accommodations
Students with documented learning and/or other disabilities are entitled to receive reasonable classroom and testing accommodations. If you need accommodations, please adhere to the following guidelines:
Discuss your needs with the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
Provide documentation as appropriate.
Contact the instructor at least one week prior to each exam or instance of accommodation.
If you need to miss a class for any reason (sports team, religious holiday, etc.), it is your responsibility to contact the instructor and find out about the material and assignments you missed.
Travel plans that do not take into account the dates of exams are not a valid reason to miss an exam; there is no guarantee that exams will be available early to accommodate travel plans.
Writing Homework
Everyone makes honest mathematical mistakes, but there is no reason to get in your own way by writing your homework carelessly. The goal of writing mathematics is two-fold: making sure that an argument is correct in all details, and communicating the argument so that others can understand it. To help achieve those aims, mathematics must be written carefully and legibly, no differently from any other writing. Properly written mathematics assignments entail the following basic points.
Write your homework assignments neatly and clearly.
Use correct grammar, including full sentences and proper punctuation.
Distinguish between scratch work and the final draft. Expect to do scratch work on separate paper prior to writing the final draft.
Your final draft should stand on its own; check your solutions by reading them as if they were written by someone else.
For each problem, write every step of your calculation or argument, and do so in a logical order from beginning to end. Numerical answers without justification, or equations on the page in random order, are not be acceptable for the final draft.
Use verbal explanations whenever needed. Formulas and calculations are not always sufficient.
Be very careful with "=" signs. You must write "=" between things that are equal, and not write "=" between things that are not equal.
Please see the instructor if you have questions about writing – or doing – the homework assignments. If you are not sure whether or not you have written a homework assignment properly, bring a draft with you to office hours for discussion.
Important Academic Dates
Wed., Sept. 12: End of Drop/Add period.
Wed., Oct. 3: End of Late Drop and Pass/Fail request.
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