Instructor:  David Rutschman
Office Hours:  MW 2-4 pm, and 6-7 pm (in S-218D, except for Study Hall (W:  2:20-4 pm) or by appointment.
Phone:  (773) 442-5780 (office) / (773) 275-5389 (home)
Email:  d-rutschman@neiu.edu
Class:  MW 7:05 - 8:20 pm, S-228
Text:  A course in Mathematical Modeling, D. Mooney and R. Swift, MAA.

This course is a student-active, cooperative learning, and writing and speaking course;  a course in which we will discover and explore together the world of mathematical modeling.  The book we are using focuses on a variety of models, which I hope gives each of you insight into the application of mathematics to diverse fields.

My objectives for the course are to develop an understanding of the process of modeling and of the potential of applying mathematics to aid in understanding diverse phenomena, to integrate mathematical skills, to encourage a cooperative approach to problem-solving and to improve communication skills.

No particular prerequisites are assumed, other than those required for our MS program.  We will use whatever technology we have available (from calculators to spreadsheets to computer algebra systems).

Evaluation of your performance in the course is based on:

• Writing:
• Journal:  Each student will keep a weekly journal (format is up to you, but should be loose-leaf including email).  I will occasionally suggest questions, but I want you to write your reactions to and thoughts on each class.  I will collect the journals on a regular basis and respond to your comments.  I will also comment on your writing.  The journal will be worth 50 points.
• Essay on modeling, due December 13 (50 points).  Writing is also an important component of the homework assignments.
• Homework:  Problems will be assigned weekly as we work through the text.  The number of points will depend on the difficulty and time requirements of each assignment, with a base of 20 for an average assignment.  Homework problems will be discussed in class as needed.  Problems may be discussed with others, including classmates or me.  I will be glad to answer email questions - I usually check email daily. It is assumed, however, that you fully understand the solution you hand in, and that the write-up is your own.  Copying someone else's work is not allowed.
• Exams:  We will have a midterm, probably during the 8th week, and a final.  Each counts 100 points, and they will be take-home exams or have a take-home component.
• Project:  Team or independent "guided projects" will be developed during the semester and will involve a presentation (50 points) evaluated by the class and a written report (100 points).  (Link to guidelines).
• Class Participation:  This course will not achieve its goals with poor attendance.  Attendance and class participation will count 50 points.

The final letter grades for the course are based on total points achieved.  Final averages above 90% correspond to an A, above 80% to at least a B, above 70% to at least a C, etc.  The class curve may lower these cutoffs.  You will be given an indication of my grading scale when tests are returned and reviewed.  Please keep all graded papers on file.  Cheating of any sort will not be tolerated.

Feel free to give me feedback or see me to get help with the course.  I would like to get to know each of you, and hope that you enjoy the semester.  If for any reason you decide to drop the course please talk with me before doing so.

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