Introduction to Mathematics
Prerequisites: We shall explore some of the most beautiful ideas in mathematics,
including those of numbers, infinity, geometry and fractals. Little mathematics background beyond high
school mathematics is assumed and the course is for the most part self contained. However, students should
expect to face some sophisticated mathematical ideas.
Instructor
Lauchie MacDonald
Text
- Edward Burger and Michael Starbird, The Heart of Mathematics
I will post all handouts, problem sets, final grades, etc. on the web here.
Topics
- Fun and Games
- Number Contemplation
- Infinity
- Geometric Gems
- Contortions of Space
- Chaos and Fractals
- Further Topics
Grading
- There will be two midterms (schedule to be announced) accounting
for 30% of the final mark.
- There will be nine homework assignments. The homework problems will
account for about 20% of the
final mark.
- There will be a project assigned one month before the end of classes which will be due on the last
day of class. It will count 15% of the final mark.
- Class participation will count for 5% of the final mark.
- The final exam will account for 30% of the final mark.