Course Syllabus

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

    This course will introduce the student to the currently available mathematical and statistical software on personal computers in particular, and mainframes in general. Hands-on activities with software items will form a major part of the course. The student will be trained not only to use the software items, but also interpret the results meaningfully as related to specific applications situations. The course is designed primarily for students interested in scientific and statistical computing and analysis. Report writing will be required on all projects.

• Learn the science of mathematical modeling
• Become proficient in using software packages such as Agent Sheets 2.2 (for building agent-based models) and STELLA 8.1 (for building continuous models).
• Use software tools for building and evaluating models of real-world phenomena.
• Become familiar with web authoring.
• Be able to carry scientific and statistical computing and analysis using software packages.
• Develop skills in technical report writing.

This is a lab-based course. Students will be required to propose, build and simulate models of relevant real-world problems (tentatively based on the student's major). One agent-based model (using AgentSheets 2.2) and one continuous model (using STELLA) will be built by each student. For the final project, the student will be allowed to choose which simulation software is appropriate for whatever models the student proposes.

• Computer Projects

          Computer Projects will be given on material covered in class. General computer labs are available throughout the campus for students to do their work. The students are encouraged to make regular visits during office hours, to meet in study groups, and to use the Computer/ Programming Tutors from the School of Natural Sciences.

• Late Work And Make-Ups

          All computer projects, assignments, quizzes and exams must be completed by the scheduled date. Late assignments or make-up tests or quizzes will only be allowed with official documentation and grades may be lowered. To qualify for a make-up, a student must have notified the professor and rescheduled in a timely manner.

Lincoln University uses the class method of teaching, which assumes that each student has something to contribute and something to gain by attending class. It further assumes that there is much more instruction absorbed in the classroom than can be tested on examinations. Therefore, students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class meetings and should exhibit good faith in this regard. For the control of absences, the faculty adopted the following regulations:

• Four absences may result in an automatic failure in the course.
• Three tardy arrivals may be counted as one absence.
• Absences will be counted starting with whatever day is specified by the instructor but not later than the deadline for adding or dropping courses.
• In case of illness, death in the family, or other extenuating circumstances, the student must present documented evidence of inability to attend classes to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. However, in such cases the student is responsible for all work missed during those absences.
• Students representing the University in athletic events or other University sanctioned activities will be excused from class (es) with the responsibility of making up all work and examinations. The Registrar will issue the excused format to the faculty member in charge of the off- or on-campus activity for delivery by the student(s) to their instructors.

Students are responsible for proper conduct and integrity in all of their scholastic work. They must follow a professor's instructions when completing tests, homework, and laboratory reports, and must ask for clarification if the instructions are not clear. In general, students should not give or receive aid when taking exams, or exceed the time limitations specified by the professor. In seeking the truth, in learning to think critically, and in preparing for a life of constructive service, honesty is imperative. Honesty in the classroom and in the preparation of papers is therefore expected of all students. Each student has the responsibility to submit work that is uniquely his or her own. All of this work must be done in accordance with established principles of academic integrity.

Students will be held to the rules and regulations of the Student Conduct Code as described in the Lincoln University Student Handbook. In particular, excessive talking, leaving and reentering class, phones or pagers, or other means of disrupting the class will not be tolerated and students may be asked to leave. Students who constantly disrupt class may be asked to leave permanently and will receive an F.

All courses offered through the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science require students to meet at least the following out of the 8 Core Curriculum Learner Competencies: