800:023:04 - Math in Decision Making
Fall 2009

Dr. Mike Prophet                    Office Hours: MWF 9:30-10:30am          
Office: WRT 320                                   F 3:30-4:30pm
Office Phone: 273-2104                            T,TH 1-2pm
prophet@math.uni.edu     
         
Course website:
www.math.uni.edu/~prophet/courses/23

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Text:

For All Practical Purposes (Eighth edition), COMAP

Course Overview:

Through this course we will see mathematics applied in a variety of settings - some of which will be quite familiar while others perhaps somewhat surprising. However, the common theme in all applications will be the utility of mathematics in decision making. Through the construction of mathematical models we will learn how complex questions can be answered in the areas of management science, statistics, social choice and finance.

Please let me know if you begin having problems with the material in this course. It is vital that you do not get behind in your understanding of the topics. Either in class (as time permits) or during my office hours, feel free to ask me questions about any of the material in our course.

Course Organization:

This course is organized into 4 Units; at the conclusion of each Unit there will be an Exam. Within each Unit there will be homework exercises and in-class quizzes. The quizzes are based on (textbook) readings and exercises. The format is the following:

• Unit 1 - Management Science: Networks and Circuits

  Chapters 1,2, 4

  Exam I

• Unit 2 - Probability and Statistics

  Chapters 5,7,8

  Exam II

• Unit 3 - Social Choice

  Chapters 9,10

  Exam III

• Unit 4 - Consumer Finance

  Chapters 21, 22

  Exam IV

Responsibilities:

There are three central expectations I have of students in this course.

1.

Students are responsible for the material covered in class. It will often happen that we are unable to discuss in class every aspect of a particular section. However, unless specifically indicated, students remain responsible for the sections in their entirety. Failure to attend class, even for a legitimate reason, does not absolve any student from the responsibility of material covered. If you miss a class, you should find out, as soon as possible, what you missed from those who attended.

2.

It is expected that students read the text.

3.

It is expected that students complete the homework assignments on time. Homework will be collected and graded. No late homework will be accepted. In general, students are expected to copy the statement of the problem before answering it. Once this is done, a flag such as `Solution' or `Answer' should then be used to signal the beginning of a solution.

Exams:

There will be 4 in-class exams, 100 points each. Our fourth exam will be on the date and time of our Final Exam. There are no make-up exams. You are expected to take each exam on the day it is given. A missed exam results in 0-point score.

Quizzes:

We will have several in-class quizzes during the semester; typically the quizzes will occur at the start of class. There are no make-up quizzes. You are expected to take each quiz on the day it is given. A missed quiz results in 0-point score.

Homework:

Homework will be assigned most every class. Certain homework problems will be collected and graded. No late homework will be accepted.

Grade Calculation:

Your grade will be based on a total of 450 points, distributed like this:

Scholastic Conduct

You are responsible for being familiar with the University's Academic Ethics Policies (http://www.uni.edu/pres/policies/301.shtml). Copying from other students is expressly forbidden. Doing so on exams or quizzes will be penalized every time it is discovered. The penalty can vary from zero credit on the exam/quiz up to a failing grade for the course. In addition to the activities we can all agree are cheating (bringing notes to a closed book exam, etc), assisting or collaborating on cheating is cheating. Cheating can result in failing the course and/or more severe disciplinary actions.

Final Note:

The University of Northern Iowa is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Institution. Students with disabilities and other special needs should feel free to contact the professor privately, if there are services or adaptations which can be made to accommodate special needs.

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