Math 151 - Fall 2015 - Initial Notes to Students
1. This is a hard course. In many respects it is more difficult than the
science/engineering calculus sequence (Math 141-2) since it covers a
wider variety of mathematical topics, is coupled to real data, and involves
the use of the computer in ways you likely have not yet encountered
(e.g. we include coding/programming).
2. Despite the fact that the course is hard, it has been specifically
designed for life science students, will include many more biological
examples than Math 141-2 or other Math courses, and will introduce you
to quantitative concepts not covered in these other math courses that
you should find useful in biology courses. If you do not intend to major
in a life science (e.g. Biology, pre-Health, Agriculture, etc.) but do
wish to pursue a science degree (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Math, etc.)
then your program may require 141-2 so you should check.
3. The course content is aligned with the major national reports that
specify learning goals appropriate for life science undergraduates,
several of which the instructor was involved in composing. Some of
these reports are:
BIO2010: Transforming Undergraduate Education for Future Research Biologists
The AAMC/HHMI report, Scientific Foundations for Preparing Future Physicians
Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education: A Call to Action
4. Regarding computer programs in this course, there is no presumption
that you have any prior experience beyond word-processing and spreadsheets.
The text, videos and online materials provide information to guide you in
the use of the main computer package (Matlab) used in the course. It will
take effort to get familiar with the use of this software, but the reports
above all note that familiarity with some details of coding are critical in
every field in modern biology and understanding of basic coding is a course
learning goal.
5. The classroom mode for this course is "flipped" and we will be carrying
out a variety of in-class activities designed to enhance your understanding
of the course concepts and skills. Prior to each class, you are expected to
have read the materials in the text for that day, and have worked on the
assigned exercises from the text. There will be regular small-group
discussions in class and you will be expected to hand in a written response
from these exercises that will count towards your course grade. Thus
attendance is expected in each class.
6. Your section's Teaching Assistant should be your first choice to answer
specific questions about assignments and general background mathematics
questions, but Dr. Gross is available to address these as well as questions
on biological applications if you cannot contact your TA.