MATH M330
EXPLORING MATHEMATICAL IDEAS

Prerequisites: M119 or M211. For students who have not taken M211,
M118 is also recommended.

An elementary introduction to a variety of fascinating topics,
including number theory and cryptography, groups and symmetry, knot
theory, probability and games of chance, voting schemes, and fractals
and chaos.

The course will take an experimental approach, whenever possible
(actual ropes for studying knot theory, computer simulations for the
study of fractals, etc.). The evaluation of students will be based on
class participation, three essays, and a project. The project should
consist of actually building a physical model or producing a computer
simulation related to the topic of the third essay. The project may be
done jointly with some other students in the class, depending on the
complexity of the task.

M330 may count toward a math minor, subject to the approval of the
Director of Undergraduate Studies.  M330 does not count toward a math
major.

Optional: Intensive writing credit is available. For students
choosing this option, assignments will be adjusted to meet the
intensive writing requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.