Meetings will likely be held every other Tuesday at 3 PM. The next meeting is cheduled for Thursday, Sept 31 at 3 PM.
On a vote taken by the course captain and TA's for the collaborative learning sections of Math 120, the student solution manual for the text was ordered. This lead to a discussion within the committee in which the following were mentioned: some people express strong opposition to the official distribution of answer books; some people like the support given to students in this way, after all only solutions to half of the problems are given out, the solution books can be purchased from the publisher independently by students anyway; 116 texts are being sold with sample tests. It was decided to leave the situation as it currently stands.
Weinberg pointed out that ETS is providing for the first time two separate scores on the BC exam which covers the one-dimensional calculus. Some schools have begun to give credit for the first semester calculus based upon the appropriate subscore. Kathy Ryan from the Office of Measurement felt that the subscore for the first semester calculus did not provide enough evidence to merit awarding credit on the basis of that score. Weinberg also pointed out that many of our sister schools require higher scores on the AP exams before giving credit than we do. We would need more data before changing our current procedures.
Do we need to look at Math 247 again. Weichsel has been collecting data which may yield information about whether the course is truly helpful in preparing students for upper level courses.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
A statement was requested stating policy as to which graphing calculators were acceptable in courses for which they are required. The proposed statement would have created a uniform policy for all courses, but it was pointed out that allowing calculators with symbolic capabilities in calculus might change the nature of the examination procedure. The chair will enquire of course captains and draft a statement.
The 213 text comes out in new edition in December. We will defer selection untill the fall semester and seek a subcommittee to select a text
A similar situation exists for Math 134.
John D'Angelo would like to use a current text for 247, D'Angelo-West, as a text for the section of 344 he will teach this spring. It seems appropriate to encourage such experimentation.
The continuing questions about 242-243-280 were raised again. Enrollment patterns and syllabi will be provided for the next meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
A decision as to what to do with 242-243-280 will be deferred a year to see how the situation with 243 develops.
The majority of the meeting was devoted to a discussion of the staffing of Math 305, The Teacher's Course. Paul Weichsel indicated the history of the situation and the course. The committee did not reach a decision as to whether to issue a statement on policy regarding staffing, the content of the course, and the level at which the course is to be taught.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The question was raised as to whether we should give full credit to both 280 and 243 since they overlap. The matter was deferred to see how the situation with 243 develops.
The following was agreed upon by email during the preceding week: The new edition of Rosen's book will be used for 213 (page proofs are currently available). Hildebrand will use a book by Stroyer in his section of Math 383 in the spring.
Salas-Hille is going into a new edition so a search for a text will be in order for Math 135-245. Stewart is also going into a new edition but there is no immediate prospect of our switching texts. Don Sherbert is chairing a committee to search for a new text for Math 124.
Peter Braunfeld's course, "Issues in K-12 Education", a section of Math 351, was approved for Spring 1999.
Weichsel reraised the question of interpreting calculus AP scores. He is pursuing the question of evaluation of students in subsequent courses with Carol Livingstone. Weinberg will poll other comparable institutions to check on their standards in this matter.
Weinberg and Muncaster discussed the question of the need for offering proficiency exams in such courses as 117-118-119, 112-114-116, 247, and the seminar courses. Weinberg will draft a letter outlining a departmental policy on this issue.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The committee discussed the staffing of Math 305. Weichsel will provide a draft of a statement from the committee.
The committee discussed requests for nonstandard texts for two courses in the spring. Reznick proposed using "Geometry Civilized" by Heilbron; this was approved by the committeee. Grayson wants to teach a section of 315 without a text; he is asked to consider how students absent from class will be provided with information and to provide a list of supporting references for students.
Weinberg reported on data obtained from Big Ten departments and UIC concerning their use of AP scores in assigning course credit in the calculus. The replies show that we are behaving much like our peers with some schools being more demanding. Weichsel is still awaiting data about the success of students who receive AP credit. The committee is interested in pursuing this question further.
Weinberg presented a letter concerning departmental policy with regard to departmental proficiency exams. The draft was approved.
Muncaster reported on the meeting of the Engineering-Mathematics Liaison committee. They noted the existence of the now campus wide mathematics minor and the revisions to it which were made to conform to the separate minor that had been approved by them last year. They discussed the department proposal for short courses to supplement the existing two versions of Math 285 allowing a student to obtain both the linear systems and the boundary values material; they suggested that we consider reverting to a single course covering the boundary value material and are polling their colleagues; should we have a three hour version plus an alternative 4 hour version that covers the missing linear systems material - or perhaps an additional 1 hour separate course?
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The committee considered a letter from Haboush concerning 285 and indicating the apparent need for background in linear algebra as prerequisite for the course.
There was discussion of a suggestion from D'Angelo that 247 should be a Pass-Fail course.
After a report from Janusz of discussions with Grayson, an earlier request that Grayson be allowed to teach 315 without a text was approved.
The committee approved the following statement: "The Undergraduate Affairs Committee has discussed the issue of whether it is appropriate for a 300 level course to be taught by a faculty member whose highest mathematics degree is a B.S. The committee believes that this is not good policy. We would like it understood that, in the event the department sees fit, under special circumstances to assign such an instructor to teach a 300 level course, it not be considered a precedent."
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The following textbooks are going into new editions. We will ask to see new editions and check to see if text changes need to be considered based upon the nature of the revisions: Stewart (120), Halles-Sille (135), Kryzig (388), Edwards and Penney (285).
For Math 124 it was suggested that we return to using Brown and Sherbert. Although it is out of print, Wiley Custom Publishing will provide us with a black and white edition.
The committee discussed responses from Engineering faculty to Hajek's request for feedback on options for revising the structure of the basic differential equations course, Math 285. There was a feeling that we should eliminate the linear systems version of the course, retain the boundary values version, and create an alternative 4 hour course, Math 286, encompassing both. Muncaster will be asked to draw up a syllabus. The matter is to be reconsidered.
The committee discussed the creation of a capstone course for seniors in mathematics. A number of options were discussed. The course would probably be optional. It might be in seminar form giving students the opportunity to present work at the board. It could involve a research aspect, perhaps mixing honors and nonhonors students. There are many mathematical topics that could be explored in such a course. The discussion will be continued.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The committee approved a proposal to stop offering two versions of Math 285, instead offering that version which emphasized, in its last half, Boundary Value Problems. It was also decided to offer a 4 hour alternative, Math 286, which included material on linear systems of differential equations. A possible syllabus for this course was provided by Bob Muncaster. Weinberg will seek the approval of the Engineering-Mathematics Liaison Committee.
Janusz reported that the revised edition of the Stewart calculus text will be printed in two steps with the last third not available until summer. Since we phase in use of new calculus texts, it was noted that this should not disrupt our evaluation of the new edition.
The committee continued its discussion of a possible capstone course for mathematics majors.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
Copies of the new edition of Steward's Calculus are available. Dornhoff will lead an effort to decide if the latest revision requires a change of text.
The discussion of a capstone course continued. Weinberg reported on communications from Big Ten Departments where very little along this line is done. Several ideas were floated including using a senior project. Palmore submitted a list of topics that might be covered in such a course.
The committee approved a proposal from CS to restrict the transfer of students into Math-CS by imposing constraints on students transferring into the curriculum.
Final approval to submit the changes in Math 285 and a new differential equations course Math 286 was given.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
A syllabus corresponding to a new text was presented for Math 342 by Laugeson and Jerrard.
A committee consisting of Dornhoff, Miles, and Armstrong endorsed the continued use of Steward in 120-130-242. The publishers offer a CD rom to accompany the text. The committee declined to endorse its use.
Jockusch reported that the new edition of Salas-Hille is acceptable for continued use in 135-245.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
A plastic card of formulas was circulated by the publisher of the Stewart Calculus for inclusion with the text. The committee approved.
A revised course description for Math 342 was approved.
Sullivan asked to use the book "Experiencing Geometry" by David Henderson as a text for Math 302. Some members of the committee felt that this might involve a significant change in the course. A proposed syllabus was requested.
The committee considered a suggestion that the prerequisite for Math 384, Nonlinear Optimization, be changed to require either 243 or 280. The current instructor feels that the students have little or no knowledge of the gradient. Instead it is suggested that a day be set aside to reveiw the gradient.
Janusz announced that page proofs for the forthcoming edition of Edwards and Pennys text on differential equations are available.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
A plastic card of formulas was circulated by the publisher of the Stewart Calculus for inclusion with the text. The committee approved.
A revised course description for Math 342 was approved.
Sullivan asked to use the book "Experiencing Geometry" by David Henderson as a text for Math 302. Some members of the committee felt that this might involve a significant change in the course. A proposed syllabus was requested.
The committee considered a suggestion that the prerequisite for Math 384, Nonlinear Optimization, be changed to require either 243 or 280. The current instructor feels that the students have little or no knowledge of the gradient. Instead it is suggested that a day be set aside to reveiw the gradient.
Janusz announced that page proofs for the forthcoming edition of Edwards and Pennys text on differential equations are available.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
A syllabus corresponding to a new text was presented for Math 342 by Laugeson and Jerrard.
A committee consisting of Dornhoff, Miles, and Armstrong endorsed the continued use of Steward in 120-130-242. The publishers offer a CD rom to accompany the text. The committee declined to endorse its use.
Jockusch reported that the new edition of Salas-Hille is acceptable for continued use in 135-245.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
Copies of the new edition of Steward's Calculus are available. Dornhoff will lead an effort to decide if the latest revision requires a change of text.
The discussion of a capstone course continued. Weinberg reported on communications from Big Ten Departments where very little along this line is done. Several ideas were floated including using a senior project. Palmore submitted a list of topics that might be covered in such a course.
The committee approved a proposal from CS to restrict the transfer of students into Math-CS by imposing constraints on students transferring into the curriculum.
Final approval to submit the changes in Math 285 and a new differential equations course Math 286 was given.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary