STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT BUFFALO

Department of Mathematics

Request for Course

I. Number and Title of course

Mathematics 306-Problern Solving with Computers
II. Reasons for addition to the present curriculum
A. To provide a knowledge of the ways in which computers are used in today's society for the solving of problems in mathematics.

B. To demonstrate to non?mathematics majors the necessity of the rigorous use of correct language structure in the solving of mathematical problems in order to achieve effective communication.

C. To furnish to non-mathematics majors some understanding of the organizational requirements of problem solving by algorithm, and to furnish practice in the logical organization of mathematical algorithms so that the algorithm will in fact perform the desired purpose and not misdirect to some other calculation.

D. To present an introduction to a modern, widely-used computer language as used in problem solving in mathematics.

III. Major objectives of the course.
A. The student should develop the elementary skills needed to understand, use, and construct algorithms which solve important classes of concrete mathematics-related problems.

B. The student should be able to interpret and follow given flow diagrams and computer programs to completion.

C.The student should be able to write flow diagrams and computer programs for the solution of selected mathematical problems; and to convert floss diagram to program, and vice versa.

IV. Topical outline
A. Initial procedures
 
B. Elementary instructions of programming
1. The computer as a calculator.

2. The assignment operator, Numeric variables.

3. Arithmetic operators. Parentheses. Order of execution

4. Writing program. Statements vs. commands.

5. Elementary statements.

6. Elementary commands.

7. String variables.

8. Branching. Relational operators.

9. Debugging a program. Hand simulation.

10. Loops, Flags and counters.

11. Subscripted variables. Dimension.

12. Functions

13. Boolean operators.

C. Mathematical Applications
As computer instructions are introduced, mathematical applications will be utilized to demonstrate the properties of the instruction. Student exercises will consist of implementing mathematical procedures through use of these instructions. Mathematical procedures may be selected by the instructor from the following list, but classroom topics are not limited to the following list:

1. Prime numbers, factoring, G.C.D., L.C.M.

2. Sequences, geometric and arithmetic, Fibonacci sequence.

3. Mathematical games.

4. Mathematics of finance, compound interest, annuities

5. Random number generation.

6. Function evaluation, curve plotting, root finding.

7. Area approximation.

8. Matrix-operations

9. Sorting

10.Right angle Trignometry. Pythogorean Triples.

11. Area approximation.

V. Bibliography
1. J. G. Kemeny and T. E. Kurtz, BASIC Programming, New York: Wiley 1980

2. J. R. Sack and J. L. Meadows, Entering basic, Chicago: SRA, 1973

3. Ill. Gately and G.G. Bitter, BASIC for Beginners, New York: ~ 1970

4. Ralph ,M. Stair Jr., Programming in BASIC, Homewood, Ill.: Irwin, 1979

5. David H,. Ahl, 101 BASIC Computer Games, Maynard, Mass.: D.E.C., 1973

6. Marilyn Bohl, Flov~charting Techniques, Chicago: SPA, 1971

7. John K. Lecher, Flowcharting: An Introductory Text and Workbook, Princeton: Auerbach. 1972

8. Mario V. Parina, Flowchartinq. Enolewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1970

9. Julien Hemmefeld, Using BASIC: An Introduction to Computer Programming Boston: Prindle, deter & Schmidt, 1980

10.Chris R. Siragusa, Introduction to BASIC: A Structured Approach. Boston: Prindle, Rebel a Schmidt 1980

11.Thomas Worth, BASIC For Everyone. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1976

12. C. Joseph Sass, A Structured Approach to BASIC Programming. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1980

13. Richard E. Mayer, Tem?Statement Spiral BASIC, Emcina, CA.: Glenca, 1980

14. Harvey M. Deitel, Introduction to Computer Programming with the BASIC Language. Englewood Cliffs, N.S.: Prentice Hall, 1977

15. Donald D. Spencer, Sixty Challenging Problems with BASIC Solutions. Rochelle Park, N.J.: Hayden, 1979

16. David H. Ahl, BASIC Computer Games. Morristown, J.J.: Creative Computing, 1980

VI. Presentation and evaluation
A. Presentation by means of lectures, discussions, and demonstrations

B. Evaluation by written exams, class participation and computer projects.

VII. Prerequisites
Three years of Regents high school math.
VIII. Credit
Three credit hours (3 hrs. of lecture discussion)
IX. Statement of approval.
This course outline was examined in accord with recommended procedures and was approved by the department of mathematics.

____________________________Chairman

X. Catalogue description.
MAT-306-Problem Solving with Computers

3 cr. 3cl.

An introduction to the mathematical uses of computers in todays society. Background. Typical uses. Writing programs to solve problems in number theory, geometry, finance, and algebra; Mathematical games; Sorting.  Does not satisfy Mathematics major requirements.

XI. Statement of qualifications of faculty who will teach course.
All mathematics faculty with special interests in computer-oriented applications are qualified to teach this course.
XII. Support services required
The usual classroom facilities will be required. The present microcomputer equipment is adequate initially.