fireHOME PAGE OF MATH 108QC:

Mathematical Modeling in the Environment

Spring 2007

Math 108QC satisfies a Content Area 3: Science and Technology (CA3) General Education requirement.

Sarah Glaz

glaz@math.uconn.edux
(click on link and remove end x)

Office: MSB 202
Phone
: (860) 486 9153

Office Hours
: T, Th 12:15 - 1:15 and by appointment
Open Door Policy: You are welcome to drop by to discuss any aspect of the course, anytime, on the days I am on campus-- Tuesdays and Thursdays.

General Information:

This course provides an interdisciplinary, in-depth introduction to several important environmental issues such  as ground water contamination, air pollution
and handling of hazardous materials. We consider the key physical and chemical processes, and the legal, political and ethical implications, along with the
quantitative aspects involved in these issues. Students learn how mathematical models are used naturally and routinely to help analyze these issues fully.
Computers are used to keep virtual involvement in environmental issues  via the Internet; to keep track of data using  EXCEL spreadsheets; and to analyze
hazardous material case scenarios using a user friendly, interactive HazMat software called ALOHA. In addition, we maintain contact with agencies or
industries involved in environmental issues through field trips or guest speakers.

pictures  Math 108 Math Day Poster  green ball  2006 MAA CUPM Report: Illustrations for Recommended Courses 
pictures  Math 108 Picture Gallery Green_Math  2002 UConn Traditions' Article: "Green Mathematics"
green ball  2004 AAUP Excellence in Teaching Innovation Award


Class Meeting Times/Place: Tuesday, Thursday 11 - 12:15. Classroom  MSB 311, and Computer Lab MSB 203.

                                                      All classes start in MSB 311. Almost every Thursday we move over to the Computer Lab for the last hour of the class.
                                                      If you are late and find no one in MSB 311, please come to the Computer Lab.

Computer Lab Operating Hours:    green ball  MSB 203: Undergraduate  Mac Lab

Textbooks:                          Required: Mathematical Modeling in the Environment, by Charles R. Hadlock. MAA, 1998.
                                                      Recommended: Microsoft EXCEL 2002 (or later year) Simplified, IDG Books 3-D Visual Series, maranGraphics.
                                                      Supplementary Material For Chapter 4 will be given as handouts in class.

Other Requirements:           Required: A simple Scientific Calculator , for example TI-30Xa.
                                                      Optional: A Math Department Computer Lab Account (Free).
                                                      Optional: A Jump (Key) Drive (32 MB or more) for saving computer work.
                                                      (The last two items are discussed in class, and can be handled after classes start)

Homework Policy:

Homework is assigned every class and collected every Tuesday. They are returned the following Tuesday with remarks or graded. Most of the
homework assignments carry exam points rather then grades (I will explain this in more details in class). There are 2 - 6 exercises every week. Most 
homework assignments will be group projects. The total weight of the homework grades is about 10% of the total grade of the course.

General Education Component:

Math 108QC satisfies a Content Area 3: Science and Technology (CA3) general education requirement. In addition, Math 108QC satisfies the
"old" general education C (computer) requirement. According to UConn policy, this means that
students must obtain a passing grade on the
computer assignments in
order to pass this course. The computer assignments consist of all homework assignments involving Web Searches,
use of EXCEL, and use of  the interactive HazMat software ALOHA. 
Please, make sure you turn in all computer assignments!

Exam Schedule:                    Exam 1:  Tuesday, February 20,  11:00 - 12:15,  Room: MSB 311
                                                       
Exam 2:  Thursday, April 5,         11:00 - 12:15,  Room: MSB 311
    
                                                    Final Exam: Thursday, May 3,    10:30 - 12:30,  Room: YNG 233 (Note: The buiding is YOUNG, not MSB)
                                                        For help with location of the Final Exam Building click on The Campus Map.

Grading Policy:                        Homework: about 10%. Each Exam (including the Final Exam): about 30%


Links To Internet Resources:
           greenball  Math 108 LINKS  

                                                      This page includes links to general and chapter specific information sites, software download sites (ALOHA, CAMEO),
                                                      online Calculator and  Conversion Tables sites, and more .

Syllabus:                             Assignments may occasionally vary according to progress in class.
                                                      Approximate schedule: four weeks for each of the chapters 2, 3 and 4; additional two weeks for Chapter 1, reviews, Exams,
                                                      and guest speakers or field trips.
                                                      A *  denotes an exercise using computers. All starred exercises MUST be handed in.
 
Section Topic Reading Assignment Homework
Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 1 Environmental Math Autobiography




Chapter 2


Section 2.1 Background to groundwater 2.1 page 11-12: Exercises 1*, 2*
Section 2.2 Physical Principles 2.2 page 15: Exercise 1*, 2*
Section 2.3 Quantitative Issues 2.3
Section 2.4 Darcy's Law 2.4 page 30-31: Exercises 1, 2, 3, 4
Section 2.5 Interstitial Velocity 2.5 page 36: Exercises 1, 2, 3
Section 2.7 Head Contour Diagrams (Calculators)
2.7 page 44: Exercises 1,2 (Calculators)
Section 2.7 Head Contour Diagrams (EXCEL)
page 44: Exercises 1*, 2* (EXCEL)
Exam  1






Chapter 3


Section 3.1 Background to air quality 3.1 page 59-60: Exercise 2*
Section 3.2 Physical Principles 3.2 page 72: Exercises 1, 2, 3, 5
Section 3.3 Typical Quantitative Issues 3.3 page 74-75: Exercise 3*
Section 3.4 Exponential Functions 3.4 page 79: Exercises 1,2,3,4(Calculators)
Section 3.4
Exponential Functions (EXCEL)
page 79:Exercises1*, 2*, 3*, 4*(EXCEL)
Section 3.5 One Dimensional Diffusion 3.5 page 81-82: Exercises 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*
Section 3.6 (Optional) Two Dimensional Diffusion 3.6 page 85-86: Exercises 1, 2*, 3
Section 3.7 The Basic PLUME Model 3.7 page 95-96: Exercises 3*, 4*
Exam 2






Chapter 4


Section 4.1 Background To HazMat 4.1 page 108: Exercise 1*
Section 4.2 HazMat Practices 4.2
Section 4.3


            4.3.1.1 Physics And Chemistry Basics 4.3.1.1 page 113: Exercise 1*
            4.3.1.2  Physical Properties Of Matter 4.3.1.2 page 119: Exercise 1*, 3, 4, 5
            4.3.3 (Modified) Toxicity Hazards 4.3.3 and Supplementary Material
Homework 1*  CAMEO (Handout)
ALOHA: Analysis of Case Scenarios  Case Scenarios Supplementary Material Homework 2*  ALOHA (Handout)
ALOHA: More Case Scenarios
Case Scenarios
Supplementary Material
Homework 3* ALOHA (Handout)




Final Exam



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This page is maintained by Sarah Glaz pooh                  
Last modified: Spring 2007