MST207: Computer algebra in an applied maths course

1
MST207 Computer algebra in an applied maths
course

• Mick Bromilow
• The Open University

2
Background

• MST121 Using Mathematics and MS221
  Exploring Mathematics started in
  1997. Both courses use Mathcad 5.
  
• MST207 replaced MST204 in 1999. Students could be
  assumed to own a multimedia PC.

3
Multimedia applications

• 4 Showcase TV programmes
• 14 video programmes
• 88 Mathcad worksheets
• 15 multimedia packages
• Internet communications
• (optional)

4
Multimedia Packages

• cover important topics in the course
• combine video, audio, computer animations and
  Mathcad
• involve between one and two hours
  of study
• must be fully interactive
• must be fun!

5
Mathcad worksheets

• allow more difficult calculations
• simplify the input of problems
• enable students to see how the calculations are
  done
• gradually expose students to a variety of Mathcad
  techniques
• can be assessed.

6
The future

• The Applied Maths Department is rewriting its
  four Level 3 courses
• Some will involve computer algebra packages
• The first one, M373 Optimization will be
  presented in 2002