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Patterns in (Environmental) Math, Math 12, Section 1, Spring 2026
HOWARD UNIVERSITY, Department of Mathematics
CLASS: MWF 12.10-1pm, ASB-B 213 (Behind Locke hall).

Instructor: Sankar Sitaraman

OFFICE HOURS 3 TO 4 PM, MWF in Office 219 ASB-B

Email for other times (ssitaraman AT howard, NOT bison.howard).
Zoom link for virtual meetings that might be necessary will be posted on Canvas.

UPDATE PAGE WITH INFORMATION FOR EACH CLASS

TESTS AND QUIZZES FROM SPRING 2025

OLD FINAL EXAMS

FOR SOLUTIONS FOR OLD TESTS from Spring 2021, 2019, ETC.,  go to OLD COURSES.
Click on the desired course, then click on UPDATE.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course teaches some basic concepts of mathematics through applications from environmental science. It will use applications from different walks of life, guest lectures, and a course journal with weekly assignments and a final course assignment. These will be available to work on in the "Assignments" section of Canvas.

QUIZZES AND ORAL PRESENTATIONS ARE 40% OF GRADE. IF YOU PAY ATTENTION, EASY TO GET THEM RIGHT.

 REFERENCE TEXTS:
Martin Walter, "Mathematics for the Environment."
John Roe, Russ deForest and Sara Jamshidi, “Mathematics for Sustainability.”

SYLLABUS WITH WEEKLY SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND EXAMS

TOPICS:
1. Interpret and use graphs of polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions arising in real world situations involving energy and the environment.
2. Interpret and apply probability theory and statistics to simple questions related to the environment.
3. Apply the compound interest formula for geometric sequences to the problems in environmental science..
4. Explain the cause of about climate change and its effect on the environment

PREREQUISITE: A satisfactory grade in College Algebra I.

EVALUATION:
Total: 500 points
Best two of three one hour in class exams: 200points.
Quizzes: 140 points.
Oral Presentations : 60 points.
Final Exam : 100 points

Using external aids in exam is strictly prohibited. The Instructor will have an oral presentation in his office from all students 3 times in semester and more for any student whose exam indicates use of external resources. The exam grade will not be finalized until the oral presentation is completed.

Grade; A 450-500, B 400-449, C 350-399, D 300-349, F < 300.

Dates to remember:
Wed, Feb 11 : Test 1
Wed, Mar 18: Test 2
Wed, Apr. 22: Test 3
May 5, 8-10am: Final exam

IMPORTANT

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If you have any problems with class please contact me at my email. If we cannot resolve the issue please contact undergaduate director Dr. Sam Hopkins in math dept. If that doesn't help either please contact chairman Dr. Bourama Toni (bourama.toni AT howard, NOT bison.howard).



Class Attendance Restricted to Registered Students: Only students whose names appear on the official course roster are permitted to attend class meetings. Students who are not registered are not permitted to attend or participate in course activities, do not have access to Canvas, cannot submit course assignments, and will not receive a grade for this course. It is the students' responsibility to ensure that they are properly registered by the published registration deadline. Requests to add courses after the deadline will not be considered.

Academic Code of Student Conduct (please see Howard University handbook):
No copying, unauthorized use of calculators, books, or other materials, or changing of answers or other academic dishonesty will be tolerated. Cheating will not be tolerated. Anyone caught cheating will receive an F for the course and may be expelled from the university.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If you have any problems with class please contact me at my email.
If we cannot resolve the issue please contact undergaduate director Dr. Sam Hopkins in math dept.
If that doesn't help either please contact chairman Dr. Bourama Toni (bourama.toni AT howard, NOT bison.howard).

AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT: Howard University is committed to providing an educational environment that is accessible to all students. In accordance with this policy, students in need of accommodations due to a disability should contact the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services (202-238-2420, bwilliams@howard.edu) for verification and determination of reasonable accommodations as soon as possible after admission and at the beginning of each semester as needed.

Statement on Interpersonal Violence: Howard University takes sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and sexual harassment seriously. If a student reveals that he or she needs assistance with any of these issues, all responsible employees, including faculty, are required to share this information with the University Title IX Office (202-806-2550) or a student can be referred for confidential services to the Interpersonal Violence Prevention Program (IVPP) (202-238-2382) or the University Counseling Services (202-806-6870). For more information, please go to www.CampusSafetyFirst.Howard.Edu