Freshman Colloquium: Natural Patterns

UNVR 195 A - Fall 1999

• Overview: patterns in nature
• Bubbles: foams, tilings, curved spaces
  • Part I
  • Part II
• Computer laboratory
• Waves: temporal rhythms, chemical oscillations, bacterial patterns
  • Part I
  • Part II
• Structures in fluids
• Visits of experimental laboratories
• Defects
• Modeling sea shells
• Modeling pattern formation
• Students' projects

• September 1:
  • Read chapters 1 and 2 of the text.
  • Explore the Geometry Center web site
• September 8:
  • Continue reading chapters 1 and 2 of the text.
  • Prepare your first report, due September 15 . It should be approximately 2 pages in length, in Word format. It should mention at least 5 distinct web sites. You can select the topic from any of the subjects that we have discussed in class, or which are presented in the text; your project can also be on a subject of pattern formation of your own choice. Feel free to consult us about the suitability of your chosen topic. This paper should contain:
    • A summary, which describes your topic and where it arises in mathematics or in nature,
    • A discussion, which compares and contrasts what the different web sites have to say or offer concerning your topic.
    This will be more than just an exercise. The reports will appear on line: you will be helping us to build a web site that reflects your interest, and which should be useful to other students.
    You should have chosen a topic before the next class meeting. This meeting will be a computer lab, to familiarize you with web searching techniques and strategies. If you have a clear topic in mind, you will be able to begin your web research for the report at this lab.
  • What makes a good student report ?
    • Good sources
      • Informative: not just pictures; not just a superficial listing of terminology; the important concepts and terms should be clearly defined and illustrated.
      • Diverse: they should exhibit diverse points of view, if possible.
    • A critical analysis
      • Do not just quote or believe everything that you read.
      • If you feel that a certain line of reasoning is correct, try to explain why in your own words. If not, say why not.
      • If your sources are diverse, you will be able to compare and contrast them and arrive at a better assessment of what is true.
    • A good organization
      Your report should be well organized and written in proper English.
    • Originality
      You should strive to bring ideas together in a way which will challenge the reader.
• September 15: Turn in your first report
• September 22: Read Chapter 3
• September 29:
  • Read Chapter 3
  • Turn in final version of first report
• October 20:
  • Prepare a one-paragraph description of the subject of your second report
  • Read Chapter 7
• November 17: Turn in your second report
• December 8: Turn in your third report

The grade of I will be awarded if all the following conditions are met:

• The student has completed all but a small portion of the required work.
• The student has scored at least 50% on the work completed.
• The student has a valid reason for not completing the course on time.
• The student agrees to make up the material in a short period of time.
• The student asks for the incomplete before grades are due, 48 hours after the final exam.