Senior Seminar: A Capstone Course in the Computer and Mathematical Sciences

Abstract

This paper describes the evolution of a course developed to tie together many strands of activity encountered by students in the computer and mathematical sciences (CMS). The senior level course is required of all majors in our computer science, applied mathematics and statistics undergraduate degree programs. One of the primary purposes of the course is to refine writing and presentation skills needed for those who will later pursue individual research projects. Writing projects are organized around the theme of "Ethical Decision Making in the Computer and Mathematical Sciences". Numerous case studies are investigated. Additional topics in the course include designing resumes, starting a placement file, and a general introduction to the CMS culture. A course outline is given and various projects are discussed. This paper is based on a talk given by the authors at the joint national meetings of MAA/AMS in San Antonio on January 14, 1999.

Ethical Statistics and Statistical Ethics: Making an Interdisciplinary Module

“…Statistics or mathematics departments desiring a required ethics experience specific to their majors may likely share the situation of Oberhoff and Barnes (2000), who report that the large number of required courses in their degree programs did not allow offering an entire course in ethics. Shulman (2002), however, indicates that a separate course may not be desirable even when possible, and makes a strong argument for integrating ethics directly into already existing required mathematics and science classes.…”