Two math courses offered online this spring

We are pleased to announce an opportunity for middle-level and secondary mathematics teachers to take a course online this spring. For those whose busy schedules require flexible scheduling in order to make taking graduate courses possible, the UNL Department of Mathematics offers mathematics courses for teachers online on a regular basis.

This spring, the UNL mathematics department will offer two courses to choose from: Math 805T: Discrete Mathematics and Math 806T: Number Theory and Cryptology. See the descriptions below. These courses count toward the Master of Arts for Teachers degree.

Spring registration is now open. If you are interested in taking a course, we recommend registering for only one class per term. ***The UNL spring semester begins January 11, 2016. ***

Course Option 1:

MATH 805T: DISCRETE MATHEMATICS FOR MIDDLE LEVEL TEACHERS, section 700
Class Number for Registration: 25329

Designed to deepen knowledge of discrete mathematics as it relates to topics covered in middle through high school curricula. Course topics (such as graph theory and counting techniques) are introduced through explorations in which various problem-solving strategies are emphasized. The course also develops an understanding of the role of precise mathematical language, reasoning, and proof in the development of discrete mathematics.

Course Option 2:

MATH 806T: NUMBER THEORY & CRYPTOLOGY FOR MIDDLE LEVEL TEACHERS, section 700
Class Number for Registration: 25330

This course focuses on basic number theory results which are needed to understand the number theoretic RSA cryptography algorithm (an encryption algorithm which is in use today to secure information sent via the internet). The course emphasizes connections to middle level mathematics and promotes a deep understanding of the integers and their properties. Elementary methods for encoding and decoding are introduced to elucidate the nature of cryptology. These methods are readily adaptable as enrichment activities in the classroom.

Taking courses online allows teachers the flexibility to accommodate their busy schedules. Additionally, the online environment can be very rewarding. Other teachers who have taken online courses had this to say:

* "Great quality of instruction! It was challenging, interesting and informative. I learned a lot in this class."
* "I have learned many new and interesting things in this course throughout the semester. Many of the topics will help me in my current teaching position, while others have helped to deepen my understanding and enhance my perspective in the math field."
* "I was a little worried about taking an online class since there is little direct instruction, but the course was well designed and since we were able to work with groups and attend the office hour, the tasks were very manageable."

To register for courses at UNL if you have not taken a course in the past three terms (summer, spring or fall):
1. Go to the Teach Nebraska Web site at: http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/teachneb
2. Click on the blue "Apply” link at the top of the screen.
3. If you remember your NU ID from being a past student, please enter it. If you do not have or remember your NU ID, please check the box indicating as such.
4. For the question, "Which of the following best describes your purpose in enrolling at UNL at this time?" select, "None of the above, therefore Non-Degree, Post-Baccalaureate"
5. Course Registration box: Enter the course number, class/call number, section number and 3 credits

Once you've completed the above, certify the statements and submit your application. My colleague in the Office of Graduate Studies, Mary Ashbury, will certify your application, admit you to the University, and register you for your courses. If you do not hear from her in three business days, please contact her at mashbury3@unl.edu.

If you have taken a course in the past year, use the instructions here for how to enroll in MyRED: http://registrar.unl.edu/registration-procedures.

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Contact: Lindsay Augustyn

Center for Science, Mathematics & Computer Education
251 Avery Hall | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln, NE 68588-0131
Laugustyn2@unl.edu | http://scimath.unl.edu | 402-472-8979