Course Information
Math 102: Intro to Mathematics – Section 13, Fall 2008
3 Credits: MWF
12:30 – 1:20p.m. MacLean Room 181
Textbook: Mathematics
All Around, 3rd ed, by Pirnot,
T. – Addison Wesley Pub. Custom version
Instructor: Justin James, Mathematics Dept. Office: MacLean 375M
Office
Phone: 477-4011
Office Hours: MTWHF 9:15 - 10:20am Email: jamesju@mnstate.edu
MTWHF 1:30 - 2:20pm Webpage: web.mnstate.edu/jamesju
Other times by Appointment
Course Description: Logic, sets, probability and statistics, problem solving strategies. This course may not be taken for credit by those who have earned credit in MDS 119. Prerequisites: Must have successfully completed Elementary Algebra or have an acceptable score on the math placement exam.
Required Supplies: Notebook, Scientific calculator
Goals: To increase students’ knowledge about
mathematical and logical modes of thinking.
This will enable students to appreciate the breadth of applications of
mathematics, to evaluate arguments, and to detect fallacious reasoning. Students will learn how to apply mathematics,
logic, and statistics in making decisions concerning their lives and careers.
Instructional Strategies: Lecture, discussion, small group work.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
·
Determine whether arguments are valid.
·
Solve real-life problems by using the principles
of set theory.
·
Make decisions regarding the possible events
that are governed at least in part by chance.
·
Apply the basic concepts of statistics, such as
collecting data, drawing graphs, finding measures of average, variation, and
position; and solving problems using the standard normal distribution.
Demonstrate understanding of selected concepts in logic, set theory, probability, and statistics by solving a real-life problem and communicating their work to the class orally and/or in writing.
Attendance and
Academic Expectations:
You are expected to attend class regularly and on time. The penalty for unexcused absences is that missed assignments cannot be made
up. You are expected to read the
assigned material in your textbook prior to each lecture and to attempt the
problems on the homework assignment.
When working in groups, you should participate fully in what the group
is trying to accomplish. You are
encouraged to form a group to study and work with outside of class. You should bring your book, calculator, and
solutions to recent homework problems with you to class.
Course Requirements: You are expected
to complete all daily homework, labs, and writing assignments; and to take and
pass all exams and quizzes at their scheduled dates and times.
Reflection Papers: Three times during the
semester, you will be given a short writing assignment in which you will be
asked to give your personal thoughts and reflections on different aspects of
the course. These papers must be typed and
should be about 1-2 pages long (typed, double spaced). These informal papers will be graded mainly
on their content and completeness, but do write in complete sentences and
clearly express your ideas. Each
reflection paper will contribute 10 points toward your final grade.
Projects: There
will be several small projects assigned throughout the semester (roughly one
per chapter). These projects will
combine to count 60 points toward your final grade. I will tell you more about how the projects will
work as the semester progresses.
Homework, Quizzes, and Worksheets: I will collect homework for grading several times during the semester. You will be told in class at least a day in advance which problems to write up and turn in. Even when homework is not collected, you will need to work on the homework problems in order to fully learn the course material. I will spend a few minutes at the beginning of class answering questions on the homework, but the bulk of our time will be spent covering new material. You are encouraged to discuss homework with your classmates and with me outside of class during my office hours. If my office hours do not match your schedule, see me about arranging another time to meet.
I will give a mix of different quizzes at various times this semester. Quizzes are closed book and will be worth from 5 to 10 points each. Memory quizzes will test your knowledge of key facts and definitions from recent course material. Homework quizzes will encourage you to keep up with your homework by asking you to write out the solution to one or more homework problems in a short amount of time using only your course notebook. My intention is to give enough quizzes that you will be able to drop a couple of your lowest quiz scores.
I will also assign several worksheets for you to complete. Sometimes you will be given some class time to work on these worksheets, but most of the time you are expected to work them entirely outside of class.
Exams: There will be four unit exams in addition to a final exam. Make sure to mark the date of each exam on your calendar now, especially the final exam. The exams will be closed book, and closed notes. I will allow the use of an approved calculator, but other electronic devices (cell-phones, pda’s, etc.) are not allowed. The credit given on exam questions will be proportional to the amount of correct work shown. Little to no credit will be given when insufficient work is shown, even if the final answer is correct.
In your final grade, your best three exams will be worth 100
points each, while your lowest exam will be scaled in half to be out of 50
points. The final exam will be comprehensive,
and is worth 200 points.
Course Grading Policy:
Your final grade in the course will be computed as follows:
Homework/Quizzes: 80 points
Worksheets: 130 points
Projects: 60 points
Reflection Papers 30 points
Highest 3 Unit Exams: 300 points
Lowest Unit Exam: 50 points
Final Exam: 200 points
Total: 850 points
I will compute the percentage of the total possible points each student earned during the semester (rounded to the nearest .1%), and will then assign letter grades based on the following scale. I may make slight adjustments to this scale (down, never up), but don’t count on this happening.
96.5-100.0% A+ 81.5-86.4% B 69.0-71.4% C–
91.5-96.5% A 79.0-81.4% B– 66.0-68.9% D+
89.0-91.4% A– 76.5-78.9% C+ 60.0-65.9% D
86.5-88.9% B+ 71.5-76.4% C <60.0% F
Make-up Work: Because you are allowed to
drop several scores, I only give make-up assignments for extreme
personal emergencies or for absences which are officially sanctioned by the
University. I expect written
documentation in either of these cases.
If you miss an exam and a make-up exam is not warranted, you may replace
your grade on one missed exam with
your un-scaled percentage score on
the final exam.
Special Accommodations: Students
with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are
encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of
Disability Services at 477-5859 (Voice) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as
soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely
fashion.
Academic Honesty:
You are expected to do your own work. You may work with others and get
help on assignments, but the work you submit must be your own. During
exams and quizzes you will not be allowed to get help from others.
Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in any course at any level.
See the MSUM Academic Honesty policy for more information on the possible
consequences of cheating.
Thanks, And Let’s Have A Great Semester!!
Math 102 –
Section 13 Course Page