Course
Information
Math
102: Intro to Mathematics – Section 16, Fall 2010
3 Credits: MWF 12:30p.m. – 1:20p.m. Bridges Room 262
Textbook: Mathematics All Around, 4th ed, by Pirnot, T. – Addison Wesley Pub. MSUM Custom Version
Instructor: Justin James, Mathematics Department
Office: MacLean 375M Office Phone: 477-4011
Office Hours: MTWRF 9:30 – 10:20am Email: jamesju@mnstate.edu
TR 12:30 – 2:20pm Webpage: web.mnstate.edu/jamesju
W 1:30 – 2:20pm
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 prior to each lecture and to attempt the assigned homework
problems. When working in groups, you
should participate in what the group is trying to accomplish. You are encouraged to form a study group to
work with outside of class. You should
bring your book and calculator to class.
Course Requirements: You are expected
to complete daily homework, worksheets, 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 thoughts and reflections on different
aspects of the course. These papers must
be typed and should be about 1 page long (typed, double spaced). These informal papers are graded mainly on
their content and completeness, but you should write in complete sentences and
express your thoughts clearly. Each
reflection paper will contribute 10 points toward your final grade.
Projects: There will be two projects assigned during
the semester. These projects combined
count 50 points toward your final grade.
I will tell you more about these projects as the semester progresses.
Warm-up Problems: At
least once a week, I will begin class with a warm-up problem. You will have a few minutes to work on this
problem while I pass out papers and handouts.
When warm-up problem is given, I will randomly choose one student to
turn in their solution. You get 1 extra
credit point just for being there to turn it in. If your solution is correct, you will get 2
extra credit points. If you are absent,
you will not get another opportunity to turn in a warm-up problem until the
rest of the class has had their turn.
Homework, Quizzes, and Worksheets: Selected homework will be collected for grading a few times throughout the semester. You will need to work the homework problems in order to succeed in the course. 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 “quizzes” and “memory quizzes” this semester. There will be some sort of quiz nearly every week. Quizzes are closed book and will be worth 5 points each. You will be asked on work 1 or 2 problems on recent course material. Memory quizzes are also worth 5 points each and test your knowledge of key facts and definitions from recent course material. 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 class time to get started on worksheets. Other times you will be 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 each exam on your calendar now, especially the final exam. Exams will be closed book, and closed notes. I will allow the use of an approved calculator for exams (no graphing calculators are allowed). Other electronic devices are also 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/Worksheets: 120 points
Quizzes: 50 points
Projects: 50 points
Reflection Papers 30 points
Highest 3 Unit Exams: 300 points
Lowest Unit Exam: 50 points
Final Exam: 200 points
Total: 800 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 16 Course Page