Course Information
Math 102:
Intro to Mathematics – Section 10, Spring 2012
3 Credits: MWF 9:30a.m. – 10:20a.m.
Bridges Room 261
Textbook:
Mathematics
All Around, 3rd
ed, by Pirnot,
T. – Addison Wesley Pub. Custom version
Instructor:
Justin James, Mathematics
Department
Office:
MacLean 375M
Office Phone: 477-4011
Office
Hours: MTWF 8:30 – 9:20am Email:
jamesju@mnstate.edu
MWF
10:30 – 11:20am Webpage: web.mnstate.edu/jamesju
MTWF 1:30 –
2:20pm
Other
times by Appointment
Course Description: Logic, sets, probability and statistics, problem
solving strategies.
Prerequisites:
Students are required to have an ACT math score of 19 or higher or a
qualifying score on the math placement test.
Students who do not meet these criteria should take Math 0090 prior to
taking Math 102. Transfer students
should contact their instructor at the start of the semester if they have any
doubts about their placement in this course.
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 Competencies -- Students who
successfully complete this course will be able to:
·
Solve
real-life problems using mathematics/logic systems.
·
Express
mathematical/logical ideas clearly in writing.
·
Organize,
display, analyze information and understand methods of data collection.
·
Explain
what constitutes a valid mathematical/logical argument (proof).
·
Apply
a variety of higher-order problem solving and modeling strategies.
·
Exhibit
mastery of computational skills and the ability to make reasonable estimates.
Learning Outcomes --
Students who successfully complete this course will:
·
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: Most class
days, 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 a warm-up problem is given, I will randomly choose students to turn
in their solutions. Students selected
will get 1 extra credit point for being present. Submitting a correct solution will give a
second extra credit point. 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
from the textbook will be collected for grading a few times throughout the
semester. 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 also give quizzes occasionally this semester. Quizzes will be based on
material covered in class recently and will be worth between 5 and 10 points, depending
on their length and scope.
I
will 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/Quizzes:
170 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 10 Course Page