STRAYER UNIVERSITY

 

Fundamentals of Mathematics--MAT 100

Revised Fall 2005

Course Syllabus

Quarter:                                                     Fall 2005

Day & time course meets:                         Wednesdays, 6:15–10:00 pm

Instructor:                                                  Tristan Hubsch

Instructor phone number:                          703-798-3622 (mobile)

Instructor email address:                           thubsch@strayer.edu

Instructor office hours, office location:     by e-mail

Academic office phone number:      703-330-8474 (voice), 703-330-8417 (fax)

 

I.              COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

This course is intended to serve as an introduction to algebra. Emphasis will be on representations and operations on numbers and sets, as well as introductory concepts of basic statistical measurements, variable expressions, and first-degree equations. 

   

II.            EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

 

Upon the successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

 

a.     Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and take powers of positive and negative whole

                        numbers, integers, decimals, and fractions 

b.     Follow order of operations in long calculations

c.     Understand the relations between decimals, fractions, and percents

d.     Work with variable expressions

e.     Solve linear equations in one unknown

f.      Solve percent problems

g.     Gain a knowledge of set theory useful for computer programming

h.     Extract and interpret data from tables and graphs

i.     Gain a firm foundation for advance algebra courses

 

The course instructor may provide additional learning outcomes.

 

III.         INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

 

Fundamentals of Mathematics.
Special customized edition, Pearson Custom Publishing, 2005.

 

A Scientific Calculator is required.

 

MyMathLab is optional, but strongly recommended (read next page).

 

 

IV.          TEACHING STRATEGIES

 

Each lecture period will start by the instructor providing the solutions to the homework problems assigned at the previous session.  The instructor shall then give a detailed discussion of a new mathematical theory, along with solved examples and real-life applications. Based on the pace of instruction, problem-solving, cooperative and individual learning sessions will be incorporated in the learning process in this class.

 

V.        TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION: MyMathLab

 

MyMathLab is an online textbook-based diagnostic evaluation and tutorial program recommended to students in this class. It is a PC-based optional and supplemental tool that may be used to facilitate learning and enhance instructional effectiveness in mathematics classes. This technology tool supports active and reinforces the use of mathematics content through the process of active computer-based instruction and criterion-based testing in the classroom or online. MyMathLab sets the attainment math learning objectives and skills, determine the appropriate reinforcers, select procedures for changing levels of student math skills, record results and evaluate progress and revise as necessary.

 

Specifically, MyMathLab includes the class textbook, a variety of multimedia instructional resources. Unlimited practice exercises, self-paced learning modules, online homework and testing, and an individual study plan – all correlated to the examples and exercises in your textbook

 

MyMathLab is supported and maintained by the publisherÕs web server and the required plug-ins for this tool are standard. MyMathLab is delivered inside a web-based course delivery system called CourseCompass.  Before accessing MyMathLab, you need to register in CourseCampass using student access code and the MyMathLab Course ID provided by your instructor.

 

á    To find the detailed system requirement, go to www.mymathlab.com/system.html

á    To register or log into MyMathLab, go to http://student.pearsoned.com

á    For more information about MyMathLab, go to http://www.mymathlab.com

 

AOL users cannot access MyMathLab using AOL browser. However, you can log in to AOL, minimize the AOL browser, and then launch Internet Explorer (or any supported browser) separately to access MyMathLab.

 

For step-by-step information on how to access and initiate MyMatLab, please read section XV in this document.

 

 

 

VI.          EVALUATION

 

There will be two exams, one midterm and one comprehensive final.  The students' final grade will be computed as the average of these grades and other additional class assignments determined by the class instructor.   

                      

VII.       TOPICAL OUTLINE OF THE COURSE

 

The following is the topical outline of the course.  Under Ònormal circumstancesÓ we should be able to follow this outline; special circumstances may warrant an adjustment, to be announced in class and on-line.

     

09/28:        Whole Numbers and Integers (Chapters 1 and 2)          

 

10/05:        Integers—Continued and Introduction to Algebra (Chapter 2)

 

10/12:        Fractions (Chapter 3)

 

10/19:        Fractions—Continued (Chapter 4)

 

10/26:        Midterm Examination: 3-hour in-class, Chapters 1 – 4, open text

 

11/02:        Decimals (Chapter 5)

 

11/09:        Graphics and Statistics (Chapter 6)

 

11/16:        Ratio and Proportion (Chapter 7)

 

11/23:        Percent (Chapter 8) 

 

11/30:        Set Theory (Chapter 9)

 

12/07:        Comprehensive Final Examination: 3-hour in-class, open text

 

OPTIONAL TOPICS: Numeration Systems (Chapters 10 and 11) and Geometry (Chapter 12).

 

VIII.     COURSE WEEKLY OBJECTIVES

 

First Week: Whole Numbers and Integers

At the end of the first week the students should be able to

¯    Perform basic arithmetic operations with whole numbers and integers

¯    Solve equations with whole numbers and integers

¯    Apply concepts to solve problems involving whole numbers and integers


Second Week: Algebraic Expressions

At the end of the second week the students should be able to

¯    Evaluate algebraic expressions

¯    Simplify variable expressions by combining like terms

¯    Use the addition and division principles to solve equations

¯    Add and subtract polynomials

 

Third Week: Fractions

 At the end of the third week the students should be able to

¯    Add, subtract, multiply, divide and simplify fractions

¯    Find a factor of a number and tell whether a number is prime, composite or neither

¯    Solve equations using the multiplication principle

 

Fourth Week: Fractions—Continued

At the end of the fourth week the students should be able to

¯    Find the Least Common Multiples (LCM)

¯    Use and operate on fraction notation

¯    Solve equations using the principles together

 

Fifth Week: Midterm Examination and Mixed Numbers. At the end of the fifth week the students should be able to

¯    Convert from mixed-numbers to fractions and vice versa.

¯    Add and subtract mixed numbers

¯    Multiply and divide mixed numbers

 

Sixth Week: Decimals

At the end of the sixth week the students should be able to

¯    Add and subtract decimals

¯    Multiply and divide decimals

¯    Express decimals as fractions

 

Seventh Week: Graphing and Statistics

At the end of the seventh week the students should be able to

¯    Extract and interpret data from tables and graphs

¯    Graph linear equations

¯    Find the mean, median and mode of a set of numbers

 

Eight Week: Ratio & Proportion

 At the end of the eighth week the students should be able to

¯    Simplify ratios and solve proportions

¯    Apply ratio and proportion concepts to word problems

¯    Use proportions in geometric applications

 


Ninth Week: Percent

At the end of the ninth week the students should be able to

¯    Express percents as decimals or fractions

¯    Express fractions and decimals as percents

¯    Calculate percent increase and percent decrease

 

Tenth Week: Set Theory

At the end of the tenth week the students should be able to

¯    Identify sets, union, and elements

¯    Use Venn diagrams (Graphic Display)

¯    Distinguish between Conjunction and Disjunction

 

Eleventh Week: Final Examination

 

IX.          EVALUATION METHODS

 

Final grade:

Midterm examination                          = 25 %

Final examination                                = 40 %

HW Assignments                                = 15%

Quizzes                                               = 10%

Class participation & attendance          = 10 %

 

Grading scale:

90 - 100                                               A

80 - 89                                                 B

70 - 79                                                 C

60 - 69                                                 D

Below 60                                             F

 

            "INCOMPLETE" GRADE POLICY

 

Instructors have the option of giving the grade of Incomplete ("I") only to a student whose work in a course has been satisfactory, and the student, because of illness or other circumstances beyond the student's control, has been unable to complete some small part of the course work.  The student must remove the "I" grade by completing work assigned by the instructor.  It is the responsibility of the student to request and make arrangements with the instructor to complete the work during the following quarter by the date specified.  Otherwise the "I' automatically becomes an administrative "F" ("F*"). An administrative "F" counts as a "O" in determining the grade point average.

 

No student receiving an "I" can be on the Honor Roll or the Dean's List for that quarter.

Please review the policy and procedures covering academic dishonesty in the Strayer University Catalog.

           


ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

Regular attendance of scheduled classes is required and essential for effective learning. It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor prior to an absence from class.  Messages can be left at the e-mail address or phone listed above.  Students are responsible for work missed during an absence.

 

Regular review of course materials and completion of weekly assignments is required and essential for effective learning.  A weekly attendance report is logged according to your participationThe student will be given credit for attendance for a week if they have accessed the course web page at least once during the week, otherwise an ÒabsentÓ entry will be reported for attendance.   It is university policy that if a student misses four consecutive class sessions they will be administratively withdrawn from the course.  This could result in a grade of "WF", if withdrawn (see academics for specific date). More than (3) absences will be defined as unsatisfactory progress, lowering the course grade or potentially resulting in a grade of "F". If a student stops attending classes without administratively withdrawing from the course, the student may receive a grade of "WF".  The last day to withdraw without academic penalty is (see academics for specific date).  The procedures to withdraw are outlined in the Strayer University Catalog.

 

Online attendance of classes is the sole responsibility of the student.  It is possible to be disconnected from the Internet from time to time due to technical difficulties. If being disconnected continues uncontrollably, you are urged to call Strayer Online Tech Support at (800) 422-8055 or email your concern to helpdesk@strayeronline.net. Please do not allow computer problems to disrupt your participation throughout the course.

 

POLICY ON ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES

 

Strayer UniversityÕs academic philosophy is to provide each adult student with an opportunity to actively learn and demonstrate competencies needed in todayÕs high performance workplace.  Opportunities will be made available for you to reach your maximum learning potential.  Just as in the workplace, it is expected that you will complete all assignments and assessments by the due date.  You instructor may deduct credit for assignments turned in after the due date.

 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

 

Strayer University holds its students to high standards of academic integrity and will not tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation, or deception.  Such acts of intellectual dishonesty include, but are not limited to, cheating or copying, fabricating data or citations, stealing examinations, unauthorized use of instructor editions of textbooks, taking an exam for another, tampering with the academic work of another student, submitting anotherÕs work as oneÕs own, facilitating other studentsÕ acts of academic dishonesty, using Internet sources without citation, or any other form of plagiarism.

 

For more details on Strayer UniversityÕs Academic Integrity Policy, please contact your Campus Academics Office.

 

.           Learning Resources / Library

 

Learning resources to help students succeed academically are available through the Strayer University Library.  Each campus Learning Resources Center (LRC) offers print resources, books, and periodicals for research.  Circulating books located at any LRC may be requested for use through the LRC Specialist. 

 

Library resources are also available online, and can be accessed from any computer connected to the Resource tab located on eCollege course web pages.  The online search tool EBSCO Host and other LRC resources can be accessed through the universityÕs website at http://studentserver.strayer.edu/CONT_STD/LIBS/libs2.htm.  They provide thousands of full text periodicals, over 25,000 electronic books, radio and TV transcripts, the complete Encyclopedia Britannica, access to the Strayer library catalog, online tutorials, and useful links to Internet resources.  A tour of the LRC is highly recommended and can be scheduled through your LRC Specialist.

 

TUTORING ASSISTANCE

 

You will be required to attend tutoring if your instructor determines, at any time during the quarter, that you need additional help in order to progress successfully in the course.  With tutoring assistance you will be able to receive additional help to address deficiencies, answer questions, and identify strategies to be successful in this course.  Your instructor will provide tutoring meeting times and place.

Free tutoring is also available through the publisher of the class textbook, PearsonÕs Tutoring Center (PTC). To sign up for free math tutoring at PTC, you may call 1-888-777-0463 (5 pm –12 am EST) or register at www.aw.com/tutorcenter using your CourseCompass Course ID or student access code

 

GETTING STARTED WITH MyMathLab

 

What do you need to get started?

 

á      A valid email address

If you donÕt have it, contact your school technology center or set up a free account on a website that offers this service (for examples: www.yahoo.com or www.hotmail.com )

á      Course ID

Contact your instructor to obtain it.  The course ID is unique for each course.

á      Student Access Code

If your new textbook is not bundled with student access code, you need to go to your campus bookstore to purchase a standalone Student Access Kit ( The kit contains access code card and instructions ) for your textbook.

You may go to the virtual bookstore to purchase it online using a credit card.

 

What steps do I take next?

 

1)     In order to register, you will need to use the Course ID.

2)        Go to www.coursecompass.com.  For an audio tour on how to register, click on  

        ÔTake a TourÕ, and select the ÔRegister and enroll in a course with a codeÕ tour. 

3)     Click on the Students ÔRegisterÕ button.    

4)        Enter your six-word access code found inside your student access kit, under the

         tab.  

5)        Register only ONCE using the access code in your kit. You will create your own

        Login Name and Password.  After registration youÕll receive a confirmation

        email. 

6)        After you've registered:  Login at http://coursecompass.com (bookmark this  

         URL), using the Login name and Password you have just created. 

7)        From the Welcome page click on your course, then choose the Installation

Wizard link to check that your computer has the required set-up and plug- 

ins.  The MathXL player must be installed for you to work exercises within

the tutorial, homework, and tests. 

8)        For help on entering answers, go to the audio tour:

        http://www.mymathlab.com/tours.html 

and click on the How to Enter Answers Using the MathXL Player link.

 

* If you have questions or need assistance call tech support at 1 800 677 6337

 

STUDENTÕS NOTES: