MATH 1101-11  Mathematical Modeling                                        CRN:  81926

Fall, 2009        12:30 – 1:45 TR Jones 277                                         Instructor:  Chris Hill
 

Office:

Jones

Building

383

Email:

chris.hill@maconstate.edu

Web Page

http://facultyweb.maconstate.edu/chris.hill

Phone:

478-471-2757

Office Hours:

Monday

Tuesday

 

Wednesday

Thursday

Macon Campus

10:00 – 12:00; 1:00 – 2:00

 

 

10:00 – 12:00; 1:00 – 2:00

 

Macon Campus

 

9:30-10:30; 2:00-3:00

 

 

9:30-10:30; 2:00–3:00

And by appointment

 

 

 

 

 

Course Resources:

http://calculator.maconstate.edu, MSC Vista, Appendix A of your textbook

Text:

College Algebra with Modeling and Visualization, Gary Rockswold, 4th ed.

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to mathematical modeling using graphical, numerical, symbolic, and verbal techniques to describe and explore real-world phenomena. Emphasis is on the use of elementary functions to investigate and analyze problems and questions supported by the use of appropriate technology, and on the effective communication of qualitative concepts and results. The course includes a study of linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic models. A TI-83/84 graphics calculator is required.

Prerequisites

To remain in this course you must satisfy at least one of the following prerequisites:

§         A minimum score of 80 on the Math College Placement Exam

§         A minimum score of 39 on the COMPASS Exam

§         A minimum of 431 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT

§         Completion of Learning Support Mathematics Requirements

Course Content:

The following sections will be covered: 1.1-1.4, 2.1-2.4, 3.1,3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.3-5.7

Course Goals & Expected Outcomes:

To demonstrate a working knowledge of mathematical skills, concepts, and ideas commensurate for problem solving and the interpretation of information, the student will

minimally be expected to:
  1. Know how to create and use linear, quadratic, polynomial exponential, and logarithmic models of real-world phenomena;
  2. Know, use, and understand functional notation and the graphs of functions.

 

In order to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills in a variety of settings, the student will minimally be expected to:

  1. Solve applied problems using techniques including, but not restricted to, models of real world phenomena.

 

In order to demonstrate the ability to locate, organize, and analyze information from a variety of resources with emphasis on the use of information technology, the student will minimally be expected to:

  1. Use the TI-83 graphics calculator regularly in class and on tests and assignments.

Attendance:

Attendance is not counted in the final grade, but if the student amasses over four days worth of absences (not necessarily consecutively), then the student will receive an F for the course.  Furthermore, attendance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED, and the instructor will not repeat a lecture for any reason.

Drop Dates:  Wednesday, October 14 with a W

Tests:

There will be four in class multiple choice exams.  Each exam date will be announced at least one week prior to the exam.  There will also be a comprehensive final exam.

Make-Up Tests:

Exams that are missed can be made up if what the instructor considers a valid excuse is provided by the student.  Makeup exams will be scheduled at the discretion of the instructor.

Grading:

The four exams will be worth 100 points each.  The final exam is worth 100 points.  A total of 450 points is necessary for an A, 400 points for a B, 350 points for a C, and 300 points for a D.   

 The final exam is Thursday, December 10, 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

Academic Misconduct:

You are expected to do your own work on tests unless stated otherwise. You are not to use any aids for tests other than those specified by the instructor. Anyone participating in academic misconduct will be assigned the grade of “F” in the course. As a Macon State College student, you are expected to read, understand, and abide by the MSC Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct is in the MSC Student Handbook and available online at http://www.maconstate.edu/studentlife/studenthandbook.pdf

Special Accommodations:

Students seeking academic accommodations for a special need must contact the MSC Counseling and Career Center (478-471-2714) located on the second floor of the Student Life Center.

Tutoring:

Tutoring is available free of charge in the Academic Resource Centers (ARC) on the Macon and Warner Robins campuses. Other services include Academic Success Skills workshops and tutor-led study groups.  To check the schedules for subjects tutored and tutor availability, go to the ARC website at: http://www.maconstate.edu/arc/. 

Technical Policy:

A plagiarism prevention service is used in evaluation of written work submitted for this course. As directed by the instructor, students are expected to submit or have their assignments submitted through the service in order to meet requirements for this course. The papers may be retained by the service for the sole purpose of checking for plagiarized content in future student submissions.