Math 110: Mathematical Reasoning

Section 0, Prof. Ross

Spring Semester 2007

Basic Information

This version posted on: 2007-06-14

Course Catalog Entry

An introduction to quantitative reasoning, with the aim of developing the capacity to comprehend and analyze the quantitative information that is prevalent in modern society. Topics include mathematical modeling, basic probability and statistics, and practical applications.

Prerequisites

Placement or at least C in Math 098 or Math 098b, or at least D- in any of Math 104, 105, 107, 109, 112

Math 110 is one of the math courses that fulfills the General Education requirement for mathematical reasoning, in many cases. It also fulfills prerequisites for courses in Chem, CompSci, Econ, and Psych, among others.

Warning for Education Majors

If you are a secondary education major, this class is probably okay for you. If you are an elementary education major, or a special-ed major with a minor in elementary-ed, you should probably be taking Math 110E (the E stands for Elementary), as this Math 110 class will probably not count for you. Math 110E is the new number for what used to be Math 109.

Class Meetings

Section 0, CRN 31318: Mon,Tue,Thu 8:00am-9:50pm in Pray-Harrold 414
Midterm exam: Thursday, May 24 during the usual class time
Final exam: Tuesday, June 26 during the usual class time; note the change from the originally announced Monday the 25th. This is because the registrar's web site (from which I got the original date) was in error.
3 credit hours.

Class meetings will be mostly interactive lectures, with some time to work on problems in class, and some time to go over problems from the homework. Exams will also be held during class meetings.

Instructor information

Professor Andrew Ross
Pray-Harrold 515b
andrew.ross@emich.edu
http://people.emich.edu/aross15/
(734) 487-1064, but I strongly prefer e-mail instead of phone contact.
Math department main office: Pray-Harrold 515, (734) 487-1444

Office Hours and other help

Office Hours: Mon, Tue, Thur. 10:00am-11:00am and 12:00 noon-12:30

I am also happy to make appointments if you cannot come to the general office hours. Please send me e-mail to arrange an appointment.

The Mathematics Student Services Center (or "Math Lab") is also here to help you, in Pray-Harrold 220. Their hours for Spring 2007 are 9-4 Mon-Thu. You can reach them at 734-487-0983 or just drop by.

Another resource on campus is the Holman Learning Center.

Required materials

  1. Course Pack (dated 2007) by Ahlbrandt, Calin, Curran, and Gardiner. There's no ISBN. It is only available in the EMU Bookstore, not at the independent bookstores around campus.
  2. Scientific Calculator. Bring it to class each day. A good example is the TI-30X-IIS calculator ($15-$20). It does not have to be a graphing calculator, but the TI-83plus graphing calculator is recommended. Cell-phone calculators are not allowed on quizzes or tests.
  3. Microsoft Excel, or other spreadsheet software such as MS Works or Gnumeric or OpenOffice.org Calc

Course Web Page(s)

We will use the WebCT system (click here to access it). You are expected to keep an eye on your scores using the system, and get extra help if your scores indicate the need.

We will also use the MapleTA on-line homework system.

Optional Materials

  1. Graphing Calculator Manual for TI-83plus and TI-86 (ISBN: 0534-379001)
  2. In past years, we have used other textbooks for this course; some people may like to read them in addition to our current textbook. They are: You may also enjoy "How to Lie with Statistics", by Darrell Huff

Course Goals

Upon completing the course, students should be able to: Math 110 qualifies as a Quantitative Reasoning course for almost everyone. The QR outcomes defined by the General Education program are:
  1. Identify an appropriate model.
  2. Identify and discuss assumptions.
  3. Collect or generate appropriate data.
  4. Analyze a situation using arithmetic, geometric, algebraic, and probabilistic or statistical methods.
  5. Estimate answers.
  6. Propose and evaluate solutions.
  7. Predict outcomes in other situations based on what they have learned from their analysis.
  8. Understand and communicate quantitative relationships using symbols, equations, graphs, and tables.
  9. Share their findings in oral and written reports using appropriate mathematical language.
  10. Write summaries to explain how they reached their conclusions.
  11. Draw inferences from a model.
  12. Discuss the limitations of the model.

General Education

This course will provide students with ways to approach the quantitative information that they are certain to encounter in later coursework at Eastern Michigan University, throughout their careers, and in daily life. The emphasis is on learning methods for comprehending, analyzing and using quantitative information and on techniques for using data to inform decisions about real world events and problems. For these reasons, MATH 110 will satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning requirement in the general education program, Education for Participation in the Global Community.

Grading Policies

Your grade will be computed from a weighted average, with the following components: Final course grades will be assigned as follows: if your section's overall average is above 87%, then the "straight scale" will be used: [90,100] is an A, [80,90) is a B, etc. with plus/minus grades assigned as usual. If the section's overall average is below 87%, a curve will be applied. My usual procedure for this is as follows: the section's overall average is the dividing line between a B and a B+; other dividing lines are determined by adding halves of the standard deviation. This procedure may be modified as necessary. If someone appears to have stopped attending class, their scores will not be averaged in to the curve, even if they have not withdrawn officially.

Attendance

Regular attendance is strongly recommended. There will be material presented in class that is not in the textbook, yet will be required on the exams. Similarly, there are things in the textbook that are might not be covered in class, but are still required on the homework and exams. If you must miss a class, arrange to get a copy of the notes from someone, and arrange for someone to ask your questions for you.

My lectures and discussions mostly use the chalkboard. I do not usually have PowerPoint-like presentations, and thus cannot hand out copies of slides.

Homework

Most homework will be assigned via the on-line MapleTA system. You log in to a web site, and it will ask you questions that you then compute the answers to and type in your final answer. First, read these instructions and hints: MapleTA Guide for Students. Then, Click Here to access Online Homework

Sometimes we may have work that is assigned but not collected. Even if homework or worksheets are not collected, you are responsible for learning it--it could be on the tests!

Exams

The final will be comprehensive, with a special emphasis on any material not covered by the midterm exam.

You might be assigned seats while exams are in progress. No extra time will be given for late arrivals to exams. During the exam, all electronic equipment other than your calculator should be put away. Remember, calculators embedded in cell phones are not allowed.

Do not purchase any airline tickets to depart before the final exam. Be sure to allow enough time to get to the airport, etc. You will not be allowed to "take the exam early because you have already purchased a non-refundable airline ticket". See above for the final exam schedules.

Overall Grades

No scores will be dropped, unless a valid medical excuse with evidence is given. In the unfortunate event of a medical need, the instructor will decide between a make-up being given or the grade being dropped, or any appropriate other options. Even if a grade is dropped, you are strongly encouraged to still complete the relevant assignments or exams and consult with me during office hours to ensure you know the material.

General Caveat

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus throughout the semester. Notification will be given in class or by e-mail or both. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out about syllabus and schedule changes, especially the dates and times of exams.

Standard University Policies

Religious Holy Days

I support students' right to observe religious holidays without penalty. To the best of my ability, I will schedule exams to not conflict with major religions' holidays. Students are to provide advance notice to the instructor in order to make up work, including examinations that they miss as a result of their absence from class due to observance of religious holidays. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made, the student may appeal to the head of the department.

Academic Honesty

Academic dishonesty, including all forms of cheating and/or plagiarism, will not be tolerated in this class. Penalties for an act of academic dishonesty may range from receiving a failing grade for a particular assignment to receiving a failing grade for the entire course. In addition, you may be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Services for discipline that can result in either a suspension or permanent dismissal. The Student Conduct Code contains detailed definitions of what constitutes academic dishonesty, but if you are not sure about whether something you’re doing would be considered academic dishonesty, consult with the instructor.

Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to abide by the Student Conduct Code and assist in creating an environment that is conducive to learning and protects the rights of all members of the University community. Incivility and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in a request to leave class and referral to the Office of Student Judicial Services (SJS) for discipline. Examples of inappropriate classroom conduct include repeatedly arriving late to class, using a cellular telephone, or talking while others are speaking. You may access the Code online at www.emich.edu/sjs.

Those who use laptops during class should sit in the back row if possible, to avoid distracting others with what is on their screens.

Special Needs Accomodations

If you wish to be accommodated for your disability, EMU Board of Regents policy #8.3 requires that you first register with the Access Services Office (ASO) in room 203 King Hall. You may contact ASO by telephone at (734) 487-2470. Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with ASO promptly as you will only be accommodated from the date you register with them forward. No retroactive accommodations are possible.

Student and Exchange VISitors (SEVIS)

The Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requires F and J students to report the following to the Office of International Students, 229 King Hall within ten (10) days of the event: Prior permission from OIS is needed for the following: Failure to report may result in the termination of your SEVIS record and even arrest and deportation. If you have questions or concerns, contact the OIS at 487-3116, not your instructor. Also, see the EMU SEVIS page.