Basic Information

Official 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

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.

Very important notice

Class Meetings

• Thu Sep 9: First day of class
• Thu Oct 7: Midterm Exam
• Thu Nov 11: Midterm Exam
• Wed Nov 24: Thanksgiving break--no classes
• Fri Dec 10: last day of classes
• Thu Dec 14: Final exam 1:30-3:00 A HALF HOUR EARLY!
  
• Thu Dec 16: Final exam 11:00-12:30
  

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. Some class sessions will meet in a computer lab or use a cartful of laptops. Exams will also be held during class meetings.

Instructor information

Office Hours and other help

Mon:
     9:00- 9:30 Office hours 
     9:30-10:20 Math 121 in Porter 221
    10:20-11:00 Office hours 
    11:00-12:15 Math 319 in Boone G05
    12:15- 1:00 Office hours 
Tue:
    10:30-11:00 Office hours 
    11:00-12:15 Math 110 in Alexander 213
    12:15- 2:00 Office hours and lunch
    02:00- 3:15 Math 110 in Rackham 206
    03:15- 4:00 Office hours 
Wed:
     9:00- 9:30 Office hours 
     9:30-10:20 Math 121 in Porter 221
    10:20-11:00 Office hours 
    11:00-12:15 Math 319 in Boone G05
    12:15- 1:00 Office hours 
Thu:
     9:00- 9:30 Office hours 
     9:30-10:20 Math 121 in Porter 221
    10:20-11:00 Office hours 
    11:00-12:15 Math 110 in Alexander 213
    12:15- 2:00 Office hours and lunch
    02:00- 3:15 Math 110 in Rackham 206
    03:15- 4:00 Office hours 
Fri:
     9:00- 9:30 Office hours 
     9:30-10:20 Math 121 in Porter 221
    10:20-11:00 Office hours 

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 117A King Hall. Their hours are posted here. Please give them a call at 734-487-0983 or just drop by.

Required materials

1. "Quantitative Reasoning in Mathematics" Course Pack (dated 2010-2011) by Ahlbrandt, Calin, Curran, Gardiner, and Ross. There's no ISBN. I strongly recommend you not buy an old copy (2009-2010 or before)
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 or Google Docs.

Course Web Page(s)

I will post data files, homework assignment files, etc. on my home page.

We will use the Blackboard 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 might also use an 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:
   • "Using and Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach" by Bennett and Briggs (any edition),
   • "For All Practical Purposes: Mathematical literacy in today's world" (any edition), and
   • "Quantitative Reasoning: Tools for Today's Informed Citizen" by Sevilla and Somers
   You may also enjoy "How to Lie with Statistics", by Darrell Huff, and "200% of Nothing" by A.K. Dewdney

Course Goals

• Carry out the steps of a mathematical modeling process.
• Apply a variety of mathematical models to problem situations.
• Analyze data using descriptive statistics.
• Calculate and interpret discrete probabilities.
• Use the normal distribution.
• Apply statistical criteria such as significance tests, correlation and confidence intervals.
• Explain the meaning of statistical criteria such as significance tests, correlation and confidence intervals.
• Present a written or oral report outlining a problem situation, a proposed mathematical model, and a solution, together with a discussion of both the assumptions upon which the model is based and the limitations of the model.
• Analyze data using a spreadsheet program.
• Use a spreadsheet program to produce tables and graphs, and include them in a written report.

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

Grading Policies

• 50%: Homework, In-Class Work, Projects, and possible Quizzes
• 15%: each of 2 Midterm Exams
• 20%: Final Exam

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

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!

Project

Our project this semester will be a role-playing game where we pretend that it is 1935 and we are members of the US House of Representatives. You will stand up and make short speeches to persuade your fellow Representatives to vote for what you want included (or not included) in the new Social Security law, using cost estimates that you derive as your main line of reasoning. This will occupy the last week of class.

Exams

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

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 (subject to the school's H1N1 Flu policy). 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

Advice from Other Math 110 Students

• _Ask questions_! Prof. Ross _will_ answer.
• Study, prepare and take advantage of office hours if needed!
• Come to class, take notes & use the opportunity to make the sheet for exams. Very helpful were the sheets we could use on exams.
• Write all that you can on the note sheet you can use for the test because it's better to have more than you need instead of missing something :)
• Be prepared to understand the math and its various applications.
• You will be spending a lot of time on the computer, but the areas that you cover will really benefit you.
• Read the book (at least some of it). The examples from the book are very helpful. Sometimes things are better explained in the book if you don't completely understand how to do something first.
• Listen to what is talked about in class to help prepare for the exams.
• Have a calculator & do the homework. Watch your calculations.
• Make sure you always ask questions and go to office. It is what helped me get through this class. Professor Ross always helped when we asked.
• Come to class, ask questions, see Dr. Ross in office hours he will help explain things.
• Don't round up on the homework until you get to your final answer.

Standard University Policies

Religious Holy Days

Current University policy recognizes the rights of students to observe religious holidays without penalty to the student. Students will provide advance notice to the instructor in order to make up work, including examinations, they miss as a result of their absence from class due to observance of religious holidays. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made with the instructor, the student may appeal to the school director or head(s) of department(s) in which the course(s) is / are offered.

Academic Honesty

Academic dishonesty, including all forms of cheating, falsification, and/or plagiarism, will not be tolerated in this course. 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 Conduct and Community Standards 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 are doing would be considered academic dishonesty, consult with the course instructor. You may access the Code online at: www.emich.edu/studentconduct/

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 Conduct and Community Standards (SJS) for discipline. Examples of inappropriate classroom conduct include repeatedly arriving late to class, using a mobile/cellular phone while in the class session, or talking while others are speaking. You may access the Code online at www.emich.edu/studentconduct/

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 Disability Resource Center (DRC) in 240K EMU Student Center. You may contact DRC by telephone (734.487.2470). Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with the DRC 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)

• Changes in your name, local address, major field of study, or source of funding;
• Changes in your degree-completion date;
• Changes in your degree-level (ex Bachelors to Masters)
• Intent to transfer to another school.

• Dropping ALL courses as well as carrying or dropping BELOW minimum credit hours;
• Employment on or off-campus;
• Registering for more than one ONLINE course per term (F visa only)
• Endorsing I-20 or DS-2019 for re-entry into the USA.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)