Math 111

Mathematical Ideas

3 Semester Hours

 

The Community College of Baltimore County

 

MATH 111 - Online

CRN:  24185

Section 111

Greg Stiffler, Instructor Spring 2009

Office:  E-204 C

Office Hours:  Tues/Thurs:  1:00-1:30,  Wed: 10-2

Phone:  (443) 840-4967

Math Department: 443-840-4251 (Room E-204)

Testing Center:   catonsville.testingcenter@ccbcmd.edu,   443-840-5246 (Room K-205)

Email:  gstiffler@ccbcmd.edu

 

Text:  A Mathematical View of Our World.  Parks, Musser, et. al

 

Description:

Covers contemporary topics and applications of mathematics; examines problem solving, probability, statistics, routes, networks, consumer math and growth and decay.  This course is for the Liberal Arts student who is not planning to major in mathematics or the physical sciences. 

 

Prerequisites:

MATH 083 or MATH 101 or sufficient math placement score or consent of the instructor, (ENGL 052 or LVE 2) or (ESOL 052 or LVE 2) and (RDNG 052 or LVR 20).

 

A scientific calculator is required.

 

Overall Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

            1. Demonstrate sound understanding of probability values and apply probability

                rules in order to solve everyday problems relying on probability theory.

            2. Demonstrate an understanding of introductory set theory as applied to solving

                both mathematical and non-mathematical problems

            3. Describe, numerically and graphically, various forms and presentations of

                statistical data

            4. Apply appropriate statistical measures, dependent upon the nature of specific

                data, to make informed decisions

            5. Analyze, critically, the validity of statistical reports that appear in newspapers,

                magazines, and the World Wide Web

            6. Apply probability, set theory, and statistics to other academic disciplines

            7. Examine the mathematical contributions made by people from diverse cultures

                throughout history

            8. Apply appropriate technology to the solution of mathematical problems

            9. Utilize the Internet and other resources to research course-related topics

            10. Express mathematical definitions, concepts, and operations using appropriate

                  words, symbols, and other means

            11. Express concepts of probability, set theory, and statistics using the appropriate

                  terminology

            12. Apply course-related mathematical theories to appropriate diversity-enriched,

                  reality-based situations

 

Major Topics

            I. Numbers in Our Lives

                        a. Identification numbers and check digits

                        b. Modular arithmetic

                        c. Encoding data

            II. Shapes in Our Lives

                        a. Fibonacci numbers

                        b. Golden mean

                        c. Iterations and recursion

            III. Fair Division

                        a. Divide and choose methods

                        b. Discrete and mixed division

            IV. Routes and Networks

                        a. Routing problems

                        b. Network problems

            V. Descriptive Statistics

                        a. Organizing and picturing data

                        b. Comparisons

                        c. Enhancement, distraction, and distortion

            VI. Collecting and Interpreting Data

                        a. Populations, samples, and data

                        b. Survey sampling methods

                        c. Measures of central tendency and variability

            VII. Probability

                        a. Computing probability in single experiments

                        b. Computing probability in multistage experiments

                        c. Conditional Probability, Expected Value, Odds

            VIII. Inferential Statistics

                        a. Normal distributions

                        b. Applications of normal distributions

            IX. Growth and Decay

                        a. Malthusian Population Growth

                        b. Population decrease, radioactive decay

            X. Consumer Math

                        a. Simple and compound interest

                        b. Loans

Course Requirements:

Since this is an online course, it will be set up differently from a standard face-to-face course.  The course will be given over WebCT.  All CCBC students have access to WebCT once they register.  You can go to http://www.ccbcmd.edu/distance/ technical.html to see the requirements for using WebCT. 

 

Tests:  Tests will all be given online.  Refer to the pacing schedule for times.  Tests/quizzes will be available for three (3) days.  They must be turned in electronically in the discussion area as a pdf. or Word file, or mailed to me at CCBC.  The envelope must be postmarked within the required three day time period.  There are no retakes if you miss the test times.  If you can provide for me documentation explaining why you could not make any testing days, then you will be permitted to retake it. 

 

Also, I understand that emergencies happen, and that you need to take care of them, but again in fairness to all, I will always ask and require documentation.

 

There will be a final exam during the last week of the semester.  This exam will cover select sections of the book.  The final is also worth 100 points.

 

Grades for tests and quizzes will take about 1 week to be returned to you and posted.

 

Total points:  400

 

Quizzes:  There will be 3 quizzes, each worth 25 points.  Quizzes follow the same policies as tests.

 

Total points:  75

 

Homework:  Since this is an online course, there will be no homework that I collect for a grade.  However, the practice problems on the syllabus are recommended to adequately prepare for tests and quizzes. 

 

Discussion Board:

During the semester I will post four questions for discussion.  These questions will be based on the topics covered up to that point.  Everyone will be required to post to the board and contribute to the discussion of the solution.  In addition, each student will turn in their answer to the question individually.  The directions for each question will be explained in each discussion.  You will be graded on the usefulness of your post (i.e., not responding with ‘yeah’ or ‘I agree’) and how well you responded to other posters.  Each discussion is worth 25 points.

 

Total points:  100

 

Writing Project:

Your written project will be a research-oriented paper.  You will have flexibility in regard to the subject of your paper.  You may do it on a topic from class, a topic that interests you, or on another related topic (these will be discussed in more detail when assigned).  It will be graded not only on mathematical content, but also on completeness and grammar (to include references).  This will be assigned about midway through the semester.  An official assignment sheet with details will be given.

 

Total points:  25

 

Participation/Attendance:  Of course, as an online course, attendance is not graded, but will be factored into discussions. 

 

NOTE:  The deadline for withdrawing from a course or changing to an audit for the Spring 2009 semester is Monday, April 20, 2009 by 7 p.m.  Failure to officially withdraw from a class you have stopped attending may result in an "F" grade.

Remember you cannot audit a developmental course. 

 

            Exam 1                                   100 points

            Exam 2                                   100 points

            Exam 3                                    100 points

            Discussion                               100 points

            Writing Assign.                       25 points

            Quizzes                                   75 points

            Final Exam                              100 points

            Total course points:  600

A – 90% - 100% (total points out of 600)

B – 80% - 89%

C – 70% - 79%

D – 60% - 69%

E – less than 60%

 

COURSE REPEAT POLICY

 

Students who have already received two grades (including W, AU, I, and R) in any course are prohibited from registering for the course for the third or subsequent time without the written permission of an academic dean or his/her designee. (Note: If the course is developmental, the recommendation of a support team [including at least one individual selected by the Dean of Developmental Education and Special Academic Programs and at least one individual selected by the academic unit] must be included in the decision making process of the academic dean or his/her designee.)

 

 

Disabled Students

 

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, CCBC is committed to providing an environment that is conducive to learning for all students. 

 

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is obligated to

·         Assure compliance with all laws regarding equal opportunity for students with disabilities as defined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Students with disabilities are obligated to

·         Be “otherwise qualified” e.g. be able to meet the academic standards and requirements of the College with reasonable accommodation, as needed.

·         Request accommodation through the disability support office on the campus they attend.  Documentation of disability must be provided to the office in order to determine eligibility.

·         Present letters requesting classroom and testing accommodations from the disability support office to instructors in a timely manner, in accordance with established procedures.

·         Renew requests each semester by completing the accommodation request form (blue form) indicating their schedule for the semester.

·         Remain in contact with faculty throughout the semester regarding arrangements for accommodations.

 

Students with disabilities may choose not to identify themselves to the disability support office or faculty member.  However, a student choosing this option is not eligible for accommodations. 

 

Faculty members are obligated to

  • Support and implement reasonable accommodations as identified in a letter from the disability support office and presented by the student without requesting specifics of the diagnosis and/or copies of medical documentation.
  • Consult with the disability support office if requests conflict with course objectives/requirements.
  • Maintain CONFIDENTIALITY.
  • Refer students who request accommodations based on disability to the appropriate disability support office.  The following syllabus statement is recommended:

 

Students requesting reasonable accommodations based on disability should contact the campus disability support office at (campus telephone number and location).

 

01/09                                                                                                                                                              

The disability support office is obligated to

  • Coordinate services and serve as a resource to students, faculty and administration in matters regarding access, disability status, eligibility for services and accommodation.
  • Receive and review disability documentation, determine eligibility, and provide letters to faculty upon request from students.
  • Retain confidential files and documentation of disability, sharing information only as appropriate in accordance with privacy laws.
  •  

Further information about services for students with disabilities at CCBC may be obtained by contacting the following:

 

Campus:

Office:

Room:

Phone:

Catonsville

Office of Disabilities Support Services

K-205

443-840-5246

443-840-4553 (TTY)

Dundalk

Office of Disabilities Support Services

A-100

443-840-3774

443-840-3529 (TTY)

Essex

Office of Disabilities Support Services

A-210

443-840-1741

443-840-1601 (TTY)

 

Code of Academic Integrity

 

For the College to make its maximum contribution as an institution of high learning, the entire college community must uphold high standards of integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior.  In seeking the truth, in learning to think critically, and in preparing for a life of constructive service, honesty is imperative.  Each student has a responsibility to submit work that is uniquely his or her own, or to provide clear and complete acknowledgement of the use of work attributable to others.  To these ends, the following actions are expected of students:

 

·         Complete all work on exams without assistance.

·         Follow the professor’s instructions when completing all class assignments.

·         Ask for clarification when instructions are not clear.

·         Report to the instructor any unauthorized information related to an exam.

·         Provide proper credit when quoting or paraphrasing.

·         Submit only one’s own work.

 

Students who do not accept responsibility for the integrity of their own work will experience sanctions, including a written reprimand, failure of the assignment, failure of the course, and/or dismissal from the program.  For repeat and extreme offenses, the College reserves the right to suspend or expel students.

 

 

Writing Policy

 

The College recognizes that clear, correct, and concise use of language is characteristic of an educated person.  Therefore, whenever possible, faculty members in all disciplines should require written assignments in their courses in order to encourage effective writing by their students.  Also, instructors should consider the quality of writing in determining a grade for a written assignment.  Poor writing can be a sufficient cause for a failing grade on a paper and, in extreme cases, a failing grade in a course.

 

Inclement Weather/Emergency Closing Policy

 

In the event that the college (or a specific campus) opens late due to weather-related or other emergency conditions, classes will commence at the announced opening time and resume the normal schedule thereafter for the remainder of the day.  Faculty, students, and classified staff should report to wherever they would normally have been at the announced opening time. **

 

Students and faculty engaged in field placement programs (such as internships, clinical placements, etc.) should discuss the handling of emergency situations at the beginning of the placement period.  Both the requirements of the program and the safety of persons involved should be considered in planning a course of action in those cases where students are expected to report to off-campus locations.

 

** For example, if you had a class that began at 9:35 and the college opened at 10:00 because of snow, you would report to your 9:35 class at 10:00.

 

When the college closes because of severe weather or emergency conditions, announcements of class cancellations are made on local radio and television stations and the college website (www.ccbcmd.edu).  Closings and delays will also be recorded on the campus weather line:

 

Catonsville

443-840-1711

Dundalk

443-840-1711

Essex

443-840-1711

 

 

 

TUTORING SERVICES

 

Students are encouraged to seek help from their instructors whenever they encounter academic difficulty (either during scheduled office hours or by appointment).  In addition, each campus offers free academic support services.  For more information, contact:

 

Campus:

Office:

Room:

Phone:

    Catonsville

Student Success Center

F-304

443-840-5959

    Dundalk

Student Success Center

J-211

443-840-3666

    Essex

Student Success Center

A-307

443-840-1820

 

 

 

CIVILITY AND COMMUNITY BUILDING EXPECTATIONS

Creating a Culture of CARE©

(Compassion, Appreciation, Respect, Empowerment)

 

As members of the CCBC community of learners, we are expected to act with respect, honesty, responsibility and accountability.  Each of us is expected to be aware of the impact our behavior has on the community.  CCBC wishes to each learner to commit to the following actions:

 

                           Become an active and engaged learner

                           Celebrate the richness of our diversity

                           Respect the campus and its code of conduct

                           Practice empathy and compassion

                           Promote the empowerment of others

 

 

MAJOR RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY POLICY

 

Students not attending class because they are observing major religious holidays shall be given the opportunity, to the maximum extent possible, to make up, within a reasonable amount of time, any academic work or tests they miss. Arrangements between the student and the faculty member(s) for the student to make up missed assignments or tests must be made in advance of the religious holiday, at the initiation of the student.

 

STUDENT E-MAIL ACCOUNTS

 

CCBC has joined the ranks of the very few community colleges in Maryland who provide email accounts to all credit students.  Each student who is registered in credit classes now has an email account and up to 5 Mb of storage in their mail box.  This account will not be deleted even if the student graduates or leaves CCBC for any reason.

 

For information about the system and how students can determine their email address, go the CCBC Home Page and click on “Student Email”.  From here students can find their email address, get to an on-line user manual and access instructions on how to forward the CCBC email to the system of choice (AOL, Comcast, Hot Mail, etc.)

 

 

Note:  If you miss a class/week/etc, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed (lectures/assignments/etc).  You may contact classmates or myself.  Saying “I didn’t know we had a test” or “I didn’t know this was due” is no excuse (unless you had a documented emergency). 

Pacing Schedule

(subject to change)

Week of

Section

Homework/Practice Questions

2/2

1.1-1.3

1.1: 1,3,6,9,11,15-17, 21, 23,27,28,30,33,35

1.2: 1,3,5,7,9,11,14,15,17,19,21,25,29,31,35,37

1.3: 7,8

2/9

Quiz Chp 1

13.1, 13.2

13.1: 1,3,5,7,10,13,15,17,19,21,22,23-35 odd

13.2: 1-15 odd,17,21,25,27,29,32,35

2/16

13.3, 4.1

13.3:  3,7,9,13,15,16,21

4.1: 1,3,5,8,15,21,27,29,33,37

2/23

Project 1

4.2, 6.1

4.2: 1-17 odd,22,24

6.1:  1,3,4,7,10,13,15,18,19,22,29,33,37,38

 

3/2

6.2, 12.1

Quiz Chp 4&6

 

6.2:  3,5,9,11,15,19,22,25,27,35

12.1: 3,5,6,9,11,14,15,18,19,22,23,27,29,31,35,36

3/9

12.2, 12.3

Project 2

12.2: 1,5,7,9,11,12,14,15,17,18,21,23,27,29

12.3: 1-17 odd,18,19,21,23

3/16

2.3

Test Chp 1,13,4,6,12

2.3:  1-8,13,11,15,19,21,29

 

3/23

 

10.1, 10.2

10.1:  1-23 odd,26,28,31,33,37,39,41

3/30

10.3

Project 3

10.2:  3,4,7,9,10,11,15,17,19,20,23,26,29

10.3:  1,3,6,8,9,12,15,17,19,23,27,29,31,32,35,40,41

4/13

8.1, 8.2

8.1:  2,3,5,9,11,15,19,22,25,29,30

8.2:  1,3,5,7,8,11,13,17,20,23,25,31,33,39,41

4/20

Quiz Chp 10&8

8.3, 9.1

8.3:  1-27 odd

9.1:  1-25 odd

4/27

9.2

Project 4

9.2:  3,5,9,13,17,19,23,24,27,31,33,35,39

9.3:  5-21 odd,27,31,34,35,37

 

5/4

9.3

Test Chp 8-9

 

5/11

 

11.1, 11.2

Review

11.1:  1-27 odd,28,31,33,39,40

11.2:  1-17 odd,20,23,25,29,33,34

5/18

Final