MAT 107 Fall 2017

Syllabus 1 Chesapeake College

MAT 107 – Foundations of Mathematics Syllabus

Instructor: Sarah Sewell Office: Humanities 122 E-mail: ssewell@chesapeake.edu Phone: 410-822-5400 ext. 2296 Fax: 410-827-5814 Attn: Sarah Sewell

Office Hours Office hours are set times to meet with you outside of class. Please see the times and location on Canvas and on my faculty webpage at http://info.chesapeake.edu/ faculty/faculty_pg_drupal.php?colid=0093853.

Materials you will need Recommended But Not Required Textbook – Math in Society, David Lippman, Edition 2.4, 2013 This is an Open Source textbook. For more information, please take a look at the Math in Society website is at http://www.open textbookstore.com/mathin society/.

Calculator – A scientific calculator is required for this course -- a TI-30XS is preferred and is pictured to the right (TI stands for Texas Instrument). This calculator usually costs $12 - $20. Graphing calculators are not permitted for this course. Students are responsible for understanding how to use their calculator and for making sure that it works on test days.

Access to Canvas – I will be keeping in touch with you mainly through Canvas. You need to check any messages and/or announcements every day. If the college is closed, important class information will be posted on Canvas and you will still be expected to complete any assigned work.

Introduction: Math is everywhere. We use it every day without even realizing it. And if we can learn some of the branches of mathematics in this course, then we can apply math skills and higher level thinking to solve some of our everyday problems. Foundations of Mathematics is a survey course requiring us to use arithmetic, variables, mathematical skills, theorems, statistics, probability, and logic to solve complex problems. By learning the logical and analytical processes to solve the problems we will encounter in this class, you will learn how to be a better problem solver. By learning several ways to answer a question

and recognizing which method works best in specific cases, you can apply the same skills to determine the most effective way to solve a problem in your everyday life.

Course Description from the college catalog: A survey course in mathematics for non-mathematics majors. Course covers an introduction to many topics including exponential and logarithmic functions, personal finance, logical thinking, probability, statistical reasoning, and geometry. [Fall/Spring] 3 hours per week. 3 credits Prerequisite(s): Appropriate score on placement test or MAT 031+.

What do you need to do to be successful in this course? Keep in mind that this course is a part of your journey to your ultimate goal: a certificate, a job, enrichment, transferring to another institution, or graduation at this college. So approach this course with enthusiasm. It will take hard work, time, and effort. In fact, the average student should spend a minimum of 6 hours outside of class each week (two hours for every hour spent in class). So allow for study time, time to meet with me, time to work with a tutor, time to work on homework, and time to read and review the book and notes. But remember all that hard work, time, and effort will help you achieve your goal.

Course Material

Exponential & Logarithmic Functions

Personal Finance

Logical Thinking

Probability

Statistical Reasoning

Geometry (as time allows)

MAT 107 Common Core Learning Outcomes 1. Apply the mathematical skills required in

performing operations and/or problem-solving related to foundations of mathematics.

2. Analyze mathematical models such as equations, formulas, graphs, tables, functions, and/or figures, and draw inferences from them related to foundations of mathematics.

3. Communicate mathematical information conceptually, symbolically, visually, and/or numerically using appropriate terminology related to foundations of mathematics.

4. Evaluate and/or interpret mathematical information, relationships, facts, concepts, and/or theories related to foundations of mathematics.

MAT 107 Fall 2017

Syllabus 2 Chesapeake College

Grading Policy: All grades will be posted on Canvas. Components of Final Grade Letter Grade Bootcamp 5% A 90% - 100% Homework 10% B 80% - 89.99% Quizzes/Projects 15% C 70% - 79.99% Tests 50% D 60% - 69.99% Final Exam* 20% F 0% - 59.99% (*Final is cumulative*)

*** Note: Grades are not rounded up. An 89.99% is a B not an A.

What is the course made up of?

Attendance: Attendance is extremely important and vital to your success. It is your responsibility to be present at each class session and to stay informed of any test/schedule changes announced during an absence. If you are having trouble, please contact me immediately. You can also ask for help at the Academic Support Center in the LRC.

Reading Assignments: Read/watch the online resources available on Canvas and/or textbook sections corresponding to what is covered in class.

Bootcamp: This module is an introduction to the course and an algebra review consisting of material that you need to know coming into the course. Please see Canvas for the assignments that are to be completed.

Homework Assignments: You will be completing several homework assignments throughout the semester – at least one for each textbook section. Most if not all of the assignments will be on Canvas while others may be handwritten assignments (handouts). Homework problems that are to be turned in must be completed in good mathematical form. Homework must be done neatly, completely, and in pencil. Homework will not be accepted late. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you must turn it in on the day you return. Note: Homework assignments can and should be used as review for tests and the final exam.

Quizzes/Projects: Some quizzes will be given in-class and others will be completed on Canvas. In-class quizzes may or may not be announced ahead of time. If you are absent the day of an in-class quiz, you cannot make it up. There will be several projects or other class assignments which will be explained in class and/or on Canvas.

Tests: There will be 4 to 5 tests throughout the semester covering 3 to 6 sections each. Tests will be taken in class. Test dates will be announced during class and/or on Canvas at least one week in advance. No test grade(s) will be dropped. There are no make-up tests. If you know ahead of time that you will be unable to be

in class on a test day, you will need to let me know at least one week in advance to set up a time to take the test early. Early tests can be taken no more than two weekdays before the test is administered in class. At the end of the semester, I will replace your final exam score with your lowest test score (provided the final exam score is higher). Please keep in mind that the final exam counts as 20% of the overall grade in addition to replacing the lowest test score. Note: Using a cell phone or other electronic device (except an appropriate calculator) during a test is prohibited and will result in a zero on that test. You may not leave the classroom during a test.

Final Exam: Devote a good deal of study time for the final exam as it is cumulative and is 20% of the overall grade. The date, time, and location of the final exam will be posted in Canvas.

How can you get additional help? The Academic Support Center (ASC) is located in L-105 of the Learning Resource Center in Wye Mills, in the Multi-Service Center in Cambridge, and online. Tutors are available to help you with writing, math, science, and basic technology skills in any course you take at Chesapeake. Don't wait to take advantage of this free resource provided by Chesapeake College to help you do your best! For more information, please visit the “Support/Policies” tab in our Canvas Course, the ASC’s website at http://info.chesapeake.edu/lrc/tutoring, call 410-827-5854, or email asc@chesapeake.edu.

Academic Accommodations: If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic adjustments for any of the classes you are taking at Chesapeake, please contact Judy Gordon, Accessibility and Student Compliance Coordinator as soon as possible to develop an accommodation plan. Ms. Gordon is located in the Dorchester Building, Room D-139; her phone number is 410-827-5805 and her e-mail address is jgordon@chesapeake.edu. Find out more at http://www.chesapeake.edu/students/disability

Note: Students are expected to behave in a manner becoming of an adult with thoughtfulness and respect for others. Please do not talk to other students during inappropriate times. Cell phones, laptops, and/or other personal devices are to be kept silent and unused at all times during class. Thank you in advance for your consideration of your fellow students and you who have paid to learn what this course has to offer.

Academic Honesty: Conceptual discussion of homework assignments between students can be helpful & is encouraged. However, copying or sharing solutions is not allowed as plagiarism is a form of

MAT 107 Fall 2017

Syllabus 3 Chesapeake College

cheating. This means you can discuss questions in general but not in specifics! Each student must complete assignments on his/her own (except group assignments). Cheating includes representing the ideas of anyone except yourself as your own ideas. Helping someone else cheat is a form of academic dishonesty. Students are responsible for completing all quizzes, tests & the final exam without assistance (either voluntary or involuntary) from others. If you have a question regarding a problem’s wording on a quiz, test, or the final, you may ask me for clarification. No communication among students during quizzes, tests, or the final is allowed. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty may result in disciplinary action.

Chesapeake College Policies Please refer to the Support/Policies tab in the navigation menu on the left side of our Canvas course page to view the College’s policies regarding Accessibility Accommodations, Title IX, Academic Dishonesty, the Academic Instructor Emergency Management Plan, and other guiding statements that support student success.

Chesapeake College Course Limit Policy: Effective Spring 2008, students may only attempt a course a maximum of 3 times. Both Audits (L) & Withdrawals (W) count as an attempt at a course. Students should check with the receiving institution as to the transferability of a course as well as what letter grades will transfer successfully.

General Education Competencies This is a General Education course in which students will be able to meet the following General Education Competencies: 1. Solve problems using critical analysis and reasoning 2. Apply scientific and/or quantitative reasoning skills

effectively

Foundations of Mathematics Course Objectives Module 1 – Logical Thinking 1. Express logical statements symbolically and translate

symbolic statements into English statements. 2. Assess the validity of logical expressions. 3. Explore common logical fallacies. 4. Use Venn Diagrams to solve logic problems. 5. Distinguish between a deductive argument and inductive

argument (or reasoning). Module 2 – Probability 1. Calculate the number of possible events, using counting

rules, combinations and permutations. 2. Calculate basic and conditional probabilities used in

decision-making processes. 3. Use data from two-way tables, tree diagrams, Venn

Diagrams, and area models in order to determine probabilities and make informed decisions.

4. Calculate odds, and explain the relationship between odds and probabilities.

5. Analyze outcomes, draw conclusions or make decisions related to risk, pay-off, expected value and false negatives/positives in various probability contexts.

Module 3 – Statistical Reasoning 1. Identify limitations, strengths or lack of information in

studies including data collection methods and possible sources of bias.

2. Compare the results of polls using margin of error, and identify errors or misuses of statistics to justify particular conclusions.

3. Solve problems requiring interpretation and comparison of complex numeric summaries, including weighted averages, indices, coding and ranking

4. Make decisions based on data from two-way tables, tree diagrams, Venn diagrams, and area models.

Module 4 – Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 1. Identify the basic properties of exponential functions

(including a^x) and the natural and common logarithms. 2. Graph exponential and logarithmic functions, including

those that have undergone basic transformations. 3. Solve equations involving exponential functions and

logarithmic functions. 4. Recognize exponential fns. from tables, graphs, or eqns. 5. Convert between exponential & logarithmic expressions. 6. Model and solve applied problems involving exponential

functions and the logistic function, including models of exponential growth and exponential decay that appear in finance and biology problems.

Module 5 – Personal Finance 1. Use appropriate formulas, algorithms, and technology to

solve problems involving taxes, savings, loans, investments, and credit cards.

2. Use compound and continuous interest formulas to solve problems involving loans and investments, such as total interest paid, present value, future value, growth rate or time period, and the annual percentage yield.

3. Prepare and interpret an amortization (table) schedule, and use it to compute the monthly payments and interest costs for loans, i.e. for cars or homes.

4. Analyze loans to calculate payment, total interest paid, present value, and future value. Determine the balance and amount of interest at any time during the amortization.

5. Analyze increasing and decreasing annuities to calculate rent, total interest, present value, and future value.

6. Solve problems involving what one can afford in order to achieve a financial goal, i.e., annuity payment, mortgage payment.

7. Optional: Analyze and compare different real-world loan situations, for example: traditional vs. Roth IRAs, add-on loans, and mortgage points.

8. Optional: Use difference equations to model a variety of real-world situations, including finance problems (particularly appropriate for solving annuity problems in which the money never runs out) and analyze difference equation graphs.