Course Syllabus - Spring 2004

Course Number: MATH 1101

Course Title: Mathematical Modeling

Hours Credit: 3 hours

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Varies (multiple sections)

Instructor Office Hours: Varies (at least 10hrs/week)

Course Description: This course is an introduction to mathematical modeling using graphical, numerical, symbolic, and verbal techniques to describe and explore real-world data and phenomena. Emphasis is on the use of elementary functions to investigate and analyze applied problems and questions, supported by the use of appropriate technology, and on effective communication of quantitative concepts and results. Credit for this course is not allowed if the student already has credit for a higher-numbered mathematics course.

Topics: Data analysis; Funtions ( Linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, & logarithmic); Rates of change; Linear systems; Law of exponents & logarithms, Growth & Decay models; as well as related topics as they pretain to the scoop of the course.

Text: Explorations in College Algebra, 2nd edition, Klime & Clark; Wiley; 2001

Learning Outcomes: Students should be able to:

  1. Use graph, tables, and numerical descriptors to represent single variable data.
  2. Represent functions with tables, graphs, equations, and function notation.
  3. Understand how representation of data can be biased.
  4. Calculate and interpret average rates of change.
  5. Find a solution for a system of two linear equations.
  6. Use systems of linear equations to model some social and physical phenomena.
  7. Write expressions in scientific notaion.
  8. Simplify expressions using the rules of exponents.
  9. Use exponential functions to model growth and decay phenomena.
  10. Understand the basic properties of common and natural logarithms.
  11. Develop a sense about the relationship between size and shape.
  12. Recognize, evaluate, and graph quadratic functions.

Grading Methods: Tests, Quizzes, Final Exam, Homework; Percentages decided by instructor.

Grading Scale: