Course: MATH 1101- 01, Mathematical Modeling - 3
credits PREREQUISITE: NONE.
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 technology, and effective communication
of results.
Course Objective: This course is intended to show practical applications of
mathematics to real life situations and give meaning to math. The approach will be to use algebra to
answer questions from the physical and social sciences, through traditional
methods as well as technological tools.
Primary focus will be placed on the underlying concepts and strategies
for problem solving. The solutions themselves will be secondary, although still
important.
Instructor: Mr.
Jim Bellon jbellon@westga.edu office phone: 770) 836-4353
Office &
Hours: Boyd, rm 330 Mon & Wed 8-9am,
2-3pm, and 4:30-5:30 pm
Fri 2-3pm. Tutoring in MATH LAB Mon & Wed 3-4:30pm
Class Meets: MWF 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. Room 206 Boyd Building
Text: Explorations
in College Algebra, by Klime & Clark, 2nd edition, 2001.
A graphing calculator is STRONGLY recommended,
preferably the TI-83.
Grading: There
will be 3 class session tests (100 pts each), 1 group project (100 pts), a
comprehensive Final exam (150 pts), 7-8 quizzes (best 5 will count for 20 pts
each, totaling 100 pts), classroom group work (totaling 100 pts), and 50 class
points. This totals 800 points. Final
grades will be determined as follows:
720
and up ( 90% and up ) A
640
– 719 ( 80% to 89% ) B
560
– 639 ( 70% to 79% ) C
480
– 559 ( 60% to 69% ) D
479
and below ( 59% and below ) F
Project: Group
project (1 to 3 students) requiring some research and calculation, to be handed
in by April 3rd. Description will be handed
out at a later date.
Quizzes: Expect
about 1 quiz every week lasting about 10-15 minutes (except during a test
week). Date and topics will typically
be announced the week before.
Group work: There
will be 3-4 small classroom group projects. The work will proceed over a few
days in and out of class to be done by the students in groups with instructor
guidance.
Class Points: The
purpose of the class points is to reward students for effort and not be based
on math performance. Class points can
be obtained as follows: 1 pt for each
day present when attendance is taken. 5
pts for each homework assignment collected.
Homework: Homework
will be assigned for each textbook section.
They will periodically be collected and checked for effort. Collected work will count towards class
points.
Final Exam Date: Wednesday, December 11th 8:00
– 10:00 a.m.
Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend class and complete all work when
assigned. Grades are not directly affected by absence. However, the student is
responsible for the topics covered and assignments due whether present or not.
“I was not here” is NOT a valid excuse.
Last Date to Withdraw: Thursday, October 10th