Math 108 Syllabus

Math 108: Quantitative Reasoning

MWF 1:00-1:50 - RH201 - Lecture C001 - Course #3721 - Final C17-3

Instructor: Dr. Anthony van Groningen Office: R229 Ph: (715) 234-8176 x5435
E-mail: anthony.vangroningen AT uwc.edu
Office Hours: M-F 9-10; MW 2-3
Text: Quantitative reasoning: understanding the mathematical patterns in nature by Frederick P. Greenleaf
Course Web-site: http://barron.uwc.edu/staff/vangroningen/www/108/

Catalog Description: This course is intended to develop analytic reasoning and the ability to solve quantitative problems. Topics to be covered include construction and interpretation of graphs, functional relationships, descriptive statistics, geometry and spatial visualization, math of finance, exponential growth, and basic probability. Appropriate use of units and dimensions, estimates, mathematical notation and available technology will be emphasized throughout the course. Prereq: a) two years of high school algebra, b) a grade of C or better in MAT 105, or c)course(s) equivalent to a) or b).

Topics: Measuring in the real world; Growth, decay, and the mathematics of finance; Geometry and trigonometry; Statistics and Probability; Add'l Topics

Important Dates:

Nov 10: Last day to drop or withdraw
Nov 28: No Class
Dec 15: Last Day
Dec 17: Final Exam 2:00-4:00

Grading:

We will have four 50 minute exams. The average of the exams will contribute 60% of your course grade. Tentative dates for the exams are Sep 26, Oct 17, Nov 7, and Nov 24.
The final exam is cumulative and determines 20% of your grade.
The remaining 20% is determined by quizzes and/or take-home worksheets.
Attendance and class participation will be used to decide borderline grades.

Grade	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	D-	F+	F
%	93	90	87	83	80	77	73	70	67	63	60	57	< 57

Policies and Comments:

Attendance: The text is not a substitute for lecture; you must attend class.
Homework: Practice exercises from the text will be assigned on a regular basis. The current assignment will appear on the course website and it will be your responsibility to check it routinely. This will not be graded. It is vital to your success that you attempt the exercises in a timely manner. If you are struggling with a given topic, do not hesitate to come see me or discuss the problems with your classmates. I encourage you to form study groups with your peers.
Quizzes and Exams: I will give brief weekly in-class quizzes and/or take-home worksheets. It is not unusual for these to have problems similar or identical to the practice exercises. For take-home work I expect the final product to be your own writing.
You may use your notes during exams and quizzes, but not your textbook. I may pick some quiz questions directly from the homework, so it is a good idea to write exercises neatly in your notebook and to keep your worksheets organized.
Make-up policy:
- If you will be missing an exam due to a University-approved absence you must confer with me ahead of time.
- If you are seriously ill or injured you may make up an exam with a note from a doctor's office on official letterhead.
- A student in good standing may make up one missed exam at the end of the semester. Good standing means regular attendance and a grade of C- or higher. The highest grade you may receive on the missed exam is a C-.
Calculators: You will need a scientific calculator for this course. This should be able to handle scientific notation and trigonometry. Your texts assumes you have a SHARP calculator, but most are similar.
If you need special accommodations in order to meet any of the requirements of the course, please contact me as soon as possible.

Assesment: A UW Colleges-wide assessment program has been put into place to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the curriculum, programs, and services of the institution. The following areas of proficiency will be assessed because they are of primary importance in the education of our students: Analytical Skills, Quantitative Skills, Communication Skills, and Aesthetic Engagement. During the 2008-2009 school year, we will focus on the Quantitative Skills proficiency. The Mathematics Department has also determined a number of core proficiencies for students enrolled in mathematics classes, including solving equations, setting up and solving applied problems, simplifying and evaluating expressions, and graphing-related questions. Some or all of these skill areas may be incorporated into the department assessment exercises this year.

Changes: The information on this sheet may be subject to change. All changes will be announced in advance in class. Students are responsible for keeping track of changes.