MT001 / Basic MathematicsSyllabus / Spring 2009

ERIECOMMUNITY COLLEGE – CITY CAMPUS

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Instructor

Name: / David M. Usinski
Office: / 303
Office Hours: / MWF 7:45-8:25a, MW 1:00 - 1:50p
Phone: / (716) 851-1161
E-mail: / Web Site:

Course Information

Course # / Course Name / Credit Hours / Room / Days / Time
MT 001-AC / Basic Mathematics / 5.0 / 270 / M, W, F / 8:25 am – 9:50 am
MT 001-AH / Basic Mathematics / 5.0 / 270 / M, W, F / 10:00 am – 11:25 am
MT 001-AI / Basic Mathematics / 5.0 / 270 / M, W, F / 11:30 am – 12:55 pm

Course Materials

Academic Systems, by Kinney/Robertson, PLATO Learning Inc., ISBN-13 978-0-7419-1363-0

You must purchase this book NEW from the CITY CAMPUS bookstore. Included in the book will be a required pass code necessary to keep your account active. DO NOT LOSE THIS CODE.

Required calculator fortests four, five, and six of the course (preferably a Texas Instruments model TI-30X IIS).

Course Description

Non-credit. A developmental course designed to improve the confidence, study habits, and basic skills necessary for subsequent mathematics or related coursework. Topics will include: whole numbers (exponents, primes, factors); rational numbers (ratios, proportions); decimals (percents, square roots); measurements (U.S. and metric); simple geometry and formulas; integers; operations with simple algebraic expressions; basic calculator skills; equations and word problems related to each topic. Calculator computations will also be included. Optional material may include: geometry, formulas, and measurement. This course does not apply toward the Associate Degree.

This course will be taught using Plato Learning (Academic Systems). This is a program in which you will spend most of your class time on a computer. Academic Systems is designed to teach you and have you practice mathematical concepts. I will guide, assist, and teach you as necessary. Although you will be able to work at your own pace, you need to keep up with the schedule given to you, in order to successfully complete the course work. It is your responsibility to spend as much time as needed, in class and out of class, to keep up. If you get a head of the schedule you can take the tests earlier than the scheduled date.

Course Objectives

To develop and strengthen arithmetic skills needed for higher level mathematics courses. At the completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Perform basic computations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents and integers.
Apply the rules for divisibility by 2, 3, and 5 when writing the prime factors of whole numbers.
Convert fractions, decimals, and percents from one form to another.
Convert between metric and U.S. systems of measurement.
Apply the rules of rounding-off when estimating appropriate answers.
Apply the order of operations to evaluate arithmetic expressions.
Represent a comparison of data in ratio form and solve proportions.
Evaluate perimeter, area, and volume formulas for basic geometric figures.
Perform arithmetic on integers.
Solve simple linear equations involving one or two operations.
Demonstrate a “sense of numbers” by determining if a mathematical solution is “reasonable.”
Present organized written work and show a check to avoid careless mistakes.
Analyze and solve everyday problems that involve unit pricing, rate of discount and sales tax.
Perform mental arithmetic and use a calculator effectively, when appropriate.
Read critically and think logically when solving applications that involve whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents.
Technology Objectives:
  1. Use the arithmetic operations on the scientific calculator to solve applied problems
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the functions of the keys:
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of order of operations on the scientific calculator.

Related Program Competencies

Students will learn to write correctly and effectively, to read critically and think logically, to understand basic computational procedures and quantitative analysis, to identify and analyze problems and to propose and evaluate solutions. At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  1. To read critically.
    Related Course Objectives: 11, 13, 15
  2. To apply appropriate mathematical procedures and quantitative methods.
    Related Course Objectives: 1–10, and 14
  3. To identify and logically analyze problems and issues, and to propose and evaluate solutions.
    Related Course Objectives: 11–15
  4. To demonstrate awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge.
    Related Course Objective: 13

See Course Catalog for General Education Competencies.

Course Policies

Attendance: / Although attendance is taken daily, it does not have a direct impact on your grade. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that successful students attend class regularly while course failures are habitually absent.
Classroom Policy: / Smoking and eating are not allowed by school policy and fire code laws. Don’t be late or leave early. However, if you are late or need to leave early, try not to disturb the class. You should not walk in and out of the class without a pressing reason. Turn your cell phones and any other form of electronic devices off. Anyone behaving in a disruptive manner or refusing to follow the usual standards for academic behavior will receive a course grade of 'F' and will be barred from attending class.
Homework: / As you progress through a section or topic you will find the appropriate homework assignments on the Homework handouts. Since you will be working at your own pace your daily assignment will be based on the work you complete in class. Homework is not collected, but is very necessary to succeed. Be organized. Check your answers in the back of the Book. Get help when needed.
On-Line Quizzes: / Approximately 25%: At the end of each section you will complete a quiz, found under evaluate, that will be graded by the computer. You are expected to take these quizzes on your own, without help from books, notes, or other people. If you do poorly on a quiz, get help on the material you struggled with. Then you can take the quiz again to improve your grade. You can take the quiz up to three times; thehighest score will count. You will take twelve on-line quizzes. You may wish to take the pre-test (Overview) of each section right before the quiz as review. The pre-tests do not count as a grade.
In-Class Tests: / Approximately 75% There will be six Tests taken in class not using the computer. Please see the Course Schedule for test dates. Each test will be covering the material from two quizzes.
Calculators: / A scientific calculator is required for selected topics towards the end of the course. On some assessments, the use of calculators will be prohibited. The instructor will notify you whether or not you may use a calculator. You must supply your own calculator for class, quizzes and exams. Sharing of calculators is not allowed and will result in a “0” on the quiz/exam for both parties involved. Cell phone calculators are also strictly prohibited. You may NOT use your cell phone as a calculator during tests. Cell phones will not be allowed to remain on during tests. If you leave the test sight to answer a call, you may leave your exam with the instructor and not return.
Math Lab: / The Math Lab is a free service provided to math students of ECC who would like assistance with homework or class work in any of their math courses. The lab operates on a drop-in basis and is located in the room 364. There are also student tutors and a video library available to help you.
Dates: / Classes Begin / Tuesday / January 20
Last Day to Add/Drop / Monday / January 26
Presidents’ Day Recess / Monday-Tuesday / February 16-17
College Day / Friday / March 6
Last Day to Withdraw
Registrar’s Office 45 Oak St. / Tuesday / April 7
Spring Recess / Wednesday-Saturday / April 8-18
Semester Ends / Monday / May 18
Withdrawal / The last day for you to withdraw from this class is listed above. Students can withdraw by going to the Registrar Office in person. In the event that you have to withdraw, the grade that appears on your transcript will be a "W". If you stop going to classes, and you do not withdraw, the grade that appears on your transcript will be an "F".
Academic Integrity: / All academic work must be your own. Collaboration, usually evidenced by unjustifiable similarity in assignments, is never allowed. After an appropriate informal review, if any students are found in violation of maintaining academic integrity, sanctions will be imposed, which can be as severe as failing the course for reasons of academic dishonesty. Especially flagrant violations will be considered under formal review proceedings, which can call for harsher sanctions including expulsion from the college. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the policy, particularly as it relates to this course, please talk to your instructor. Following dismissal from the course, the students has the right to appeal such sanction through the student grievance procedure.
Disabilities: / If you are a qualified student with a disability seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to self-identify with the Disabled Students Services' Office (room S-217, phone 851-1495 ) for further information. Students are encouraged to bring information about accommodations to this instructor as early in the semester to avoid any delay in implementing accommodations. Accommodations are not retroactive.
Incomplete Grades: / Please refer to the ECC Catalog Handbook.
  • Student must complete 75% of course material before an Incomplete is to beconsidered.
  • A valid medical explanation signed by a physician, including contact info (phone #), must be submitted in the case of an Incomplete that is under consideration for health reasons.

Note: / The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments to this syllabus as necessary.
Grading Policy

Your final grade will be calculated using the tests, quizzes, homework/project assignments, and attendance/participation. The following table indicates the grade breakdown which I will use in assigning grades in the course. I reserve the right to make adjustments to the following breakdown table if I feel it is necessary.Plus and minus grades will be given at the instructor’s discretion.

Percent / Letter Grade
A / 90 – 100
B / 80 – 89.99
C / 70 – 79.99
D / 60 – 69.99
F / Below 60

IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST SEMESTER TAKING THIS MATH COURSE AND YOU FEEL YOU ARE NOT PLACED IN THE APPROPRIATE COURSE, YOU MAY CHALLENGE YOUR PLACEMENT ONLY DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS.

Sign up for retest in room 150.

APPROXIMATE TEST DATES

Topic/Unit

/

Tests should be completed

BY this date

WHOLE NUMBERS I and II

/

February 4

FRACTIONS I and II

/

February 25

DECIMALS I and II

/

March 11

PROPORTIONS and PERCENTS

/

April 1

SIGN NUMBERS I and II

/

April 29

GEOMETRY and MEASUREMENT

/

May 15

Tests do not have to be taken on these days, but this will give you an idea of the required pace to complete the course. To pass you need to take all SIX tests and have a passing average.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS COURSE

  • Although you can progress at your own pace, you need to keep up with the schedule I have given you. You are allowed and encouraged to work ahead. If you are falling behind see me for suggestions.
  • Attend class every day.
  • Click on underlined words for definitions.
  • Click on the red telephone and the magnifying glass for extra help.
  • Use the link to explain icon to go back and review.
  • Complete and check homework assignments before doing Evaluate.
  • After taking a quiz in the Evaluate section, go through the quiz immediately. Take notes on the problems you got wrong and study them before taking another quiz.
  • Use your Personal Academic Notebook to help you learn. The book has examples similar to what you have seen on the computer. The pages before the homework assignments have good explanations and help to keep you working.
  • Take good notes while you are working on the computer. This is not a spectator sport. Get involved and work hard. You control what you learn and if you keep up.
  • Use the Math Lab and my office hours for more personal attention.
  • Use the Math Lab in room 364 and the Computer Lab in room 362 for more time on Academic Systems. Check the hours on the doors. Use these labs to keep up or get ahead. Also you can work from any computer that has Internet access.