Northern Virginia Community College
MTH 151
Math for Liberal Arts (3 credits)
Lecture Location:Bisdorf (AA) Room 355
Instructor: Neha Jain
Phone: (703)-845-6515
E-mail:
Office Hours: T 12:30 – 2:00, W 9:30 – 11:00, F 8:30 – 10:30
Office Hours (By appointments): TR 8:00 – 9:30
ACE Hours: M 2:00 – 4:00
Course Prerequisites: The prerequisites are a satisfactory score on an appropriate proficiency examination and two years of algebra and one year of geometry or the equivalent.
Course Description and Objective: MTH 151 and MTH 152 is a two semester sequence designed to give an appreciation for the uses of mathematics in the contemporary world and to develop an ability to solve certain mathematical problems in a logical manner. Topics in MTH 151 include sets, logic, numeration systems, geometric systems, and elementary computer concepts. The prerequisites are a satisfactory score on an appropriate proficiency examination and two years of algebra and one year of geometry or the equivalent.
Textbook and MyMath Lab Access Code:
1. Mathematical Ideas With Appendices 2nd Custom Edition Northern Virginia Community College by Charles D. Miller, Vern E.Heeren, and John Hornsby, © 2012 Pearson Education Inc. ISBN 10: 1-256-34567, ISBN 13: 978-1-256-34567-1.
2. MyMathLab Access Code
· The text comes in a customized format that is packaged with a MyMathLab (MML) Access Code.We will be using the MML for homework assignments so you need to have an access code.
· MyMathLab gives you access to online resources and an eText which can be printed or just used online; you can buy the code on–line with a credit card. When a student goes to the initial registration page, he/she is given three options - enter access code, buy access code, and then in smaller print, but towards the bottom of the page - click here to access a complimentary 17 day code.
Chapter Coverage:
Chapter 2: all (& Extension) Chapter 9: §§1, 2, 4, 5, 7
Chapter 3: all Chapter 15: §§1-3
Chapter 4: §§1-4 Chapter 13: all;
Attendance: Absences affect the final grade as follows:
0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5+2 / +1 / 0 / -1 / -2 / -3
In reality, a student who misses even a few days puts himself or herself at a severe disadvantage. Significant content is covered each period. The class experience itself is as important as the end result. You are responsible for all material covered and work assigned during an absence.
Withdrawal: February 1 is the last day to drop the class with a tuition refund or change the class to audit. March 25 is the last day to withdraw without a grade penalty. You can withdraw by March 25 without my approval by going to MyNOVA and withdrawing yourself from the course and receive a W grade. After March 25, withdrawal with a W grade will only be considered under extreme circumstances and you must request a withdrawal in writing with verifiable justification or documentation. Your request would need to be approved by the Dean of the Science, Technology, and Business Division
Grading: You will be graded on the following components:
1. Homework—100 points
2. Four Tests – 200 points
3. Quizzes –100 points
4. Final Exam – 100 points
Homework: Student will need a MyMathLab access code in order to do online homework. MyMathLab includes an electronic version of your textbook, multimedia learning aids, videos, animations, and live tutorial help. You can purchase a MyMathLab access code in the bookstore with your textbook or online at http://pearsonmylabandmastering.com/ To log into this class you will need the course ID: jain15492. For homework problems, you must keep a notebook in which you write down all your work. Please see Blackboard for the deadline of your homework assignments on MyMathLab. There will be 5 Chapterwise Homework Assignments during the semester.
Four Tests: There will be four tests during the semester. NO MAKE UPS ALLOWED. Any test not taken will get a zero. The lowest test grade will be replaced by your grade on the final. Example: If you have 60% on Test 3 and it is your lowest test grade during the semester and you made 80% on your final exam, then I will change your grade of 60% on Test 3 to 80%.
Test date will be announced one week in advance.
Quizzes: There will be seven quizzes during the semester. There will be no make ups for the quizzes. Quizzes not taken will get a zero. Lowest two quiz grades will be dropped. Five quiz grades will be counted towards final grade.
Final Exam: The cumulative (material from the whole semester) final exam is worth 100 points of your grade. The final must be taken to pass the course.
Grades: In general, 90%-100% is an A, 80%-89% is a B, 70%-79% is a C, 60%-69% is a D, and below 60% is a F. I reserve the right to lower the curve, but I will not raise the curve.
Scoring for HW/Tests/Quizzes/Finals: Credit will be based on completeness and process, in addition to answers. You must show your work, or explain your process in addition to giving an answer. When in doubt write more than you feel is necessary. Imagine that I am an extremely slow learner with no previous knowledge of the subject. Partial credit may be given if the process is correct but answer is incorrect. No partial credit will be given if no work is shown. An assignment that is just a list of answers will receive no credit. Students will be expected to complete assignments on time, whether or not they attended class on a specific day.
Special Needs: Please see me at the beginning of the semester about any special needs or accommodations. If you are seeking an accommodation based on a disability, you must provide a disability data sheet, which can be obtained from the counselor for special needs, who is located in Bisdorf (AA) 229 and can be reached at (703) 933-1840. For more information go to http://www.nvcc.edu/current-students/disability-services/index.html
Getting Help:
1) Email your questions to . I will reply as soon as I can, usually within 24 hours.
2) Free Mathematics Tutoring services are provided at the Math Lab in AA 161 at the Alexandria Campus. Their phone number is 703-845-6151 and their website is: http://www.nvcc.edu/campuses-and-centers/alexandria/campus-resources/academic-center/mathlab.html Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.; Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
3) Come during my Office Hours
4) MyMathLab: Exercises on MML include guided solutions, sample problems, and learning aids for extra help.
I recommend you use all available resources and get help early, and often. Do not wait until you are failing!
NOTE: The professor reserves the rights to make merited exceptions to the policies presented judged on a case by case basis or change any item in this syllabus, with proper notice given to the students, as a result of changes in conditions from those anticipated at the beginning of the semester.
Classroom Courtesy
In every classroom the needs of the individual must be balanced with the needs of the group. Because we come from diverse backgrounds, we do not always have identical expectations or understanding of appropriate classroom behavior. What follows is a set of courtesies to observe in the classroom, to maintain the balance.
· Arrive to class on time. If you are unavoidably late, please proceed to your seat quietly. Do not expect the class to stop while you get caught up.
· Students who are more than 5 minutes late will be marked absent. NO EXCEPTIONS.
· Every time a student is caught text messaging or talking on a cell phone, 3 points will be deducted from the next test grade. Cell Phones , beepers, etc should be turned off or set on no sound
· Be prepared for class. Bring text, notebook, pen or several sharpened pencils. Do not get up during class to sharpen your pencil.
· Take care of personal needs before class. In extreme emergencies if you must leave class do so, and return with as little disruption as possible.
· Personal issues – attendance problems, grades, etc should not be raised during class time. See the instructor before or after class or during office hours.
· Pay attention in class. Only one person should be speaking at a time. Do not talk to classmates when instructor or a classmate is speaking or asking a question. Do not do homework from this or another class. You may miss an important point. .
· Any behavior that is distracting to any member of the class is inappropriate.
· Inappropriate language will not be tolerated. This includes blasphemy, vulgarity and derogatory comments of any sort.
· If you must leave class early (rarely- in an unavoidable or emergency situation) it is polite to inform the instructor in advance, if possible.
· If you must be absent
o Notify instructor by email (preferably) or voicemail
o Check with a classmate for notes and assignments.
o You are responsible for obtaining all missed class notes, assignments and handouts.
o Get tutoring from math lab or during instructor’s office hours if necessary
· There is a direct correlation between attendance and grades.
· Students will be expected to complete assignments on time, whether or not they attended class on a specific day. Missed tests/quizzes cannot be made up.
· Keep a record of your own grades. Check this with your instructor from time to time. Make sure you understand the grading policy.
· Do not ask for extra credit work. This is especially true for those with attendance problems, or missing assignments. Any extra work allowed will be offered to the entire class at the instructor’s discretion.
· Cheating in any form is prohibited. Please be sure you understand what plagiarism and unauthorized collaboration are. The consequence of cheating, (giving or receiving help on quizzes or exams), will result in failure of the course.
· Partial credits for a problem if granted will be decided by the instructor.
· DO NOT WRITE ON YOUR GRADED TESTS OR QUIZZES. I make random copies of your work.
Blackboard will be updated with announcements and documents as needed. Check for the current assignments, class notes, and due dates on Blackboard regularly.
Neha JainPage 1