Functions & Models: Spring 2009Syllabus

Instructor:

Jenny Nail


MCRey 118
Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00-11:00
Math Help Center Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 7:00pm-11:00pm

Schedule

11:10 - 12:00 MWF Mills 304
Text

Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, Stewart, Redlin, and Watson
Brooks/Cole, 5th, 2006 ISBN 0-534-49277-0
Objectives

This course attempts to cover the material necessary to succeed in Calculus or in non-calculus based analytical classes. The topics of basic polynomial algebra, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometry will be covered from a functional perspective. These functions will be studied in the context of (discrete) population models, and the assumptions of the growth rates of the population models that generate these functions will be emphasized. As in all analytical subjects, the development of a base level of computational skills is a fundamental objective of this course. However, pure analytical computation is only a tool whose value comes from a clear understanding of what these skills can do in a much broader context of correctly applying them to the fundamental concepts. Hence the development of analytical problem-solving techniques will also be developed. We will cover topics found in Chapters 2-7 of the text, and you are responsible for reviewing/mastering the material in Chapter 1.

Homework

Homework will be assigned from problems in the text and from handouts posted on the course's website. These problems will not be graded, but as they are offered to help develop the necessary computational and problem-solving skills required to be successful in the course it is important that you make every effort to work on these problems in a timely fashion. There will be a number of quizzes given at the start of class that will check your progress in doing the homework.
Essay

Very early in the semester you will be asked to write a 2 to 3 page essay on a reading assignment chosen from the essay reading list that is posted on our web page. This list contains a variety of articles, chapters, and books that are related to the use of mathematics in a wide range of technological and social contexts. The essays should describe your reactions to (NOT a report on) and your analysis of the article(s) you read. The essay will be graded on grammar, content, and form.

Exams

There will be many short quizzes during the semester (approximately 2 per week). They will cover the basic computational skills necessary for the successful completion of the course. There will also be 2 full period exams that will cover the conceptual ideas of the material as well as the corresponding computational skills. There will be a comprehensive final examination. It will be both conceptual and computational and will link many important topics from the course.

Grading Summary
Quizzes / varying point totals
Essay / 100 points
Problem Solving Exams / 2 @ 100 points
Final Exam / 200 points


The grade cutoffs will be: A 90% - 100% , B 80% - 89%, C 70% - 79%, D 60% - 69%, F below 60%.

Expectations

You are expected to attend class regularly and come both physically and mentally prepared. You will find that there is a substantial amount of material that you will be responsible for that is not in the text. In fact, the "flow" of the course is quite independent of and different from the presentation found in the text. So in this sense you should view the text more as "reference material" rather than an outline of the course.
Generally, you should spend two to three hours of preparation outside of class for each class period, though this may depend on your background and ability. You are responsible for understanding the course material and getting help on that material you do not understand. It is expected that you will put forth the appropriate effort to master the material. Don't be discouraged if you struggle with the assignments during the semester. I strongly encourage you to work together on the homework and to study for tests together. In addition, seek help from the student assistants in the math help center and from me as soon as you become confused.

Makeup and Late Policy

For the two full period exams, makeups will be given only DURING READING DAY BEFORE THE FINAL IN THIS COURSE. Also, since there will have been a significant amount of additional time for preparation for these makeups and keys to the original exams will have been posted, the level of mastery of the appropriate material will be tested at a significantly higher level. However, if you know you must miss an exam you will have the option of taking the exam early IF you notify me in an appropriate time frame BEFORE the exam. You may not make up more than ONE exam at the end of the semester.

Honor Code

Although we strongly encourage you to discuss problems and share ideas with others, work handed in for a grade should be your own in as much as it is written in your own words and formulated in your own steps. If you incorporate the work of others, you must explicitly give them credit. Dishonesty of any type will result in removal from class. Plagiarism is the use of someone else's ideas or words without giving the appropriate credit. Hendrix views acts of plagiarism very seriously which can result in expulsion from the College. Cheating is also viewed as an extremely serious offense, and anyone caught cheating will be reported to the Academic Integrity Committee. If found guilty, punishments have historically ranged from a zero on the assignment to expulsion from the course, and expulsion from the College is a potential punishment as well. You can find the College's policy on academic integrity in the Student Handbook via the Hendrix homepage.

Classroom Etiquette

Cell phones and pagers will be turned off or silent during class time. If anyone must contact you during class time have them call Mary Wiese at 450-1270. Rudeness by anyone in the class towards a classmate or me will NOT be tolerated and may result in removal from the course.

Americans with Disabilities Act

It is the policy of Hendrix College to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law. Any student who needs accommodation in relation to a recognized disability should inform the instructor at the beginning of the course. In order to receive accommodations, students with disabilities are required to contact Julie Brown in Academic Support Services at 501-505-2954.