MATH 103 - Survey of Mathematical Thought - Fall 2007
MWF 2:00–2:50 - SCIC 122
Jim Brumbaugh-Smith
Office Hours in Science 120
Campus Mail: Box 111
Phone: 982-5011
(See instructor’s web page.)
E-mail: jpbrumbaugh-smith@manchester.edu
Web: users.manchester.edu/facstaff/jpbrumbaugh-smith/index.htm
Description: In this course we will cover a variety of fundamental mathematical concepts having
wide application in the world today. Topics include developing and understanding growth models,
using and interpreting probability, everyday use of statistics and the mathematics of decision-making.
Related Curriculum: The prerequisite for this course is basic arithmetic skills, as covered in the
mathematics placement test or MATH 100: Basic Mathematics. This course is intended to satisfy the
general education requirement in mathematics for students pursuing majors that are not highly
quantitative in nature, such as communications, languages, art, philosophy, history, physical
education, social work, etc.
Resources:
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Required: The Mathematical Palette, 3rd ed., Staszkow and Bradshaw (ISBN 0-534-40365-4).
Required: Course Notes for MATH 103, Version 8.0, Fall 2007, available at the campus store.
Optional: Study guide accompanying the text (ISBN 0-534-27147-2) is also available.
You will need a calculator for daily classroom use and for tests. Your calculator must include
square root (x ) and exponential ( yx or ^ ) keys. You will need a stapler to staple together
homework assignments before turning them in. Graph paper will also be useful.
Format: This class is organized to be highly participative and uses group work extensively. After
new material is presented you will be asked to work on a group activity and present or submit your
results. Homework problems will be assigned daily and an assignment collected weekly, generally on
Wednesday. (The lowest homework grade of the semester will be dropped.)
Evaluation:
In-Class Group Activities
Homework
3 one-hour tests (100 pts. each)
Cumulative final exam
Course Total
100
100
300
150
650
(15%)
(15%)
(46%)
(23%)
(100%)
93=A 90=A− 87=B+ 83=B 80=B− 77=C+ 73=C 70=C− 67=D+ 63=D 60=D−
In addition to having an overall average of at least 60%, to pass the course you must achieve at
least an average of 55% on the tests and the final exam.
Attendance: To maximize your learning and your grade it is important to participate in each class session.
Please let me know in advance if you are unable to attend class. Messages can be left 24 hours a day at 982-5011
or by e-mail. Students are responsible for material covered and assignments made when absent. Tests will be
made up by advance arrangement only.
Approximate Schedule:
Dates
Aug 29
Topic
Text Sections _
Introduction, Basic Skills Quiz
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Aug 31–Sep 24
Unit 1: Growth Models (10 sessions)
Sep 19 (W)
Camp Mack Day
Sep 26 (W)
TEST #1
6.1, 9.1, 9.3, 6.3
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Sep 28 – Oct 24
Unit 2: Probability and Counting (11)
Oct 18 & 19 (R/F)
Fall Break
Oct 26 (F)
TEST #2
4.1, 4.3, 3.4, 4.2, 4.6
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Oct 29 – Nov 18
Unit 3: Working With Data (9)
Nov 1 (R)
Last Day to Drop a Course or Convert to P/NP
Nov 19 (M)
TEST #3
Nov 21–23 (W–F)
Thanksgiving Break
5.1–5.5
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Nov 26 – Dec 5
Unit 4: Decision-Making (5)
Dec 7
Final Exam Review
Week of Dec 10
CUMULATIVE FINAL EXAM
Course Notes & 10.4
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