Syllabus: IB Mathematics Higher Level – HL1 and HL2
Instructor
Mr. Michael Urbanc
Room #: 168
Email: michael.urbanc@psd150.org
Website: http://mrurbanc.weebly.com
School Phone: (309) 693-4400
Expectations
My classroom expectations can be broken down into three simple areas:
1.) Respect – Respect yourself, respect those around you including your teachers and classmates,
and respect my classroom, the supplies in it, and the school.
2.) Preparation – Come to class on time and with everything you should be bringing to class. This
includes textbook, notebooks, supplies, completed coursework, and anything else essential to
your learning.
3.) Dedication – Do your best! Put forth your best effort, pay attention in class, take notes,
complete work on time, and ask for help when necessary.
Class Overview
IB Mathematics Higher Level is a rigorous and in-depth mathematics course catering to students who are
competent in a range of analytical and technical skills. Students who choose this course will be expecting
to include mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own
right or within courses such as physics, engineering, technology, mathematics, and business. Students
taking this course should have a strong interest in mathematics and enjoy engaging in challenging
mathematical problems.
Course Goals
The goals of this course are to enable students to:
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Requirements
appreciate the multicultural and historical perspectives of mathematics courses
develop logical, critical, and creative thinking
develop an understanding of the principles and nature of the mathematics
employ and refine the powers of abstraction and generalization
develop patience and persistence in problem solving
communicate confidently and clearly in a variety of contexts
demonstrate an understanding of and the appropriate use of mathematical modeling
Bring your textbook, notebook(s), pencil, and homework to class each day.
Textbooks:
 Mathematics Higher Level, Fensom, Harcet, Heinrichs, Seiler, & Skoumal
o Note: A CD for this textbook will be provided for use on home computers.
 Mathematics Higher Level Topic 9 – Option: Calculus for the IB Diploma, Fannon, Kadelburg,
Woolley, & Ward
Calculator: A graphing calculator is required and will be used in class and on most quizzes and tests. The
IBO recommends the use of a calculator in the TI-83 plus or TI-84 plus family or and prohibits the use of a
TI-89. TI-Nspires (Non-CAS) are also allowed and will be provided by me for classroom use. There are
other acceptable and other prohibited calculators. Please see me before purchasing any calculators.
Mr. Michael Urbanc
Email: michael.urbanc@psd150.org
IB Assessment
IB Your final IB grade, based on a 1-7 scale with 7 being the best score, is determined as follows:
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External Assessment– 80%
o Paper 1 – 2 hours (No calculator)
o Paper 2 – 2 hours (w/ calc)
o Paper 3 – 1 hour (w/ calc)
Internal Assessment – 20%
o Mathematical Exploration Paper
30%
30%
20%
20%
IB Written Papers
The external assessment is based on three written papers, or summative tests, given in May of the year 2.
Paper 1 must be completed without the use of any calculator. An approved calculator may be used on
papers 2 and 3. The internal assessment (IA) is a mathematics paper that will begin during year 1 and will
be completed by the middle of year 2. We will discuss these in greater detail throughout the course.
Class Assessment
Class grades are determined using total points will be graded as follows:
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Class Grading
Homework
Mini Quizzes
Quizzes
Projects/Papers
Tests
1 pt
2-3 pts
5 pts
5-15 pts
10-15 pts
All assignments will be graded using District 150 grading scale shown below:
100 – 90
89 – 80
79 – 70
69 – 60
Below 60
A
B
C
D
F
Homework
Weekly problem sets will be given covering a variety of topics. Students will be expected to complete the
problem sets and contribute to classroom discussion over these problems. At minimum, all homework
will receive a completion grade and will usually be checked 3 sections at a time and before bigger quizzes
and tests.
Absences
If you miss a day or class due to an absence or activity, it is your responsibility to contact me prior to your
absence or upon your return to find out what material or handouts, if any, you have missed. Please copy
any notes from a fellow classmate from the time you missed. If you miss only the day of a quiz or test,
you will be required to take the quiz or test on the day you return to school unless prior arrangements
have been made.
Extra Credit
No extra credit opportunities will be provided. I will be grading the quizzes and tests using the IB marking
scheme. Based on the difficulty of many of these assessments, I will be using a grading curve to match
these mark schemes with their appropriate percentage and letter grade.
Extra Help
I am available for extra help on most days during lunch and after school. You must let me know ahead of
time if you are seeking extra assistance. Please understand I have a family and schedule, so do not show
up without prior notice. Otherwise, I am very flexible with dates and times and am more than willing to
offer extra assistance if you are willing to put in the time.
Mr. Michael Urbanc
Email: michael.urbanc@psd150.org
Tentative Topic Outline
Fall 2014 (Year 1, Semester 1)
 Arithmetic and geometric sequences and series
 Factorials, permutations, combinations, and the binomial theorem
 Functions and transformations
 Exponents and logarithms
 Circle trigonometry
 Statistics
o Variance and standard deviation
o Conditional probability, tree diagrams and Bayes’ Theorem
Spring 2015 (Year 1, Semester 2)
 Proofs and Mathematical Induction
 Complex Numbers and Roots
 Advanced Vectors in 2D and 3D including dot and cross products
 Cartesian, parametric, and vector forms of lines and planes
 Polar coordinates, Euler’s form, and complex powers and roots
Fall 2015 (Year 2, Semester 1)
 Differential Calculus (Calc I)
 Integral Calculus (Calc I)
 Advanced Statistics
o Discrete random variables, binomial and Poisson distribution
o Continuous variables and normal distribution
Spring 2016 (Year 2, Semester 2)
 Integral Calculus (Cont.)
o Integration by substitution and parts
 Options Topic– Advanced Calculus (Calc I and Calc II)
o L’Hopital’s rule
o Rolle’s Theorem and Mean Value Theorem
o Improper integrals
o Infinite converging series
o Maclaurin and Taylor Series
o Differential equations
o Slope fields
Mr. Michael Urbanc
Email: michael.urbanc@psd150.org