Syllabus for MATH 1030-005
Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning, Fall 2014
Time and location: T,H 15:40-17:00, LCB 215
Instructor: Shiu-Tang Li
Course webpage: http://www.math.utah.edu/∼li/1030-F2014/ (If you copy
and paste this link, please retype “ ∼ ”)
Email: stazlee@hotmail.com
Office hours: T, H after class, or by appointment
If you’d like to take this course, please prepare
Textbook: “Using and Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach” by Jeffrey Bennett and William Briggs. We’re using the
6th custom edition, specially made for U of U students taking this course
(It only contains chapter 1,2,3,4,8,9,10). ISBN 10: 1-269-74850-5; ISBN 13:
978-1-269-74850-6.
Calculator: A scientific calculator is required for this course. And it is
not permitted to use other electronic devices like smart phones or laptops
instead. Besides, calculators cannot be shared during exams.
Important notices for this course
Prerequisites: “C” or better in MATH 1010 (Intermediate Algebra)OR
Accuplacer CLM score of 50 or better OR ACT Math score of 23 or better
OR SAT Math score of 540 or better.
This means that you should be able to manipulate variable expressions, work
with simple linear equations and graphs, work with fractions and exponents,
and know the basic properties of simple geometric shapes. (Note: Math 1030
does not satisfy a Math 1050 or Math 1090 prerequisite.)
Course description: Math 1030 is an application-based course centered
around the use of mathematics to model changes in the real world, and the
effective communication of these mathematical ideas. The course is based on
Chapters 1-4, 8,9, and Chapter 10 (sec. A). You are expected to read each
section that we cover.
Grading policy: Quizzes 20%; Project 20%; Exam 1 15%; Exam 2 15%;
Final 30%.
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Homework: Homework problems are assigned for each section. Homework
will not be collected, but quiz problems may be chosen from these homework
problems.
Quizzes: Approximately every 2 weeks there will be a quiz covering the material that we have done. The problems will be very similar to the examples
that we have done in class; or the assigned suggested homework problems. No
make-up quizzes will be given, but the lowest 2 quiz grades will be dropped
at the end of the semester.
Project: You will have 1 project to turn in. You will work in groups of 2-4
students on a topic that you select from the list. We will discuss the format
and expectations for this project before you start working on it. Late project
will not be given full credit.
Exams: You will have 2 exams (50 minutes each). It is necessary to bring a
valid ID to the exam. Absence from an exam will be excused only if you can
provide verifiable and convincing evidence that you have a significant illness
or serious family crisis that will prevent you from attending. Except under
extremely unusual circumstances, you have to inform me in advance of the
missed test.
Final exam: It is comprehensive. You have to prepare for everything you’ve
learned in this class. And it is also departmental, which means all 1030 students would take the same test.
Course grades: Your final letter grade will be determined by your overall
percentage as follows: if your overall percentage is x%, then
A: 93 ≤ x < 100
A-: 90 ≤ x < 92
B+: 87 ≤ x < 90
B: 83 ≤ x < 87
B-: 80 ≤ x < 83
Important dates:
Last Day to drop classes: Sep 3
Exam 1: Oct 9
Exam 2: Nov 25
Project Due: Dec 4
Final: Dec 18
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C+: 77 ≤ x < 80
C: 73 ≤ x < 77
C-: 70 ≤ x < 73
D+: 67 ≤ x < 70
D: 63 ≤ x < 67
D-: 60 ≤ x < 62
E:
x < 60
Other rules / assistance
Academic Dishonesty: The guidelines in the Student Handbook will be
followed. Cheating in any form may result in failing grade for the exam or
for the course.
Tutoring: The Rushing Math Center offers free drop-in tutoring, a computer lab, and study areas for undergraduates. The Rushing Student Center
is adjacent to the LCB and JWB. The hours for the Fall semester are: 8 am
- 8 pm Monday-Thursday and 8 am - 6 pm on Friday. The tutoring center
will open the second week of classes.
ADA Statement: The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to
its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will
need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given
to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020
(V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements
for accommodations. All information in this course can be made available in
alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.
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