SYLLABUS
FALL 2009
MATH 1030 Section 4
Title:
Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning
Schedule: MWF 9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
Room:
AEB 320
Webpage:
http://math.utah.edu/~camacho/teaching.html
Textbook: Using and Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach by
Jeffrey O. Bennett and William L. Briggs (4th ed.)
Instructor: Victor Camacho
Office:
LCB 333
E-mail:
camacho@math.utah.edu
Office Hours:
Monday & Friday:
Thursday:
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Required Set of Skills:
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. We will review some of these concepts
during the first week of class.
Course:
In Math 1030 we develop mathematical concepts useful in studying questions that
arise in the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Business, and the Liberal Arts. The
topics covered center around measuring, describing, and analyzing change in
practical contexts. There will be an emphasis on developing the critical thinking
skills necessary to translate word problems into mathematical notation. The
course is based on Chapters 1-4, 8,9, and Chapter 10A of the textbook. Students
are expected to read each section that is covered in the lectures.
Note: Math 1030 does not satisfy a Math 1050 or Math 1090 prerequisite.
Homework: Homework problems will be posted on the course website. Assignments are to
be handed in at the beginning of class every Friday. Late work will not be
accepted under any circumstances. I will select a random subset of problems to
grade on each assignment so you will need to complete all problems in order to
ensure full credit.
Quizzes:
An in-class quiz will be administered every Friday of the semester and it will
consist of two problems selected from the homework assignment handed in on
that same Friday. There will be no opportunity to make up a missed quiz,
however, your lowest two quiz grades will be dropped at the end of the semester.
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Project:
You will work on a project in groups consisting of two to four people. This will
be an opportunity for you to use the skills you’ve developed in this class to solve
a practical, real world problem. More details about this project will be given on a
later date. We will discuss the format and expectations for this project before you
start working on it. Late projects will not be given full credit.
Midterms: You will be expected to take 2 midterms. You MUST bring a valid ID to each
midterm to verify your enrollment in this course. 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 must inform me in advance
of the missed test. You are expected to promptly make arrangements with me to
make up the test. The first midterm is scheduled for Monday, October 5th, and the
second midterm is scheduled for Monday, November 23th.
Final Exam: Thursday, December 17th, 3:30 – 5:30 pm.
Grading policy: Your grade will be based on:
Quizzes
Homework
Project
Midterms
Final exam
10%
10%
20%
30% (15% each)
30%
Calculators: You will need a scientific calculator for this course.
ADA Statement:
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that reasonable accommodations be
provided for students with physical, cognitive, systemic learning, and psychiatric
disabilities. Please contact me at the beginning of the semester to discuss any such
accommodations that you may require for this course.
Withdrawals:
You may withdraw from the class without consulting anyone until Friday,
October 23rd. If you withdraw before Wednesday, September 2nd there will not be
any tuition penalty.
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.
Rules:
Please do not behave in a way that will lessen my ability to teach or another
student’s ability to learn.
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