TMath 100 Mathematics for the Health Sciences
Syllabus Spring 2012
Course Number: 6190 Section: A
Time: MTWTh 9:10 – 10:40
Instructor: Meredith LaFlesh (Please call me Meredith.) E-mail: mlaflesh@tacomacc.edu
Office Hours: MTWTh 12:30–1:20pm or by appointment Office: F1–55
Location: 8-10
Phone: (253) 460-4337
Course Overview: Welcome to TMath 100! This is an Intermediate Algebra-based course designed for Health Science
students. It will probably be your last mathematics course. The emphasis in TMath 100 is on preparing you with the
algebra skills you need to succeed in science courses. There is a lot of material, and we will move quickly through it.
Remember that I am always happy to meet with you in my office if you need extra time to understand a concept.
Course Description: This is an alternative algebra-based course for Health Science students, satisfying the
requirements for nursing, radiology, and respiratory therapy programs. Topics will cover graphing and graph analysis;
linear, exponential, and logarithmic functions; roots, unit conversions, scientific notation, variation, biostatistics, and
applications involving various algebraic concepts applied specifically to the Health Science Fields.
Instructional Methods Used: In class, we will use a combination of lecture and small group work. Outside of class,
projects may require the use of some web research.
Program Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate increasing levels of mastery of the Program Learning
Outcomes throughout the math curriculum. Upon successful completion of the Quantitative Skills requirement for the
Associates Degree, students will:
1. Interpret, analyze, and create graphs and charts that communicate quantitative or relational information.
2. Determine, create, and use appropriate and reasonable mathematical constructs to model, understand, and explain
phenomena encountered in the world.
3. Determine and carry out an appropriate algorithm to solve problems that are amenable to mathematical solutions.
4. Communicate mathematical information formally, using appropriate math notation and terminology, and informally by
using everyday language to express ideas.
5. Use technology to analyze and solve mathematical problems and to effectively communicate solutions to problems,
particularly those that cannot be solved efficiently by other means.
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, student should be able to:
1. Create graphs of linear functions, and analyze them to determine meaning of slope, intercepts, and other key
data. (1, 4)
2. Perform operations using scientific notation; convert between scientific notation and decimal numbers; solve
applications that use scientific notation. (3 ,4)
3. Solve applications involving proportions and dosages. (2, 3, 4)
4. Convert units of measure and rates within and between the metric and English measurements systems. (3, 4)
5. Solve formulas for a given letter. (3, 4)
6. Demonstrate an understanding of linear, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions from algebraic,
graphical, and numerical perspectives. (1, 3, 4)
7. Use logarithms to solve problems involving exponential growth and decay. (2, 3, 4, 5)
8. Determine whether a solution is reasonable for a given problem. (2)
9. Apply various techniques used to describe data, such as box plots, bar graphs, scatter plots, frequency tables,
and histograms, including clear and appropriate labels. (1, 2, 4)
10. Describe and apply the common measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode), and demonstrate
the ability to calculate each from a data set. (2, 3, 4)
11. Apply mathematical concepts to Health Sciences and related fields. (2, 4)
12. Use a scientific calculator appropriately. (5)
13. Write clear and complete solutions to mathematical problems, including correct notation and written explanations
when appropriate. (4)
Required Texts: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, TCC Custom Edition (except for the cover, identical to the fourth
edition); Bittinger/ Ellenbogen/ Johnson and TMATH 100 SUPPLEMENT, e-mailed the first week of class.
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Class Rules
Each person in this class is entitled to respect. It is important to me that you show respect for your fellow students and
for the learning process. These rules are designed to ensure that all students get the respect they deserve and the
learning they have paid for.
1. When one person is talking, please listen quietly.
2. Please turn off your cell phone, pager, etc. before class begins, as the noises they make distract people who are
trying to learn.
3. Please do not engage in disruptive behaviors (unacceptable talking, arriving late, leaving during class, etc.).
The first time, you will receive a verbal warning.
The second time, you will be required to leave class.
You may not return to class until you have made an appointment with me, and we have come to an
agreement as to how to better support learning in the class. Assignments missed because of
behavior cannot be made up.
4. If you intend to bring people (especially children) who are not enrolled to class, you must get permission from me first,
and the visitors must follow all class rules.
5. You are welcome to bring food and beverages to classes held in most buildings on campus as long as you do not
distract other students and you clean up after yourself.
6. If you want to succeed in this class, you need to attend regularly. If you cannot be in class on a given day, let me
know ahead of time, otherwise, there will be no way for you to make up credit for missed in-class assignments. But,
notifying me does not guarantee you can make up the missed assignment.
7. Come to class on time. Arriving late to class distracts your fellow students and disrespects the learning process.
8. Late work will not be accepted. If you are late (even one second), your work will be late and will not be accepted.
9. TCC e-mail accounts are provided for each student. You can check your TCC e-mail from any computer on campus
as well as from any off-campus computer that has access to the Internet. You should check your e-mail at least once a
day because I will use your TCC e-mail account to send you class assignments and information. If class is canceled due
to weather, or if I will not be able to attend class due to illness, I will e-mail you no later than 7:30am. I will also
occasionally send information about scholarships and other things I think you could use, but I will never send spam.
10. Cheating is unacceptable. As stated in the TCC catalog: “Students are expected to be honest and forthright in
their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the learning
process and threaten the learning environment for all students.” Students who engage in behaviors that may be
interpreted as cheating will receive a zero score on the assignment in question. A second offense will result in an “E”
course grade. Common "cheating" behaviors include
 communicating with another person while an exam is going on in the room,
 using notes, cell phones, or other resource material not specifically allowed during an exam,
 copying or allowing another student to copy answers during an exam,
 talking to someone outside of your group during a Group Solve, and
 presenting another person’s work as your own.
It is your responsibility to be honest and to appear honest.
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General Information
Calculator: A scientific calculator is required for this course. The TI-30X IIS is strongly recommended. If you choose to
use a different calculator, you need to know how to use it. Graphing calculators will not be allowed on group solves or
exams, although students are welcome to bring graphing calculators to class. Only a calculator distributed by a
recognized calculator manufacturer will be allowed in this class. Specifically, no calculator on a cell phone or a PDA will
be allowed, especially on exams. If you have a question about the appropriateness of your calculator, please see me.
Web Access: Access to the internet (from home or from campus) is required for this course. Homework and project
assignments will be posted on my website: www.tacomacc.edu/home/mlaflesh, and YouTube videos will be assigned.
Students with Special Needs: All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet
these requirements may vary. If you need specific academic auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact
the Access Services Office in Building 7 (253) 566-5328. They will require you to present formal, written documentation
of your disability from an appropriate professional. When this step has been completed, arrangements will be made for
you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The disability accommodation documentation prepared by Access
Services must be given to me a minimum of one week before the accommodation is needed so that appropriate
arrangements may be made.
Withdrawing From The Class: If you decide for any reason to stop attending class, you should withdraw. It is your
responsibility to withdraw yourself. No one else can do it for you. This may allow another student who wants to take the
class to enroll. If you do not withdraw yourself, you will receive a “V” or an “E” grade for the class.
For Help With Homework
The Al-Kwarizmi Math Advising and Resource Center: The Math Center http://www.tacomacc.edu/marc is
located in 19-22.
 Math tutors are available Monday through Thursday from, and Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
 Math instructors are available to help with questions 8:30am – 1:30pm.
 For best results, bring specific questions or problems you are working on to ask about. Even if you do not have
any problems, the Math Center is a pleasant place to study. You are always welcome there!
The Writing and Tutoring Center: The Writing and Tutoring Center http://www.tacomacc.edu/wtc is located in
building 7, room 221. Student tutors are available by appointment for one-on-one tutoring. The hours during which
tutoring is available in specific subjects may vary from quarter to quarter. Check the website to find out what their
current schedule is.
The Open Door Policy: I want you to get the help you need when you need it. If my door is open, please come
in, sit down, and tell me what I can do for you. I am, of course, always available during my scheduled office hours.
Good Websites
Meredith’s Web Page: www.tacomacc.edu/home/mlaflesh
Helpful Websites
For extra practice and explanations:
See the Helpful Links page on Meredith’s web page!
www.khanacademy.org
http://purplemath.com
http://www.sosmath.com
For nice graph paper:
http://printfreegraphpaper.com
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Grading
Letter grades will be assigned based on the following:
Percent Letter Percent Letter Percent
Grade
Grade
87 – 89 B+
77 – 79
93 - 100 A
83 – 86 B
73 – 76
90 – 92 A80 – 82 B70 – 72
Letter
Grade
C+
C
C-
Percent Letter Percent Letter
Grade
Grade
67 – 69 D+
63 – 66 D
0 – 59 E
60 – 62 D-
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grade: A grade of "Satisfactory" will only be given for grades of D or above (that is, 63%
or above). If you are planning on taking another math class for which this course is a prerequisite, you must receive a Cor above (that is, 70% or above) to go on. A "Satisfactory" will not be sufficient to get you into the next class.
A grade of Incomplete, I, will be given only in emergency situations, at the instructor’s discretion, and only if at least
75% of the work has been completed with a passing grade.
A grade of WI is given at the instructor’s discretion when a student has completed all assigned work and is forced, due
to circumstances beyond her control, to withdraw from class after July 25th.
A grade of V is given to a student who has attended class at least once and stops attending before doing enough work
for the instructor to evaluate the student’s performance.
A grade of Z is given to a student who has never attended class.
How You Earn Your Grade: Your final grade will be determined by your performance on the following graded events:
2 Exams
100 points each
3 Group Solves
50 points each
Class Participation
About 50 points
Homework Quizzes
10 points each
1 Project
100 points
Final
200 points
All work that is not word-processed must be in pencil!
Work done in pen will receive no credit.
Exams: Each exam is comprehensive and may cover material from previous chapters; however, most of the material
tested will be from the most recently covered topics. There are no make-up exams. If you must miss an exam due to
an emergency, leave a message on my voice mail or send me an e-mail explaining the reason for missing the exam
before the time of the exam. If I agree that it is an emergency, I will give you 95% of your final exam percentage for
the exam you missed. A second missed exam will result in a 0 grade.
Group Solves: The ability to work effectively in a group is essential in many industries. Group Solves are designed to
challenge you and motivate you to work with others. You will be grouped with a few other students in the class and given
a set of problems to work out within a designated time frame. Each group will submit one set of solutions to be graded.
Group Solves are usually scheduled shortly before exams and are designed to prepare you for the exam. Group
Solves may not be made up.
Class Participation: Pop quizzes and small group activities will earn you class participation points. Pop quizzes are
essentially free points for students who arrive ready to work on time, stay until the end of class, and attend regularly.
Pop quizzes may be given at any time during the class period.
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Homework Quizzes: Homework quizzes may be given one to three times a week. They will consist of one or two
problems that are similar to assigned homework problems. They will not be announced ahead of time. If a student is
not in class when the quiz is handed out, the student will not be allowed to take the quiz.
Project: You must do the project with one other person in this class. The project write-up must be between 250 and 500
words word-processed. No electronic versions or late projects will be accepted.
Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive and will assess your mastery of course objectives.
Substituting the Final Exam grade for the course grade: If your final exam score is higher than your computed
course grade, I will assign your final exam score as your course grade if you have:
1. completed all Group Solves, projects, and exams,
2. missed no more than one class participation event, and
3. earned at least 80% of the possible homework points.
This is a great way to recover from low grades at the beginning of the quarter!
Extra Credit
1. You may earn extra credit by volunteering to do homework problems on the board if you have already done the
problems and have your solutions with you.
2. You earn one point for every hour you study with a designated Study Group Leader (maximum of 2 points per week).
You must sign in with the Study Group Leader each time you attend.
Note: Extra credit is posted only on weekends.
Study Groups: Students who score in the top 90% of the class on the first exam may be invited to be Study Group
Leaders. Study Group Leaders will hold a 1-hour study session at a regularly scheduled time once a week on campus.
Students wishing to participate in a study group may choose a Study Group to attend. The groups will meet together
regularly to study, work homework problems, etc.
Skipping the Final Exam: Each Study Group Leader who (1) meets the requirements for substituting the final exam
grade for the course grade, (2) maintains a 90% course average, and (3) conducts a 1-hour study group session and
turns in a study group attendance report each week will not have to take the final exam.
Getting Your Grade: You can check your grade regularly on-line by following these directions.
Log in to the MyTCC Portal at http://my.tacomacc.net and select the “My Classes” tab.
Next to the listing for this class, you should see an OIS icon that looks like this:
When you click on the icon, a new window will open with a “Grade Book” link that will show you your grades for this
class.
If you find an error, you have two weeks from the day the assignment was recorded to bring it to my attention.
Chain of Command: If you have questions or complaints about your grade or any other aspect of the class, please
follow the steps below:
1. See me and present your case in a professional, unemotional manner. I am always willing to listen to a good
argument. If I am wrong, I will admit it. If you are not satisfied, see step 2.
2. See the Dean of the Science Division, Mike Flodin, on the second floor of Building 15.
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Written Work
Mathematics is not a spectator sport. You can’t become a great baseball player by watching Ichiro. You need to
practice the moves yourself, just as he did. In the same way, you need to practice math by doing the problems yourself.
You should expect to spend two to three hours every night on homework and studying for this class.
Written Work Requirements: Work must be
done in pencil,
stapled (all assignments in one staple when they are turned in),
neat and organized (The instructor’s aesthetics are the criteria for neatness.),
in sequence, with each problem clearly identified, and
Problems requiring explanations must include complete explanations in complete sentences. “Yes” and “No”
are not complete explanations.
For application problems, a brief description of the problem may be used instead of copying the whole problem.
All supporting work (five problem-solving steps) must be included.
When you have used a calculator to solve the problem, a narration of all steps needed to complete the
problem, not calculator key strokes, as well as a clear statement of the solution must be included.
Abstract, symbolic problems (problems that do not involve words) must have all work shown vertically in
columns with at least one inch of blank space between the columns. Please see the example below:
For full credit, problems must look like this:
1. Solve for x.
The following are examples that would receive no credit.
1. Solve for x.
3x  5  44
3x  39
x  13
1. 3x  5  44
x  13
1. x  13
x  13
Rational expressions and fractions that are not exponents must be written with a horizontal fraction bar. For
43
 b  b2  4ac
example,
and x 
.
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2a
Answers to virtually all homework problems are at the back of the text book, and solutions to all the odd problems are in
the Student Solutions Manual. Additionally, students may ask questions on homework at the beginning of most class
sessions and attend study groups. Therefore, I expect that all problems will be correct; and I will grade homework based
mainly on clarity, organization, and completeness.
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TCC Mathematics Department
Student Graphing Guidelines
Students in all math classes are expected to follow the graphing guidelines below on homework and test questions
requiring an accurate sketch.
All problems that involve graphs must be on graph paper. That is, the problem, the work needed to graph the
equations, and the graph must be on the same page. The words “see graph” are not
acceptable. See the Graphing Guidelines below.
AXES:
 Axes and any straight lines are drawn in with a straight edge and arrows at the ends if they extend infinitely.
 If the scale is anything other than one square = one unit, it must be clearly indicated on each axis.
 For word problems, each axis is labeled with an appropriate letter and with the meaning and units of the axis.
(See Graph B.)
ACCURATE:
 Graph paper is used.
 The vertex of a parabola is rounded, not pointed. (See Graph C).
 Asymptotes are drawn with a dashed line. Graphs approaching asymptotes appear to get closer and closer,
not touching the asymptote and not pulling away from the asymptote. (See Graph D.)
CLEAR:
 The coordinates of important points: intercepts, maximum or minimum points, vertices, and points of
intersection, are clearly labeled on the axes or the point itself is labeled with an ordered pair.
 If multiple equations are graphed on a single set of axes, each graph should be labeled with its equation.
 Separate problems should be graphed on separate axes.
 The size of the graph is helpful: it is neat, big, and dark enough to be easily read and understood.
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Tentative Course Schedule
Specific homework assignments will be posted on the website www.tacomacc.edu/home/mlaflesh. .
Date
June 25
June 26
June 27
June 28
July 2
July 3
July 4
July 5
July 9
July 10
July 11
July 12
July 16
July 17
July 18
July 19
July 23
July 24
July 25
July 26
July 30
July 31
August 1
August 2
August 6
August 7
August 8
August 9
August 13
August 14
August 15
August 16
Topic
Introduction
Significant Figures
More Significant Figures
Exponent Review
Scientific Notation with Significant Figures
Introduction to the Metric System – Meet in 15 - L128
Metric System and Dimensional Analysis
More Dimensional Analysis
Solving Rational Equations and Proportions
Independence Day – No Class
Dosage Calculations and Unit Conversion
Dosage Calculations and Unit Conversion
Formulas
Group Solve 1
Exam 1
Graphing Review: Rates and Slopes, and Slope-Intercept
Form
Scatter Plots
Scatter Plots
An Introduction to Functions
Domain and Range
Graphs of Functions
Group Solve 2
Exam 2
Radical Expressions and Functions
Rational Numbers as Exponents
Solving Radical Equations
Exponential Functions
Exponential Functions
Logarithmic Functions
Common and Natural Logarithms/Change of Base
Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Applications of Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Applications of Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Biostatistics
More Biostatistics
More Biostatistics
Group Solve 3
Finish Group Solve 3
Review
Final Exam
Section Covered In Class
Supplement p.1-10
4.1 and 4.8
Supplement 11-12
Supplement 13-17
Supplement 18-25
6.7
Supplement 27-30
7.5 and Supplement 26
3.4 - 3.7
Supplement 31
Supplement 32-44
Supplement 32-44
7.1
7.2
7.3
10.1 and Supplement p.44-46
10.2
10.6 and Supplement 49
12.2 and Supplement 50-52
12.2 and Supplement 50-52
12.3 and Supplement 53-55
12.5
12.6
12.7
12.7 and Supplement 55-59
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