TMath 100 Mathematics for the Health Sciences
Syllabus Winter 2008
Course Number: 5910 Section: A
Instructor: Meredith LaFlesh (Please call me Meredith.)
E-mail: mlaflesh@tacomacc.edu
Office Hours: Daily 11:30am – 12:15pm and by appointment
Time: Daily 12:30am – 1:20am
Location: 8-13
Phone: (253) 460-4337
Office: 9–55
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.
Learning Objectives: The abbreviation following each objective refers to the College-Wide Learning Outcomes:
COM=Communication; CRT=Critical Thinking; IIT=Information and Information Technology; RSP=Responsibility; LWC=
Living and Working Cooperatively, COK=Core of Knowledge.
Upon completion of this course, student should be able to:
1) Analyze graphs to determine meaning of slope, intercepts, and other key data (CRT, COK)
2) Be able to graph linear functions and statistical data (CRT, COK)
3) Perform operations using scientific notation; convert between scientific notation and decimal numbers; solve
applications that use scientific notation (CRT, COK)
4) Solve applications involving proportions and variation; construct and solve equations dealing with direct, inverse,
and joint variation (CRT, COK)
5) Solve applications dealing with ratios and percentages, especially in terms of dosage applications (CRT, COK)
6) Convert units of measure and rates from one system of measure to another (CRT, COK)
7) Solve formulas for a given letter (CRT, COK)
8) Understand meaning of roots and radicals, and rational exponents (CRT, COK)
9) Understand logarithmic and exponential notation, including conversion between the two (CRT, COK)
10) Use logarithms to solve problems involving exponential growth and decay (CRT, COK)
11) Determine whether a solution is reasonable for a given problem (CRT, COK)
12) Understand fundamental concepts of biostatistics (CRT, COK)
13) Apply concepts to Health Sciences and related fields (LWC, COK)
14) Include correct mathematical notation in written work (COM, COK)
15) Use a scientific calculator appropriately (IIT)
16) Present solutions clearly and convincingly (CRT, COM).
Required Texts:
Elementary and Intermediate Algebra 3rd Edition by Alan S. Tussy and R. David Gustafson.
TMATH 100 SUPPLEMENT
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.
Additional Supplies: Graph paper (¼ inch squares), 6-inch plastic ruler, and colored pencils or pens for graphing.
1
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 be accepted for half credit as long as the work is turned in before the beginning of the next class after
the deadline. If you are late (even one second), your work will be late. Work turned in after the start of the next class
will receive no credit.
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.
2
General Information
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 is located in 19-22.
 Math tutors are available Monday through Thursday from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
 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 Tutoring Center: The Tutoring Center 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. Call the Tutoring Center at (253) 566-6032 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
Helpful Websites
For extra practice and explanations:
http://purplemath.com
http://www.sosmath.com
For nice graph paper:
http://printfreegraphpaper.com
3
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 the 50th day of class.
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:
3 Exams
50 points each
4 Group Solves
25 points each
Class Participation and Homework
About 125 points
1 Project
50 points
Final
100 points
All work that is not word-processed must be in pencil!
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.
Homework: Please see pages 6 and 7 for complete requirements.
4
Project:
The Idea: Most tests ask the student to show whether she knows what the teacher thinks she should know. This project
gives you the chance to choose what knowledge you want to show.
The Assignment: Choose one project from the list of possible projects distributed separately after the first week of class,
and write up the solution, answering all questions with a paragraph explaining the answers.
The Requirements: The project write-up must be between 250 and 500 words word-processed, and must begin with a
brief paragraph explaining why you chose the project. No electronic versions 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 1 point per week).
You must sign in with the Study Group Leader each time you attend.
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 each
week will not have to take the final exam.
Getting Your Grade: If you want to know your grade on the Final Exam, or your course grade before it appears on your
records, you may e-mail me after you finish the exam. Your course grade will appear on-line on your class schedule as
soon as I have posted it.
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, go to step 2.
2. See the Mathematics Department Chair, Greg Ferencko, in Building 29. If you are still not satisfied, go to step 3.
3. See the Dean of the Science Division, Mike Flodin, in Building 29.
5
Homework
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.
Homework will be collected Before the beginning of class twice a week, usually on Mondays and
Wednesdays. Homework assigned on Thursday, Friday, and Monday is due on Wednesday, and homework assigned
on Tuesday and Wednesday is due the following Monday. I hope you will take the additional time to ask questions in
class. If you cannot attend class the day homework is due, you should give your assignment to a friend to turn in or give
it to a Building 9 Secretary to time stamp and put in my box.
Late homework: Homework is due before the start of class on the day it is due. Homework that is late (even
one second late) will receive half credit if it is turned in by the start of the next class. Homework that is turned in after the
start of the next class after it is due will not be accepted.
How Homework Is Graded: Each assignment will receive a check (√), a minus (–) or a zero (0). A plus (+) is given for
outstanding papers that will receive extra credit for that assignment. Please see the rubric on page 8 for more details.
Homework Requirements: Homework 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
copied completely, including the instructions.
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
and x 
.
7
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.
example,
6
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.
7
omework Grading Rubric
Mark
+
Precision
Explanations are complete and
insightful.
Applications
Professionalism
Analysis of the meaning
of the solution is given.
Problems are copied completely,
including instructions.
Work is shown vertically, using
correct vocabulary and notation.
√
All problems have been earnestly
attempted.
Fractions and rational expressions
are shown vertically:
54
9  x2
or
,
31
x3
not like this: 54 .
31
like this:
Problems show the five
steps of problem-solving:
1. Familiarize
2. Translate
3. Carry Out
4. Check
5. State (in a complete
sentence)
Handwriting is clear and easy to
read and there are at most two
columns of problems per page.
Problems involving graphs are on
the same page as the graphs that
illustrate them.
Graphs are drawn following the
graphing guidelines on page 7.
Problems are copied completely, but
some instructions are missing.
Most work is shown horizontally.
–
Some vocabulary or notation is
correct, but most is not.
Only a few problems have been
attempted.
Most of the five steps are
shown, and it is clear how
the answer was found.
Handwriting is difficult to read and
problems are too close together to
be easily distinguished.
Problems involving graphs are on
a different page from the page
where the graph is shown.
Graphs are present, but they do not
meet the standards in the graphing
guidelines on page 7.
Work is not done in pencil.
0
Problems are not copied.
No work is shown.
The statement is not
given in a complete
sentence.
Pages are not stapled.
Edges from spiral notebooks are
not trimmed.
8
Very Tentative Course Schedule
Specific homework assignments will be passed out in a separate packet.
Date
Topic
Jan. 2
Jan. 3
Jan. 4
Jan. 7
Jan. 8
Jan. 9
Jan. 10
Jan. 11
Jan. 14
Jan. 15
Jan. 16
Jan. 17
Jan. 18
Introduction
Significant Figures
Exponents
Scientific Notation
Scientific Notation with Significant Figures
Metric System and Dimensional Analysis
More Dimensional Analysis
Solving Rational Equations
Proportions
Dosage Calculations and Unit Conversion
More Dosage Calculations
Group Solve 1
Exam 1
Martin Luther King’s Birthday Observed –
No Class
Graphing Linear Equations
More About Graphing Linear Equations
The Slope Of A Line
More about The Slope Of A Line
Slope-Intercept Form
More Slope-Intercept Form
Point-Slope Form
An Introduction to Functions
Professional Development Day – No Class
More Functions
Graphs of Functions
Variation
More Variation
Group Solve 2
Jan. 21
Jan. 22
Jan. 23
Jan. 24
Jan. 25
Jan. 28
Jan. 29
Jan. 30
Jan. 31
Feb. 1
Feb. 4
Feb. 5
Feb. 6
Feb. 7
Feb. 8
Section
Covered
In Class
Supplement pages 1-2
4.1 and 4.2
4.3
Supplement p. 3-4
6.6
6.8
Supplement p. 13–16
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.4
3.5
3.5
3.6
8.7
8.7
8.8
8.9
8.9
9
Date
Feb. 11
Feb. 12
Feb. 13
Feb. 14
Feb. 15
Feb. 18
Feb. 19
Feb. 20
Feb. 21
Feb. 22
Feb. 25
Feb. 26
Feb. 27
Feb. 28
Feb. 29
March 3
March 4
March 5
March 6
March 7
March 10
March 11
March 12
March 13
March 14
Mar.18
Topic
Review
Exam 2
Radical Expressions and Radical Functions
Rational Exponents
More Rational Exponents
Presidents’ Day – No Class
Radical Equations
Exponential Functions
Base-e Exponential Functions
Logarithmic Functions
More Logarithmic Functions
Base-e Logarithmic Functions
Properties of Logarithms
Educational Planning Day – No Class
More Properties of Logarithms
Group Solve 3
Review
Exam 3
Biostatistics
More Biostatistics
More Biostatistics
More Biostatistics
Group Solve 4
Review
Review
Final Exam (2 hours)
Section
Covered
In Class
9.1
9.2
9.5
11.3
11.4
11.5
11.5
11.6
11.7
11.7
10