Wake Technical
Community College
Mathematics and Physics Dept.
Mathematics and Sciences Division
Course Syllabus
Course
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MAT 115
Spring
2010
LECTURE
LAB
CREDIT
2
2
3
Description
This course develops the ability to utilize mathematical skills and technology to solve problems at a level found in nonmathematics-intensive programs. Topics include applications to percent, ratio and proportion, formulas, statistics, function
notation, linear functions, probability, sampling techniques, scatter plots, and modeling. Upon completion, students should be
able to solve practical problems, reason and communicate with mathematics, and work confidently both collaboratively, and
independently.
Lab Description
MAT 115 is a 2-2-3 credit course. The laboratory component is integrated seamlessly within the four classroom hours. Emphasis
is placed on experiences that enhance the deeper understanding of important concepts; often with the use of technology. Upon
completion, students should be able to solve problems, apply critical thinking, work in teams, and communicate effectively.
Pre/Corequisites
MAT 070 or a satisfactory score on the mathematics placement instrument.
Students who have not met the prerequisite(s) may not remain registered for this course.
Talk with the instructor about possible issues.
Required Textbook(s)
Required Technology
Mathematics All Around
Edition: 4th
Author: Pirnot
Publisher: Addison Wesley
ISBN: 0-321-57594-6
A scientific calculator may be required for this course.
The TI-30XIIS (or the equivalent) is recommended.
Students will also be required to use the spreadsheet
program, MS Excel. Instructors will use Excel routinely.
The last date for withdrawing from the course without penalty is March 22, 2010.
Additional departmental policy information for the student can be found at:
http://mathandphysics.waketech.edu/pol-attendance.php /
Additional Learning Resources
1.
2.
3.
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The instructor’s office hours and the course blackboard page should be used to provide students with information and
supplemental material.
The Individualized Learning Center (ILC) provides tutors free of charge.
Videos are available in the ILC that cover topics in MAT 115.
Study groups are encouraged and can meet regularly in the mathematics lab in the ILC.
The text comes packaged with My Math Lab ©. That resource provides additional tools to assist learning.
Schedule of Instruction
A schedule of instruction is available on Blackboard.
It may also be obtained, by request, from the instructor.
The schedule of instruction provides students with a plan for the term. However, changes usually occur because of many factors.
Students should consult with other students when absent to verify assignments and upcoming lessons.
For the Student:
Instructor’s Name
Office Number
Office Hours
Phone #
Email address
Josh Bowers
TE 101T
MWF 1:00 – 1:50
TTH 1:00 – 1:50 (Virtual)
866.5980
jmbowers@waketech.edu
Department’s Web Site:
http://mathandphysics.waketech.edu/index.php
Attendance
The college attendance policy, as stated in the
General Catalog, will be followed. March 22, 2010 is
the last day to withdraw from the course with a
grade of W. If you stop attending after the last day to
withdraw without penalty, you will receive a grade of
“WF”. In cases of extenuating circumstances (usually
in the event of documented medical problems) an
instructor may give a grade of “WP”.
Tests and Exams
There will be four one-hour tests.
No make-up tests will be given.
A final exam is also required. The percentage score
on the final exam may be used to replace the lowest
test grade.
Additional grades from projects and quizzes may be
part of the final average.
Homework, Quizzes, and Labs
Assignments will be made based upon topics covered
as indicated on the course schedule found below.
These assignments will be considered a minimum
amount of work that students should do daily.
Completing each assignment will be crucial for success
in the course. Homework may be collected and graded
at the discretion of the individual instructor. Also,
quizzes may be given during the semester.
Late Work and Test Time
In general, no late work will be accepted.
Students will be given a designated amount of time
to complete all tests. The time will begin when tests
have been passed out. Students who come in tardy
will not be given additional time. Other arrangements
may be made if the student is able to notify the
instructor ahead of time.
Grading System
Instructors may use various methods of assigning points to tests, quizzes, and projects. The four unit tests
and the final exam will be worth 100 points each. The homework/quiz average will be worth 100 points. The
two projects will be worth 50 points each. The final grade will be determined by dividing the points earned by
the total points possible, or points earned / 700.
Goals of the Course
1. Students will be engaged in actively learning the material outlined in the syllabus.
2. Homework and class work activities will increase the problem solving skills of the students.
3. Students will develop an appropriate mathematical model for actual collected data and use the model
to estimate and predict.
4. Students will learn to communicate their thoughts and ideas regarding mathematics.
Benchmarks
After completing the course, students should be able to:
1.
Apply logic and reason to problems involving numerical calculations.
2.
Apply arithmetic skills to solve percent, ratio, and proportion application problems.
3.
Use arithmetic and geometry to solve application problems.
4.
Evaluate formulas and functional expressions.
5.
Use functional notation.
6.
Identify the characteristics of a linear function.
7.
Graph and interpret graphs of linear functions.
8.
Construct linear models.
9.
Collect, organize, and present data using valid statistical means.
10. Analyze and display data with the appropriate graphs, such as scatter plots, histograms and pie
charts, by hand and/or with technology.
11. Find measures of central tendency, range, and standard deviation.
12. Compute and use basic probability.
13. Use z-scores and the Normal Curve.
14. Use appropriate technology to solve mathematical problems.
Other Notes
The last date for
withdrawing from the
course without penalty
is
March 22, 2010.
In addition to teaching the student to apply
mathematical skills, this course will also
strengthen the student’s ability to work in a
team, utilize technology as a tool, and to
communicate mathematically. Therefore,
students may be required to work collaboratively
and to work on team-assignments outside of
class.
This course has been listed as a webassisted course. The instructor may utilize
email and/or the Internet to provide
students with material necessary for
success in this course. Students should
utilize their W T email to correspond with
faculty and with other students as well as
to receive important information.