Math 104 Elementary Mathematical Modeling
Course Syllabus
Spring 2014
Instructor: Li Zhang
Class Time and Place
9:30 – 10:45 am TR at 317 Thompson Hall.
Course Description and Objectives
This course will introduce student to mathematical models of real world problems. In particular, students
will use graphs, functions, and tables to describe data and use the models to interpolate and extrapolate.
Functions studied will include linear, quadratic, and exponential. Students will be expected to interpret
results in writing and use technology to solve and display results.
Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra.
The course objectives are:
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To familiarize students with elementary functions and their graphs including linear, quadratic,
higher degree polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and logistic.
To familiarize students with different methods of solving problems including algebraic method,
graphical method using a graphing calculator, and matrices for systems of linear equations.
To acquaint students with mathematical modeling using elementary functions.
To acquaint students with real world applications.
Topics to be covered: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 (selected sections).
Course Websites
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http://macs.citadel.edu/zhangli/courses/math104/index.htm. The course syllabus, handouts and
other information related to the course are posted there.
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MyMathLab website: http://pearsonmylabandmastering.com. You will need to create an account
and enroll in the course at this website. You will need an access code to enroll in the course,
although temporary access is available for up to 17 days. Homework assignments and some of
the quizzes are posted in this website.
Students need to check both websites on a regular basis.
Textbook, Online Access Code and Supplies
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Required online access code: you can purchase an access code at The Citadel bookstore or
online using a credit card or PayPal. You are able to access an e-textbook without additional
charge.
Optional textbook: College Algebra in Context by Harshbarger & Yocco, the 4 th edition, Pearson.
If you choose to purchase a textbook, you can get a package deal (textbook plus the access
code) at The Citadel bookstore.
A TI83/84 calculator (required): The calculator will be used for modeling and solving equations.
Contact the instructor
Office hours: 12:30 – 3:00 PM Tuesday and 3:00 – 5:20 PM Thursday or by appointment, office is
located at 310 Thompson Hall
Office Phone: (843)953-5033
E-mail (preferred): li.zhang@citadel.edu
Grading Policy
Final grades will be based on your completion of course activities. Late submissions are not accepted, so
make sure that you complete and submit each activity before or by the deadline.
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Reading: 0%. It’s not graded but essential for your other course activities. Reading in the textbook
is required for every topic studied.
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Class participation: 5%. It includes class attendance, participation and practice.
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Homework Assignments: 12%. Homework assignments are mostly online based in your
MyMathLab course account. The due dates are specified for each assignment. There is no time
limit on each homework assignment. You can also save your assignment for later. It is
recommended that you read your textbook before you start on your homework. Most of your
homework problems have help links that will show you similar examples in steps. The maximum
number of attempts on each problem is three. You can get instant feedback by checking your
answer for each problem. After the due date, you can review your assignment, although you
cannot make changes. All homework assignments are weighted the same, regardless the number
of problems in each assignment. At least two of your lowest homework scores will be dropped at
the end of the semester.
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Quizzes: 10%. Quizzes will be based on your homework assignments. No makeup quizzes.
Some of the quizzes will be given in your MyMathLab account, and some of the quizzes will be
given in class. The maximum number of attempts is two for each quiz. There is a time limit for
each quiz. Problems on the quizzes are similar to the problems from your homework
assignments, although the number of problems on each quiz is fewer. I will drop at least two of
your lowest quiz grades at the end of the semester. If you have to miss one or two quizzes that
are given in class due to absences, use them as the ones to be dropped.
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Four Tests: 48% (12% each). The dates are to be announced in class.
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A Modeling Project: 5%. Every student is expected to do his/her own project. Copying other
students’ work or discussing with other students is not allowed.
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Final Exam: 20%. It is a comprehensive exam. It is scheduled for Thursday, May 1 at 8:00 am.
Only under exceptional circumstances will a student be permitted to shift the time of a test. If you know
you will be absent from a test, you have to discuss with me ahead of time, and I will decide if I should give
you the test before the test day when you will be absent. Guard duty is not an excuse for missing a test
or switching the time of a test.
Grades
Your final grade will be based on your average score of the course activities. A: 90 – 100; B: 80 – 89; C:
70 – 79; D: 60 – 69; F: below 60.
Attendance
Class attendance is mandatory. The attendance policy of the college is observed. Missing 20% or more of
the classes (about six or more classes) with or without reasons will result in an F.
Calculator
You will need to be familiar with your own graphing calculator such as a TI83. Calculators will be used for
some of your homework assignments and tests. Sharing or using another student’s calculator is not
allowed during a quiz or a test.
Other Resource
The math lab at the Academic Learning center on the first floor of Thompson Hall opens most of the times
each week if need additional help. Other helps can be found in the MyMathLab course website.
Academic Integrity
Any instance of cheating or dishonesty will result in a grade of “F” for the course and may be followed by
a more severe consequence. Familiarize yourself with the academic integrity policy of The Citadel.
Other Policies
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You are expected to show up on time and be prepared for every class. Make sure that you read
the appropriate material and work all the assignments before each class. If you were absent from
the previous class, you are responsible for getting homework assignments from your classmate
or the course website and studying the material that you missed.
You are expected to respect the instructor and your classmates. You should not have
conversations with other students and move around during class. You should always ask for
permission if you need to leave the classroom.
You are expected to follow all college policies for students. Also, there should be no eating and
drinking (other than water) in the classrooms at any time.
Extra Credit
You can earn extra credit for this course as follows. Extra credit will only help if your grade is on
the borderline. Do not expect me to improve your grade if your grade is not on the borderline or
you are obviously failing the class.
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Math lab attendance (58 points total) and regular attendance (42 points total): These points
together can be used to replace your lowest one-hour test (but not the final exam) during the
semester (ask the Participation Points Program in the math lab for more details).
Problem of the week: For each one you get right, I will add 1 point (on a 100 scale) to your final
exam.
In some of the tests, I may give you extra credit problem(s).
Class attendance and participation: Regular class attendance and active class participation will
help your grade if your grade is on the borderline.
No other extra work should be used to improve your grade.