Course Outline
Course Information
Course Code and Title:
CBST-1110: Mathematics
Course Section:
N/A
Department:
Life Sciences
Program:
Chemical and Biosciences Technology
Total Hours:
56 (4 hours lecture and 3 hours tutorial session per week)
Credit Hours:
3
Course Description:
This course reviews and reinforces basic mathematical concepts such as order
of operations, exponents and roots. As well, various aspects of standard
mathematics are taught including algebra, quadratic equations, logarithmic
functions and linear equations. The specific mathematical calculations and
equations commonly used in lab work are specially emphasized. These include
units of concentration such as molarity and molality as well as pH. Applications
and concepts are reinforced via weekly in-class quizzes, assignments and
tutorials. Mathematics will allow students to have proficiency in all calculations
and equations expected to be encountered in a laboratory setting as well as
proficiency in the use of the metric system, significant figures and scientific
notation.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL (also known as PLAR – Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) is a
process in which individuals have the opportunity to obtain credit for college level
knowledge and skills gained outside the classroom and/or through other
educational programs. It is a process which documents and compares an
individual’s prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences
and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For
more information about RPL at Red River College, refer to the RPL website at
http://www.rrc.mb.ca/index.php?pid=404.
Contact your course instructor for information regarding RPL processes and
opportunities for this course.
For general information and assistance with RPL, contact Red River College’s
RPL Advisor at 204.632.3094.
Academic Requisites:
None
Course Equivalencies:
None
Course Delivery Methods:
Classroom lectures and tutorials.
The following communication tools will be used in this course:
Email
Scheduled and unscheduled consultation with instructors and assistants.
Course Format:
The course format consists of 32 hours of classroom lectures and 24
hours of tutorials.
Effective Date:
May 5, 2011
Instructor Information
Instructor’s name: Michael Judge
Email: mjudge@rrc.mb.ca
http://connect.rrc.ca/Instructors/mjudge/default.aspx
Office phone: 632-2577
Office location: A425M
Office hours: Typically 8:00 – 4:00 although students are strongly encouraged to
make an appointment if they require consultation with the instructor.
Student Readiness
Technology & Equipment Readiness:
A scientific calculator such as the inexpensive Texas Instruments TI-30Xa is
recommended. Note that a calculator without programmable functions is
required for examinations.
Student Commitments and Contact Times:
Students are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials.
Course Resources:
Textbook(s):
Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology
L. A. Seidman and C. J. Moore
Prentice Hall, 2000
(Note: this text also required for other courses in the program.)
References:
Other material (copies of handouts, assignments, useful internet links,
etc.) can be found at the Instructor’s Sharepoint website.
Student Learning
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course of study, you should be able to....
perform and understand a wide variety of basic mathematical calculations
and operations as listed in the above course description. As well, you
should have the ability to quickly and accurately perform those
calculations required on a regular basis in a laboratory setting and
communicate with proficiency using the metric system and scientific
notation.
Instructional Schedule:
Unit
Topic
1
Basics Review
2
Significant Figures and Scientific Notation
3
Metric system
4
Laboratory Calculations
5
Algebra
6
Linear Equations and Lines
7
Quadratic Equations
8
Logarithms
Important Dates:
NOTE: The following dates are subject to change based on the needs of the students at
the instructor’s prerogative. Students will be notified ahead of time of any changes.
Date
Important Information
August 29th
Classes begin
Week of Sept. 19th
Mid term test
Sept. 26th
Voluntary withdrawal deadline
Week of Oct. 17th
Final exam
Assessment and Evaluation:
Assessment
Weight
In-class quizzes and assignments
30%
Mid term test
30%
Final exam
40%
Note: this course has a theory section only and no lab section.
Quizzes and assignments: 30% of the total course mark divided evenly amongst six
quizzes and assignments as follows:
Quiz/assignment number
Subject
1
Basics Review
2
Sig Figs, Scientific Notation, Metric System
3
Laboratory Calculations
4
Laboratory Calculations
5
Algebra/Graphing/Linear Equations/Factoring
6
Quadratics, Logarithms
Quiz/assignment Details:
Whether a particular subject test is presented as a quiz or an assignment will depend on
the scheduling and the progression rate of the course. Typically, the first 3 or 4 subjects
are given as quizzes and the remainder as assignments.
Quizzes will be in-class, of one or two hour duration and will be open-book. The intent
of the quizzes is to reinforce lecture material and motivate students to keep current with
the pace of lectures. Students will typically be given a one week in-class notice prior to
a quiz. Except under special circumstances (such as for medical reasons) if a quiz is
missed, the student will receive a mark of zero for that quiz. Marked quizzes are
returned to students.
Assignments will be take-home and may be done cooperatively, although it is
recommended that students work on the assignments individually to ensure they
receive the maximum benefit from the exercise. Assignments will be given out in the
lecture slot and it is the responsibility of students to determine if they have missed an
assignment due to missing a lecture. Assignments are due one week from the date
given out, and by noon on the due date. Exceptions will be communicated to students
where necessary. Except under special circumstances (such as for medical reasons) if
an assignment is not turned in by the due date, the student will receive a mark of zero
for that assignment. Marked assignments are returned to students.
Occasionally, a quiz or assignment may not be administered due to events beyond the
instructor’s control (such as statutory holidays). In such cases, the total number of
quizzes/assignments will be less than that given in the above table and the total mark
will simply be the average of those quizzes/assignments which are delivered.
Letter Grade Distribution
A+
A+
4.5
90 to 100%
A
4.0
80 to 89%
B+
3.5
75 to 79%
B
3.0
70 to 74%
C+
2.5
65 to 69%
C
2.0
60 to 64%
D
1.0
50 to 59%
F
0.0
0 - 49%
Course Policies
General Academic Policies:
It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with and adhere to the Red River
College (RRC) Academic Policies. These Policies can be found in the RRC
calendar or online under “A SERIES – ACADEMIC MATTERS at
http://www.rrc.mb.ca/index.php?pid=4523.
Supplementary Policies:
Calculators: No unauthorized programmable calculators are allowed during
exams. Students who attempt to use unauthorized electronic devices will have to
surrender those devices for the duration of the exam and may thus have to write
the exam with no electronic aids.
Test notes: Both the mid term test and final exam are closed book. However,
students are permitted to bring to these exams one page of notes which they
may reference during the test/exam. The specifications for these notes are as
follows; the notes must amount to no more than both sides of a single standard
8.5 x 11 sheet of paper, they may be either hand-written or typed/printed, they
must have been made by the student (i.e. not a professional study guide or a
textbook photocopy or a printout of a web page), and notes must be used only by
the student that made them and cannot be exchanged by students during the
exam.
Final exams: Except under special circumstances (such as for medical reasons)
if the final exam is missed, the student will receive a mark of zero for that exam.
Marked final exams are not returned to the student after marking; however final
exams may be reviewed with the instructor.
Mid term tests: Except under special circumstances (such as for medical
reasons) if the mid term test is missed, the student will receive a mark of zero for
that exam. Marked mid term tests are returned to students.
Grade requirements: A student must achieve a cumulative grade of 60% (C) of
higher in order to pass this course. A mark of less than 60% will not enable a
student to progress.
Supplemental exams: No supplemental exams are allowed for mid term exams
but rather only for final exams. Students who attain an overall GPA for the term
of 1.5 or higher will be eligible to write a supplemental exam if they do not attain
a passing grade on the course. Marked supplemental exams are not returned to
students.
See the Chemical and Biosciences Technology 2011/2012 Student Handbook for
additional policies and information.
Date Revised: May 5, 2011
Authorization:
This course is authorized for use by:
___________________________________
Andy Burzynski, Chair, Life Sciences
©Red River College 2011
__________________________
Date