Instructor: Robert Hanson

Office: JWB 314

Office Phone: 581.5568

Office Hours: TTh 5:00 p.m. (subject to change)

TTh 3:40–5:00 p.m. in LCB 121

Using and Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach, Fourth Edition, by Bennett and Briggs.

Math 1010 is the prerequisite for this course. This means that students should have a working knowledge of the basic algebra and geometry concepts covered in Intermediate Algebra. That is, students should be able to manipulate variable expressions, work with simple linear equations and graphs, work with fractions and exponents, and know the basic properties of simple geometric shapes. In Math 1010, we study the slope of the line; in Math 1030, we consider what the slope of a line can tell us about change or growth that occurs naturally in a variety of areas.

The title of this course is "Quantitative Reasoning". The purpose of this course is to develop skill in quantitative thinking by learning how appropriate mathematical techniques can be used to examine questions from many different areas. Note that Math 1030 will not satisfy a Math 1050 or Math 1090 prerequisite for another course.

Lectures will begin each day with time set aside for questions. Come to class prepared to ask questions on homework or reading material that you are having trouble with. After answering as many questions as we can, we will discuss new material as a class. Please try to contribute as much as you can to these discussions. The more you contribute, the more you will benefit. Occasionally, we may break up into small groups for discussion. Many of the topics we are going to discuss will include text from the textbook. Please bring your book to class with you every day (it is small, so this should not be too much of a burdon). Also note that any announcements I need to make regarding the course will be made in class, so it is highly advisable that you attend every day.

Homework will be assigned each day (in class), including reading assignments. Some of the reading will cover sections of the book that we will not cover in lecture. You will still be responsible for this material. Of course, you are free to ask questions in lecture concerning any material assigned. I will not accept late homework; however, at the end of the term I will drop your lowest two homework scores.

Also each Tuesday, we will have a quiz. The problems on the quiz will be quite similar to the homework problems. As with the homework, I will drop your lowest two quiz scores at the end of the term.

There will be two midterm examinations. These exams will cover the material in all readings, not just that covered in lecture. You must keep up with the readings.

There will be one group project during the term. The project will be completed by a group of 3 students. You will be allowed to make your own groups. The topics of these projects will be given at a later date.

The final exam will be held on Wednesday, April 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This will be a comprehensive exam, covering the material from the entire semester. You must take this exam to pass the class.

The following relative weights will be used in determining the final grade for the course:

Homework (drop 2) 10%

Quizzes (drop 2) 10%

Midterm Exams 30% (15% each)

Group project 20%

Final Exam 30%

The grading scheme is as follows:

A at least 90%

B at least 80%

C at least 70%

D at least 60%

The +/– scores will be awarded at the fringes of these intervals.

Tutoring is offered by the Mathematics Department free of charge on a drop-in basis. The tutoring center is located in the Math Center. It is open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday. It is closed on weekends and University holidays. I will hold an additional office hour in the tutoring center.

Students may drop any class without penalty or permission through Wednesday, January 16^th. Students may withdraw from a course without permission through Friday, February 29^th. In this case, a "W" grade will be recorded on the academic record and applicable tuition and fees will be assessed. Students may appeal withdrawal deadlines "in case of compelling, non-academic emergencies" by submitting a petition and supporting documentation to the office of the dean of their major college. The complete withdrawal policy is printed in the class schedule.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires accommodations be provided for students with physical, cognitive, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities. Please contact me at the beginning of the semester to discuss any such accommodations for this course.