Math 1030-7 Syllabus Spring 2000
Instructor: Brad Peercy

Class: 7:30-8:50p.m. Tuesday and Thursday in room LS 102

Daytime Office: INSCC, Room 305 C-04
Nighttime Office: JWB, Room 240
Email: bpeercy@math.utah.edu
Phone: 585-1642 (daytime office)
Office hours: 6:00-7:30p.m. Tuesday and Thursday in nighttime office, and by appointment
Web page: http://www.math.utah.edu/~bpeercy/

Text: Using and Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach. Bennett and Briggs. Addison Wesley 1999. 

Course Description
Math 1030 is a non-traditional, application-based course centered around the use of mathematics to model change in the real world and the effective communication of these mathematical ideas. The course is primarily intended for students from the Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Health Sciences, and the Humanities who seek only to satisfy the QA (quantitative reasoning - course A) requirement for the bachelor's degree and who, with the exception of a statistics class, will not take any further mathematics courses at the university.

The purpose of the Math 1030 course is to develop skill in quantitative reasoning by examining how appropriate mathematical techniques can be used to analyze questions from many different areas. The mathematics covered in the course includes: conversions, percentages, estimation, basic financial mathematics, linear and exponential models of growth, basic geometric measurements, and scaling. The course material is based on Chapters 3 - 7 and Chapter 10, Section A of the text.

The Math 1030 course does NOT satisfy either a M1090 or a M1050-M1060 prerequisite for other courses. 

Prerequisite
To be successful in M1030 you need to have a working knowledge of the algebra and geometry concepts covered in M1010 (Intermediate Algebra). This means you should able to manipulate variable expressions, solve simple equations, work with fractions and exponents, and know the basic properties of simple geometric shapes. Calculators (scientific) and the knowledge of how to use them will be necessary. If there are any questions as to your preparedness for this class, please see me before the withdrawal date listed below. 

Course Work and Grading
Learning to use mathematics to analyze quantitative issues and to communicate technical information requires both the practice of basic techniques and the opportunity to apply these techniques to practical, open-ended questions which may be examined using varied approaches. The Math 1030 course work involves the use of formulas, tables, and graphs; however, students are encouraged to explore the topics and questions creatively, to clarify their assumptions, to consider different viewpoints, and to examine connections between the course topics and their own field of study.

Grading in the course will be based on roughly bi-weekly quizzes, 3 mini-projects, a group project, a midterm, and a comprehensive final exam. The grade distribution is as follows:
 

Quizzes (7) 35%
Mini-Projects (3) 15%
Midterm 15%
Final Exam 20%
Group Project 15%

The exams and group project have the following tentative dates:
Midterm Thursday, Mar. 9
Group Project Tuesday, Apr. 25 (at the beginning of class)
Final Exam Tuesday, May 2; 8:20p.m. - 10:20p.m.
Please note that the above dates are tentative. I reserve the right to alter the schedule if needed. If you have conflicts with any of these dates, make alternative arrangements with me beforehand. Late assignments will not be accepted except in extreme situations. 
Homework
Homework will be given for every section presented in class. Homework will be discussed in part during class if there are questions. A binder containing the semester's homework may be turned in for an opportunity to replace a quiz grade. The homework must be orderly and readable for credit. 
Quizzes
Quizzes are worth 35% of your final grade. Quiz questions will be an extension of those assigned in the homework. I will drop two quizzes. Consequently, there will be no make-up quizzes.  

Mini-Projects
The mini-projects are worth 15% of your final grade. These are written projects, which will be done individually or in pairs. The topics will be handed out in class. Analysis of the problem, organization of work, grammar, spelling as well as creativity will all be considered in the mini-project's grade. More detailed information will be given out with the topics. 

Group Project
The group project is worth 15% of your final grade. These are written projects, which must be done in groups of 3-4 students. Lists of topics will be handed out in class. The projects must be typewritten on 8.5 x 11 in. paper, but any math formulas, equations, or diagrams may be written in by hand, if done neatly. Analysis of the problem, organization of work, grammar, spelling as well as creativity will all be considered in the group project grade. More detailed information will be given out with the list of topics. 

Midterm Exam
The midterm exam is worth 15% of your final grade. It will be given in class and will last approximately the class period. It will be comprehensive, therefore, it can consist of any material we have covered in the course up to that time. 

Final Exam
The final exam is worth 20% of your grade. This exam will be comprehensive, meaning that it can consist of any material that we have covered in the course. As indicated in the class schedule, the final will be in the regular classroom from 8:20 p.m. until 10:20 p.m. on May 2.

Helpful Hints
Please come to my office hours for any additional help you might need. If the scheduled hours do not work with your schedule, make an appointment with me for another time.

You should plan on spending 2-3 hours working on this course outside of class for every hour of lecture. One thing you can do to help yourself in this course is to find at least one other person in the class with whom you can study. This not only helps you study better, but, in the event you miss a lecture, you can get the notes and assignments.

Read the text book. It is very readable and user friendly.

Do the homework before it is discussed in class and while the material is still fresh in your mind.

Free Tutoring
Free tutoring is available in building 129, rooms 241, 259, 274; Mon - Thu. 8am-7pm and Fri. 8am - 2pm. Closed Sat., Sun., and University Holidays. Starts Tues, Jan. 18.

University Policies/Dates
Last day to drop classes Sunday, Jan. 16
Last day to withdraw w/ no tuition penalties Friday, Jan. 21
Last day to withdraw from classes Friday, Mar. 3

For further information, including how to appeal withdrawal deadlines, refer to the complete withdrawal policy printed in the class schedule.

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