Syllabus

Syllabus

Textbook: Using and Understanding Mathematics : A Quantitative Reasoning Approach, by Jeffrey O. Bennett and William L. Briggs (custom edition for University of Utah, taken from the sixth edition)

Calculators: You will need a calculator for this course. A scientific calculator will be sufficient.

Prerequisite(PERMISSION CODE): Prerequisites: "C" or better in MATH 1010 (Intermediate Algebra) OR Accuplacer CLM score of 50 or better OR ACT Math score of 23 or better OR SAT Math score of 540 or better. This means that you 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. (Note: Math 1030 does not satisfy a Math 1050 or Math 1090 prerequisite.)

If you do not meet the prerequisite and need a PERMISSION CODE to register, please submit the application here.

Course Description: This course will fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning – Math QA, general education requirement for graduation. Math 1030 is an application-based course centered around the use of mathematics to model changes in the real world, and the effective communication of these mathematical ideas. The course is based on Chapters 1-4, 8,9, and Chapter 10 (sec. A). You are expected to read each section that we cover.

At the end of the course a student should be able to:

    • use Venn diagrams to examine relationships between sets and the validity of simple deductive arguments
      • use an appropriate sentence to describe both the absolute and percent change in a given quantity and interpret such statements about the change
      • use simple and compound units, making conversions when necessary, and develop accurate comparisons between units
    • evaluate the impact of compound interest on simple financial decisions
      • use the savings plan and loan formulas to calculate the payment amount into the savings plan when a certain financial goal needs to be achieved, to calculate the mortgage payment or interest paid over the life of the loan and discuss whether those results are realistic (or not), compare several loans with different interest rates in order to financial decisions
    • compare and illustrate the features of linear and exponential growth using practical examples
      • determine simple areas, volumes, and explain the differential effect of scaling on perimeter, area, volume as well as some of the practical implications of scaling

Grading Policy: Course grades will be calculated as follows:

  • Quizzes 20%
  • Group Project 20%
  • Two Midterms 30% (15% each)
  • Final 30%

Course Grades (Evaluation methods and criteria): Your final letter grade will be determined by your overall percentage as follows:

A 93% - 100% A- 90% - 92.9%

B+ 87% - 89.9% B 83% - 86.9% B- 80% - 82.9%

C+ 77% – 79.9% C 73% – 76.9% C- 70% – 72.9%

D+ 65% – 69.9% D 60% – 64.9% D- 55% - 59.9%

E below 55%

I reserve the right to change the grading scheme as I see fit. Any other grading scheme I use will only be beneficial to your grade as compared to the above standard.

Homework: Suggested homework problems are assigned weekly. Homework will not be collected, but I strongly recommend that you do these problems. They are close related to quiz problems and exam problems.

Quizzes: Quiz will be assigned weekly. The problems will be very similar to the text or examples that we have done in class; or the assigned suggested homework problems. No make-up quizzes will be given, but the lowest 2 quiz grades will be dropped at the end of the semester.

Project: You will have 1 project to turn in. The project will be due the 14th week of classes. Exact date will be written in your daily schedule of lectures. You will be given the list of topics approximately 8-9 weeks before the project is due, and you will work in groups of about 3 students on a topic that you select from the list. We will discuss the format and expectations for this project before you start working on it. Late project will not be given full credit.

Exam Policy:

  • In principle, there is NO make-up exam for midterms and the final.
  • If you must miss an exam due to illness, family tragedy, a University sponsored trip, jury duty, military service etc. contact the instructor as soon as possible. If you must miss an exam and are granted an excused absence I will prorate your grade on the basis of your scores from the other two exams.

Midterms: There will be 2 midterms in class (50 mins).

  • Midterm 1 Friday, February 20th in class
  • Midterm 2 Monday, April 6th in class

Final Exam: Departmental final exam at 3:30 – 5:30 PM on Friday, May 1st.

Tutoring Lab: If you need help with homework and class material, please go to T. Benny Rushing Mathematics Student Center. There will be plenty of TAs who can help you during the center hour.

Lab hours: Tutoring lab open on M-Th 8AM - 8PM; F 8AM - 6PM.

ADA Statement: The Americans with Disability Act requires that reasonable accommodations be provided for students with physical, cognitive, systemic learning and psychiatric disabilities. The student needs to have such a disability approved by the Disability Service O.ffice (162 UNION, 581-5020) in order to have the accommodations provided. The instructor need to be informed about such a disability and approved accommodations at the beginning of the semester.