Mathematics and Computer Science

Instructor: Dr. Mary J. Russell

Description

This course involves the study of the real number system and its applications to personal and social issues in today's world. Students may be introduced to sets, logic, functions, algebraic concepts, geometry, probability, and statistics. Applications to music, art, politics, and business are other possible topics. The topics (and the homework) will be selected for relevance to the students’ studies or interests. Subjects may include sets, systems of numeration, geometry, groups, and graph theory, as time allows. It's important to remember that learning mathematics is not a matter of just reading mathematics and writing mathematics: You have to DO mathematics.

Goals

• To provide students with an appreciation for and a better understanding of mathematical principles.

• To develop critical thinking skills needed for problem solving, and to use them to identify and solve problems.

General Education Objectives

This course addresses the following areas of student learning:

I. Basic skills of communication, critical thinking, and problem solving

II. General knowledge of mathematics

III. Lifelong appreciation of the subject

Course Materials

Textbook(s)

The textbook materials are: The online tool “MyMathLab” (MML) for this textbook, ISBN 0-321-46495-8, is required. The textbook itself is optional, as most of the printed material, except for the end-of-section exercises is available online. If you are used to studying from a printed book, you may want to buy the book. On the other hand, if you are comfortable with studying at a computer, you may want to buy just the online tool, as it costs considerably less than the textbook. If you have a credit card or debit card, you can purchased this product online. Using and Understanding Mathematics, 4th edition, Bennett and Briggs, Pearson Addison Wesley, 2008, ISBN 0-321-45820-6 is the version of the textbook without MyMathLab. Using and Understanding Mathematics, 4th edition, Bennett and Briggs, Pearson Addison Wesley, 2008, ISBN 0-321-48264-6 is the version of the textbook bundled with MyMathLab.

Reference

Other

MyMathLab: The course is being taught under MyMathLab, not under UNCP's Blackboard. The course code will be given to you in class. It is in the form "russellxxxxx", with your professor's last name in lower case letters followed by some numbers. The access code is the very long number you will find under the pull-away strip inside the MyMathLab package. The web site is "www.mymathlab.com". You also need to know the zip code for UNC Pembroke: 28372.

Grading Policy

Your numerical grade for the course will be the result of your scores on the chapter tests during the semester, your score on the final examination, your grade on online quizzes, your grade on the online homework, and class participation. Your letter grade will be determined by the chart shown below in the section entitled "Final Grades". Your letter grade will be the highest letter listed below whose numerical equivalent is not greater than your numerical grade.

Grade Components

Name	Weight	Subject
Tests during semester	45%	MyMathLab is used for this part of the course. Most tests will be on two chapters and will be no longer than a 50-minute meeting. No makeup tests are given.
Online quizzes	20%	MyMathLab is used for this part of the course.
Online homework	10%	MyMathLab is used for this part of the course.
Final exam	15%	MyMathLab is used for this part of the course. The final exam is held at a time and place determined by the university.
Class Participation	10%	This part of your grade is dependent on regular class attendance, participating in class discussions and problem solving, and in being a positive influence on the class as a whole.

Final Grades

A:	92	B+:	88	C+:	78	D+:	68	F:	<60
A-:	90	B:	82	C:	72	D:	62
		B-:	80	C-:	70	D-:	60

Attendance Policy

For most students, preparing well for class and regular attendance in class, as well as paying attention during class are all necessary parts of doing well in the course. Attendance will be taken each meeting. If you sign in to a class meeting you are expected to remain in class until class is dismissed or you have been given permission to leave; failure to do so will be considered cheating. You are allowed two (2) unexcused absences during the term. Each unexcused absences after the limit will result in your final grade being lowered one letter grade. Tell your instructor ahead of time, preferably in writing, of any event that will require you to be absent. If you become ill or another event prevents your attending class, try to get word to your instructor as soon as you can, preferably the same day. Also explain ahead of time in the rare event that you need to leave class early. If it becomes necessary, coming to class late or leaving early will count as one-third of an absence. Don’t let either become a habit. You are responsible for knowing what is covered in each class meeting whether you attend or not, and whether the material is in the textbook or not.

Student Conduct & Honor Code

Student Conduct and Honor Code: Students are expected to act in a manner that promotes learning. The instructor will not allow disruptive behavior or rudeness in the classroom. Students are also expected to do their own work, and to refrain from helping other students to cheat. All students are expected to know and to abide by the UNCP Academic Code, which states that "Students have the responsibility to know and observe the UNCP Academic Honor Code. This code forbids cheating, plagiarism, abuse of academic materials, fabrication, or falsification of information, and complicity in academic dishonesty. Any special requirements or permission regarding academic honesty in this course will be provided to the students in writing at the beginning of the course, and are binding on the students. Academic evaluations in this course include a judgment that the student's work is free from academic dishonesty of any type; and grades in this course therefore should be and will be adversely affected by academic dishonesty. Students who violate the code can be dismissed from the University. The normal penalty for a first offense is an F in the course. Students are expected to report cases of academic dishonesty to the instructor." Cheating will not be tolerated, and any student who cheats or help another student to cheat will be punished severely.

UNCP Academic Honor Code