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Table of Contents
What is Finite Mathematics
Required Textbook and Calculator
Lecture Hall Days
Lab Days (Lecture Hall Section ONLY)
Course Evaluation
Absence from a Quiz or Test
Replacement Score for Verified Excused Absences
Replacement Score for Unexcused Absences
Final Replacement Score
Attendance
Student Conduct
Tutoring
Disability Concerns
Withdrawal
Final

What is Finite Mathematics? Finite Mathematics is the study of: linear equations, systems of linear equations, matrices, matrix applications, sets and counting, probability, statistics, and the mathematics of finance.

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Required Textbook and Calculator:

Text:               Finite Mathematics Second Edition by Waner and Costenoble

Calculators:   A graphing calculator is required. A TI-83 graphing calculator is the recommended calculator for this course. I will use the TI-83 in class examples and demonstrations. If you do not own a graphing calculator, you will need to purchase or borrow one. I would suggest that you purchase the TI-83. Many students have graphing calculators from previous math courses. In particular, the TI-82, TI-85, and the TI-86, are acceptable models for this course.

The TI-82 requires upgrades in functionality via calculator programs. I can provide you with the required programs. The basic mechanics and displays for the TI-82 and the TI-83 are similar.

The TI-85 and the TI-86 are similar calculators in basic mechanics and displays. I will give basic instruction for these calculators along with the discussion for the TI-83. You may need to use the accompanying calculator manuals for personal reference. Again, the TI-83 graphing calculator is the recommended calculator for this course. The equipment I have for class demonstration is for use with a TI-83.

The TI-89 and TI-92 are NOT acceptable for this course, nor is any other calculator with an algebraic operating system.

Casio graphing calculators offer some of the features required for this course but not all. I have very limited experience with Casio calculators. I do not have programs for these calculators and cannot offer assistance with their operation. If you choose to use them, you must fend for yourself.

         Students are not allowed to enter “cheat sheets” within the program editor of their graphing calculator. Regardless of whether you get caught, this is academic dishonesty. If I see a cheat sheet in your calculator, I will erase your calculator memory and give you a score of zero on the associated quiz or test (as a minimum punishment).

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Lecture Hall Days (MWThF):

Lecture: I will lecture and lead class discussions on lecture hall days. All class content will be discussed within the lecture hall. In addition, I occasionally give handouts, and supplemental course material. Generally, we will discuss a section in the book in one to three meeting periods. It is important that you are present for these discussions. I will not give you a “carbon copy” presentation of what is in the book. The book is your reference to the mathematical content, but most discussions include additional ideas and applications that can only be gained and appreciated from your active attendance. You will be responsible for material discussed in class whether you attend or not.

Homework: In addition to problems worked in class, homework will be assigned each class period. Homework may be assigned from the book or from supplemental handouts or both. I will not collect your homework. I will not grade your homework. You are responsible for all homework problems that are assigned. For each hour in class, you should expect to work two hours or more on homework outside of class (roughly 8-10 hrs per week).

Testing and Handing Back Graded Assignments: In addition to class discussions and lecture, all tests and most quizzes will be given within the lecture hall. All graded assignments will be passed out within the lecture hall. You must be in attendance to turn in assignments or receive graded assignments! NO EXCEPTION!

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Lab Days (Tuesdays): (lecture hall only)

On Tuesdays, you will meet for lab. You should report to the appropriate lab based on the time you registered. The purpose for this day is to: ask questions, work on group activities (worksheets), and possibly take quizzes. It will not be possible to answer all student questions within the lecture hall. This is your opportunity to get additional help and practice mathematical application from our class.

Lab Activities: On lab days, I have developed activities that give you the opportunity to practice mathematical concepts from our class. You may work on these activities alone or in small groups. You will be held responsible for the concepts on the lab activities so if you choose to work in a group, make sure you could accomplish the application on your own as well. Each person should turn in a separate lab activity each week.  Lab attendance is mandatory.

Absences from Lab Activities: Your lab grade will be based on the completion of ten graded labs. Generally, there are a total of 12+ labs. If you are absent from a lab, this will not lower your grade. If you repeatedly miss labs, your grade will reflect your absences. If you complete more than ten labs, the additional points from the lab are treated as bonus. You must also be in attendance to turn in assignments or receive graded assignments! NO EXCEPTION!

Course Evaluation:

There will be three 50-minute exams, four or more quizzes, 10+ graded lab activities and a COMMON comprehensive final. I do not give makeup quizzes, activities, or exams for any reason.

          Grading Scale: 100-90%-A, 89-80%-B, 79-70%-C, 69-60%-D, 59-0%-F        

Tentative Points: 

4 tests @ 100 points each                       400 points

4+ quizzes  @ 25 points each                   100 points

Graded Activities                                    100 points (lecture hall only)

1 final @ 200 points                                200 points

Total points                                          700 - 800  points

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Absence from a Test or Quiz:

Absences from quizzes or test for university sanctioned activities: Students who miss a quiz or test due to a University sanctioned activity, i.e. University athletics, etc., will be handled on an individual basis. It is your responsibility to make me aware of your absence at least one week prior to the event. You may not make arrangements after the fact and expect to receive credit.

Absences from quizzes or test for non-official reasons (emergency, sickness):

Missed quizzes: I do not give makeup quizzes for any reason. Within this class, there are a variety of bonus opportunities. If you miss a 25-point quiz, there are more than 25 bonus points you may take advantage of within the semester. Missing more than one scheduled quiz could lower your class grade.

Missed exams: I do not give makeup exams for any reason. If you miss an exam, a final replacement score (see description) will be determined and substituted for the missing score.

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Replacement Score for Verified Excused Absences:

Verified excused absence: A verified absence is an absence that I can verify through documentation. For example, you can verify an absence due to illness by bringing me a doctor’s note. You can verify a death or funeral by providing me with a funeral announcement or program. Whenever possible, you should notify me before the absence occurs. If this is not possible, notify me as soon as possible.

Replacement score for a verified excused absence: If you have a verifiable excused absence, the final will be used as a basis for a replacement score. See final replacement score.

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Replacement Score for Unexcused Absences:

         Unverifiable or unexcused absences: An unexcused absence is an absence for no legitimate reason or for a reason I cannot verify. You will receive a score of zero for the missed exam.

Only one exam score will be replaced (as described above). Any further missed exam, for any reason, will result in a zero.

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Final replacement score:

After you have taken the final exam, the replacement score will be determined. The final exam is worth 200 points. The replacement score is half of the student’s final exam score (the percentage on the final out of 100).

Note: If the student takes all exams and the final replacement score is higher than the lowest test, then the final replacement score will be used as a substitute for the lowest of these scores. The final replacement score WILL NOT replace an unexcused zero.

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Attendance:

Regular attendance is not only expected, BUT A MUST in order to pass this class. It is incredibly difficult to synthesize class discussions after the fact. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain class notes, assignments, and announcements from another student in class. I do not have copies of class notes. Lecture and class discussions occur dynamically and therefore cannot be easily reproduced.

If you miss a class:

·         get class notes from a classmate

·         get any assignments from a classmate

·         get announcements from a classmate

·         look over class notes and assignments as soon as possible

If you are absent for a legitimate reason, you may stop by during office hours to get more assistance and help. I will not repeat an entire class lecture so please use the above mentioned resources first!!! If you will be absent for an extended period of time, let me know as soon as possible. Students must be in attendance to turn in assignments or receive graded assignments. NO EXCEPTIONS!

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Student Conduct:

You are responsible for being respectful of all other students and myself. Any behavior that is inappropriate or disruptive to the class and the learning environment will not be tolerated.

  If inappropriate behavior takes place, you will be warned. If the behavior continues, you will be asked to leave the classroom for that period.

What I Consider to be Inappropriate or Disruptive Behavior (not a complete list)

·         Coming to class late or leaving early. Once you enter the lecture hall, please do not leave until I have adjourned class. THANK YOU in advance!

·         Talking or being “noisy”. It is difficult to hear in the lecture hall. My voice will not carry over yours. If you are having a discussion with the person next to you: you cannot hear what I am saying, the person you are speaking with cannot hear what I am saying, and the people around you who may be trying to listen to me cannot hear what I am saying!

·         Making fun of others. Please try to respect the fact that everyone learns at a different rate. Do not make fun of others for asking questions.

·         Using offensive language directed towards others or me!!!

·         Turn your cell phones off or leave them at home! Ringing cell phones are disruptive during class and will not be tolerated.

·        Points may be deducted from your overall class total if you fail to follow the above mentioned items.

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Tutoring:

The Mathematics Tutor Center is located in STV 330 for students who need tutoring.  I also recommend students form study groups. The tutoring hours will be posted as soon as they are available.

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Disability Concerns:

Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice), 438-8620 (TDD).

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Withdrawal:         Oct. 10  - last day to withdraw with “WX” assigned

          Students are responsible for hand delivering an instructor signed withdrawal form to the registration office on or before this date.

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Final:  Comprehensive COMMON final exam, Thursday Dec. 11, 8:00 – 10:40 p.m.

·         Mathematics Department policy states that students are not allowed to take final exams early for any reason unless approved by the department chairperson.

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Syllabus Disclaimer:

This syllabus is subject to change. Any changes will be announced in class.