MS 151-03
Margie Hale, Fall 2008
| Contact Information: | Office Hours: | |
| 214-5 Elizabeth Hall | Monday 11:00-11:50, 2:30-3:20 | |
| ext. 7551 | Wednesday 11:00-11:50 | |
 |
Friday 11:00-11:50 | |
| http://www.stetson.edu/~mhale/ | or by appointment. |
| Contact Information: | Office Hours: | |
| 214-5 Elizabeth Hall | Monday 11:00-11:50, 2:30-3:20 | |
| ext. 7551 | Wednesday 11:00-11:50 | |
|
Friday 11:00-11:50 | |
| http://www.stetson.edu/~mhale/ | or by appointment. |
Course Overview This 3-hour course is for students working on a BA and for others who are simply interested. It does not prepare you for calculus. There is no prerequisite for this course beyond high school math.
Text and Calculator The text is Finite Mathematics, 7th ed., by Rolf, chapters 1,2,5,7,8. Along with the book, you should own a graphing calculator with matrix and statistical capabilities. If you already have one that you know how to use, that will be fine. If you are purchasing one, buy the TI-84 (Plus). There are Instructions for the TI-83/84 online.
Grading Your grade will be based on four tests of 18% each, and a final exam of 28%. The grading scale is A 90-100%, B 80-90%, etc.
Policies and Due Dates The four major tests are self-scheduled within several days to be announced. You may take a test during the class period offered, or in my office. Any test not taken during the allotted days will count zero, no exceptions. In-class test dates are Monday 9/22, Friday 10/17, Friday 11/7, and Monday 12/1. The final exam is Wednesday 12/10, 9-11 am, and must be taken then.
You may bring one 3×5 card, containing any information you wish, to each test and the final. The effect of having the card is two-fold: it will relieve the stress of memorizing formulas and other things that go into short-term memory; and it means the tests will emphasize understanding of concepts and problem-solving ability, not rote learning.
Homework should consume about 6 hours per week outside of class. Problems are grouped on the syllabus by type. It is recommended that you do several odd problems of each type plus one even problem. Odd answers are in the back of the book. On occasion at the beginning of class I will ask you to copy from your notes the solution to an even-numbered problem of my choosing; please bring one of each type already prepared. Grades on these provide further feedback for both of us.
Attendance is expected. Previous students have found that loyal attendance (3 or fewer absences) is required for success in my courses.
Assistance All work on tests must be your own, with no help from books, notes (except one 3×5 card), or other people. Homework may be done with others, or taken to the Math Clinic, but should be re-done in your own words. I support the Stetson University Honor System.
This is a college level course. You are responsible for learning the material, reading the text, identifying your questions and difficulties, talking with me inside and outside of class, keeping up with the syllabus, reading your email, and knowing class policies. Study Tips are provided. Use the Math Clinic: room 209E, Monday-Thursday 2:30-4:30 and 7-10 pm, and Sunday 8-10 pm. Visit my web site to find out more about me and about the course. If you have special needs, please don't hesitate to discuss them, either with me or with the Academic Resources Center.Communication I use Blackboard to communicate important information about the class. Also see my contact information above. You are welcome in my office, my voicemail, and my Inbox.
fall 2008 syllabus
instructions for the TI-83/84
study tips
back to finite math
back to Margie's home page