Introduction to the Mathematical Sciences

MATH 1107

Bemidji State University

Instructors and Department Contact Information

Name: Dr. Glen Richgels

Email: grichgels@bemidjistate.edu

Phone: 218-755-2824

Office: Hagg Sauer # 360

Office Hours: http://faculty.bemidjistate.edu/grichgels/Advising.html

Deadline for dropping the course: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/calendar/

Overview of the Course / Course Description

This course integrates the study of algebra, statistics and computing. Topics include functions, graphical and tabular analysis, rate of change, syntax and semantics, the process of computing, data manipulation, sampling, statistical measures, basic probability, correlation. Examples are drawn from a wide range of disciplines and content will be taught within the framework of discipline-specific examples. Students will learn to use the software package Microsoft Excel. The prerequisite is MATH 0800.

Course Website

The website address for this course is http://faculty.bemidjistate.edu/grichgels/Courses/Spring/M1107/M1107.html This website will contain many resources for the class.

Course Prerequisites

The prerequisite is MATH 0800 with a grade of C or higher or consent of instructor.

Liberal Education Requirement at BSU

This course meets the liberal education requirement at BSU in Category 4.

Course Structure

Introduction to the Mathematical Sciences will be taught in a laboratory environment. The course is 3 credits and will meet 3 times per week for two hour sessions. The sessions will be a mix of lecture, individual work, and group work. Student participation and activity learning will be stressed.

Homework Policy

• Homework will be assigned throughout the semester and students are expected to complete homework outside of class time, although sometimes students will be given opportunities to work on the homework during class time. Students may work on homework individually and in group settings.
• Students are encouraged to discuss the homework assignments with each other as well as with the faculty. Students can learn a lot from their peers.

Required text(s), materials, and software

• Access to the software package Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Excel is found in all BSU student computer laboratories.
• A 256 MB or greater travel/USB drive.

Learning Objectives / Course Objectives

Students will be learn basic algebra, statistics, and technology skills within the context of university wide discipline specific topics. Students will gain basic proficiencies with using Microsoft Excel to solve problems in the mathematical sciences.

The following topics will be covered in the course. The amount of detail and rigor of each topic included in the course will vary depending on the topic and level of presentation.

• Algebra Topics

• Functions

§ Functions given by formulas

§ Functions given by tables

§ Functions given by graphs

§ Functions given by words

o Graphical and Tabular Analysis

§ Tables and trends

§ Graphs

§ Solving linear equations

o Linear Functions

§ The geometry of lines (slope/intercept)

§ Modeling data with linear functions

§ Direct Variation

§ Linear regression

o Other Common Functions

§ Multiple representations

§ Modeling data

§ Graphical solutions to systems of equations

• Technology Topics
• Syntax and Semantics
• Understanding Processes
• The notion of a “variable” in computing
• Formulas and expressions
• Making decisions
• Using functions
• Statistics Topics
• Collecting and displaying data in tabular and graphical format
• Types of data
• Measures of central tendency
• Measures of dispersion
• Shapes of distributions
• Correlation and association
• Brief introduction to linear regression

Course Requirements and Grading Scheme

All quizzes and tests must be completed on time unless arrangements have been made prior to a quiz or test. Quizzes will be given frequently and they may be unannounced. There will be four exams during the semester and one final exam. The final exam is on Friday, May 11 from 8:00 to 10:00 AM.

Grade Calculations	Percentages
Homework/Projects/Attendance	20%
Quizzes	15%
Exams	40%
Final Exam	25%

Grading Scale for Course

Grade	Points Range
A	[90%, 100%]
B	[80%, 90%)
C	[70%, 80%)
D	[60%, 70%)
F	[0, 60%)

University Policies & Procedures

Go to http://www.bemidjistate.edu/studentaffairs/stguide/polproced.html for BSU “Policies & Procedures.”

Incomplete: An incomplete (I) grade will only be given in documented emergency situations. Bemidji State University policies will be followed.

Disability Services

Upon request this document can be made available in alternate formats. If you have a documented disability and need accommodations for this course please contact the Disability Services Office in 202 Sanford Hall (phone: 218-755-3883), Bemidji State University. Any other questions about this course should be directed to the instructor.

Change in Course Syllabus

The Instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as this course proceeds if the

need arises. Should a change be required the class will be notified.