+ Scientific calculator. Bring this everyday to class. You must have your

own for quizzes and tests.

+ Paper and pencil. No pens please!

+ Textbook

Course Description: Prerequisite is high school Algebra II, or intermediate algebra, ACT-Math at an appropriate level, or equivalent. Topics include sets and logic; linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic models; interest theory, loans, annuities; probability and descriptive statistics. At least one additional topic is chosen from: Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries; introduction to calculus; applied mathematics (e.g. voting and election theory; network theory; mathematics for business).

Course Objectives: The primary objective of the course is to develop understanding of the techniques involved in the construction of mathematical models using problem solving strategies from mathematics and computer science. Given a situation to be modeled with mathematics, presented in the form of a real life problem or in the more structured format of a word problem, students will be able to evaluate the posited situation, propose a solution method for, and solve, the problem. Students should also have the ability, by the end of the course, to analyze solution(s) and discuss restrictions on their accuracy and applicability. General Education Council Expectations met by Math 120:

- The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of mathematics and statistics to
structure their understanding of and investigate questions in the world around them.

- The student will demonstrate proficiency in treating mathematical and statistical content
at an appropriate level.

- The student will demonstrate competence in the use of numerical, graphical, and
algebraic representations.

- The student will demonstrate the ability to interpret data, analyze graphical information,
and communicate solutions in written and oral form.

1. Logic and Problem-Solving

Sets, Venn Diagram Models

Logic and Argument Analysis

Units of Measurement

Problem Modeling Strategies

2. Critical Thinking with Quantitative Information

Percentages

Relative Magnitude

Understanding Error

3. Functions and Modeling

Linear Models

Quadratic Models

Exponential Models

Logarithmic Models

4. Finance

Interest Theory

Annuities

Loans

Income Taxes

Federal Budget

5. Statistics and Probability

Statistical Study Design

Statistical Tables and Graphs

Correlation and Causation

Fundamentals of Probability

Central Limit Theorem

Risk Theory

6. Basic Calculus

Functions and Rates of Change

Infinitesimals and the Slope of a Curve

The derivative

Estimating Areas - Riemann sums

7. Geometry and Art

Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Models

Perspective

Modeling Nature with Fractals

8. Putting Statistics to Work

Variation

Distributions

Hypothesis Testing

9 Mathematics and Politics

Elections

Voting Theory

Apportionment

10. Mathematics and Business

Network Analysis

Hamiltonian Circuits

Scheduling

Instructional Strategies: There are three major instructional strategies in teaching the course: an emphasis on effective writing about mathematics, appropriate use of technology, and the rule of three (see below). Written assignments in the course will result in at least 1100 words of prose writing related to mathematical situations. These written assignments may have one (or more) of the following forms: - one or more project reports, - a focus on homework assignments which include short essay answer explanatory questions in addition to some application and exploration problems, - exam questions that require explanation and/or justification, in full sentences, of solutions. Technology, in particular a scientific or graphing calculator along with its manual (or an equivalent computer program with manual), are used to help each student think about and analyze mathematics. In addition to the traditional use as a simple calculational tool, students may also master the graphing and basic programming capabilities of calculators in order to better visualize models and estimate solutions. The semiotic "rule of three" means that concept, symbols, and words are investigated for each topic. The most common interpretation of the rule of three in mathematics is to have students explore the geometric, numeric, and algebraic views for topics.

Methods of Evaluation: Assessment of student learning is accomplished via at least two in-class examinations, regular homework or quizzes on which substantive feedback is given to students, and comprehensive final exam. Additional in-class activities are likely to be included in formative or summative assessments of student progress. One or two projects that result in summative reports can take the place of some, but not all, home, class, and quiz work. Lab sessions on a computer or using graphing calculators that illustrate the topics discussed in class are necessary. Assessment of technological mastery will be made through quizzes, class activities, projects, or short essay assignments.

EVALUATION: Determined by the following tentative plan subject to change.

3 in class chapter tests 30%

1 take home test 10%

10 - 12 quizzes, projects 20%

homework, class work, participation 20%

commutative final 20%

GRADING SCALE: 90% - 100% A

80% - 89% B

70% - 79% C

60% - 69% D

Below 60% F

ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend class and to participate in class activities. Students are responsible for all the material covered. If you miss a test or a quiz, you must notify my in advance.

TESTS and QUIZZES: I strongly recommend that you do not even consider missing a test. Make-up tests are allowed only due to documented illness or extreme conditions and the student has otherwise been participating in expected class behavior. It is your responsibility to contact me in advance if you are unable to make an exam. You have one week to make up the missed exam. You will only be allowed to make up 1 test. Quizzes may or may not be announced. If they are announced, it will be 1 class period in advance. There will be no make up of quizzes. There is a comprehensive final examination.

HOMEWORK AND PARTICIPATION:

• The first 10-15 minutes of class is devoted to answering homework questions. If you did the problem wrong, please correct it on your homework.

• Please put your name, chapter and section on your paper. Please use pencil.

• Homework will be collected almost every class period and graded. Homework is due the next class period after it is assigned. It will be accepted one class period late. If it is more than one class period late, points will be deducted per day. You can put late homework in my mailbox in the math department or give it to me in my office.

• Total for each assignment is 10 points. You will receive 5 points if it is turned in on time, all your work is shown, and you have attempted every problem. All written answers must be in complete sentences with proper grammar and punctuation. Just writing the problem down with no attempt at work or just writing an answer (unless applicable) is worth 0 points. The homework will be graded to receive the other 5 points.

• Some days class work will be turned in and graded. This will be part of the homework grade. This cannot be made up.

• Students are expected to attend class and to actively participate. Participation will be graded on the following criteria.

o Attendance

o Being prepared for class.

o Bring appropriate materials.

o Willingness to ask questions.

o Willingness to participate in class activities.

o Willingness to work with other group members.

o Willingness to work problems on the board.

UNC's Policies

UNC's policies and recommendations for academic misconduct will be followed.

Honor Code

All members of the University of Northern Colorado community are entrusted with the

responsibility to uphold and promote five fundamental values: Honesty, Trust, Respect, Fairness,

and Responsibility. These core elements foster an atmosphere, inside and outside of the classroom, which serves as a foundation and guides the UNC community's academic, professional, and personal growth. Endorsement of these core elements by students, faculty, staff, administration, and trustees strengthens the integrity and value of our academic climate.

Cheating is the act of using or attempting to use, in examination or other academic work, material, information, or study aids which are not permitted by the instructor. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: Using books, notes, or calculators or copying from or conversing with others during an examination (unless such external aids are permitted by the instructor); having someone else do research, write papers, or take examinations; doing research, writing papers, or taking examinations for someone else; submitting large portions of the same work as part of the academic work for more than one course (unless such submission is permitted by the instructor).

Don't do it! The first offense will be documented and a 0 or F will be given. The second offense will be reported to the Student Affairs Office. You will receive an F in the class.

PROJECTS: There will be one or more projects given. Some will be in-class and some will be out of class.

Special Needs: Students who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Disability Access Center, (970) 351-2289, as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

EXTRA HELP: You are welcome to come to my office in anytime during my office hours. You don't need an appointment. If you can't make these hours, contact me for an appointment. The Math tutoring lab is in Ross 1250. Hours are posted on the door. Please ask questions in class.

Cell Phone

Please extend courtesy to your instructor and fellow students by turning off your cell phones and pagers. Thank you for your cooperation.

Common Courtesy and Class Atmosphere:

Be on time.

No cell phones. Turn them off or don't bring them.

No stereo headphones.

If your talking is disruptive during class, you will be asked to leave.

Refusing to participate in class activities is disruptive also. You will be asked to leave.

Important Dates:

August 29 Course Add deadline

August 2 Course Drop deadline

September 5 Labor Day No School

October 14 Last day to withdraw from class

November 25 Thanksgiving holiday

Final Wednesday December 7, 1:30 – 4:00

Assignments for Math 120 by Date and Section

(subject to change)

Date Assignment Date Assignment______

Aug 22 2A Oct 14 9B

Aug 24 2B Oct 17 9C

Aug 26 2C Oct 19 9C

Aug 29 3A Oct 21 Review

Aug 31 3B & 3C Oct 24 5A

Sept 2 1A Oct 26 5B

Sept 5 NO SCHOOL Oct 28 5C

Sept 7 1B Oct 31 5D

Sept 9 1C Nov 2 5E

Sept 12 1C Nov 4 6A

Sept 14 1D Nov 7 6B

Sept 16 1D Nov 9 6C

Sept 19 Review Nov 11 6C

Sept 21 TEST 1 Nov 14 6D

Sept 23 4A Nov 16 Review

Sept 26 4B Nov 18 TEST 3

Sept 28 4C Nov 21 7A

Sept 30 4C Nov 23 7B

Oct 3 4D Nov 25 Thanksgiving holiday

Oct 5 4E Nov 28 7D

Oct 7 Review Nov 30 Review

Oct 10 TEST 2 Dec 2 Review for final

Oct 12 9A Dec 7 Final 1:30-4:00