Elementary Mathematical Modeling

MATH 104, Section 5
Spring Semester 2008

Instructor

Course Description

This course will introduce the student to mathematical models of real world problems. In particular, students will use graphs, functions, and tables to describe data and use the models to interpolate and extrapolate. Functions studied will include linear, quadratic, and exponential. Students will be expected to interpret results in writing and use technology to solve and display results.

Textbook

Mary Ellen Davis and C. Henry Edwards, Elementary Mathematical Modeling: Functions and Graphs (Citadel Edition), Prentice-Hall, 2001.

Also:  Course Notes and Handouts

Calculator

TI-83 Plus or TI-84

Grading

The final grade for the course is based on 6 grades as follows:

• Four assigned in-class tests. Each test counts as a separate grade.
• Daily quizzes and other assignments– collectively count as 1 grade. (Lowest two quiz grades will be dropped.)
• Final Exam – counts as 2 grades.
• Lowest grade from above will be dropped. If the lowest grade is the final exam, only one of the associated grades will be dropped.

Miscellaneous Grading Policies

1. Homework will be assigned but not collected. However, daily quizzes will come directly from the homework assignments.
    
2. Class attendance and participation can influence borderline grades.
    
3. A total of six absences will result in a course grade of F. With respect to this policy, three lates count as an absence. In addition, if you are late by 15 minutes or more, you will be considered absent.
    
4. Incomplete grades are given only in unusual circumstances. Consult the college catalog for policy on incomplete work.
    

Class Schedule

Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00-9:15 a.m., Thompson Hall 319.

Office Hours

Important Dates

Expectations

1. Do not miss the assigned tests without a valid excuse! Missing an assigned test without a valid excuse will result in a grade of zero for that test. The instructor gets to determine whether or not an excuse is valid. In particular, guard duty is not an acceptable excuse for missing an assigned test. When possible, students should notify the instructor in advance if they will be unable to take an assigned test. All make-up tests will be given outside of normal class time. Once a test has been given in class, any subsequent make-up tests may differ significantly.
    
2. Show up for class on time and prepared. That means that you have read the appropriate sections from the book plus any handouts, and you have worked all assigned homework. If a test has been assigned, you should be prepared to take the test. If you were late to class or absent from the previous class meeting, you are responsible for getting class notes and assignments from another student in the class or from the instructor.
    
3. If you are late to class, it is possible that you have already been marked absent by the time you arrive. It is your responsibility to notify the instructor after class that you were late rather than absent.
    
4. Take care of any personal needs outside of class time. Except for emergencies, you should not need to go to the bathroom, get a drink of water, etc. If you need to leave the room at any time while class is in session, you should ask for permission.
    
5. There should be no personal conversations, moving around, or leaving the room during class without explicit permission. These actions are disturbing to other students and to the instructor. Be courteous and respect the rights of others.
    
6. You should respect the property of your college. No eating, drinking (other than water), smoking, dipping, chewing tobacco, etc. in the classrooms. Also, no writing or carving on the desks, chairs, podium, etc. Please respect Citadel property.

Daily Schedule