MATH 150 SYLLABUS

COURSE: MATH 150-004 -- Introductory Discrete Mathematics

COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course will examine discrete mathematics and its applications at an introductory level. Topics will include logic, set theory, combinatorics, probability, and statistics. This course addresses Touchstone Program Goals 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, and 3.2 (see the Winthrop University Undergraduate Catalog 2009-2010, pp. 14-15)

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:  Students will develop basic skills in logic, set theory, combinatorics, probability, and statistics.  Students will use concepts in these areas to demonstrate reasoning through solving problems.  The study of formal logic will allow students to analyze complicated arguments carefully and discover whether they are valid.  Using the notion of sets, students will analyze survey data and count responses of different types.  Students will use concepts in combinatorics and probability are used to analyze risk in various settings.  Finally, students will learn how to analyze data using descriptive statistics. 

TIME/LOCATION: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10:00 - 10:50 a.m., Owens 103

INSTRUCTOR: Tom Polaski

OFFICE: Bancroft 158                                       OFFICE PHONE: 323-4604

E-MAIL ADDRESS: polaskit@winthrop.edu          HOME PHONE: 704-523-8279

WEB PAGE: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/polaskit/

OFFICE HOURS: Mondays and Wednesdays  2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

      Other times may be arranged by appointment.

TEXT: Mathematics with Applications (Custom Edition for Winthrop University). New York: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2009. Selected solutions for suggested problems from Supplementary Chapter 3 can be found at http://www2.winthrop.edu/mathdpt/math150ch3sols.pdf.  Note: Students majoring in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Middle School Mathematics, or Special Education should retain their textbooks for use in MATH 291, 292, and 393.

HOMEWORK: Homework assignments will be made during each class session; you are expected to complete these assignments by the next class session. It is strongly urged that you do the assigned problems; however, the homework will not be collected and graded. If, after attempting an assignment, you either do not understand the material or have difficulty with certain problems, you are encouraged to get help from your instructor.

QUIZZES: From time to time during the course, you will be given quizzes to check on your progress at understanding the class material.  These quizzes will consist of a few questions which resemble homework problems which you have been assigned. No make-up quizzes will be given. At the end of the course your quiz grades will be averaged and rescaled to a 100-point scale.  The grading scales for the quizzes will also be averaged and rescaled.

TESTS/GRADING: Four 100-point tests will be given along with a 200-point final exam. No make-up tests will be given unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. A point system will determine your final grade. There are 700 points possible: 400 from the tests, 200 from the final, and 100 from the quizzes. An approximate grading scale for each test will be determined after it is graded. The semester grading scale will be based on these approximate grading scales, the grading scale for the quizzes, and on the scale for the final exam.  Plusses and minuses are awarded at the discretion of the instructor.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance at all scheduled class meetings is strongly encouraged. Your number of absences will not be counted, and will not be used directly to determine your grade. However, attendance is mandatory for those class sessions which include a test. If no prior arrangements are made with the instructor, a zero will be recorded for a test not taken due to absence.  Likewise a zero will be recorded for any quiz not taken due to absence.  If you will not be in class, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor.

FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability and require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 323-3290 at the earliest possible date. Once you have your official notice of accommodations from this office, please inform your instructor.

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM THE CLASS: Friday, October 23.  Students withdrawing prior to this date will receive an "N" in the course. Students may not withdraw from a course after this date without documented extenuating circumstances.

FINAL EXAMINATION DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, December 9 at 3:00 p.m. All sections of MATH 150 will take their final examination at this time.

PROGRAM ASSESSMENT: Your work in this course will be used for assessment of the Department of Mathematics and the Touchstone Program.  Samples of your work will be taken and assessed after the conclusion of the course; your grade will not be affected.

HELP: You should discuss your homework with your classmates and instructor as a part of your study. The instructor's office hours are a good time to clear up any difficulties you have with the material. The Mathematics Department Tutoring Center (Bancroft 165) is another good place to do your homework and to receive help from mathematics professors, mathematics majors and fellow students.

TECHNOLOGY: A scientific calculator is required for this course.  If you have questions about a particular calculator, please talk to your instructor. All electronic devices other than a calculator should be in silent mode and kept in your book bag or purse throughout class time. If you have some educational, health, or physical reason for such an electronic device, please talk to your instructor.

ALTERATIONS TO THIS SYLLABUS: The instructor reserves the right to make modifications to this syllabus. Students will be notified in class and by email of any modifications.