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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "MA 102"
COURSE NAME: "Finite Mathematics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Margaret Kneller
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 10:00 AM 11:15 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday, 10 am to 11 am, and by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course introduces the student to important topics of applied mathematics: financial mathematics, linear equations and applications, and an introduction to matrices.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course is a traditional finite mathematics course. It addresses the quantitative skills which a liberal-arts educated student should acquire. The student learns about some of the important applications of mathematics. This course is designed for students who have had two years of high school algebra or the equivalent .
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The student will acquire basic skills in financial mathematics, matrices, and probability theory. The course may be viewed as either preparation for more advanced mathematics (and finance) courses, or as the necessary exposure to mathematics required in a traditional liberal-arts education curriculum.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Finite Mathematics, 6th edition, International EditionWaner and CostenobleCengageBrain978-1-285-05627-2 Students may use earlier editions of the same text book.   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Test OneGiven Week 420
Test TwoGiven Week 820
Test ThreeGiven Week 12 to 1320
Final 40
Quizzes (approximately 4) not graded, used to assess comprehension

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
A 90%-100% (The student demonstrates complete, accurate, and critical knowledge of all the topics, and is able to solve problems autonomously.)
B 80%-89% (The student usually has an accurate knowledge of the subject matter and uses clear logic in his/her arguments.)
C 70%-79% (The student has the essential knowledge of the subject matter, understands the topics, and can express it in appropriate mathematical statements.) C minus: 60%-69% (The student has the minimum knowledge of the subjects covered.)
D 50%-59% (The student has a superficial knowledge of the subject matter, is uncertain and makes many errors.)
F below 50% (Little or no knowledge of the subject matter.)

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Regular attendance and active participation in class are required.

CALCULATORS: hand-held calculators may be used.  Calculators within mobile devices may not be used in exams. During exams, calculators may not be shared.
Cheating is not tolerated (please see the University Catalogue for the policy regarding academic dishonesty).
•Coming late to class or leaving early will be possible only with permission of the instructor.
•No MAKE-UP TESTS will be given.
 

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

 

Session

Topic

Assignment

Other

Weeks 1 to 2

ALGEBRA REVIEW Real Numbers, Exponents and Radicals, Multiplying and Factoring Algebraic Equations, Rational Expressions, Solving Polynomial Equations

Chapter 0

Weeks 3 to 5

FUNCTIONS and LINEAR MODELS Functions from the Numerical and Algebraic Viewpoints, Functions from the Graphical Viewpoint, Linear Functions, Logarithms, Exponents

Chapter 1

Test 1-Week 4

Weeks 6 to 8

SYSTEMS of LINEAR Equations and MATRICES Systems of Two Linear Equations in Two Unknowns, Using Matrices to Solve Systems of Equations, Applications of Systems of Linear Equation, Graphing Linear Inequalities

Chapters 2, and 4

Test 2-Week 8

Weeks 9 to 12

MATHEMATICS of FINANCE Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Annuities, Loans

Chapter 5

Test 3-Week 12 or 13

Weeks 13 to 14

Linear Programming

Chapter 4

Week 15

Review