MA101, Lia Vas    --     SYLLABUS

1. This is a rigorous course.  You should plan to spend a minimum of twice the number of class hours on reading, homework assignments, and practice problems.  The assigned homework is the minimum amount of practice you should complete.  It is your responsibility to come to class prepared to ask questions on any covered concept or assignment.

2.   There will be three in-class exams plus a two hour comprehensive final exam. No makeup exam will be given unless the excuse for missing the scheduled exam is acceptable to the instructor. Any makeup exam must be taken before the next regularly scheduled exam.  Any makeup of the final exam must be arranged through the registrar's office.

3.  There will be four homework assignments and three computer projects. No assignment, project or exam grade will be dropped. There will be no makeup assignments.  Assignments turned in after their due date will receive an automatic reduction in grade.

4. All students are expected to attend all classes.  Students are responsible for all materials covered in class and all assignments, even if attendance is not checked or assignments collected.  An “F” grade for the course can result from more than three unexcused absences.

5. Academic integrity: Academic integrity is at the center of the educational experience at USP. Students are therefore expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and not engage in nor tolerate academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limit to, fabrication, cheating or plagiarism. Any violation of academic integrity will be investigated and, where warranted, the student will receive appropriate sanctions through the University's Student Conduct Process. Please familiarize yourself with the current USP Student Handbook. In particular, adherence to the Student Conduct Policy and Academic Integrity Policy will help to ensure that your learning and living experiences are founded on integrity.

6. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Statement: USP supports the educational endeavors of all students, including students with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Such disabilities include any psychoemotional, behavioral, cognitive, medical, or physical limitation that substantially limits learning or major life activities. If you have a diagnosed limitation or believe that you have a condition that may impair your ability to fulfill your course or degree requirements, and you would like more information on applying for an accommodation under ADA, please contact the Office of Academic Accommodations at 215-596-7480.

7. Course Objectives:

• To provide a well rounded introduction to mathematical functions.

• To lay the foundations for the study of calculus and other areas of mathematics.

• To develop problem solving skills.

• To educate students in the use of appropriate technology.

• To apply mathematics to solve problems in other disciplines.

Learning outcomes:

· Students will value the use of mathematical functions.

· Students will be able to interpret, formulate, and solve equations.

· Students will be able to interpret and critique graphs.

· Students will be able to understand and solve multidisciplinary application problems.

· Students will be able to critically examine information and to demonstrate problem solving skills.

· Students will be able to model data using the language and algorithms of mathematics.

· Students will know how to use appropriate technology to solve mathematical problems.

· Students will demonstrate a proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet data handling.

· Students will use the graphing calculator to model problems using numerical and graphical data.