MATH-1050 001 (CRN 30394) Summer 2023 Syllabus

Primarily for non-STEM students. This course will help you to develop your logical thinking and problem-solving skills; you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and to make connections of algebraic concepts to real life applications.

When, where, and who

My job is to help you to succeed in this class. I will be happy to discuss issues related to this course (or anything mathematical) in person or via email. In addition to the normal office hours listed above, alternative meeting time may be arranged (please give me at least 48hr advanced notice).

Important dates

  • 6/19: No class
  • 6/26: Exam 1
  • 7/3: No class
  • 7/10: Exam 2
  • 7/24: Exam 3
  • 7/26: Final exam

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course you will demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply each of the following topics:

  • Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities, including applications
  • Analyze and apply linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions
  • Solve the applied problems in mathematics of finance (simple and compound interest)
  • Solve systems of linear equations and inequalities in two variables
  • Apply the geometric approach to linear programming

Prerequisite

A score of 22 on the ACT math sub-section or a score of 520/550 on the SAT math subsection or a score of 46 on ALEKS or MATH 0800 C#.

Textbook

  • [ Required ] College Mathematics for Business, Economics, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences, 14th Edition, by Barnett, Ziegler, Byleen, Stocker, published by Pearson Education, Inc., ISBN-13: 978-0134674148, ISBN-10: 0134674146. A paper copy of the textbook is not required. The e-textbook is included in All-Inclusive Book Access Plan.
  • [ Required ] Math 1050 College Algebra: Workbook, Practice Tests and Solutions including worksheets and practice tests, available at AUM bookstore, is required.
  • [ Software ] MATH 1050 uses an All-Inclusive Book Access Plan. See below “AUM Inclusive Access Program” for details and the Opt-out option. Your homework assignments may be assigned in MyMathLab.

Course objectives

Upon successful completion of this course you will demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply each of the following topics (time permitting):

  • Solve and graph linear, rational, and Quadratic equations
  • Solve linear inequalities
  • Graph basic functions (Quadratic, Absolute Value, Square Root) and their transformations
  • Perform algebraic operations of functions and composition of functions
  • Find inverse functions and their graphs
  • Solve word problems involving polynomial and rational Functions
  • Solve systems of linear equations in two and three variables and their applications
  • Exponential & Logarithmic Functions/Equations (graphing, solving, applying, properties)

Attendance and participation

Participation in in-class discussions and activities is an important part of the learning process. Therefore, class attendance is expected.

You are expected to accept responsibility for class attendance and to complete assignments and examinations as scheduled by the instructor. You are solely responsible for catching up on material that you miss due to any absence. Be advised that missing first three class meetings may disqualify you for financial aid. For more information, see the list of acceptable reasons for absences listed in the AUM Attendance Policy.

Code of conduct

Please be respectful of other people in the classroom and use common sense. In particular,

  • DO NOT take photos without permission
  • DO NOT record lectures without permission
  • DO NOT use cell phones

More detailed code of conduct will be drafted and discussed collectively on the first day of class.

Policy for calculators and smart devices

Scientific calculators or equivalent software programs can be helpful in doing homework problems. Essentially you only need a basic calculator that is capable of performing arithmetic and exponent calculation. A graphing calculator such as the TI-84 (TI-83) is acceptable. However, calculators with CAS capability such as TI-89 or higher or similar (Typically with a QUERTY keyboard) are prohibited in all exams and quizzes. You may use the calculator for each test, but they are not necessary.

Continuous assessment

The continuous assessment is a long test that is designed to test your mastery of all the basic mathematical skills covered in this course. You can take it multiple times (at most once in each class meeting). The highest score you earn will be recorded. More detailed instruction on this will be given in class.

Exams

There will be three in-class exams and one accumulative final exam. If you miss one midterm exam, the final exam will replace only one missed test for “excused” absences as outlined in the AUM Attendance Policy and only with appropriate verification. If you miss two midterm exams, you will receive a zero for the second one unless you have extensive documentation for your absences. Being absent from the final exam will result in a course grade of FA unless you prove to the instructor’s satisfaction, and with appropriate documentation, that your absence was unavoidable. You may then make up the final exam at the instructor’s convenience. Your score on the final exam cannot be dropped.

Experience points

In addition to the two major components, your participation in in-class activities will also earn you “experience points”, which will be a part of your overall course grade.

Grade composition

Your final grade is determined according to the following weighted average.

Component Points Where
Continuous assessments 42% In-class
Exam 1 12% In-class
Exam 2 12% In-class
Exam 3 12% In-class
Final 12% In-class
Experience points 10% In-class

Grading scale

  • A: 90% - 100%
  • B+: 85% - 89%
  • B: 80% - 84%
  • C+: 75% - 79%
  • C: 70% - 74%
  • D+: 65% - 69%
  • D: 60% - 64%
  • F: below 60%

AUM Inclusive Access Program

Math 1050 is part of the AUM Inclusive Access Program which provides instant access to the digital material needed for this course on the first day of class. You have a trial period (typically two weeks in a Fall/Spring semester, or one week in a summer semester) to decide whether or not you want to continue to use the digital course material provided or you can OPT-OUT and source the course material through alternative methods. After the trial period, those students choosing to remain in the AUM Inclusive Access Program will be charged by the All Inclusive Access book price (typically lower compared to the retail price) to your student account. For more information on the AUM Inclusive Access Program and directions on how to OPT-OUT of the program, please visit the following link: https://aumbookstore.com/inclusive-access.

Remember that opting-out of the AUM Inclusive Access Program does not remove you from your class. Opting-Out only removes your access to the digital course material provided for your class via the AUM Inclusive Access Program. Also, if you drop the class during the trial period, you will not be charged for the AUM Inclusive Access course material.

Other policies

AUM COVID-19 updates. Please follow guidelines detailed in the AUM pandemic plan relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technology equipment expectation. Access to computers and stable Internet connection are expected. Students who do not have their own equipment can use AUM open labs including labs found in the first floor of the Taylor center and the second floor of the library.

Syllabus contingency plan. Should the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Governor, or Chancellor determine the university discontinue face-to-face (in-person) instruction in the interest of safety, this course would be converted to a virtual-only format. If normal class and/or lab activities are disrupted due to illness, emergency, or crisis situation (such as a COVID-19 outbreak), the syllabus and other course plans and assignments may be modified to allow completion of the course. If this occurs, an addendum to the syllabus and/or course assignments will replace the original materials.

In case the instructor cannot attend due to COVID-related matter, a back-up instructor will be arranged by the Department of Mathematics.

Academic dishonesty. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. In particular, you cannot copy (totally or partially) someone else’s solutions or allow someone else to copy your solutions on quizzes or exams. If you do, you will receive an “F” in the course. Please consult Student Handbook for additional guidelines.

Disability accommodations. Students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a meeting during office hours to discuss your accommodations. If you have a conflict with my office hours, an alternate time can be arranged. To set up this meeting, please contact me by e-mail. If you have not registered for accommodation services through the Center for Disability Services (CDS), but need accommodations, make an appointment with CDS, 147 Taylor Center, or call 334-244-3631 or e-mail CDS at cds@aum.edu

Academic support. Student Success Advising in the WASC can be scheduled through Advisor Trac, email at wasc@aum.edu, or by calling our front desk at 334.244.3230. ISL: Tutoring appointments can be scheduled online by filling out the form at http://www.aum.edu/tutoringapp.

Student privacy policy. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (FERPA) requires institutions receiving federal monies to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. For details go to the AUM’s FERPA website: http://www.aum.edu/academics/Registrars-office

Tentative schedules

  • Day 0: Course organization, basic ideas of algebra
  • Day 1: Linear equations/inequalities, Cartesian coordinates
  • Day 2: Graphs and lines, idea of functions
  • Day 3: Graphs of functions, polynomial functions
  • Day 4: Rational functions
  • Day 5: Exponential functions, compound interest, and continuous compound interest
  • Day 6: Logarithmic functions
  • Day 7: Systems of linear equations in two variables
  • Day 8: Systems of linear inequalities
  • Day 9: Linear programming

There will be additional days reserved for exams, reviews, and other activities.