Mathematics 2100 Syllabus
Fall 2013
Prerequisite: Math 1710 and it is recommended that
Math 1720 be taken concurrently
Course
Description/Overview:
In this course, you will engage in explorations and lab activities designed to
strengthen and expand your knowledge of the topics found in secondary
mathematics. Course activities are designed to have you take a second, deeper
look at topics you should have been exposed to previously; illuminate the
connections between secondary and college mathematics; illustrate good, as
opposed to typically poor, sometimes counterproductive, uses of technology in
teaching; illuminate the connections between various areas of mathematics; and
engage you in serious (i.e., non-routine) problem solving, problem-based
learning, and applications of mathematics.
The
course consists of three units: 1) Functions, 2) Modeling, and 3) Overlooked
Topics and Explorations. Although it s convenient to divide the topics among
these units, many topics will appear in more than one of these units. Specific topics of investigation include function
properties and patterns, complex numbers, parametric equations, polar
equations, vectors and counting techniques. Explorations involve the use of
multiple representations, transformations, data analysis techniques (such as
curve fitting) and interconnections among topics in algebra, analytic geometry,
statistics, trigonometry, and calculus. The lab investigations include use of
various technologies including computers, calculators, and computer graphing
software.
Course Objectives: By the end of the
semester, students will have
o Demonstrated
proficiency in working with the concept of function and function related topics
such as rate of change, injective functions and surjective function
o Demonstrated a depth
knowledge of secondary mathematics topics such as parametric equations, polar
coordinates, matrices, and vectors
o Demonstrated
proficiency at creating data models using regression, matrices, and function
patterns
o Presented
mathematical ideas and topics in an effective manner
o Demonstrated
proficiency in the use of technology in the mathematics classroom
o Identified content
connections between various levels and various topics within levels of
secondary and university level mathematics
Book: No book. Material will be given out
in class. Each student should have a three ring binder for this class to
collect the handouts. At the end of the semester, your three ring binder will essentially be the book. A TI 83 or 84 is
optional, but if you have one, bring it to class.
Professor: Neal Brand, email address neal@unt.edu, office phone 940-565-4138
Office Hours: GAB 417B M 2:30-3:50, T 10:00-11:50, W 8:30-9:50,
F 12:30-2:00 and by appointment.
Please use these hours to ask questions of your instructor. Do not just
drop in at other times since your instructor will most likely be busy with
other responsibilities. If you need to see your instructor at another
time, make an appointment in advance.
Grading: Grades are based on three regular
exams, homework, one project, attendance, participation and a final exam. The homework is worth a total of 300
points. The project is worth 100 points. Each regular exam is worth 100
points and the final exam is worth 200 points. A maximum of 50 points will
be awarded for participation. Finally, attendance will count as 50 points or
perhaps MORE! Each student starts with 50 points toward attendance. For each
unexcused absence, 10 points will be deducted. This gives you a total of 1000
possible points. To earn an A it is sufficient to make a total of 900 points,
800 for a B, 700 for a C, and 600 for a D. You must also complete the
on-line course evaluation as described below.
Course Evaluation: The SETE website will be open later in
the semester for you to evaluate the course (dates to be announced
later). You are required to go to the web site and complete an evaluation
of the course sometime during the open period. Although your
instructor will receive a list of who completed the evaluation forms before
grades are turned in, he will not receive any other information about the
evaluations until after the grades are turned in. Your instructor will
receive no information that would link you to your specific answers or
comments. The university, the mathematics department, and your instructor
take your course evaluation input very seriously.
Regular Exams: The regular exams will be given in
class, most likely on February 13, March 13 and April 22. The final exam
is scheduled to be held in the classroom on May 8 (Wednesday) at 10:30.
Homework: Homework will be assigned from
handouts. The assignments will be posted on the web. You are expected to turn
in neatly written homework that shows all essential work. If the grader
has trouble reading the homework, then the homework will be returned with a
zero. Homework is to be turned in at the start of class on the day
indicated on the web page or stated in class. Late homework will normally not
be accepted.
Web Page: From the UNT home page follow through
the links through the College of Arts and Sciences, the Mathematics Department
and Neal Brand's home page to find the Math 2100 home page. You will find
homework assignments, and other information concerning this class at that site.
The URL is math.unt.edu/~brand/class/2100/2013Spring/2100.html.
Attendance: Since the material covered in this
class is somewhat non standard and class participation is a key component to
this class, it is essential that you come to class every day. As indicated in
the grading section, ten points will be deducted from your point total each
time you miss class. If you absolutely are unable to come to class due to an
illness or other unavoidable circumstances, then let your instructor know as
soon as possible and ask for an excused absence.
Participation: You are expected to actively
participate in classroom activities. Class time is not a time to socialize, but
a time to work on mathematics in a group setting - there is a difference!
During labs or explorations, you are expected to work with your group to
contribute to solutions to the posed problems. You are also expected to
participate in classroom discussions and to occasionally present solutions to
explorations and labs. Listening to music, texting, browsing the web (for
topics not related to the class) and other activities not directly related to
the official class activity are not allowed. Active participation in the class
is particularly important for success.
Extra Credit: Do not expect to be able to do extra
credit work to help your grade either before or after the final exam. There
will be no extra credit for this course other than perhaps an extra problem on
an exam. Please do not ask for extra credit work to help your grade. Your best
bet to help your grade is to do the required work at the time it is assigned.
Disabilities: The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at http://www.unt.edu/oda. You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.
Cheating: No cheating will be tolerated.
Cheating includes receiving help from anyone or anything that is not
specifically allowed on an exam, project or final exam. On the other
hand, you are encouraged to work together on the regular homework assignments
as long as everyone participates and no one just copies the answers from
someone else. Anyone caught cheating will receive an F for the course.
Furthermore, a letter will be sent to the appropriate dean. I expect no
cheating in this class. See http://www.unt.edu/csrr
for more information.
Last Comment: Anything on this syllabus is subject
to change at the discretion of the instructor.