MATH 95     BASIC AND INTERMEDIATE MATH

Time/Place
 SC 104 MW 1:10am - 2:00pm
Instructor
 Maula Allen
Office
 Science Center (SC) 152  (Ktd)
Phone
 (415) 485 - 9547
Office Hours
(Kentfield and Online)

MW 9:00 - 9:30 and 12:30 - 1:00
F 10:00 - 12:00
Email
 maula.allen@marin.edu

Text:  Basic Mathematics, Marvin L. Bittinger, or
           Basic Mathematics  , 10th Edition, Marvin L. Bittenger, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Inc.

Required: 3x5 index cards (one for each class meeting), notebook for taking notes, pencil(s)

Objective
    The principle objective in our course is to develop an understanding and ability to manipulate basic mathematics--which includes arithmetic operations with the set and subsets of real numbers and their various applications.  We will also explore some introductory concepts in Geometry and Algebra.
    This foundational course serves as an indicator of the success level one may expect in the course that follows, Elementary Algebra.  The level of success in this course is directly related to the amount of commitment you make in time and effort.

Homework
    Homework is assigned at the end of each class, and collected at the beginning of class on Mondays.   No late assignments will be accepted--no exceptions.  There will be approximately 13 homework assignments, of which the three lowest scores will be dropped at the end of the semester.   The maximum possible points for each assignment is 5 pts.
    Homework is a learning tool, and so credit will not be based on right or wrong answers.  The only right thing to do is attempt all problems--this is how we learn.  The wrong thing to do is not ask questions when a concept is unclear.

Index Notes
    At the end of each class meeting, we will reserve a few minutes to reflect on what we covered in class that day.  You will address one question on the index card:  "What have I learned today?"  Each day's card must be dated, and contain your full name.  The cards will be used for recording attendance, and it is also a way for me to be made aware of any difficulties or questions you may have.
    No late cards will be accepted--no exceptions, not even if you did attend class but forgot to turn in your card.  It is therefore important for you to remember to turn in your cards before you leave class.

Quizzes
    A short quiz (25 points each) will be given on Wednesday of every week in which there is no exam scheduled.  Quiz problems come directly from homework problems.  There will be approximately 9 quizzes, of which the three lowest scores will be dropped.  There will be no make-up quizzes--no exceptions.  If you miss a quiz, then you will receive a score of zero for that quiz.

Exams
    There will be 4 exams during the semester (100 pts each), and a final exam (200 pts).  No make-up exams will be given--no exceptions.  Any scheduling conflicts must be resolved before the exam date.

Grading Policy
Homework      50 pts (approximately 10 @ 5 pts each)
Quizzes         150 pts  (approximately 6 @ 25 pts each)
Exams           600 pts  (4 @ 100 pts each and a final exam @ 200 pts)
Total             800 pts  (appoximate total possible points)

The final course grade will be based on the percentage of points earned out of the total possible, and on class and homework performance.  Attendance is considered to be part of class performance.

94 - 100%  A      87 - 93%  B      80 - 86%  C      70 - 79%  D      0 - 69%  F

***It is stronly recommended that students attend all classes and do at least all assigned problems.***

Classroom Policy

Electronic devices--Turn cell phones off before class starts.

Academic dishonesty--Academic dishonesty is not tolerated.  Cheating on any quiz or exam will result in a grade of zero for that quiz or exam (not to be dropped), for a first offense.  A second offense in cheating will result in an "F" for the course grade.

Excessive absences--Absences are stronly discouraged.  A day's absence will result in a great deal of material missed.  It is usually very difficult to "catch up" on missed material, especially in a math class.  Do whatever you can to schedule appointments so they do not conflict with your class schedule. 
    Attention to successful time management strategies will eliminate the amount of time you think you need to miss from our class to study for another class.

Teacher's note:
    My goal as your teacher is to make the math content in our course as accessible to you as possible.  But I cannot do this alone.  You must be willing to be an active participant in this process or little or no learning will result.  Also, the learning is not just between you and me--it takes place in your interaction with each other as well.  Collaboration in learning our course content is encouraged--except on quizzes, exams, and during lecture.  You are also encouraged to visit me during office hours.  The Tutoring Center and Math Lab are also excellent resources you may wish to investigate.

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