SHAW UNIVERSITY

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

MAT113 - 2 (3 credit hours)  Fall 2008

Intermediate Algebra

Prerequisite:  None

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Instructor: Do Yeong Shin                                                                                Office Location: TUP 103

Email:  dyshin@shawu.edu                                                                                Telephone:  919-546-8232

Class Time: MWF  09:00 – 09:50                                                             Class Room: TUP 104                             

Office Hours: MW 10:00 – 12:00                                                               TTh  11:00 – 12:00

                        Friday 10:00 11:00                                                        Other Times by Apointment

Program Mission

The mission of the Mathematics Program is to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies, for employment in fields of work requiring quantitative and problem solving skills, and also to pursue graduate studies in Pure and Applied Mathematics. The mission is also to produce graduates who are equipped with analytical and critical thinking skills to enable them to formulate problems, solve them, and interpret their solutions, and communicate the solution.

Program Goals 

The primary goals of the Mathematics unit for this period are as follows:

1.        Produce graduates with the mathematical knowledge and competence with computational and quantitative skills to succeed in the field of work requiring quantitative and problem solving skills

2.        Produce graduates with the knowledge and competencies to be prepared for graduate studies in Pure and Applied Mathematics and further research

3.        To improve the academic performance of students and increase student retention.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO’s)  

1.1   Students will be able to draw the graphs of various functions, find their derivatives, integrals, identify some properties of functions, find the maximum and minimum values of functions using algebraic and calculus techniques. They will also be able to use numerical techniques to find definite integrals of functions and apply all these techniques to solve application problems.

1.2   Students will be able to represent a given data in diagrams, find various measures of central tendencies, dispersions, correlation between variables, and other statistical parameters. They will also be able to find probabilities of certain simple and compound events using various techniques of probability using probability distributions. Students will also be able to apply these techniques to solve application problems.

1.3   Students will be able to solve systems of linear equations, find the matrices representing linear transformations, do matrix computations. They will also be able to solve ordinary differential equations both algebraically and numerically. Students will be able to apply these techniques to solve application problems.

2.1   Students will be able to understand the various techniques of proving theorems and will be able to state and prove theorems using definitions and properties.

2.2   Students will be able to use differentiation and integration techniques to solve application problems in optimizing techniques for functions in Business, Economics, Sociology etc, also find areas and volumes of planes and solids using definite integrals, and multiple integrals.

2.3   Students will be able to use eigen values, eigen vectors in solving and predicting long range effects in other areas of study. Students will be able to solve application problems using these techniques.

3.1     Periodic meetings of all the major students with all the math faculty will be arranged to give an opportunity to students and faculty to communicate and exchange ideas to provide the students with what their academic needs are and make their learning experience more enjoyable.

3.2     The advisors will meet with their advisees at least two times a semester to make sure the students are taking the right courses and are in the right track for timely graduation. Also they will address any academic needs the advisees have and make them more comfortable to stay and complete the major program.

3.3     Inform the students of opportunities on Summer Internships and summer Institutes and encourage them to get these experiences and also take them to undergraduate conferences where they can meet other undergraduate math students and exchange ideas and learn about graduate school and research opportunities. Make arrangements for organizing tutoring sessions for students who need help in their class work.

Course Description:

This is an intermediate level algebra course intended for science and education students.  For science and mathematics students it serves to prepare them for the required course Math 115 (Pre-calculus).

This is a core requirement for students majoring in Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, Mathematics, Mathematics Education, and students in the Dual Degree Engineering Program. This course is a study of different types of functions, their graphs, and their properties. Students will be exposed to symbolic manipulations, critical thinking and problem solving techniques by applying the concepts to solve application problems. Graphing calculators will be used to augment learning and solve numerical problems.

Conceptual Framework Theme:

To produce graduates who are critical-thinking problem solvers with the knowledge, pedagogical and technological skills, and professional dispositions needed to function as effective teachers in a diverse world.

Student Learning Outcomes:   

After completing this course successfully, the students will be able to do the following:

Required Textbook & Resources:

John W. Coburn – Precalculus, First Edition, McGraw Hill, 2007

Math Zone Online Assessment Tool

Graphing Calculator:   TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus or higher calculator is recommended

Graph Paper & Ruler

Chapters and Topics:

Chapter R – Review of Basic Concepts and Skills :  Algebraic Expressions – Exponents, Polynomials and polynomial operations – Factoring polynomials – Rational Expressions – Radicals and rational exponents.

Chapter 1 – Equations and Inequalities: Linear equations and problem solving – Linear inequalities in one variable with applications – Solving polynomial and other equations – Complex numbers – Solving non factorable quadratic equations.

Chapter 2 – Functions and Graphs:  Rectangular coordinates and Graph of a line – Relations, functions, and Graphs – Linear functions and rates of change – Quadratic and other functions – Functions and inequalities – Regression and data analysis.

Chapter 3 – Operations on Functions and analyzing graphs: Algebra and Composition of functions –One-One and inverse functions – Functions and Transformations – Graphing quadratic functions – Asymptotes and simple rational functions – Direct and inverse variations – Piece-wise defined functions – Analyzing graphs.

Chapter 4: Polynomial and Rational functions: Polynomial long and Synthetic division – Remainder and Factor Theorems – Zeroes of Polynomial functions – Graphing Polynomial functions – Graphing rational functions – Polynomial and rational inequalities – Summary Review.

Additional Learning Resources:

The AAA Tutoring Center is located in the Old Education Building on Main Campus

Form and/or participate in peer study groups

Contact Instructor during office hours or by appointment.

Course Evaluation:

The following grading scale will be used: A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F = 59 and below.

Note:  The minimum passing grade for students with a major in the sciences is a C.

Attendance Policy:

 Students who miss classes are responsible for subject matter covered, any announcements made regarding quiz, test or any other relevant matter, during their absence.

More than 3 (if class meets 3 times a week ) or 2 (if class meets 2 times a week ) unexcused absences may result in failure in the course.  You are responsible to find out or know about any announcements or the subject matter covered, during your absence.

Student Classroom Decorum Expectations:

To enhance the learning atmosphere of the classroom, students are expected to dress and behave in a fashion conducive to learning in the classroom. More specifically, students will refrain from disruptive classroom behavior (i. e., talking to classmates, disrespectful responses to teacher instructions; swearing; wearing clothes that impede academic learning such as but not limited to, wearing body-revealing clothing and excessively baggy pants; hats/caps, and/or headdress). Students will turn off telephones prior to entering the classroom. Students who exhibit the behaviors described above, or similar behaviors will be immediately dismissed from class at the third documented offense. The student will be readmitted to class only following a decision by the department chair. The student may appeal the decision of the department chair to the Dean of the College offering the course, and, subsequently, to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and then to the President of Shaw University. The decision of the President will be final. Failure to follow the procedures herein outlined will result in termination of the appeal, and revert to the decision of the department chair.

Each behavior construed by the teacher/professor as non-contributive to learning will be recorded, properly documented, and appropriately reported to the student and to the chair of the academic department offering the course. The report will be in written form with a copy provided to both the student and the department chair. The faculty member should retain a copy for his/her own records. Additional student behavior codes may be found in Student Affairs.

Tentative Test Schedule:

Test #1 …………….  Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Test #2 …………….  Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Test #3 …………….  Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Final Exam …………The University Schedule