Mathematics for Business & Social Sciences Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Course

MATH-1324-001 Mathematics for Business & Social Sciences

Prerequisites

Scores on a state-approved test indicating college-level math skills or concurrent enrollment in Math 0324

Course Description

The application of common algebraic functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and rational, to problems in business, economics, and the social sciences are addressed. The applications include mathematics of finance, including simple and compound interest and annuities; systems of linear equations; matrices; linear programming; and probability, including expected value.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Finite Mathematics and Calculus with Applications, Tenth Edition
Authors:  Margaret L. Lial, Raymond N. Greenwell, and Nathan P Ritchey
(Pearson Education Publishers)

Note:  The physical textbook for this course is optional.  All homework will be completed online using MyMathLab, where an electronic version of the complete textbook is accessible.  You may pay for access to MyMathLab online using a credit card, or you may purchase a MyMathLab access kit from the Amarillo College Bookstore.

 

Supplies

Students will need a graphing calculator for this course.  The recommended calculator is a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus.  Other forms of Texas Instruments or Casio graphing calculators will be permitted at the instructors discretion.  Note that no TI-89s or TI-Nspires will be permitted during the midterm and final exams.

Students need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection to complete online homework assignments and chapter exams and access to a printer to produce class notes.

Other supplies include a three ring binder and dividers.

 

Student Performance

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and "Student Rights & Responsibilities" will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to: removal from the course, consultation with the department chair or other AC authority, or withdrawl from the course or college.

Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the rules and regulations described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook under Student Conduct and Responsibilities.  Consequences for cheating may include  receiving a zero for an assignment, permanent removal from the class, or failing the course.

COMMUNICATION IN THE COURSE

Your presence in the course will be established through correspondence with me, public discussions with other students in the course, and your attendance at the midterm and final exam sessions.  Through any venue, disrespectful language will not be tolerated.  Using foul language in emails or discussions will result in receiving a zero for that assignment and possible removal from the course.  You are expected to express yourself with courtesy and consideration at all times.  This attitude of respect also applies to the proctors for the midterm and final exams.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

1.   Online classes are not necessarily more difficult than in-class courses, but they require self discipline and motivation. You will be expected to learn the material through reading the textbook, completing the notes provided on Blackboard through AC Connect, and finishing the homework and exams on MyMathLab

2.    You need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and a dependable printer to produce class notes.  By signing up for an online course, you are communicating that you have access to such tools.

3.    This class demands a great deal of time. Online courses often take more time than in-class delivery courses. Please expect to spend at least 5-20 hours each week on this course.  If your other life commitments do not allow you this amount of time to spend on the course, you may want to choose another course or delivery method.

4.    Deadlines are your responsibility. Due dates are posted on the MyMathLab website and on the  calendar at the end of this syllabus.  However, because this is an online course, I can tailor it to your individual needs without disrupting the flow of the course.  If you need a deadline extension for online assignments (up to 2 days), please don't hesitate to ask.  No extensions are available, however, for the written midterm and final exams, which must be taken in person by the absolute due date.

5.    Technical difficulties happen. If you experience problems, email me immediately.  I will do my best to assist you.  Please don't panic, I am here to work with you.  However, completing assignments and exams a few days ahead of time  will ensure that if you have any technical difficulties, we can take care of them before the due date to keep you on schedule.

6.  You are responsible for taking the written midterm and final exams in person.  Amarillo residents will take them in the Math Testing Lab on the Washington Street Campus.  Non-Amarillo residents will be required to locate a proctor at a local college, school, or library and make an appointment for the exams.  Distant residents will also be required to submit their midterm and final notebooks by mail by the deadline posted on the calendar. You are responsible for any costs incurred with the shipment of your notebook.

7.    You are responsible for getting help when you need it.  On the MyMathLab website, there are power points, videos, and step by step tutorials you can access for each homework problem you complete.  Take advantage of it!  Amarillo residents may obtain free tutoring from the Math Outreach Center on the first floor of Durrett Hall on the Washington Street Campus.  Online tutoring is also available through Smartthinking and I am available to you for any questions you may have.

Grading Criteria

Your course grade (90-100 A, 80-89 B, 70-79 C, 60-69 D, below 60 F) will be calculated using the following weights:

Category	Weight
Online HW Average	15%
Notebook Average (notebook submitted at midterm and final exams)	5%
Discussions	10%
Online Exams (4 total)	40%
Written Midterm Exam (taken in person)	15%
Written Final Exam (taken in person)	15%

Attendance

This is an online course, so required "attendance" means logging into the course regularly and completing assignments. You will need to log into Blackboard everyday through the AC Connect link on the college website to obtain the assignments and print class notes.  You will also need to check your email, calendar, and grades regularly. 

The following assignments must be completed by Monday, June 10, 2019, in order to be considered Present in the course. Failure to complete all assignments by this date may lead to an administrative drop from the course.

• How to Use MyMathLab online homework assignment
• Email Assignment
• Introduction Discussion

Students should plan on spending significant time each week on this course. This time commitment is not an exaggeration. Actual amounts will vary depending on weekly assignments, topic complexity, and prior experience with the subject matter.

To complete the course, you will be required to take the midterm and final exams in person.   The midterm exam and the final exam will be completed by hand with pencil and paper.  For Amarillo residents, these tests must be taken in the Math Testing Lab on the Washington  Street Campus.  For those who live outside of Amarillo, you will be required to take these exams at an approved testing site, such as a testing center at a local school or a public library.

*The written Midterm Exam must be taken in person between Friday, June 28, 2019  and Monday , July 1, 2019 by 10PM.
**The written Final Exam must be taken in person between Monday, July 22, 2019 and Wednesday July 24, 2019 by 10PM.

Please note that no extensions will be granted for the midterm and final exams.

Calendar

Additional Information

Homework

Homework will be assigned in two formats: written and online. Online homework involves drill and practice problems to be completed using the MyMathLab website.  Written homework will consist of completing class notes and creating a log of written work that accompanies the online assignments.

Notebook

Students will be required to submit a notebook for a grade on the day of the midterm and final exams.  (Local students will turn them in at the midterm and final exam sessions, and distant students will be required to mail their notebook to the instructor.)  The notebook must contain a typed coversheet with the student's name, instructor's name, class, and section number. The notebook must also contain five dividers with the following labels: Syllabus, Notes (printed from Blackboard), Homework (to accompany the online HW from MyMathLab), Discussions,  and Reviews & Exams (to contain the chapter reviews and the midterm and final exam reviews).

Include all notes printed from the course in Blackboard in order.  For full credit, notes must be completely filled in.  For the homework log, please start each section of homework on a new page.  Clearly write the section number on the title line at the top of the page.  Number each problem, write down the problem, show all work, and circle or box your answers. For the Review section, include the completed midterm and final exam review worksheets printed from Blackboard.

 Weekly Routine

1.)  LOG IN  TO BLACKBOARD (through the AC Connect portal) at the beginning of each week.  Navigate to the link for each week's folder on the menu at the left of the page. 
2.)  READ the Week's Activities document.  Here you will find information about what you need to complete for the week. 
3.)  PRINT AND COMPLETE THE NOTES from the week's folder in Blackboard.  Fill in the blanks, work the problems, and complete the graphs.  Obtain the information by reading the text and watching the example videos.  File these notes in your notebook.  This should be completed before you start the homework on MyMathLab.
4.)  WORK THE MyMathLab HOMEWORK through Blackboard or at www.pearsonmylab.com. Before you are allowed to take the chapter exam, you must achieve at least 70% on all homework assignments for that chapter and complete the exam review. 
5.)  BUILD YOUR HW LOG.  As you work the homework on MyMathLab, carefully document each problem on notebook paper.  This means you should write the problem from MyMathLab on notebook paper, show all work necessary to complete the problem, and write down the answer.  Enter answers in MyMathLab to check for correctness. File your work in your notebook. 

6.) COMPLETE CHAPTER DISCUSSIONS as assigned.
6.)  COMPLETE REVIEWS as assigned.
7.)  TAKE ASSIGNED EXAMS on MyMathLab by the deadlines posted on MyMathLab.  (Take written midterm and final exams in person )

 Getting Started with MyMathLab 

 To access MyMathLab where your online homework is located, first log into our course in Blackboard.   You will need the following information:

Student Access Code: If you chose to purchase a new textbook, the student access code can be found in the MyMathLab kit wrapped with your textbook. If you chose not to purchase the textbook, you can buy the access code online with a credit card  during the registration process.

Email Address: Use the address you check most often.

To register and enroll

1. Log into your Blackboard course.  Click the MyMathLab link at the left of the page.

   Tip: If you have previously linked your Blackboard and Pearson accounts, you are taken directly to the Pearson payment page. Go to step 4.

2. Review the license agreement and privacy policy and click I Accept.
3. To link your Blackboard and Pearson accounts, enter your Pearson account username and password.

   If you do not have a Pearson account, click Create and follow the instructions.

4. Select an access option:
   • Enter the access code that came with your textbook or was purchased separately from the bookstore.
   • Or, Buy access using a credit card or PayPal account.
   • Or, get temporary access by clicking the link near the bottom of the page.  You will be able to update your account by making a payment at a later time.

5. From the You’re Done page, click Go to My Courses.

   You'll also get a confirmation email.

To get started after registering:

1.)  Log into Blackboard by clicking the AC Connect button at the college website www.actx.edu. 
2.)  Click the MyMathLab link at the left of the page in our course in Blackboard.
3.)  Click the SECOND link, "MyMathLab with Pearson e-text Course Home." This is where you can review previously submitted assignments by clicking on Gradebook or Review.
4.)  To work on assignments, click the “Homework” button, and choose the section you wish to complete.
5.) To access the textbook, click the “Chapter Contents” button, and choose the chapter and section you wish to view.
6.) To view a power point presentation of a particular section, click the “Multimedia Library” button, and choose the chapter and section you wish to view or print.
7.) Under the “Homework” button, START YOUR FIRST HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT, “Orientation”

Additional FREE Resources for Help

1.)  MyMathLab has videos, examples, and helps for solving the problem at the click of a button as you work your homework.
2.)  Free one-on-one tutoring at the Student Outreach Center. You will need your AC ID to sign in.

Hours:
Monday - Friday:  8AM - 8PM
Saturday:  9AM-8PM

Location:
Washington Street Campus
Durrett Hall (adjacent to Engineering Building)
Room 104

3.)  Free online Smarthinking tutoring on AC Online. This is available 24 hours a day. You will need to log on to AC Connect and navigate to the Smartthinking link to create an account.

3. Free Blackboard Collaborate offered through the Student Outreach Center. These are live one on one sessions that can target your specific needs. They are by appointment ONLY.