Mathematics 148
Algebra and Trigonometry and their Applications
  Autumn 2009

MWF 10:40--11:45 a.m., O-107
 

Instructor: Mirel Caibar
Webpage: http://www.math.ohio-state.edu/~caibar
Office: Ovalwood 367
Email: caibar@math.ohio-state.edu

Office hours: Monday 9:40--10:40 a.m., in the Math Lab
Wednesday  2:15--3:15 p.m., in Ovalwood 367
Friday 9:40--10:40 a.m, in Ovalwood 367
or by appointment

Textbook:  Thomas W. Hungerford, Contemporary College Algebra and Trigonometry (A Graphing Approach), Custom Version Ohio State University, 2009 – 2010 Edition.

Course:   Math 148 is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge that they will need to be successful in more advanced Math courses and other courses for which Math 148 is a prerequisite. Topics include applications involving integer and rational exponents, solving linear and quadratic equations, systems of equations, trigonometry of acute angles, exponential and logarithmic equations. We will cover Sections 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 5.1-5.4, 6.1-6.3 and 9.1-9.4. You are expected to attend the lectures, and read the appropriate sections of the text, each week.

Homework Assignments:   Homework problems will be assigned at the end of each lecture. Homework will not be collected and graded, and therefore will not be part of your final grade. However, it is strongly recommended that you do your homework regularly - otherwise you will be at a serious disadvantage in quizzes and exams. You are encouraged to ask any questions about homework problems during my office hours.
 
The Math Lab: I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the Math Lab in the Conard Learning Center. I have scheduled one of my office hours (Monday 9:40--10:40 a.m.) in the Math Lab.
Quizzes:  A short quiz will be given at the beginning of some of the lectures. There will be five quizzes in total. Their tentative dates are 10/07, 10/14, 10/28, 11/04 and 11/25. Each quiz will consist of  problems selected from the most recent homework assignments. At the end of the quarter your lowest quiz score will be dropped. 
Midterm exams:   There will be two midterm exams. Their tentative dates are Wednesday October 21st and Wednesday November 18th. Each midterm exam will take the place of one lecture.  Absence from an exam (midterm or final) will be excused if you can provide verifiable and convincing evidence that you have a significant illness or serious family crisis that will prevent you from attending. In such a case, you are expected to make arrangements promptly with me to make up the exam.

Final Exam:   The final exam will be comprehensive, and will take place from 6:00pm to 7:48pm on Monday, December 8th.

Grading Policy:  Your grade will be based on

Quizzes
 20%
Each Midterm
 20%
Final exam
 40%

The expected grading scale is

Grade
 A
 A-
 B+
 B
 B-
 C+
 C
 C-
 D+
 D
 E
%
 90
 87
 83
 80
 77
 73
 70
 67
 63
 60
 0-59


Calculators:   A graphics calculator is a required component in this course. The book will use the Texas Instruments TI-83. It is recommended that you use a TI-83 or a TI-84. However, calculators with symbolic algebra capabilities, such as the TI-89 or the TI-92 are not permitted in quizzes, in the midterms or in the final exam. Laptops and PDAs are also not allowed.

GEC statement: This Mathematics course can be used, depending on your degree program, to satisfy the Quantitative and Logical Skills category of the General Education Requirement (GEC). The goals and learning objectives for this category are as follows.
    Goals: To develop logical reasoning, including the ability to apply mathematical concepts and methods and to use mathematical models.
    Learning objectives: Students learn mathematical methods adequate to solve basic application-oriented problems. Students learn algebraic problem solving skills useful in more advanced mathematics and science courses.

 Academic integrity (Academic misconduct): Academic integrity is essential to maintaining an environment that fosters excellence in teaching, research, and other educational and scholarly activities. Thus, The Ohio State University and the Committee on Academic Misconduct (COAM) expect that all students have read and understand the University's Code of Student Conduct, and that all students will complete all academic and scholarly assignments with fairness and honesty. Students must recognize that failure to follow the rules and guidelines established in the University's Code of Student Conduct and this syllabus may constitute "Academic misconduct." For additional information, see the Code of Student Conduct (http://studentaffairs.osu.edu/resource_csc.asp).
Statement for students with disabilities: Any student who feels he or she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Michelle McLane at The Office for Disability Services to privately to discuss his or her specific needs. Please contact Michelle at (419) 755-4304. Or you may visit her at C100G Conard Learning Center in order to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.