M123 Syllabus

Spring 2012

Lecture(s): TR 8:10am - 9:25am HOS 110C, TR 9:40am - 10:55am Hos 110C

Instructor: Kim Smith

Office: 128 Ayres Hall, 974-4333

Messages and Papers: May be left at Math Office, Ayres Hall 227,or phone 974-2461

Calculators/Computers: A graphing calculator is required. The mathematics department provides support for the TI-83+ and TI-84+, but the TI-83 and TI-86 are also acceptable. The TI-82 will not do everything required for the course. The TI-81 and TI-85 have been discontinued. I will not provide instruction on any calculator not mentioned above. The TI-89, TI-92 or equivalent is not allowed. I prefer you use some version of the TI-83, TI-84, or TI-86. The graphing calculator is used to help the student visualize the geometric interpretation of problems, determine mathematical models to describe sets of data, and to manipulate large sets of data. You will need access to a computer in order to find all class information and materials, to observe your grades, to exchange e-mail, and to submit homework assignments.

Required Companion Website: Your graded homework will be submitted via WebAssign. Access codes are available in the bookstore or online directly from WebAssign (I believe this way is more economical). If you used WebAssign for Math 123 in a previous semester, you will not need a new access code. All students will have a free 14-day trial period, so you will have plenty of time to buy an access code card if you didn't purchase a new optional text.

Prerequisite(s): Two years of algebra and one year of geometry in high school. Math 119 is an appropriate course to prepare the student for Math 123; Math 130 is also acceptable. If your high school GPA is less than 3.75 or your Math ACT score is less than 25 and your Math SAT score is less than 620, you need to improve your algebra skills before attempting this course. Students who have received a grade of C or higher in Math 141 or equivalent should get in writing from an advisor the need to take Math 123.

Attendance/Classroom Etiquette: Regular attendance is required. There may be occasion when it is necessary to come late or leave early. Please keep it the exception as this is a distraction for me and fellow classmates. Turn off cell phones during class, and refrain from reading newspapers or working on other coursework during lecture. You are welcome to have your computer on as long as you are accessing M123 course materials or working on WebAssign problems for this course. Refrain from talking to classmates at inappropriate times. For information on Classroom Behavior Expectations and consequences of non-compliance please visit http://www.math.utk.edu/Courses and and click on the appropriate link.

Tips: For every hour in class, plan to spend up to two hours outside of class. Work daily to develop understanding as well as skills. Get help outside of class when you need it. It would be a good idea to form a study group; I encourage you to work together on homework and test reviews. If you feel you are not keeping up, you may want to consider hiring a tutor. Do not get behind. Do not wait until it is too late. See me immediately if you are having problems. Success in this course is ultimately your responsibility.

Grades: Grades will be determined using the grading scale below. Your letter grade is a measure of your mastery of course material and your fulfillment of course objectives. Keep a record of all your graded work throughout the semester. You have one week after the on-line posting to dispute a grade.

• Academic Honesty:
  
  All students are expected to abide by the University Honor Statement. Violations include signing in for a friend, copying another person's work on any graded assignment or test, using unauthorized cheat sheets or technical devices, or other infractions listed in "Hilltopics". These violations will lead to failing an assignment, failing the course and ultimately dismissal from the University.

• Disability Services:
  
  If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a documented disability, please contact the office of Disability Services, 2227 Dunford Hall, 974-6087. It is your responsibility to be properly registered for services and to submit the necessary paperwork to me in a timely manner.

• Hope Scholarships, Grade Appeals and Grade Changes:
  
  Please familiarize yourself with departmental and university policies regarding the topics listed above. Go to www.math.utk.edu/Courses, click on the appropriate link, and carefully read all information so that you are aware of procedures and expectations before a problem arises.

• "Other" Category (Attendance and Quizzes):
  
  You will have up to 26 opportunities to earn grades in class worth ten points each. I plan to track attendance everyday except quiz and exam days (twenty-three times), and collect three in-class quizzes (designed to help prepare you for tests). The lowest of these twenty-six ten-point grades will be dropped. The remaining twenty-five grades will be averaged and count 5% of your final grade. Note: Should our schedule need to be adjusted due to class cancellation (emergency, inclement weather, etc. - always check your e-mail before coming to class), this breakdown of points may change slightly.
  
  These ten-point grades may not be made up, early or late. Should you experience a sudden illness or emergency, or should you simply not be prepared, your lowest ten-point grade will be dropped. Always get class notes from a friend if you have to miss class. For those attending a university sponsored event during our class period, submit proper documentation before you go, and turn in to me a copy of the class notes missed as well as the completed in-class problem set once you return.
  
  Show all work on quizzes when applicable. Quiz questions will mimic in-class problems as well as Webassign questions.
  
  

• WebAssign (WA):
  
  You will have up to 19 opportunities to earn homework grades. Homework must be submitted via WebAssign by the deadline given on the calendar, though it is expected that you work on assignments daily. ALWAYS show work on homework when applicable as it will be expected on quizzes and tests. Late homework will not be accepted, i.e. extension requests will not be granted. Should you experience a sudden illness, emergency, or a last minute WebAssign technical difficulty your lowest two WA grades will be dropped. The remaining seventeen grades will be averaged and count 15% of your final grade. Note: should our course schedule change, this breakdown of points may change slightly. If you enroll late or are in a university sponsored activity (provide documentation before you go) you must submit the homework assignment within one week of your absence.
  
  It is imperative that you complete and master all in-class problem sets and homework assignments in order to perform well on quizzes and exams. We will not always have time to work every problem together in class, though you will be responsible for the entire set. ALWAYS show work on homework assignments when possible, though WA only asks for answer submissions. We will go over homework at the beginning of each class period as time allows. Mark your questions as you complete your homework so you can find them easily during our next-class review. You are required to come to each class meeting prepared - bring your attempted homework from the last lecture, the problem set for the next lesson and the corresponding WebAssign assignment. Without these items, remain silent in class as I help those students who have done their part in preparation for our current class meeting. Correct any incorrect answers and/or work as we go over homework as well.

• Tests: There will be four tests this semester. Each is worth 15% of your final grade. Test questions mimic class, homework and quiz problems. Always show all work on exams when possible for full credit. If you are in a university sponsored event on exam day, it is your responsibility to submit verification and to make arrangements with me to take the exam early. Always show all work on exams when possible for full credit. Should you miss a test, it will be averaged in as a zero until you make it up at the end of the semester (see calendar for specific date). It is not possible to pass the course if you miss more than one test.

• Final: There will be a mandatory comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester (see calendar for the exact date) worth 20% of your final grade. You need to plan ahead for the dates and times of all your final exams. UT policy states you are not required to take more than two finals on the same day. If this should happen to you, make arrangements with the instructor of the latest occurring non-departmental final exam of the day to take it at another time. Since your math final exam is at 8:00am, you must take it at the originally scheduled time. It is not possible to pass the course if you miss the final exam.
  
  

Grading Scale:

Inclement Weather: Always check your e-mail, especially in the mornings before you leave home, for updates regarding the status of class. When bad weather affects road conditions, I'll send a message by 7:00am should class need to be canceled. We will adjust the course schedule as necessary.