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Instructor:
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Text: |
Dossey, Otto, Spence, Vanden Eyden, Discrete Mathematics, Fourth Edition |
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TI-89 or similar calculator, Maple, and a
willingness to tackle nonroutine problems |
Class Policies:
Homework Policy:
With few exceptions, you will have two assignments due each day:
A reading covering the material to be discussed during that
class period. For each reading assignment, you are to read the section
carefully, identifying the main concepts and questions you may have.
Your reading assignment is a very important part of your work in
this class, and you should be prepared for the possibility of random card
quizzes covering the basics of the reading. Card quizzes are
2-3 question quizzes administered in the first 3 minutes of class
testing the major points of the assigned
reading. They do count toward your grade.
A writing assignment based on the material discussed in the previous class as well as often some preview problems from the next sections and possibly some review problems from previous sections. This assignment should be done in draft form by the next class day to allow for a small amount of explication in class. The final form of each assignment is due on the second class day after it is assigned. You are encouraged to work with other class members to do your homework assignments, and may if you wish, submit one paper for two people. (If you do this, be sure to put the names of both contributors on the paper and take turns writing the final draft so that you both get your writing critiqued.) The writing assignments will be corrected and the grades will count toward your final grade in the course.
No late homework will be accepted, but 3 writing homework scores and 3 card quiz scores will be dropped.
Computer Work:
During the semester, we will have a few computer labs and computer
components of many other assignments. You will use the computer algebra
system Maple 8 for these assignements. This program is
available on the computers in SC 175 and OMH 108. Some of the
tests may have a take-home portion on which you will be expected to use
Maple.
Grading Policy:
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| Components: | Points Possible: | Total Points Earned as % of Possible | Minimum Grade You Will Earn | ||
| Homework, Labs and Quizzes | 100-150 points | 90% | A- | ||
| 2 Tests | 200 points | 80% | B- | ||
| Final | 150 points | 65% | C- | ||
| Total Possible | 450-500 points | |
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Hints for Success:
Reading the material carefully before it is covered in class is a
big step
toward success in any math course. Successful students typically
outline
or otherwise summarize the material briefly in their notebook and
highlight
questions to bring to class. A great way to become familiar with
concepts
and techniques is to work each of the examples. (This means work
on
paper -- don't just read and nod.)
Be sure to work lots of problems -- they are fun!
Make sure that you begin the assigned homework as soon as possible
after it is assigned and bring a nearly complete homework paper to the
following class so that you can get the most out of any homework
discussion in class. Be sure to make connections in your mind
between discrete concepts and the other mathematics that you have
studied.
Disability Policy:
If you have a documented disability that will impact your work in this class, please contact me to discuss your needs. Additionally, you will need to register with Student Disability Services located at the Academic Support Center in Room 1 of the Old Main Annex. All such discussions will be confidential.