Fall 2008 Math 103 Syllabus

Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra, Rutgers Math 026, Math 027, or equivalent.

Text: Excursions in Modern Mathematics with Mini-Excursions, 6^th Edition, by Peter Tannenbaum.
(ISBN: 0-13-231913-6; ISBN-13: 9780132319133)

Course Web page:

http://www.math.rutgers.edu/courses/103

This is a suggested syllabus. However, the syllabus distributed by the instructor of a section is the official syllabus for that section!

Meeting times:

Instructor:
 
 

Office hours: time and location to be announced.

Calculator: A basic calculator capable of computing square roots will be needed for both homework and examinations. Computers and calculators with typewriter keyboards or built-in computer algebra systems, such as the TI-89 and TI-92, will not be permitted on exams.

Course topics: All sections of Math 103 (except section H1) use the same text and will cover 9 or 10 chapters, but the selection of the material covered may vary from section to section. This suggested syllabus is based on chapters 1-8, and 10.

Grading: The term grade will be based on the results of the examinations, the scores on written homework, and on class participation, which will be measured in various ways, including possibly “one-point quizzes”. Assuming that 20 one-point quizzes are given, the term grade will be based on a possible total of 520 points, as follows:
 
 

Here is more information about the individual components of the grade:

Exams: There will be two midterm exams and a cumulative final. The midterm exams will count for 100 points each and the final will count for 200 points. The exams will be closed book and student-prepared formula sheets will not be permitted.

Homework: There will be a written homework assignment for each chapter. Homework is due at the beginning of the first class after all relevant material has been covered. Homework that is late because of religious observance, participation in varsity sports, and similar reasons will be accepted without penalty provided the instructor is informed in advance. All other late homework will be subject to a penalty unless documentation of illness or similar problem can be provided.

Class participation: Students’ involvement in the course will be assessed in several ways. In most class meetings there will be a short quiz, usually on some topic mentioned the previous class. These quizzes will count 1 point each. Credit will be awarded to anyone present who hands in a paper with their name on it. However, the answers will be read by the instructor and comments will be provided where appropriate. Thus students can get immediate feedback about their understanding of the material.

The following plan for the course is tentative. In particular, dates of the midterm examinations are not definite but will be announced in class.
 
 

Tentative Plan

An additional review session may be scheduled during the final exam period.
 
 

Suggested homework problems: