Course Syllabus

Mathematics 156: Algebra with Applications to Business and Economics
Syllabus #1299
4 credits

Dr. Keith Craswell
Professor Emeritus
Department of Mathematics
Email: Keith.Craswell@wwu.edu

Full Course Syllabus:   MATH 156 syl 1299.doc

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION:

• Department Information
• Department Mission, Goals, and Objectives
• Course Description

PREREQUISITE:

At least a C- in Math 102 (Intermediate Algebra) or equivalent.

Except by permission of the chair of the Department of Mathematics, a student may not receive credit for any of Math 102, 107, 114, 115, 118, 156 or 157 if that course is completed after completion of any higher numbered course in this list or after completion of a course in calculus for which college credit has been received.

TEXTBOOK:

• College Mathematics For Business, Economics, Life Sciences and Social Sciences, 8th Edition, Barnett and Ziegler; Prentice Hall, 1999. ISBN: 9780130797681

The textbooks may be obtained online through a price comparison website such as www.AddAll.com. Plan on purchasing your textbooks early and always be sure you are purchasing the correct edition of the book for this syllabus. 

INTRODUCTION:

Math 156 is an introduction to the algebra useful in economics and business applications. You will study linear equations, linear systems, linear inequalities, optimization under linear constraints, logarithms, and the mathematics of finance. A hand calculator is necessary for this course and may be used at all times, including tests. Your calculator needs to have the features lnx (or logx) and y^x.

ASSIGNMENT PREPARATION:

The course consists of 16 lessons and two exams. Each lesson contains a reading assignment and a set of problems which you are to work after completing the reading. While the course covers the same material as is covered in the regular lecture course offered each quarter, you will need to take much more responsibility for your own progress than is required in the regular classroom setting. Without the benefit of daily lectures, you must read all explanations carefully, and diligently work through each example in order to understand the techniques before
you begin the problem set.

Lessons should be carefully prepared and written on standard size paper with either pencil or pen (pencil is better if you plan to make any mistakes). Answers are to be underlined. If you find a problem which you do not understand, work as far as you can and then write a short note indicating where your trouble lies. I'll respond when I grade the paper, but I can’t respond if you don't ask questions.

The problems indicated are to be submitted as lesson assignments. Notice that each lesson includes more than one section from the text. Do not submit incomplete lessons. When you complete one lesson, submit it. Start another lesson right away--do not wait for one to be returned.

If you are working with a tutor, work through the example problems with their help. You will learn more and be better prepared for the exams if you do the homework problems on your own. Setting up a schedule and doing the homework on a regular basis is a key to success.

EXAMINATIONS:

The first exam follows Lesson 9. You must turn in all nine lessons before taking the exam. Exam II follows Lesson 16 and covers only the material of the last seven lessons. You must turn in lessons 10-16 before taking the second exam. Each exam is a closed book, three hour exam. You may bring to the exams a sheet containing any formulas you feel you might need. If you do use such a formula sheet, please turn it in with your exam.

Information for setting up Proctored exam appointments is available on the Modules page under the listing Self-paced Proctored Exam Request Form and Information.

Remember to schedule your exams in advance of when you wish to take them.

GRADING:

Your course grade will be based one-third on your homework, and one-third on each of the two exams. All assignments and exams must be completed in order to receive credit for the course.

Note that a C- is required to pass the class.

SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS:

ALWAYS make a copy of your work BEFORE submitting it. If lessons are lost, it is far easier to resubmit a copy than to rewrite an entire assignment. All assignments must be completed in order to receive credit for the course. Under no circumstances may submit all, or even most, lessons at one time. All work must be submitted to the Independent Learning office.

Time Considerations (a message from the Independent Learning office) - In a math course, the learning from one lesson builds on the problems done in the previous assignment. Try not to let too much time lapse between lessons. Organize your time so that you spread the work out over 10 to 12 weeks, just like a regular academic quarter. Treat your Independent Learning course as the serious learning experience that it is. True learning takes time: time for reading, time for processing new information, time for reflection. When students get into trouble in a self-paced course it is most often when they try to rush through a large part of the work at the end of the quarter or right before their own deadline.

Remember that careful grading and feedback takes time and our instructors have other classes and students. The instructor cannot be expected to grade assignments immediately because you have a deadline. Allow for your mailing time to and from the Independent Learning office and back and forth to the instructor's office.

Holidays, Intersessions, and Summer Session - When the University is closed for scheduled holidays and between quarters, delay in return of assignments and examinations must be expected. In addition, some faculty members are off campus during the summer months and delays may be unavoidable. The IL office will inform students of instructor absences, but it is important for students not to wait until close to a deadline to submit work.

HELP FOR MATH STUDENTS:

Students in the Bellingham area may wish to use the services of the WWU Tutorial Center.  Call 650-3855 for current information on the schedule for tutoring at the Tutoring Center.

For procedural matters such as textbook ordering, assignment submission and exam questions go through the Western Online Office. For specific  assignment questions, contact your instructor, Dr. Craswell.  You may email questions to him at Keith.Craswell@wwu.edu.  If emailing is not possible, include a note with your assignment or write to him in care of the Western Online office.