Course Syllabus

Mathematics 157: Calculus with Applications to Business and Economics
Syllabus #1300
4 credits

 

Dr. Keith Craswell
Associate Professor Emeritus
Department of Mathematics

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION:

Full Course Syllabus:  MATH 157 syl 1300.doc


PREREQUISITE:          

Math 114 or Math 118 or Math 156 (Algebra) or grade of 2.3 or higher in a college pre-calculus course or suitable math assessment score.

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.

REQUIRED TEXT:

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

The textbook 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.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Math 157 is an introduction to calculus useful in economics and business applications.  You will study both differential and integral calculus.

A hand calculator is necessary for this course and may be used at any time, including tests.  Your calculator needs to have the features lnx (or logx) and yx.  A calculator with graphing capability would be extremely useful.

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 each problem set.

Discipline is essential for success in any self-paced study.  It is advisable to set aside a definite block of time each day, or each week, for this course.  Successful students usually complete at least one lesson every two weeks, so don't let your work slip.

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 cannot respond if you don't ask questions.

When one lesson is completed, start another lesson right away -- do not wait for one to be returned.  Submit the assignments as you complete them.  Do not save up lessons and turn them in large batches.  All work assigned before each test must be turned in before the test is taken.

EXAMINATIONS:

The first exam follows Lesson 8.  Exam II follows Lesson 16 and covers only the material of the last eight lessons.  Each exam is a closed book, two-hour exam.  You may bring to the exams one 8 1/2 x 11 sheet containing any formulas from the book you feel you might need, and a calculator.  If you do use such a formula sheet, please turn it in with your exam.

Remember to schedule your exams in advance of when you wish to take them. Information for setting up Proctored exam appointments is available on the Modules page under the listing Self-paced Proctored Exam Request Form and Information.  Please note: Proctored exams may only be taken at accredited testing centers within the United States; exams will not be sent to international proctors.

GRADING: 

Your course grade will be based one-third on your homework, and one-third on each of the two exams.  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 Western Online office.

Time Considerations (a message from the Western Online 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 Self-paced 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 Western Online 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 Western Online 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 Tutoring Center.  Call 360-650-3855 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 include a note with your assignment or write to him in care of the Western Online office.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due