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MAT 130

I.  TITLE:     Technical Math I

II.   CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Topics from algebra and trigonometry for the technology student.  Restriction:  A student may not receive credit for MAT 130 and 140 or 145 or 150.

III.   PURPOSE:  The purpose of the course is to give the student a thorough grounding in the basics of the areas of algebra and trigonometry and explore the applications of these areas with particular emphasis being placed on problems encountered by students in technology.
The solution of these problems involves extensive analysis requiring independent thought.  The presentation of these solutions will develop the students ability in both oral and written expression.
The (required) use of graphing calculators will develop the student's ability to participate in a technology intensive world.

IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES:  The student will gain an understanding of and proficiency  in:
a. the elementary operations and procedures of algebra and trigonometry,
b. the methods by which these operations and procedures are developed,
c. the concepts that are involved in developing mathematical models using these  procedures and operations, and
d.  the application of these models to the solving of problems.

A. From a-c the student will acquire a substantive introduction to the fundamental concepts  and ways of knowing in mathematics.
B. From c and d the student will gain an awareness of the application of these concepts  and methodologies to the development of mathematics itself as well as its uses in other  areas.
C. This course does not lend itself to contributing to the students international perspective.

V. COUNTENT OUTLINE:
The basic algebraic operations; functions, graphs,  and the interplay between the algebraic and geometric    descriptions of relationships; linear and quadratic equations and systems of equations; vectors and matrices; trigonometric functions and equations; and applications of all of the above.

VI.  INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
A. The lecture-problem solving-group discussion approach typically used in the mathematics classroom today is inherently interactive.  The students normally work together in groups on homework assignments and some in class work.
B. The usual assignments whether in the form of homework, quizzes, projects, or group work contribute to the development of critical thinking skills in two ways: firstly the student will develop the skills necessary to manipulate the formal logical structure of mathematics and secondly the student will develop the interpretation and comprehension skills that  are necessary to the actual solution of application problems. The results of these assignments will be presented in written form. The size of the classes does not allow any significant amount of oral presentations.
C. The use of graphing calculators will develop the student's ability to participate in a technology intensive world.

VII. FIELD AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES:  None

VIII. RESOURCES:  Textbook, lectures and discussions, the instructor, and graphing calculator

IX. GRADING PROCEDURES:
Grades will be determined on the basis of performance on exams, homework, quizzes, projects, group activities, and a comprehensive final exam. The department does not mandate a specified rigid allocation of weights for each of these activities.  Consequently there will be some variance among instructors (and in some cases intraclass flexibility will occur to meet the needs of individual students). A rough guide to the weights given to each of these activities is:
hour exams 40-60%;
homework and quizzes 15-30%;
projects and group work 10-20%; and
final exam 15-30%.

High academic performance will be maintained by assessing the student's performance with the standard being the capability of solving the type of problems that naturally arise in the material described in V (content outline) above.

In all cases the student's work will be evaluated on two criteria:
1. is the methodology appropriate for the problem,
2. has the solution been carried out in a technically correct manner.

X. ATTENDANCE POLICY:  Regular attendance is expected.  Attendance records will be kept and reports will be made to first year experience office.  The student is responsible for missed work.  Penalties for the lack of attendance vary with instructors.

XI. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:  Academic dishonesty will incur penalties ranging from a zero on the assignment to a grade of E for the course.

XII. TEXT AND REFERENCES:  Current

XIII. PREREQUISITES:  ACT Mathematics standard score of at least 20 or MAT 105.

Last updated February 14, 2000. Designed and maintained by Kyosung Koo