Mathematics 104 College Algebra:
Mathematics Department
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
General Syllabus for
Mathematics 104
College Algebra (3 Credits)
Instructor: Kathleen Dixon
Office: 125 Swart Hall Office Hours. T Th 11:20 – 12:00
Phone: (920) 424-7348 e-mail: dixonk<at>uwosh.edu
Course Description: In this course, we will cover topics including functions, graphs, data analysis and modeling of real world problems, equations and inequalities, polynomial, rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions. Students may not receive credit for both Mathematics 104 and 108. This course along with Mathematics 106 will count for Mathematics 108.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 103 with grade of C or better or placement.
Description of Students Who Take the Course:
Mathematics 104 satisfies the University minimum general education mathematics requirement. It is intended for students whose programs require additional mathematics and science courses.
General Goals and Objectives for the Course:
The goal of this course is to give students appreciation of mathematics and algebraic tools they need in order to be successful in other mathematics, science and other courses. It focuses on problem solving, critical thinking and learning basic concepts in Algebra.
Textbook and Other Required Materials Recently Used:
The textbook is chosen by the committee of College Algebra. They recommended College Algebra: Graphs and Models by Barnett, Ziegler & Byleen.
Technology: All sections are required to use a graphing calculator recommended by the committee of College Algebra. Students will learn to use a graphing calculator as an aid to understanding mathematical concepts and computations. Recommended Calculator: TI-83 Plus (TI-84 is also okay)
Specific Course Content: The following list is a suggested list.
Functions, Graphs, and Models
Using Graphing Utilities
Functions
Functions: Graphs and Properties
Functions: Graphs and Transformations
Operations on Functions; Composition
Inverse Functions
Assignment Schedule: At the end of each section you will find an Exercise Set. The answers for the odd numbered problems are at the end of the book. The solutions manual is also available and will provide work and answers for odd numbered problems. You are responsible for doing the assigned problems. Organization of your work is as important as getting the correct answer. A list of required homework problems will be given for both odd and even numbered problems. Even numbered problems will be discussed in class.
Deliberate practice is the only way to obtain the skills and content of this course. There is no magic pill for learning algebra. In order to precipitate learning for you I will require you to reflect on what you are learning. As you do the homework, you should describe the skills and/or concepts that you acquire. At least three items per section. These will be collected the day of the test and a grade will be given. Further explanation of this requirement will be given in class.
Quizzes: Periodically a quiz will be given to check your progress. Some will be given in class while others will be taken home. Quizzes may not be made up. One quiz grade will be dropped.
Examinations: There will be four tests, one for each chapter. Dates will be announced.
Grades: Your grade will be calculated from the exam average 85% and class activities (quizzes and homework) 15%. There is no final exam. The following scale will be used
93 -100 A
88 - 92 AB
80 - 87 B
75 - 79 BC
67 - 74 C
60 - 66 D
0 -59 F
Getting Help: Feel free to see me in my office, use the Math Tutor Lab (113 Swart), work with a friend or form a study group. Also, there is a tutor dedicated to Math 100 and 103 students. Location and hours will be announced as soon as possible.
Be sure to get help at the first sign of confusion. Math concepts build on each other so it is really important to get each step as we go. The organization of this course, your teacher's desire to help you and the services provided to aid you can only go so far. It is up to you to do the assignments, ask questions and seriously apply effort to learn algebra. We really want you to succeed.