The following are the objectives of the course as a General Education course fulfilling the mathematical science requirement:

1. To introduce students to the methods and philosophy of the mathematical sciences.
2. To introduce students to at least one of the three mathematical sciences of computing, mathematics and statistics from a liberal arts perspective.
3. To help students develop logical, analytical, and abstract thinking through quantitative problem solving activities.
4. To integrate student use of the computer as a tool in the pursuit of the above objectives.

Prerequisites:
The only prerequisite for the course is knowledge of basic algebra skills, which are included in most high school level mathematics courses. MATH 101 fulfills the general education requirement for a mathematical science; however, it is not the best choice for all students. If you have successfully completed a calculus or precalculus course, for example, you should not be enrolled in this course: MATH 102, MATH 105, MATH 107, MATH 108, COSC 171, or STAT 269 is a better choice. If you have questions about your placement in this course, please consult with your advisor or me as soon as possible.

Course Description and Requirements:

Attendance:
Attendance will be taken at every class. Each student is expected to be present for every class. Each student is responsible for the material covered and the announcements made at every class. If you are sick, have another student take notes for you and pick up any handout sheets for you. A grade deduction will be used of 2.5 points per class for unexcused absences above 3. If you hand in the homework for chapter before the lectures for that chapter, you may be excused from the lectures for the chapter, but you must attend on the day the homework is due, and the day the quiz is given.

Homework projects:
There will be a homework assignment about every week. For each assignment, you will do the work on paper and then write your answers on the answer sheet. Homework will not be accepted without an answer sheet. If you lose a sheet, print one out from my Q drive.

The assignments you will be given in this class are designed to motivate you to think about and work on mathematics problems regularly and consistently throughout the semester. In order to do well in the course, it is essential that you develop the habit of reading the assignments and working on the homework soon after they are covered in class.

Quizzes:
There will be a quiz on every chapter. For each quiz you may bring 1 index card with information from the chapter. You can bring all 8 of the index cards to the final, so keep the cards.

Your performance in this course will be assessed primarily according to your final grades on 8 quizzes, and 8 projects and the final exam. Class participation will also be a factor. The point system shown below for calculating your course grade should be viewed only as a guideline.

Final Exam 20%
Quizzes and projects 4% each
92.5-100: A 90-92.4: A- 87.5-89.9: B+ 82.5-87.4: B 80-82.4: B- 77.5-79.9: C+ 72.5-77.4: C 70-72.4: C- 60-69.9: D

Late Work/ MakeUp Policy: All written assignments should be handed in on or before the assigned due date, during the class period. There will be a 10 point grade reduction per class period for any late project without a written medical excuse. It is your responsibility to get written documentation to me. If you are unable to take a scheduled quiz or exam due to illness or other emergency, please make every attempt to contact me before the exam. E-mail is the best way to contact me. If you miss an exam and do not contact me within twenty-four hours of the exam, the grade is automatically a 0.

Calculators: You should have access to some type of to use in class and for homework assignments. There are no specific calculator requirements or restrictions for the course.

Student Math Helpers: Free student math helpers are available on a free, walk-in basis throughout the semester. Ask for times and locations.

Weather Emergency: In case of a weather emergency, all class plans will be moved up to the next official meeting time. In particular, this means that if the school is closed on a day when an exam is to be given, you should assume that the exam will be given on the next day the school is open and class is scheduled to meet. If Messiah College is not closed, you should assume that class is meeting as scheduled.

Students needing special accommodations: Any student whose disability falls within ADA guidelines should inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester of any special accommodations or equipment needs necessary to complete the requirements for this course. Students must register documentation with the Office of Disability Services.