NORTHWEST-SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GENERAL COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

TITLE OF COURSE:  Introduction to Technical Mathematics (MTH 103)

 

DIVISION:  Mathematics, Science, and Technology

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for the student in technology needing simple arithmetic, algebraic, and right triangle trigonometric skills. This course does not apply toward the general core requirement for mathematics.

 

HOURS:

            Credit:  3       Contact:  3       Lecture:  3      Clinical:  0      Lab:  0     

 

PREREQUISITE(S):  MTH 098 or appropriate mathematics placement score. 

 

COREQUISITE(S): None

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(S):  Technical Mathematics, Third Edition, by John C. Peterson, Delmar Learning, 2004.

 

RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTS: Videos produced by NWSCC accompany this course.

 

SUPPLIES:  Rectangular Graphing Paper, Scientific Calculator. 

 

GENERAL EDUCATION OBJECTIVE:   All associate degree graduates should be able to use the mathematical concepts, notations, and manipulations needed in their field of study or occupation. (3)

 

COURSE OBJECTIVE(S):  Upon successfully completing Introduction to Technical Mathematics, the student should be able to:

 

  1. Use basic laws of arithmetic in operations with real numbers involving: integers, fractions, decimals, and percentages; exponents rules and roots; precision and accuracy of numbers; and scientific notation.

 

  1. Use fundamental concepts of algebra; perform basic algebraic operations; and solve first degree equations, formulas and literal equations, and verbal problems.

 

  1. Use ratio, proportion, and variation in applications.

 

  1. Convert between the metric system and the customary system of measurement.

 

  1. Use basic geometry for problem solving: lines and angles; triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem; polygons and circles; and geometric solids.

 

  1. Apply right triangle trigonometry in application problems.

 

  1. Solve linear systems of equations using functions and graphs: two linear equations, three linear equations, and verbal problems.

 

 

METHODS OF EVALUATION: 

 

  1. Course Grade Evaluation: (Minimum of 4 measurements)

A comprehensive final exam will be given and counted toward the student’s final average.  Make-up examinations, as such, will not generally be given. 

                        

  1. Evaluation of General Educational Objectives:  Student success on the General Educational Objective (3) is measured by student performance on each of the course objectives, which require use of mathematical concepts, notations, and manipulations.  Performance on each course objective will be evaluated using appropriate problems from the final exam.  Results will be tallied for each course objective.

 

  1. Use of Findings: Instructors will analyze data gathered from the assessment(s) for each course objective and changes will be made based on identified weaknesses.  The math department will meet once every two years to discuss findings and implement strategies to improve department and student performance.
     

 

 

OUTLINE OF COURSE TOPICS:

 

I.  Review of Arithmetic

A.  Laws of Arithmetic 

B.  Operations with Real Numbers

C.  Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages

                 D.  Exponent Rules and Roots

                 E.  Precision and Accuracy of numbers

                 F.   Scientific Notation

II.  Fundamentals of Algebra

A.  Variables and Algebraic Terms

                 B.  Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

                 C.  Multiplying and Dividing Polynomials

                 D.  Solving First-Degree Equations

                 E.  Solving Verbal Equations

                 F.  Formulas and Literal Equations

III.  Ratio, Proportion, and Variation

A.  Ratio and Proportion

B.  Direct and Inverse Variation

C.  Joint and Combined Variation

IV.  Measurement: Basic Geometry and Trigonometry

A.  Metric System

B.  Changing between Metric and Customary System

C.  Lines and Angles

D.  Triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem

E.   Polygons and the Circle

F.   Geometric Solids

H.  Trigonometry of the Right Triangle

V.  Linear Systems

A.  Linear Functions and Graphs

B.  Solution of two Linear Equations

C.  Verbal Problems with Applications

                 D.  Solution of Three Linear Equations

 

 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT POLICY: It is the policy of Northwest-Shoals Community College to comply with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act. Any student covered under this act needing and desiring reasonable accommodations for this class should notify Linda Waide at 331-5321. See NWSCC catalog for additional details.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Because class attendance is considered to be essential to the accomplishment of course objectives, excessive absences are discouraged. At no time should a student miss more than 20% of the class meetings for a course. These absences also include any absences accrued during late registration. Failure to adhere to the 20% policy may result in a failing grade based on academic performance. Students should discuss with the instructor what is considered “excessive” for a particular course. Any variation of this policy must be approved through the Chief Instructional Officer. A student who is absent due to required participation in a school activity must be allowed to make up work, according to guidelines issued by individual instructors.

 

 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY:  A student who is unable to complete a course is expected to withdraw from that course by the end of 60% of class meetings.  A student who withdraws by the date published in the schedule will receive a grade of “W” for the course.  This withdrawal is done only by student request.  The grade of “W” is allowed regardless of the student’s grades to the point of withdrawal. 

 

After the designated date of class withdrawal, the approval of the Chief Instructional Officer is required prior to allowing a student to withdraw. The determination of “WP” (withdrawal passing) or “WF” (withdrawal failing) will be made by the instructor for the course and is based on the student’s grades to the point of withdrawal.