Math

1101: Mathematical Modeling

Fall 2017, CRN 14605

INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Aaron Gentry
LECTURE: MWF 11:15-12:05 am in Boyd GSRC 328


OFFICE: Boyd GSRC room 325 (3rd floor)
EMAIL: aagentry@uga.edu
COURSE WEBSITES: www.elc.uga.edu

OFFICE HOURS: Boyd 325 Mon: 12:45-2:30, Wed: 12:30-1:30 (Tentative). You may schedule an
appointment for other times; please email in advance.

TEXT: Gordon and Gordon, Functions, Data, and Models: An Applied Approach to College Algebra,
ISBN: 9780883857670

CALCULATOR: A Texas Instruments graphing calculator, either TI-83 or TI-84, is required. Students are
expected to bring their calculators to all class sessions.

TUTORING: Both appointments and drop-in tutoring are available through the Division of Academic
Enhancement, http://tutor.uga.edu/arc/tutoring/. Tutoring is also available via the math department,
at http://www.math.uga.edu/study-hall-and-tutoring.

COURSE DESCRIPTION/OBJECTIVES: This course introduces mathematical modeling, based on the use of
elementary functions, to describe and explore real world data and phenomena. Graphical, numerical,
symbolic, and verbal methods are used in the investigation of data, functions, equations, and models.
Emphasis is placed on the applications and the ability to construct useful mathematical models, to
analyze them critically, and to communicate quantitative concepts effectively (including a short paper
on an appropriate problem modeling, for example, population growth, spread of disease, or credit card
debt). Setting up and solving basic word problems is a key component of the course.

ATTENDANCE POLICY/CLASS BEHAVIOR: Class announcements will be made during lecture and via eLC
and email. I expect you to be in attendance for all classes, for the entire class. Excessive absences (above
3) will result in my withdrawing you from class. Do not be late to class, and do not leave early unless you
have discussed it with me or have a real emergency. Do not get up and leave class during a lecture
unless it is an emergency—IT IS A DISRUPTION. Turn off your cellphone and put it away out of sight. You
are NOT allowed to use a laptop or other electronic device to take notes. You may not share calculators
during quizzes or tests.
GRADING: [A 93–100], [A− 90–92], [B+ 87–89], [B 83–86], [B− 80–82], [C+ 77–79], [C 73–76],
[C− 70–72], [D 60–69], [F <60] . Any grade below 60 is an F. I do NOT “round up” (an 88.99 is indeed a
B+, not an A-).

Homework: 12% of course grade
Projects: 13% of course grade
Tests: 50% of course grade
Final Exam: 25% of course grade

EXTRA CREDIT: There is no extra credit for this course.

HOMEWORK: Assigned textbook readings and recommended problems will be posted on eLC. Your
homework grade will be determined by homework quizzes which will be posted and submitted via eLC.
You will submit your quiz answers for each quiz on eLC by the quiz deadlines, which will also be posted
on eLC. THERE ARE NO MAKEUPS, NO EXCEPTIONS. I will drop your three lowest quiz scores. You are
welcome to use your assigned group as a homework resource—meet regularly, ask each other
questions, and discuss problems.

PROJECTS: You will be assigned to a group, which will work together on and submit projects that will be
due at appropriate points during the semester.

TESTS: Four tests are scheduled. These will be “paper tests”, taken in-class. You can use your calculator
during tests unless otherwise noted by myself—but you cannot share calculators. Make-up tests will be
given only in the case of unavoidable absences (usually illness), with written documentation. It is the
responsibility of the student to contact me as soon as possible and definitely before the next attended
class meeting to make appropriate arrangements for making up any missed test. The makeup exam
must be completed within two days time of the original exam. If the score you earn on the final exam
(see below) is higher than your lowest test score, then in addition to counting as 30% of the course
grade it will also replace your lowest test score. Note that this policy allows the final exam to, in effect,
make up for a missed test by replacing its zero score.

FINAL EXAM: The final will be comprehensive. No makeups for the final, no exceptions.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: All academic work must meet the standards contained in A Culture of
Honesty. (http://www.uga.edu/honesty/) Students are responsible for informing themselves about
those standards before performing any academic work. This policy defends the academic integrity of all
student work, and will be uniformly applied to all students in the class.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION: If you have a documented (learning) disability, you should contact the
Disability Resource Center (http://www.drc.uga.edu/about/welcomeletter.php)

IMPORTANT DATES:
Add/Drop: Aug 18
Sept 4: Labor Day (Monday) Holiday
September 13: Test 1
October 6 : Test 2
Oct 18: Withdrawal Deadline
Oct 27: Fall Break
November 1: Test 3
Nov 17: LDOC before Thanksgiving
Nov 20-24: Thanksgiving
Dec 1 : Test 4
Dec 5: Last Day of Class
Dec 11: Mon, 12pm-3pm Final Exam

NOTE: The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the
instructor may be necessary. It is the responsibility of the student to seek clarification of the grading
policy and/or course requirements and procedures from the instructor.