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Finite Mathematics
MTH181.001A.11807 Spring 2012
Monday 1930-2210 (AA355)

Course Description 

Prerequisites.  Competency in MTE 1, MTE 2, MTE 3, MTE 4, MTE 5 and MTE 6 as demonstrated through placement and diagnostic tests, or by passing the required MTE units or equivalent (i.e., test out of MTE 1-6 or take MTT 1 and pass them in class).  We will use the TI-83+ or TI-84 calculator.

Syllabus (on Blackboard, available first day of class)

Lesson Plan

Shared links for all courses (includes information on calculators and self-study resources)

Course text website

• Free Companion Content has information on chapter Excel exercises (for those who like to use Excel)
• Although I don't require the use of WebAssign, you can use it if it came bundled with your book

Course Text.  Finite Mathematics (10th Edition) by Tan.  A copy is in library reserves.  I don't require the use of WebAssign.

Calculator.  We will use the TI-83+ (or TI-84).  See Shared Links for rental and purchase options.   The library loans these calculators for short-term use.

Preparation.  You must understand the concepts found in MTE 1-6 (we'll review this in Class #1).  These resources may help you to review background math:

• Study Appendix B in the course text

• Khan Academy videos (find the ones that best suit you)

• Take advantage of self-study resources found under Study Aids in Shared Links

• Free tutoring is available in the Math Lab (AA161) but only addresses what's in the text

Diary

9 January 2012 (all other Diary entries will be on Blackboard).  First day of class. 

We will correspond from our NOVA email accounts.  Make sure that your:

• NOVA mailbox isn't full (if a message is undeliverable, then you're still on the hook)
• Phone number is current in NOVACONNECT

To learn how to use Blackboard, email, NOVACONNECT, etc, please click Getting Started with Student Technology.  Click here for other instructions on using email.  

Study Groups 

You're encouraged to form study groups.

• In its first meeting, a group may want to discuss their learning styles (www.vark-learn.com or click here for a 1-page summary)
   
• As members become friends, the study group will also become a social group that can address emotional and attitudinal issues that affect learning.  I am interested in any issue (whether or not mathematical) that the group wants to share. 
   
• Each group should establish basic rules of conduct so that everyone pulls their own weight (slackers can be expelled and left to deal with me).  Study groups are voluntary associations of students who are free to conduct themselves as they see fit, subject only to NOVA rules that govern student and campus activity.