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Math 95: Fundamental Mathematical Skills

Fall 2010

Lecturer: Diane Rivard
Email: rivard@math.wisc.edu
Website: Diane Rivard (www.math.wisc.edu/~rivard)

Phone: 262-2882
Office: 720 Van Vleck Hall

Office Hours: Helen C White Library, Room 2250
M: 12-2 (Diane), 4-5 (Derek)
T: 4-5:30 (Christelle)
W: 10-11 (Christelle)
R: 4-5 (Derek)

Math 95 meeting times: TR 11:00 - 12:15 in Helen C White Library, room 2250

Texbook:
Prealgebra by Miller O'Neill, Hyde. McGraw Hill, ISBN: 007794318X

The book is available for purchase at the University Bookstore.

Make sure your copy has the software ALEKS included.
This class will be taught in the computer lab using the program ALEKS. You will need the course code to access the course on line. It is: KR3KC-WLD4U
The first time you use ALEKS you will need to register. Just go to Aleks and follow the instructions for first time user.

Course Content:

Whole Numbers
Integers and Algebraic Expressions
Solving Equations
Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Decimals
Ratio and proportion
Percents
Measurement and Geometry
Graphs and Statistics
Exponents and Polynomials

Grading:

The single most important you have to do as a student is to master the ALEKS topics, and that is why 40% of the final grade will be assigned for completion of "goals" in ALEKS. I will set up goals consisting of number of topics mastered in ALEKS and due dates and assign a score proportional to the number of topics mastered relative to the goal. Please note that later topics may take longer to master and that Aleks will give you assessments on all topics periodically, so it never hurts to get ahead. The assessment is cumulative meaning that topics you have not mastered from earlier will continue to effect your grade in subsequent topic goal assessments. The last 60% will be assigned to exams.
Surfing the web during class will not be tolerated. I am reserving the right to penalize students, grade wise, who do so or to ask the student to leave class.

1st Goal: 81 topics (Chapters 1,2), September 21, 80 points
Exam #1 and 2nd Goal: 98 topics (Chapters 1-3), September 30, 180 points (100 and 80)
Exam #2 and 3rd Goal: 187 topics, (Chapters 4,5), Tuesday November 2, 230 points (150 and 80)
Exam #3 and 4th Goal: topics, (Chapters 6-8), Thursday December 2, 230 points (150 and 80)
Final exam and Final Goal: topics, (Chapters 1-10), Sunday December 19, 280 points (200 and 80)


EXAMS
Exam 1: Thursday September 30, in class.
Exam 2: Tuesday November 2, in class.
Exam 3: Thursday December 2, in class.
Final Exam: 7:45AM-9:45AM, Sunday December 19

  • FINAL EXAM is scheduled for 7:25 A.M. Sunday December 19, 2010. Please take note right away.
  • If you can not take an exam due to legitimate excuses, please send an e-mail to the instructor as soon as possible.
  • The final exam is scheduled by the university and cannot be rescheduled except under certain circumstance. There will be no early final exam.

    Getting Help
    The first step should always be to see me during office hours. If you can't make my office hours, send me an email to set up an appointment. You should also check out the following resources:

    • Mathematics Tutorial Program A free small-group tutorial program in Van Vleck. Very structured, requires a time commitment by students.
    • Math Lab A free drop-in tutorial program in Van Vleck staffed by TAs and undergraduate tutors.
    • GUTS A free student-run program covering a variety of subjects. Staffed mostly by student volunteers.
    • List of Private Tutors

    Classlist
    An email Classlist has been created for important announcements about this course. Your @wisc.edu or @students.wisc.edu email address is the one that will be used for the list, as well as all other official communication from the University, so check your email frequently. Also check your Junk Mail folder regularly, as some ClassList mail may end up there!