Department of Mathematics        Spring 2003

Math 153, Section 1,   Introduction to Analytical Processes, (Writing to Learn)
3 hrs Credit 8:00-8:50 MWF
Instructor - Elwyn H. Davis, edavis@pittstate.edu       Office Phone: 235-4401
Office: 224 Yates Hall Office Hours: As Posted

I.  Course Description
Topics in differential and integral calculus and linear algebra for business applications.  Closed to students with credit in MATH 150 Calculus I.  Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 113 College Algebra or consent of instructor.

II. Purpose of the Course
To prepare students  in Business and Economic for decision making courses which involve the methods of calculus and/or linear algebra.

III.  Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
   1.  Set up and work with linear expressions and their graphs.
   2.  Perform basic vector and matrix operations.
   3.  Differentiate polynomial, rational, algebraic, logarithmic, and exponential functions.
   4.  Integrate polynomial, logarithmic, and exponential functions.
   5.  Optimize functions of 1, 2, or 3 variables.
   6.  Use appropriate technologies to accomplish objectives 1 - 5.

IV.  Instructional Resources
Required Textbook: Davis, McGrath, and Winters, "Processes for Analytical Decision Making", Fourth  Edition.This is available at either bookstore.   The goal is to cover the entire textbook.

V.  Teaching Strategies
Teaching strategies include: lecture, textbook reading assignments, class discussion, writing assignments, and daily work assignments.Writing to Learn activities will be used in this course to help you more fully understand some multi-step processes or deep concepts.  It is one thing to master techniques in a mathematics class, many of which you may soon forget.  It is also important that you develop an understanding of the concepts and procedures. Presumably this understanding will be retained longer than mechanical mastery of techniques.  I believe that writing about concepts and procedures can aid in developing this understanding.

VI.  Evaluation
Daily work consists of hand-ins and possible pop-quizzes.  The final will be comprehensive.  Writings are short writing assignments which fulfill the Writing to Learn aspect of this section.  They will typically be descriptions or summaries of mathematical process or problem solving techniques.No make-up exams will be given except for university excused activities or illness with Dr.'s statement. If are not excused for an hour exam your score on that exam will be commensurate with your performance on the part of the Final Exam which covers the material on the exam you missed.   The last hour test will be given during the last week of classes.