Mathematics for Contemporary Life - Purchase College

MATHEMATICS FOR CONTEMPORARY LIFE
BMA1060.20 Online
Purchase College, Summer 2013
Instructor: Barbara E. McMullen
Office hours: Online e-mail: barbara.mcmullen@purchase.edu
Sun. 9 - 10 am, Tues. 4 - 5 pm, Fri. 8 - 9 pm, and by appointment Phone: 914-245-1894
COURSE DESCRIPTION FROM CATALOG
Students learn basic concepts in quantitative reasoning (number systems, data manipulation, basic statistics), with
emphasis on problem solving using computational methods. This course uses a textbook and focuses on applications
related to consumer issues to develop computational and problem-solving skills. Students learn to transform data into
information and apply quantitative methods to evaluate information and solve real-world problems.
SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course fulfills SUNY Learning Outcomes in Mathematics. The expected outcomes are:
Students will show competence in the following quantitative reasoning skills:
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Interpret and draw inferences from mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables, and schematics;
Represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically, and verbally;
Employ quantitative methods such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or statistics to solve problems;
Estimate and check mathematical results for reasonableness; and
Recognize the limits of mathematical and statistical methods.
LIBERAL STUDIES OUTCOMES
This course meets the following outcomes for the Liberal Studies Degree Completion Program:
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The ability to articulate and communicate clearly in written and spoken forms
Research skills including the ability to analyze and synthesize information
Respect, tolerance and openness to new ideas and ways of thinking
To think critically, independently and creatively
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, the student should demonstrate the following measurable skills in six areas:
o Knowledge –
o Identify and reproduce the process of transforming data into information.
o Describe data using measures of central tendency and dispersion.
o Describe data by selecting and using a graphical method.
o Comprehension – Explain and hypothesize a quantitative problem and collect data for analysis.
o Application –
o Apply mathematical reasoning and problem solving to everyday problems.
o Use mathematics for researching contemporary problems in the natural, social, and political sciences,
business and research.
o Analysis –
o Differentiate between the value of quantitative information produced by you and others.
o Apply statistical analysis methods for inferences and prediction.
o Synthesis -- Present data in tables and graphs.
o Evaluation – Criticize the way in which mathematics is applied to everyday problems.
REQUIRED TEXT
Math In Our World, 2 nd edition, Media Update, Sobecki et al. (McGraw Hill), ISBN for access card to e-book is 0-07-
753914-1, available at the Purchase College book store for $110. The online book includes topical videos. You may use
the hard copy of this book if you wish (you will not have access to the videos).

PURCHASE COLLEGE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
The Purchase College Academic Integrity Policy
explicitly forbids cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Plagiarism is the appropriation or imitation
of the language, ideas, and/or thoughts of another person and the representation of them as one's own original work.
Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the definition of plagiarism and the acceptable methods of
attribution.
Violation of any of the above may lead to formal disciplinary action and the following sanctions:
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Minimum Sanction: Failing grade on the assignment or examination. Maximum Sanction: Expulsion
Recommended Sanction (First Offense): Failing grade for the course
Recommended Sanction (Second Offense): Expulsion
Students who have any questions or doubts about whether any activity is academically permissible, should check with me
first.
DOCUMENTED DISABILITIES
Students with documented physical, learning, psychological and other disabilities are entitled to receive reasonable
accommodations. If a student needs accommodations, he or she must first register with the Office of Special Student
Services; please call 914-251-6390 or email accommodations@purchase.edu.
You can find a description of special student services provided by the Counseling Center at:
http://www.purchase.edu/Departments/SpecialStudentServices/
Moodle is ADA compliant; you can find the accessibility specification for Moodle at:
http://docs.moodle.org/en/Moodle_Accessibility_Specification
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Attendance Policy / Participation
Attendance and punctuality are expected.
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Attendance will be taken at every class as demonstrated by your completion of daily activities.
Your presence is vital for participation in varied learning activities and small group work.
3. Tests
You will be given two tests over the course of the semester. They must be completed in a specified time frame. They
are open book. You can use a calculator, your notes, and the class PowerPoint slides.
4. Homework
Ten problem sets are assigned over the course of the semester. They are due one day after they are assigned.
5. Daily Real World Activities
There are a total of 25 activities in this category. They consist of short quizzes, forums, and questionnaires to assess
learning objectives and other activities, such as Excel labs and a 4-part project, that demonstrate your understanding of
the subject matter.

6.Tools Used
Required Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel (PC Version 2007 or 2010). If you do not have this software, you should
plan to use the free Excel app available at Windows Live, SkyDrive, or Google Docs, or OpenOffice.
Required Statistical Software: For a PC (not a Mac) you can use the Excel Data Analysis Add-in for PC Version 2007 or
2010. Be certain you have the add-in available to you. If you do not have access to Excel Version 2007 or 2010 on a PC
with the Add-in, then you will need StatCrunch, available online at www.statcrunch.com for $12.
Calculator: A Texas Instrument BA II Plus calculator (or similar) is suggested, but any calculator will do the job.
7. Your Purchase Email Account
You must check your e-mail daily. You must keep your e-mail account open and make sure there is room for incoming
messages. Not checking your e-mail regularly and messages not received because your mailbox is full are not excuses
for being ignorant of materials and assignments sent by e-mail.
Go to http://studentservices.purchase.edu/ to activate your account.
8. Moodle:
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An on-line course management system called Moodle will be used for assignments, announcements, and learning
resources used in this course.
All students are required to participate in the Moodle assignments; it will be assumed that all announcements on
this site have reached you, so be sure to check it frequently.
Go to www.purchase.edu/studenttutorial and review the Moodle tutorial, designed to help you become familiar
with how to use Moodle.
To access your course in Moodle, first set up your Purchase email account if you have not done so already; log in
with your Purchase username and password at http://moodle.purchase.edu; (do not put “@purchase.edu). Your
course will appear on the left side of the page under “My Courses.”
Set up your profile: “Profile” button from the Administration box on the left side of our class page; select the “edit
profile” tab at the top, and be sure that your first name, last name, and e-mail address are correct (other options
are OK as is, but you may change them if you wish).
Also in the administration box, you will see a link to the gradebook where you may check on your grades on the
Moodle quizzes and forums.
For technical/email assistance, CTS: (914) 251-6465 or Helpdesk@purchase.edu.
For Moodle specific questions, email TLTC@purchase.edu.
Materials (weekly schedule, updated as necessary; homework assignments; classroom materials; Powerpoint
lecture notes; other notes and instructions; quizzes) are posted on-line on Moodle.
GRADING
Your grade will depend on your performance on daily math assignments, two quizzes, one group term project (in 2 parts)
and participation, which are weighted as follows:
Weekly Problem Sets
Tests (2)
Daily Real World Applications, Activities, and Review Quizzes
Overall Participation (Includes an appearance at a minimum
of 2 out of 4 interactive chats with the class and me.)
5 pts each X 10 = 50% (total)
10 points each X 2 = 20% (total)
1 pt each X 25 = 25% (total)
5%

Extra Credit:
Best, Joel. “Damned Lies and Statistics: Untangling Numbers from the Media, Politicians, and Activists.” University of
California Press. Berkeley and Los Angeles, California, 2001. Read and critique specific examples.
Jones, Gerald E. “How To Lie With Charts: Second Edition.” Booksurge Llc. 2006. Read and critique specific examples.
Huff, Darrell. “How To Lie With Statistics.” W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 1993. Read and critique specific
examples.
CLASS SCHEDULE
A separate document on Moodle outlines each week’s class focus and homework.
Review the schedule posted on Moodle before each class for changes and additions.