Math 145 Winter 2008 FAQ
LECTURES
Q: Is attendance at lectures required?
A: No. But attendance is strongly recommended. It will be much easier to succeed in this course if you attend all class sessions (including lectures and quiz sections) ready to participate fully. You are responsible for knowing about what goes on in class, whether or not you attend.
A: No. But attendance is strongly recommended. It will be much easier to succeed in this course if you attend all class sessions (including lectures and quiz sections) ready to participate fully. You are responsible for knowing about what goes on in class, whether or not you attend.
Q: What should I do if I have to miss a lecture?
A: Ask one of your colleagues if you may copy his/her notes and check the course website for any announcements or changes to the homework schedule. Read through or recopy the notes and ask your TA or instructor or another student about anything that you don't understand.
A: Ask one of your colleagues if you may copy his/her notes and check the course website for any announcements or changes to the homework schedule. Read through or recopy the notes and ask your TA or instructor or another student about anything that you don't understand.
HOMEWORK
Q: What is this week's homework assignment and when is it due?
A: You can find this week's homework assignment and its due date here.
A: You can find this week's homework assignment and its due date here.
Q: I'm not going to be in class on Wednesday. Can I still turn in my
homework?
A: Yes. You may either turn your homework in to your TA on Tuesday during quiz section or place it in the box outside of Dr. T's office before 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Be warned, however, that the box will not be secure. It may be possible for another student to tamper with your assignment while in the box.
A: Yes. You may either turn your homework in to your TA on Tuesday during quiz section or place it in the box outside of Dr. T's office before 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Be warned, however, that the box will not be secure. It may be possible for another student to tamper with your assignment while in the box.
Q: Does it matter if I do my homework in pen or pencil?
A: No. Just try and be neat.
A: No. Just try and be neat.
Q: Is there any identifying information I should include on my
homework?
A: Just your name.
A: Just your name.
Q: How is homework graded?
A: Your homework grade will consist of two components: a completion grade and a correctness grade. You will receive a grade out of 4 points for completion. If you've done most of the problems, you should earn at least 4 points on your homework every time. On top of that, we will choose three problems to be graded in more detail, each worth two points, for a total of 6 correctness points. That makes a total of 10 points for each assignment.
A: Your homework grade will consist of two components: a completion grade and a correctness grade. You will receive a grade out of 4 points for completion. If you've done most of the problems, you should earn at least 4 points on your homework every time. On top of that, we will choose three problems to be graded in more detail, each worth two points, for a total of 6 correctness points. That makes a total of 10 points for each assignment.
Q: I spent hours on my homework and did almost every problem except the
three that you chose to grade for correctness. So, even though I did
all this work, I still got a low grade. Do you think that's fair?
A: It's not perfect, but yes, I think it's fair. The math department does not have the resources to pay someone to grade every problem in detail. Since you should have plenty of time to work the homework problems (and to seek assistance if necessary), it's reasonable for me to expect you to complete and have accurate write-ups of all assigned problems.
A: It's not perfect, but yes, I think it's fair. The math department does not have the resources to pay someone to grade every problem in detail. Since you should have plenty of time to work the homework problems (and to seek assistance if necessary), it's reasonable for me to expect you to complete and have accurate write-ups of all assigned problems.
Q: I was sick on Wednesday and didn't turn in my homework. Can I turn it
in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
Q: I went skiing on Wednesday and didn't turn in my homework. Can I turn
it in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
Q: I was hungover on Wednesday and didn't turn in my homework. Can I
turn it in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
Q: I was in lecture on Wednesday and I had my homework done but I forgot
to turn in my homework. Can I turn it in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty. (But remember, you can always put it in the box outside Dr. T's office before 1:30 on Wednesday and it won't be late.)
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty. (But remember, you can always put it in the box outside Dr. T's office before 1:30 on Wednesday and it won't be late.)
QUIZZES
Q: How should I study for quizzes?
A: Except during exam weeks, you will turn in homework on Wednesday and take a quiz on that same material on Thursday. If you've completed and understand the homework, you should be ready to take the quiz.
A: Except during exam weeks, you will turn in homework on Wednesday and take a quiz on that same material on Thursday. If you've completed and understand the homework, you should be ready to take the quiz.
Q: What should I do if I have to miss a quiz due to a religious holiday or
school-sponsored event?
A: Contact Dr. T. at least one week in advance to make arrangements.
A: Contact Dr. T. at least one week in advance to make arrangements.
Q: What should I do if I have to miss a quiz for another reason?
A: Nothing. You're allowed to miss a quiz without penalty to your grade.
A: Nothing. You're allowed to miss a quiz without penalty to your grade.
Q: Does that mean you drop my lowest quiz score?
A: Yes.
A: Yes.
Q: OK...so I got a low score on one quiz already and now I'm sick. Can I make
up this quiz so I can drop my low score from before?
A: No.
A: No.
EXAMS
Q: When are the exams?
A: Exam dates are listed on the course website.
A: Exam dates are listed on the course website.
Q: What resources am I allowed to use on exams?
A: You're allowed to use a scientific calculator and one 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of hand-written notes.
A: You're allowed to use a scientific calculator and one 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of hand-written notes.
Q: Can I type my note sheet?
A: No. Note sheets must be hand-written. To construct a hand-written note sheet, start with a blank (both sides) sheet of paper and write on it.
A: No. Note sheets must be hand-written. To construct a hand-written note sheet, start with a blank (both sides) sheet of paper and write on it.
Q: Can I write on both sides of the note sheet?
A: Yes.
A: Yes.
Q: What am I allowed to put on the note sheet?
A: Anything you want as long as it's hand-written.
A: Anything you want as long as it's hand-written.
Q: Can I photocopy my friend's note sheet?
A: No. A photo-copied note sheet is not hand-written.
A: No. A photo-copied note sheet is not hand-written.
Q: What happens if I use a note sheet that is not hand-written?
A: Using a typed note sheet is an instance of academic misconduct. If you use any source on the exam other than what is described above, I will give you a zero on the exam (and offer you a hearing before the Committee on Academic Conduct).
A: Using a typed note sheet is an instance of academic misconduct. If you use any source on the exam other than what is described above, I will give you a zero on the exam (and offer you a hearing before the Committee on Academic Conduct).
Q: How should I study for exams?
A: I recommend reading through your lecture notes several times. Since your instructor writes the exams, lecture notes will give you insight into how the instructor speaks and writes and what your instructor feels is important. You should skim through the reading, noting any new vocabulary, problem-solving techniques and processes that are introduced. Finally, the most important thing to do is to do a lot of problems. Re-do any homework problems that gave you trouble. Do problems from the book that were not assigned. Do any practice problems that your instructor or TA give you.
A: I recommend reading through your lecture notes several times. Since your instructor writes the exams, lecture notes will give you insight into how the instructor speaks and writes and what your instructor feels is important. You should skim through the reading, noting any new vocabulary, problem-solving techniques and processes that are introduced. Finally, the most important thing to do is to do a lot of problems. Re-do any homework problems that gave you trouble. Do problems from the book that were not assigned. Do any practice problems that your instructor or TA give you.
Q: I suffer from test anxiety. What should I do?
A: Try one of the Student Counseling Center's Study Skills Workshops. They are offered periodically throughout the quarter.
A: Try one of the Student Counseling Center's Study Skills Workshops. They are offered periodically throughout the quarter.
Q: I understand everything we do in class. Why do I get low grades on
exams?
A: During exams, you have to demonstrate your ability to solve problems, not simply your understanding of the material. (I've watched tennis for years and I understand how to play. That doesn't mean that I am able to play tennis. If I had to take a tennis test, I'd have to practice playing tennis myself...not just watch other people playing.) You MUST practice solving problems BEFORE you get to the exam.
A: During exams, you have to demonstrate your ability to solve problems, not simply your understanding of the material. (I've watched tennis for years and I understand how to play. That doesn't mean that I am able to play tennis. If I had to take a tennis test, I'd have to practice playing tennis myself...not just watch other people playing.) You MUST practice solving problems BEFORE you get to the exam.
Q: How do I practice solving problems?
A: Try this method: Go through your lecture notes and the reading from the texts and make a preliminary note sheet containing definitions and techniques you have trouble remembering. Do a bunch of problems: old homework problems, other problems from the books, sample exams from your instructor or TA. Any time you get stuck, see if there is something on your note sheet that jogs your brain a bit. If there's nothing on your note sheet, try looking in your lecture notes or in the books for a hint. If you find something that helps, add it to your note sheet and continue with the problem. If you still can't solve the problem, ask a friend or someone on the MSC if they can give you a push toward solving the problem. Once you figure out what you were missing, try to articulate it and add it to your note sheet. Keep adding to your note sheet and trying to do new problems until you're sick of it or until it's time for the test.
A: Try this method: Go through your lecture notes and the reading from the texts and make a preliminary note sheet containing definitions and techniques you have trouble remembering. Do a bunch of problems: old homework problems, other problems from the books, sample exams from your instructor or TA. Any time you get stuck, see if there is something on your note sheet that jogs your brain a bit. If there's nothing on your note sheet, try looking in your lecture notes or in the books for a hint. If you find something that helps, add it to your note sheet and continue with the problem. If you still can't solve the problem, ask a friend or someone on the MSC if they can give you a push toward solving the problem. Once you figure out what you were missing, try to articulate it and add it to your note sheet. Keep adding to your note sheet and trying to do new problems until you're sick of it or until it's time for the test.
Q: How long do I need to spend studying for the exams?
A: For very serious students, I recommend 1 or 2 hours a night for one full week before the exam. Of course, some people will do just fine with much less and some people may need more.
A: For very serious students, I recommend 1 or 2 hours a night for one full week before the exam. Of course, some people will do just fine with much less and some people may need more.
CALCULATORS
Q: What kind of calculator do I need for this course?
A: On exams, I will expect that you have a functional scientific calculator. Graphing calculators will not be allowed on exams. You can get a good scientific calculator for around $15.
A: On exams, I will expect that you have a functional scientific calculator. Graphing calculators will not be allowed on exams. You can get a good scientific calculator for around $15.
Q: What's a scientific calculator?
A: A scientific calculator does computations a bit beyond the basic four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You'll need a calculator that can compute powers, square roots, and natural logs (look for a button with an "ln" on it).
A: A scientific calculator does computations a bit beyond the basic four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You'll need a calculator that can compute powers, square roots, and natural logs (look for a button with an "ln" on it).
ACADEMIC CONDUCT
Q: What constitutes cheating in this class?
A: All work is expected to be your own. Submitting another person's work as your own or copying work from another student on a quiz, homework, or exam constitutes cheating. Further, allowing someone to copy your work is also considered cheating. The consequences for allowing another student to copy your work on a quiz, homework, or exam are the same as for the student doing the copying.
A: All work is expected to be your own. Submitting another person's work as your own or copying work from another student on a quiz, homework, or exam constitutes cheating. Further, allowing someone to copy your work is also considered cheating. The consequences for allowing another student to copy your work on a quiz, homework, or exam are the same as for the student doing the copying.
Q: What happens if I am accused of cheating?
A: If you are accused of cheating, you have the right to a hearing before the university's Committee on Academic Conduct. Information on the hearing process and possible university sanctions can be found here. If you are found guilty of academic misconduct, then in addition to any sanctions imposed by the Committee, you will receive a 0 on the assignment in question.
A: If you are accused of cheating, you have the right to a hearing before the university's Committee on Academic Conduct. Information on the hearing process and possible university sanctions can be found here. If you are found guilty of academic misconduct, then in addition to any sanctions imposed by the Committee, you will receive a 0 on the assignment in question.
Q: Should I cheat in this class?
A: No.
A: No.
MATH STUDY CENTER
Q: Where is the Math Study Center?
A: The Math Study Center is in the basement of the Communications building: CMU B-014.
A: The Math Study Center is in the basement of the Communications building: CMU B-014.
Q: What really goes on at the Math Study Center?
A: Math students come to the MSC and work on their homework or study for exams. Some students work alone, some in groups. TAs and instructors for the course are in the room, available to answer questions. If you need help and the tutors are all busy, put your name on the waiting list on the board at the front of the room.
A: Math students come to the MSC and work on their homework or study for exams. Some students work alone, some in groups. TAs and instructors for the course are in the room, available to answer questions. If you need help and the tutors are all busy, put your name on the waiting list on the board at the front of the room.
Q: I went to the MSC and waited an hour for the TA to answer one
question. What good is the MSC?
A: There may be times when the wait for help at the MSC is long, especially the day before a homework assignment is due or around exam time. We suggest that you start your studying early and go to the MSC early in the week when the wait will be shorter.
A: There may be times when the wait for help at the MSC is long, especially the day before a homework assignment is due or around exam time. We suggest that you start your studying early and go to the MSC early in the week when the wait will be shorter.
Q: I need a lot of intensive help with this course. Can I get that
kind of help at the MSC?
A: Not really. If you need a personal tutor, you may want to try the tutor list available here or outside the Math Student Services Office (PDL C-036).
A: Not really. If you need a personal tutor, you may want to try the tutor list available here or outside the Math Student Services Office (PDL C-036).