Welcome to the course, Number Systems. This course is designed to give you a solid foundation in the understanding of the numbers on the number line.
It starts with a discussion of the counting numbers and ends with an explanation why ei·π = −1. I am looking forward to working with you on this endeavor this semester. This being an online course it is important that we communicate often and with all the means that modern technology offers. Please do not hesitate, to call me at my office, or e-mail me any time.
INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor: Lothar A. Dohse
| Office: | 317 Robinson Hall | Phone: | 828-232-5289 | |
| Address: | UNCA,
CPO #2350 Asheville, NC 28804 |
Fax: | 828-251-6438 | |
URL: |
http://facstaff.unca.edu/dohse |
To get in touch with me please use the message utility of this course. You may also get in touch with me during my office hours by phone or through conference calling, my office hours are posted on the web page mentioned above. E-mail is the preferred means of communication, and I will make every effort to answer E-mails within one working day.
PRE-REQUISITES
Students in this class should have:
This course is designed to give you a solid foundation in the understanding of numbers, their interrelations and uses.
Required Text and Materials
This course has no required text. All reading materials will be provided. However students should have access to a computer with an Internet connection and the spread sheet program Excel. A graphing calculator will also be useful.
Description
This course, Number Systems , develops the real number system by starting with the counting numbers and working its way through the integers, rational numbers, and algebraic numbers. In each unit we will work through problems and applications that correspond to that particular number system, and discuss how the system's limitations. A final unit that introduces the complex numbers was added for completeness and to tie together several different ideas that arose during the course. Expect to use calculating devises throughout the course. Emphasis will be placed on the understanding of fundamental theoretical concepts and their application.
Goals
A student who completes this class should be able to:
Outline
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT
This course is divided into units. The first four are composed of 4 to 6 lessons each with two major activities / assignments. The last two are shorter with only one major activity each. If you are taking this course during the fall or spring semester you are expected to complete a unit in two to three weeks. If you are taking it in the summer you should complete a unit in one week.
Lessons and Major Assignments
Most lessons are equivalent to one (possibly two) lecture in a standard class. These involve some reading, practice exercises, and a quiz. Typically a lesson should take 2-3 hours to complete.
Practice Exercises
There will be practice exercises assigned with each lesson. Although they won't be graded you are strongly encouraged to complete them. They will prepare you for the quizzes and exams.
Quizzes
At the end of each lesson is a quiz. The main purpose of this activity is to serve as an immediate feedback tool. It allows me, your instructor, to determine if you understand the material, and to help you if you don't. Quizzes may be retaken.
Exams
There will be two proctored exams given in this course, one at the end of Unit 2 and one at the end of Unit 4. There is a time limit for these tests, and you are asked to give a name of a proctor to whom the exam can be (e-mailed) mailed. After you have completed the exam you will be asked to send it to me via FAX or as a scanned document via e-mail. The purpose of the exams is to evaluate your knowledge of the material.
Problem Solving Activities and Major Assignments
Each unit has one or two activities or investigations that encourage you to interact amongst yourselves. These activities are designed to foster peer learning and tutoring, and to develop the communication skills to present mathematical ideas effectively. The discussion board available through Black Board will be used for this component.
CLASS PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
Participation Requirements
This class contains group work, and discussion exercises. Participation in these activities is required, and students will be evaluated on their contributions to these. See the discussion in the rubrics section for more precise grading details.
Short Quizzes and Outside Help
The quizzes at the end of each lesson are there to help you evaluate yourself. Although they are graded, you may take them multiple times, and you may receive help while working on them.
Exams
There will be three major exams. The first is after Unit 2, the second after Unit 4, and the Final at the end of the course. Each will be worth 100 points or 12.5% of your grade. The first two of these exams will be open book, time limited test, the third is a take home assignment.
You may not receive any outside help while taking these tests.
Major Assignments and Late Work.
A large part of your grade depends on major assignments. Depending on the specific instructions, these may involve collaborative work, data collecting, or independent research. It is expected that the work you submit is your own (or your groups). Late work will be accepted but there is a 5% penalty for each day they are late. (Check assignments for individual deadlines.)
GRADING
Your grade will be determined by the following distribution.