Techniques in Problem Solving

Course Details

Course Number: 3113  Section Number: 180

Fall 2012

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 213

Days & Times:

Lectures: TR 4:00 – 5:20 PM --- Bolin Hall 213

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Terry McDonald   
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Course Objectives

Course Subjects: Problem solving techniques and strategies using patterns, logic, number theory, algebra, geometry, combinatorics, strategy games, and network theory.


Course Expectations

Text: Crossing the River with Dogs Problem Solving for College Students, 2nd Ed., by Johnson, Herr and Kysh

Calculator: A graphing calculator is recommended. However, there will be times on quizzes and exams when the use of a calculator is prohibited.


Grading Standards

Course Evaluation: Suggested homework problems will be assigned but not graded. Instead, the material in the homework will be evaluated by a variety of methods: announced/pop/take-home quizzes, short student presentations (board work), and student participation in small groups. The quizzes/presentations/group work will count as 10% of the final grade. Next, there will be a Problem Solving Journal that will count as 10% of the final grade. Also, there will also be three In-class Exams which will each count as 20% of the final grade. Finally, there will be a cumulative Final Exam which will count as 20% of the final grade.

Test Dates: Please note that the following test dates are tentative and may be changed (except for the scheduled date of the final). Any change will be announced in a timely manner.

Exam I   --- Tuesday, September 25, 2012

                        Exam II --- Tuesday, October 30, 2012

                        Exam III --- Tuesday, December 4, 2012

                        Final Exam --- Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 5:45-7:45PM

Make-ups for exams and quizzes will only be allowed for a university approved excuse in writing. Wherever possible, students should inform the instructor before an exam or quiz is missed. 

Letter Grades: The final letter grades will be determined by the following scale:

                        A --- 90% and above

                        B --- 80% - 89%

                        C --- 70% - 79%

                        D --- 60% - 69%

                        F --- 59% and below


Final Exam12/11/2012  5:45-7:45PM

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Make-ups for exams and quizzes will only be allowed for a university approved excuse in writing. Wherever possible, students should inform the instructor before an exam or quiz is missed. 


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Students should refer to the current MSU Student Handbook and Activities Calendar for university policies on Academic Dishonesty, Attendance, Student Rights and Activities.


Other Policies

Students should refer to the current MSU Student Handbook and Activities Calendar for university policies on Academic Dishonesty, Attendance, Student Rights and Activities.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.