Please see your MATD0485 Course for more information.

This is a First Day™ class. The cost of the required statistics textbook, including an online version of the textbook and software access, has been added to your tuition and fees bill.   

Statistics Textbook: Introductory Statistics: Exploring the World Through Data, 3rd Edition, by Gould, Ryan, & Wong. Pearson Publishing (with MyLab software) 

Additional Textbook:  Developing Mathematical Thinking.  This is a free textbook compiled by the math faculty at Austin Community College using various Open Educational Resources (OER).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KHU1MneAXFuqIuRCv2QYBRW0o8aluB8m/view

Supplemental Materials:  spiral notebook and scientific calculator – typically cost is less than $20. If you don’t already have one, here are 3 that I have at home. If you have one of these, I am more likely to assist you.

Casio fx-300ES plus. Most Casios will work the same. Look for a fraction key with a box over a box.

Casio fx-300ES plus. Most Casios will work the same. Look for a fraction key with a box over a box.

TI – 34 Multiview and TI – 36X Pro. Try to find a calculator with at least 2 lines of entry.

Other Technology: Access to a webcam and microphone are required for this course. Eligible students can check out required technology at https://www.austincc.edu/students/student-technology-services.

Grades

Grade Components

Grading Scale

A: 90 - 100

B: 80 – 89

C: 70 – 79

D: 60 – 69

F: < 60

Where can I find my grades?

Grades will be posted in Blackboard. You will find the grades for both the NCBM 0222 and MATD 0485 courses in the MATD 0485 course.

Readings and topics of this course are shown in the course calendar below. 

Course Calendar

Note: Schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement. 

Last day to withdraw: November 21, 2024

Holidays: Monday, Sept 2: Labor Day (All campuses closed)

                  Monday, Nov 11: Veteran’s Day (All campuses closed)

                  Wednesday, Nov 27 (All campuses close at noon for Thanksgiving. Campuses reopen Monday)

(Please note these are the ONLY holidays this semester.)

Course Rationale

This is a fast-pace, intensive review for MATD 0485, which prepares students for Non STEM college-level math courses MATH 1332 (Contemporary Math) or MATH 1342 (Elementary Statistics).

NCBM 0222 Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

1. Provide an opportunity to increase/improve quantitative literacy.
2. Provide an opportunity to communicate mathematical ideas in a small group setting.
3. Provide just-in-time review of prerequisite topics.

Course Description

Credit Hours: 4, Contact Hours: 4

MATD 0485 – Developing Mathematical Thinking (4-4-0). A course designed to develop the skills, including reading and critical thinking, and the understanding needed for non-math, non-science majors who take MATH 1332 and MATH 1342. Topics include: linear models, data interpretations including graphs and tables, percentage models, order of operations, logic of arguments, and an introduction to other models which may include exponential, logarithmic, quadratic and/or rational models. This course is not for college level credit. Students who need to prepare for MATH 1314, MATH 1324, MATH 1414, etc. should not take this course, but instead should take MATD 0370.

Course Rationale

This is an alternative course to Elementary Algebra for students who are going on to one of these college-credit math courses: MATH 1332 (Contemporary Math) or MATH 1342 (Elementary Statistics). Students who are mandated to take Developmental Math by the TSI rules may satisfy the TSI requirement by completing this course with a grade of C or better. Students who pass this course are not ready for MATH 1314 (College Algebra), MATH 1414 (College Algebra for Precalculus), or MATH 1324, (Math for Business and Economics).  If your degree plan requires MATH 1314, MATH 1414, or MATH 1324, then you will need to complete both MATD 0370 followed by NCBM-paired with MATH 1314, MATH 1414, or MATH 1324 (lecture-based courses).

MATD 0485 Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, a student should be able to:

1. Use formulas and/or order of operations to solve problems for a variety of models, such as temperature, regression, exponential, or finance models.
2. Explain and justify answers based on an understanding of mathematical properties and rules.
3. Estimate answers and evaluate the reasonableness of answers to application problems. 
4. Solve problems involving fractions, decimals, and percents, including percents based in two-way tables.
5. Apply fundamental probability/counting techniques to solve problems.
6. Convert between various units of measurement. 
7. Use patterns and diagrams to count objects in a set.
8. Analyze statistical studies.
9. Describe, graph, organize, and analyze quantitative and categorical data.  
10. Calculate and interpret measures of center and variation for statistical data.
11. Analyze relationships and make predictions with statistical data.
12. Identify and interpret linear and exponential patterns of change for multiple representations.

These course objectives illustrate that this course is not an algebra course as are most developmental mathematics courses. It is a course about thinking and using mathematics. There is some algebra in the course, but algebra is not the predominant topic or the focus of the course.