Email Address:
tbusken@palomar.edu
Website: timbusken.com
Book :
Math Lit A Pathway to College Mathematics
Author: Kathleen Almy and Heather Foes
ISBN: 9780321911216
Publisher: Pearson
Supplies Timely possession of books and supplies is necessary for success. Each student should
have the following:
MTWTh 8 - 9:20 pm
Room: P-1
Final: Monday, December 14
8:00 - 9:50 AM
MyMathLab Homework 150 points
Written Homework 60 points
Quizzes and class work 40 points
3 Focus Problems 50 points each
1 test (first test) 40 points
4 Exams 90 points each
1 Final Exam 200 points
1000 total points
A 90% — 100% Excellent
B 80% — 89% Above Average
C 70% — 79% Average
D 60% — 69% Below Average
F 0% — 59% Failing
COURSE CONTENT:
This is a one semester course intended for non-math and non-science majors. The
focus of the course is on developing mathematical maturity through problem solving, critical thinking, writing
and communication of mathematics.
HOMEWORK: Homework will be done in two ways. The first component will be using MyMathLab. The percentage of
correct responses will be used to assign your homework points at the end of the semester. Homework can
be completed late up until the day of the exam on that cycle, but 10% of the score will be deducted for late
work. The second component will consist of problems in the textbook. The daily assignment will
correspond to the section covered in class each day. It will be checked for completion. Quizzes will be
based on the book homework. The paper and pencil homework from the text should be completed before
the following class period. It will be graded as:
2 points – all done,
1 point – mostly done
0 points- mostly unfinished.
FOCUS PROBLEMS: will be assigned to develop mathematical concepts. Students will be assigned to
groups to work on the focus problems. Groups will be graded on the analysis and solution to the problem,
including appropriate use of mathematics, grammar and sentence structure and neatness. Each member of
the group should have a complete copy of the group’s work. Projects turned in late will lose 10% of the
possible points for each day that they are late.
EXAMS:: There will be 4 exams, worth 100 points each. Makeup tests will not be given. If you miss an exam
due to illness, your final exam score will be used to replace that missed test. If you know that you need to
take a test early, please notify me as soon as you know. If you are involved in athletics or other activities
that require you to miss class and you will miss class the day of a test, you must notify me at least 2 days in
advance so that I can arrange for you to take the test early.
FINAL EXAM:The final exam is TBD and will be comprehensive. It will be worth 150 points. It is required
that you take the final exam in order to pass the class. You may arrange with me to take the final exam on
an earlier day during finals week.
ACADEMIC RECORDS: It is your responsibility to know what grades are on your transcripts. Check your
records at the end of each semester. Students have one year to petition a grade that they feel was given in
error. (See Palomar College Catalog).
DISABLED STUDENTS: Any student with special needs due to a disability must discuss with me (in my
office) what is needed by the end of the second week of class. If you will take your tests in the DRC offices,
you must give me the completed envelope at least 2 days before the test. You will need to schedule your
test for the same day that the test is given in class..
TUTORING: There are several places on campus where you can get FREE tutoring for math. Math
Learning Center: The math center in room E2 is open daily. Monday through Thursday their hours are 8
a.m. to 8 p.m. On Friday they are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 – 12:00. You will
need a Palomar PIC card. Then just register in the free class N ABED 202 (Class #72197). Swipe your
card at the front desk when you go in. There are tutors available as well as computer instruction to help you
learn.
Me: Ask questions in class. If you don’t understand the homework or didn’t understand the material
covered in class, make an appointment to meet with me or meet with me after class. Do it before you get
behind. When coming to my office for help, please write down the pages and problems that you are stuck
on or print out your homework and bring it with you. Bring your attempted solutions with you so that I can
see what you tried and what you are having difficulty with. Library: There is free tutoring available on the
first floor of the library. It is one-on-one tutoring. Call 744-1150 x 2448 for information.