Math 140: Class Notes from Transcript (Instructor: Herrera/Vera)

Course Overview and Logistics

• Instructor introduction: Professor Herrera (also referenced as Professor Vera in parts of the transcript). You will see the instructor for at least two semesters.
• Class size and setting: roughly 150 students; very crowded; logistics emphasize grade book and Canvas as the central place for grades and progress.
• Canvas structure: modules contain assignments; the grade book tracks progress as you complete the course.
• View-as-student check: you can preview what students see and adjust access to modules/assignments as needed.

Course Materials and Access

• Syllabus access: two ways to reach the syllabus
  • Direct syllabus link
  • Clickable link within the course
• Required materials:
  • Textbook: electronic copy provided through tuition (PDF via a URL). You have access to a free electronic copy; no separate purchase needed.
  • WebAssign (homework system): included with tuition; you will complete homework here; content and due dates shown in Canvas.
  • Calculator: TI-83 or TI-84 (any variant is fine). TI-Nspire and TI-89 are not allowed. Graphing calculator preferred.
  • iClicker: in-class polling system. Use the iClicker app on your phone (free) or a laptop/tablet. Do not rely on a physical clicker remote.
• Additional tools:
  • Canvas serves as the hub for materials, assignments, and announcements.
  • You will use a TAMU email account for official communications; avoid using non-TAMU accounts for course-related emails (spam filters may hide messages).
  • Honor code and FERPA considerations apply to all communications and grade disclosures.

Schedule, Meetings, and Environment

• Class schedule: lecture meets in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays from $09:35\text{ to }10:50$.
• Duration: a three-hour class session (typical for intensive Math 140).
• First and last days: course started recently; last day stated as the sixteenth (date referencing the term). If you miss a class, check Canvas announcements for schedule changes.
• Room and logistics: pictures and links show the classroom; students share experiences about finding rooms, Zoom links, and hybrid arrangements; be sure to verify the room on your own schedule.
• Office hours: currently listed as Monday–Friday, 1:00–3:00 PM; extension to 12:00–3:00 PM on some days (to be finalized). Always verify current hours in Canvas or via email.
• Course number and focus: Math for Business and Social Sciences (Course 140). Topics include applications in finance, exponents, and algebraic techniques you’ve studied previously in high school.
• Prerequisites: high school algebra (and possibly geometry). The course is designed to be fast-paced; the material overlaps with prior high school coursework but is delivered at a college pace.
• Foundational intent: core competencies include critical thinking, description/communication skills, quantitative and empirical reasoning; these will be applied throughout the course.

Assessment and Grading Structure

• Quizzes (two types): total weight $15\%$ of the course grade.
  • Group quizzes: up to three students can collaborate.
  • Individual quizzes: you can choose to work alone.
  • Quizzes will alternate between group and individual; plan for roughly half of the quizzes to be grouped and half individual.
• Homework and video quizzes: tied to note-taking and video content; you must watch video quizzes to complete notes and be prepared for quizzes.
• Exams: three exams, each worth $50\%$ of the total score across exams (i.e., each exam is a major component).
• Final exam: comprehensive and worth $20\%$ of the total grade; it can replace the lowest of the three exam grades under the College Station policy (see below).
• Final grade adjustments (College Station policy): If your final exam score is higher than your lowest exam score, the final exam score replaces that lowest exam grade, and the grade is recalculated. Example given in lecture:
  • Exam scores: exam 1 = 50, exam 2 = 70, exam 3 = 80, final = 80
  • The 50 from exam 1 would be replaced by 80, and the course grade is recalculated accordingly.
• Overall scale (as stated):
  • A: $90 \leq \text{score} \leq 100$
  • B: $80 \leq \text{score} \leq 89$
  • C: $67 \leq \text{score} \leq 79$
  • Below 57: described as failing (the transcript wording is inconsistent here; the intention appears to be a failing score). Take note that different programs may have additional requirements (e.g., COB) for progression.
• Late work policy: refer to Student Rules (assumed to be a formal policy). In brief:
  • Excused absences with documentation (doctor visits, hospitalization, funerals) may allow making up quizzes/tests.
  • Email the instructor with documentation within two days when applicable; the instructor will determine if an excuse is valid.
  • No excuses for non-emergency reasons (e.g., waking up late) – but the policy encourages checking the official Student Rules for specifics.
• Grading accommodations: final grade adjustments and accommodations for disabilities are handled via institutional processes (Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations discussed, if applicable).
• Grade privacy: FERPA policy prohibits instructors from sharing grades or performance details with parents or others without student consent.
• Integrity and honor: Aggie Honor Code applies to exams; students are expected to uphold honesty and integrity during assessments.

Tools and Resources to Support Learning

• iClicker: in-class polling for quick checks; use the app on your phone; in-class questions will appear on the screen; you answer A/B/C/D.
• WebAssign (Cengage): homework system used for practice and assignments; you will be registered through Canvas and TAMU email; if you encounter login/password issues, explore live help hours and weekend reviews.
• Video quizzes and notes:
  • A set of video quizzes accompanies the notes; students must watch to complete the notes and be prepared for quizzes.
  • There is a take-home quiz with the following characteristics:
  • Due date explicitly listed (e.g., Sept 1).
  • One take-home quiz with 10 attempts available; each attempt can earn up to $10/10$ points, totaling $100\%$ when perfect.
• College Station weekly reviews and Zoom sessions: additional support from College Station including weekend reviews and Zoom hours; use these to practice more with examples on topics from the week.
• Math learning center and other support: Zoom hours and online support options exist for extra help; attend as needed.
• Notes and printing: notes are available online; you can print them if you prefer a hard copy. The notes include video references and example walkthroughs.
• Email etiquette: always use your TAMU email; include course details when contacting the instructor; avoid other accounts to reduce filter issues.
• FAQ and guidance: if you need to check topics weekly, the instructor will provide an agenda listing which sections/topics to cover (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, etc.).

Week-by-Week Structure and Key Topics (as indicated in lecture)

• Week 1: 1.1 and 1.2 topics
  • 1.1 Basic matrix operations
  • 1.2 Reading a matrix (rows, columns; notation with square brackets; numeric and letter entries allowed)
  • Video supplements: YouTube references for matrix multiplication and related concepts; instructors cite using external videos for additional understanding
• Week 2–3: Topics likely include 2.x chapters with continued matrix operations and basic transformations
  • 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 topics mentioned (exact subtopics unclear from transcript; refer to syllabus for precise coverage)
• Week 4–5: 3.x chapters and beyond (3.1 and related topics referenced); progression toward later chapters
• Week 6–7: 4.x chapters (topics and applications); more practice and examples
• Week 8: 5.x chapters (final topic area before the final exam)
• Final exam: comprehensive and occurs at the end of the term; in some years, final can replace the lowest exam score per policy above
• Practice and review materials: YouTube explanations for matrix operations; notes and video quizzes available; practice tests opened by College Station about a week before Exam 1

Study Tips and Practical Implications

• Active engagement:
  • Use the star/mark mechanism on confusing examples during class and visit the instructor during office hours for re-explanation.
  • Take notes on laptops/tablets during class and limit non-note-taking activity (avoid distractions like social media).
• Time management:
  • Always check the Canvas “To Do” area for due dates and ensure you complete video quizzes and notes ahead of quizzes.
  • Expect a heavy workload with approximately $30\text{ quizzes}$ across the term.
• Exam strategy:
  • Review notes and video quiz content; quizzes are based on notes.
  • Leverage the final exam’s potential to replace a low exam score for a better final grade, if applicable.
• Access and accessibility:
  • If you require accommodations, contact the instructor and the appropriate university services (e.g., ADA accommodations).
  • FERPA guidelines protect your grade information; communicate privately about grades.
• Ethical considerations:
  • Adhere to the Aggie Honor Code during all assessments; no cheating, copying, or unauthorized assistance.
• Real-world relevance:
  • Mathematics covered (matrices, exponents, applications) has direct relevance to business analytics and social science data handling; emphasizes quick understanding and practical computation, mirroring the real-world speed of college coursework.

Quick Reference: Key Numbers and Policies (summary)

• Class size: ≈150 students
• Schedule: $ext{Tue, Thu}~ 09{:}35 \text{ to } 10{:}50$
• Homework system: WebAssign (Cengage) – included with tuition
• Textbook: Free electronic copy with tuition
• Calculator: TI-83/ TI-84 recommended; TI-Nspire and TI-89 not allowed
• iClicker: In-class polling via app; no remote devices required
• Quizzes: $15\%$ of grade; mix of group and individual
• Exams: 3 exams, $50\%$ each
• Final exam: $20\%$; comprehensive; may replace lowest exam score
• Grading scale (as stated): A $90-100; B 80-89; C 67-79$; below 57 may be failing (interpretation may vary by program)
• Attendance/Excuses: Use Student Rules; valid excuses require documentation
• Communication: Use TAMU email; FERPA privacy for grades
• Support: College Station weekend reviews, Zoom hours, and TAMU math learning center; video quizzes and practice tests available

If you’d like, I can tailor these notes to emphasize particular chapters (1.x, 2.x, 3.x, etc.) or convert them into a study plan aligned with the official syllabus once you share the exact week-by-week topic mapping.