Online Science, Technology, & Math Courses

A study of the basic arithmetic operations, exponents, ratios, linear, and quadratic equations, graphs, and story problems. This course is specifically designed to assist those students who need help for the mathematics proficiency examination. Students taking this course must pass the mathematics proficiency exam to pass the course.

The main objective of the course will be to learn the basic fundamental mathematics that are needed in our jobs and daily life. Specifically, at the end of the course the student should:

• Be able to work with whole numbers including being able to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, estimation, and rounding of whole numbers as well as solving equations involving whole numbers.
• Be able to work with integers including being able to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, estimation, and rounding of integers, as well as solving equations involving integers.
• Learn the order in which standard mathematical operations (addition, multiplication, etc.) are performed.
• Be able to perform all standard mathematical operations involving fractions, as well as solving equations with fractions and being able to work with mixed numerals.
• Be able to perform all standard mathematical operations with decimals, solve equations involving decimals, estimate decimal quantities, and convert between decimal and fractional notation.
• Understand the concepts of ratios and percents, as well as the different notations associated with each. Students should also be able to solve problems involving percents.
• Learn the concepts of averages, median, and mode.
• Be able to read different types of graphs such as a bar graph, line graph, circle graph, pictograph, and tables.
• Be familiar with basic geometric figures and the concepts of perimeter, area, and circles.
• Be able to perform all standard mathematical operations with real numbers.
• Learn how to solve linear equations and inequalities using the addition and multiplication principles.
• Be able to graph linear equation and inequalities as well as be able to answer questions given the graph of a linear equation.
• Be able to perform the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of polynomials. In addition, the student will be able to factor trinomials.
• Learn how to simplify rational expressions involving the standard mathematical operations.
• Be able to solve systems of equations using the substitution method.
• Be familiar with radical expressions and how to perform the standard mathematical operations with radical expressions.
• Be able to solve quadratic equations by completing the square and by using the quadratic formula.
• Be able to solve story problems involving all of the above concepts, thus seeing how mathematics is used in everyday life.

This course will be completed entirely online via Blackboard. 

To determine if the course objectives have been met students will regularly submit online homework assignments covering problems addressed in the corresponding lesson. The students will also submit the assigned paper mentioned previously. Finally, the students will also take the mathematics proficiency exam which will serve as evidence that the student has learned the basic mathematical tools needed to complete their required math courses.

The course is pass /fail based upon your proficiency exams. You must attain at least 35 out of 50 points to receive a passing score.

A study of selected topics from set theory, matrices, systems of linear equations and inequalities, linear programming, counting and probability, statistics, and mathematics of finance.  Prerequisite:  A good understanding of algebra.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Recognize the basic concepts and terminology of finite mathematics.
• Correctly and independently solve problems that are similar to the textbook exercises.
• Effectively use a graphing calculator to solve problems.
• Complete specific tasks in Microsoft Excel involving linear regression, amortization, and solve.
• Appreciate and interpret some of the ways finite mathematics connects to the real world from a Christian perspective.
• Enjoy his/her experience with mathematics.

• Finite Mathematics: An Applied Approach

In addition to the textbook, this course will require:

1. A MathXL Access Code (can be purchased with the textbook, or separately online from www.mathxl.com)
2. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator
3. Occasional access to Microsoft Excel

This course consists of:

32 section homeworks to be completed through MathXL (5 points each)
8 chapter quizzes (two per module) to be completed through MathXL (20 points each)
4 module exams (100 points each)
4 module projects/papers to be submitted in BlackBoard (20 points each)
1 cumulative final exam (200 points)

There are 1000 total points in the course.

The course covers the basic statistical methods for describing data, linear regression and correlation, sampling, experimental design, probability and probability distributions, confidence intervals, and tests of hypotheses.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Define and use statistical terms and methods accurately.
• Understand and use basic statistical methods for describing data.
• Use linear regression and correlation to depict relationships.
• Collect representative samples from population data.
• Design reliable experiments and observational studies.
• Understand basic probability distributions and the sampling distribution.
• Apply inferential statistical methods including estimation techniques (confidence intervals) and hypothesis testing for one proportion, two proportions, one mean, two means, paired comparisons, and Chi-square relationships.
• Develop statistical thinking – using data to make decisions.

In connection with the Taylor University foundational core, this course will enhance communication fluency by adding statistical tools and reasoning, develop critical thinking skills using data and probability to inform decisions, increase quantitative literacy with new concepts and procedures, and contribute to spiritual maturity as students use statistical tools to inform their faith.

This course uses an eText (Discovering Statistics, 2nd Edition) as part of Hawkes Learning System. You will purchase access to both Hawkes Learning and the eText once you've been enrolled. Details are posted in Blackboard. For those that prefer a hard copy, there is also an option within the course to purchase the printed materials at a discount.

Please be sure to order the 2ND EDITION of the text (not the 3rd).

A Graphing Calculator is needed – TI-83/84 recommended

There are 4 unit/chapter tests, 8 application assignments, 4 sets of practice problems, and a final cumulative exam.

The practice problems are worth 20% of the final grade, the application assignments are worth 15%, the chapter tests are worth 50%, and the final exam is worth 15%.

Human Biology is an introduction to the structure and function of the human body. This course will focus on the anatomy and physiology of human cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the whole organism. Practical health applications will also be explored.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Appreciate themselves as unique organisms while recognizing the characteristics they share with other humans and living things.
• Provide a basic understanding and working knowledge of the human body by studying the anatomy and physiology of human tissues, organs, and organ systems.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the major diseases of humans.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the components of individual health.
• Acquire reliable scientific information and thus promote lifelong learning.

Required lab kit: order from eScience Labs. Go to http://www.esciencelabs.com/, create a student account, click "Have a Code" and use course kit SKU KIT5155. Approximate cost of the lab kit is $180. More specific instructions are found within syllabus.

Optional text:  Starr, E. and B. McMillan. Human Biology, 8th ed. Brooks/Cole Publishing.

This course is divided into 17 modules and consists of labs, journal entries, quizzes, and exams.

The lab journal is worth 150 points, the quizzes are worth 200 points, and the exams are worth 300 points, for a total of 650 points.