Main Content
Syllabus
Math 17 (3 credits): Finite Mathematics
Introduction to logic, sets, and probability.
Prerequisite: 2 units of high school mathematics.
Overview
Math 17 is an entry-level course in mathematics that introduces the student to the fundamental structures on which mathematics is built. The course examines (1) sets and operations and the relationship between them); (2) counting techniques that determine the number of ways that an event can occur; (3) probability and the likelihood that an event will happen, and (4) the logic of rhetoric. Every topic is explored through theory and numerous examples both artificially tailored to illustrate a certain topic and real life examples to which the techniques can be applied. The student will be expected to study the theory and examples and be able to solve other problems using the techniques that have been presented.
Course Objectives
Students will acquire a basic understanding of the four foundations of mathematics described above. Knowledge of the interrelationships between these topics, as well as aspects that are unique to individual sections, is expected. In particular, after taking this course, students should be able to:
- Perform set operations with sets in roster form
- Verify set relations with sets in roster form
- Illustrate set operations using Venn diagrams
- Count the elements in a set using Venn diagrams and formulas
- Translate statements in set notation into English statements
- Translate English statements describing sets into statements in set notation
- Use the Multiplication Principle to calculate the number of ways to perform a sequence of tasks
- Find the sample space of a probability experiment
- Calculate the probability of an event using formulas, sample spaces, tables, tree diagrams and Venn diagrams
- Calculate the odds of an event given the probability
- Calculate the probability of an event given the odds
- Calculate the conditional probability of an event given that another event has already occurred
- Determine if two events are independent
- Use Bayes’ Theorem or tree diagrams to calculate the apriori probability of an event
- Compute the expected value of a random variable
- Calculate the number of ways that an event can occur using combinations and permutations
- Calculate the number of ways that non-distinct objects can be arranged
- Calculate the probability that an event occurs using the Multiplication Principle, combinations and permutations
- Use the binomial formula to calculate the probability of an event in a Bernoulli trials experiment
- Translate propositions in logical notation into propositions in English
- Translate proposition in English into propositions in logical notation
- Create truth tables out of logical propositions
- Identify English statements as simple propositions, compound propositions or non-propositions
- Negate a propositions using DeMorgan’s Law
- Negate a proposition with quantifiers
- Determine the converse, inverse and contrapositive of a conditional proposition
- Determine if a proposition is a tautology
- Determine if two propositions are equivalent
- Determine if an argument is valid or invalid
- Prove that an argument is valid using direct reasoning
- Prove that an argument is valid using indirect reasoning
Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.Method of Instruction
Web-Based Learning
This course is designed on Web-based technology; therefore web skills are required. As you know many course materials are on the Web.
Student-Centered Approach
Mathematics is a hands-on activity. It is never learned without continuous activities using the material, particularly to solve problems. That is why mathematics can be very well suited to the student-centered approach that focuses on student involvement in all aspects of the course. As the course proceeds through the semester, active involvement by the student will be essential to success. Some suggestions are:
- Be enthusiastic and maintain a positive attitude.
- Utilize the suggested readings.
- Try to set aside blocks of time on a regular schedule when you will be able to focus on the course.
- Use outside resources if necessary. There are many good sources out there besides the lessons and the text. However, don't spend so much time looking at other resources that it interferes with your progress in the course.
- Understand that the nature of the student centered approach means that it will take more time. This course is designed to take the average student 12 hours per week. Some will spend more time and some less.
Problem-Based Learning
I strongly encourage you to use problem-based learning to enhance the understanding of materials. This means that each of you contributes to the progress in the learning process. Students should use prior knowledge and experiences to solve problems rather than learning through a passive format. While I recognize the importance of reading on your own, I recommend incorporating problem-based learning and active student participation within the Web environment whenever it is possible. Take advantage of the forum for the class and watch for regular posting from the instructor.
Technical Specifications
One of the benefits of being a registered Penn State student is that you are eligible to receive educational discounts on many software titles. If you are interested in learning more about purchasing software through our affiliate vendor, please visit the Technology and Software page.
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
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| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Online Proctored Exam
This course may require you to take exams using certain proctoring software that uses your computer's webcam or other technology to monitor and/or record your activity during exams. The proctoring software may be listening to you, monitoring your computer screen, and viewing you and your surroundings. By enrolling in this course, you consent to the use of the proctoring software, including but not limited to any audio and/or visual monitoring which may be recorded.
Currently the course uses a remote proctoring service called Examity®. Review the Student Quick-Guide, which is available in the modules tab, for instructions on how to use Examity®. Please log in as soon as possible to set up your profile. You will not be able to schedule exams until your profile is complete.
Examity® system requirements are:
- Desktop computer or laptop (not tablet)
- Webcam and microphone (built-in or external)—test your webcam at www.testmycam.com
- Connection to network with sufficient internet speed: at least 2 Mbps download speed and 2 Mbps upload—test internet speed at www.speedtest.net
- Operating systems: Windows XP–Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)–10.11 (El Capitan)
- Browser with pop-up blocker disabled: Google Chrome v39 or later, Mozilla Firefox v34 or later, Internet Explorer v8 or later, Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari v6 or later
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Examity’s technical support team 24/7 via email at support@examity.com or phone at (855) 392-6489.
Note: Each assignment is identified as graded (G) or ungraded (U). Only the Graded assignments should be submitted to the instructors. Activities are due by 11:59 p.m. EST the last day of the lesson unless otherwise specified.
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Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Tutor.com
Tutor.com is a 24/7 tutoring service that provides students with assistance in coursework, test preparation, research, writing, and more for various subjects. The tutors are subject-matter experts, and each student will have personalized one-on-one sessions with them. Students can schedule their own tutoring appointments to engage in interactive sessions that include a whiteboard and chat feature. The service can be utilized on any device that has Internet access. Students are encouraged to use the service throughout the semester.
Getting Started with Tutor.com
- Launch Tutor.com by clicking the Tutor.com link in the Course Navigation Menu.
- Select the topic you are studying from the drop-down menu.
- From the subject drop-down menu, select your course.
- Ask your tutor a question in the text box. If you're working with a document, such as a rough draft of a writing assignment, you can upload the file here as well.
- Once you have made these selections, click Get a Tutor, and a tutor will be assigned to you within two minutes.
- You will then enter a virtual classroom with your tutor. Here, the interactive whiteboard and chat feature will be available. You will be able to talk with your tutor and use the tools. File sharing will be available for you and your tutor to review a document at the same time.
- After your session, please fill out the post-session survey to offer feedback on your experience.
- For a more detailed overview of Tutor.com, please view the How It Works video or read the “How It Works” guide (provide link to document). If you have any questions or need additional help logging in, please contact studentsupport@tutor.com.
Course Requirements and Grading
Course Requirements
There are 4 types of assignments:
- Practice Problems: These problems are not graded.
- Graded Homework: Thes problems will be graded.
- Graded Quizzes: Links in Lessons 1 - 12 course content will take the student to graded quizzes. These should be submitted to the instructor within the appropriate timeframe for evaluation.
- Proctored Exams: There are two proctored exams: a midterm exam and a final exam. The exam questions will be similar in style to the questions on the graded quizzes.
Grading
Percentage Grades
Course grades will be determined using the following distribution.
| Assignment | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Graded Homework | 15% |
| Lesson quizzes | 25% |
| Mid-course proctored exam | 30% |
| Final proctored exam | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Letter Grades
The World Campus follows the same grading system as the Penn State resident program. The grades of A, B, C, D, and F indicate the following qualities of academic performance:
A = (Excellent) Indicates exceptional achievement
B = (Good) Indicates extensive achievement
C = (Satisfactory) Indicates acceptable achievement
D = (Poor) Indicates only minimal achievement
F = (Failure) Indicates inadequate achievement necessitating a repetition of the course in order to secure credit
| Letter Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 93 - 100 |
| A- | 90 - 92.9 |
| B+ | 87 - 89.9 |
| B | 82 - 86.9 |
| B- | 80 - 81.9 |
| C+ | 77 - 79.9 |
| C | 70 - 76.9 |
| D | 60 - 69.9 |
| F | Below 60 |
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
Accommodating Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.
In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Additional Policies
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
Counseling and Psychological Services
If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:
- Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
- Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
- At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
- At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.
Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.