College Algebra Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

MATH-1314-011 College Algebra

Prerequisites

MATH 0303-minimum grade of C, an Accuplacer score of 75, a THEA score of 270, an equivalent score on a state-approved test or Department Chair consent

Course Description

Study of quadratics; polynomial, rational, logarithmic and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions, sequences and series; matrices and determinants.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Blitzer College Algebra, Fifth Edition...Author: Robert Blitzer, Prentice Hall Publishing Co.

Supplies

\ Course Materials:

\
• \ College Algebra Course Manual, by Sherri Clowe, available in the AC Bookstore
\
• \ Graphing Calculator:  You are

  Student Performance

  Learning Objectives: After completing this course, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the following topics as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program:

  1. Recognize, solve, and apply radical, absolute value, linear, quadratic, and rational equations
  2. Recognize, solve, and apply inequalities
  3. Recognize, solve, graph, and apply polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions
  4. Explore functions, graphing techniques, operations of functions, composition of functions, and inverse functions.
  5. Evaluate all real roots of higher degrees of polynomials
  6. Recognize, solve, and apply systems of linear equations, including the use of matrices and matrix algebra
  7. Identify sequences and series, and calculate the sum of a sequence

  Students Rights and Responsibilities

  Student Rights and Responsibilities

  Log in using the AC Connect Portal

  In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

  If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

  Expected Student Behavior

  \ Student Responsibilities:   Students are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment.  Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to the following: the use of cellular phones, texting, making offensive remarks, reading newspapers, talking, use of personal music systems, doing homework or other personal projects during the lecture, or engaging in any other form of distraction. For a full discussion of appropriate behavior and student responsibilities, please refer to the Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook http://sites.actx.edu/catalog/notices/.  Cheating is defined in Webster’s College Dictionary as “taking an examination in a dishonest way, as by having improper access to answers.” Improper access includes, but is not limited to, copying from another student’s paper, copying from the homework solutions manual, or using any unauthorized sources of information while taking an exam or quiz. If the instructor sees a cell phone out during any exam, the instructor will assume that student is cheating and the exam will be taken up and a grade of a zero will be received on that exam. Any student who cheats on an exam or quiz will receive a grade of zero for that exam or quiz and that grade may NOT be dropped.  .  Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or Student Rights & Responsibilities will be subject to disciplinary action.

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  \ Food/Drink: It is the policy of the Mathematics & Engineering Department that food and drink be allowed in the classroom setting, at the instructor’s discretion. Food and drink are not allowed in the computer labs.

  \

  \ Phones/Pagers: It is the policy of the Mathematics & Engineering Department that cell phones and pagers must be turned off or in silent mode in the classrooms and the computer labs.

  Grading Criteria

  Homework:  Expect to have a homework assignment after each class period in this course. Homework will be assigned from the book and optionally online.  Both will be graded and recorded throughout the semester.  At the end of the semester, I will drop your two lowest homework assignments.

  •   Written Homework:  Homework that does not meet the requirements will be recorded as a grade of a zero. You may come check your written homework in my office during office hours as long as you have attempted every problem.  Homework that is to be turned in on paper must follow the following requirements:
  1.  * Asterisk problems must be put on the first page(s) and non-asterisk problems on the following pages.  This enables me to grade those asterisk problems myself to see if you are understanding the concepts of the lesson and to make corrections more easily.
  2. Your homework paper must be turned in at the start of the class period after I have answered a couple of questions. Late homework will  be accepted only twice per student per semester and will be given a grade of 60. After that, late homework will be given a grade of zero.  Late is defined to be anything turned in after I have gathered up all the homework papers near the start of class.
  3. Homework must have a proper heading, be written in pencil on white 8.5 x 11 inch paper.  It must be neat and legible. I will be the judge as to what is neat. Just because you can read it doesn’t mean that I can interpret it.  A proper heading includes your name, date, course and section number, and homework # with the assigned section written  at the top right hand corner of the first page.  
  4. Do not tear your paper out of a spiral and leave jagged edges. Any assignment with jagged edges will not be accepted and be recorded with a grade of zero
  5. Homework must be presented in an orderly manner with the problem running in a single column down the page.
  6. All final answers must be circled to receive credit. Any algebraic answer not circled or “boxed” in will not be graded.  Pictures/graphs do not need to be circled or boxed.
  7. If an assignment contains problems that must be graphed, those problems must be on graph paper.  You can opt to put the whole assignment on graph paper if you wish.  Graph paper is available free online and at the back of your course manual.
  •    Online Homework: The online homework  in an option you can choose to do in place of the handwritten homework on 11 of our homework assignments.  You can find these problems on MyMathLab at www.coursecompass.com.  Our Course ID is clowe78251. The web assignments and due dates are posted on the course compass website and are subject to change, so check regularly.  All homework will be due by 11:00pm on the specified date.

  My Math Lab Instructions:  To access My Math Lab where your online homework is located, go to www.coursecompass.com.  You will need the following information:   Course ID:  clowe78251, Student Access Code:  This can be found in the My Math Lab kit inside the front cover of your new textbook or you can purchase access online with a credit card during the registration process.

  To Register and Enroll:

  1. Go to www.coursecompass.comand click the Register button in the Students Area.
  2. Follow the onscreen instructions to register and enroll.  Remember, if you received the My Math Lab kit with your textbook, you do not need to purchase access online.  Your student access code is included in the kit.  If you did not purchase the textbook with the kit included, you will need to purchase access online using a credit card.
  3. During the registration process, you will design a username and password.  Consider using the same username and password you use for myAC.  Whatever username and password you choose, be sure to write it down so you don’t forget it.
  4. After logging in to the course for the first time, you will need to install the proper plug-ins for the graphics and videos to work on your computer.  If the installation wizard does not start automatically, locate the link called “MyMathLab Installation Wizard”, and follow the instructions.  This may take several minutes depending on the speed of your computer.
  5. Once all the plug-ins are installed with the Installation Wizard and you have logged into the class, click the link “How to Enter Answers Using the MathXL Player” and watch the video that follows.
  6. Now you are ready to access your online homework.  Inside the College Algebra: Fall 2011  class, click “Do Homework” on the left side of the page, and begin!  Also note, you can view your homework grades under the button called “Gradebook.”

   

  Exams:  Exams must be taken in pencil.  The tentative exam dates are as follows:

  • Exam #1 – Tues, Sept 13th      Exam #3– Tues, Nov 1st
  • Exam #2 – Tues, Oct 11th        Exam #4 – Tues, Nov 22nd

  These exam dates are subject to change, but I will give prior notice if they do.  It is the policy of the Amarillo College Math Department that NO make-up exams be given after the exam has been administered to the rest of the class. If you know that you are going to miss an exam in advance, you MUST make arrangements with your instructor to take the exam early in the AC Testing Center located in the Student Services Building.  At the end of the semester, I will replace ONE lowest exam grade with the grade you make on your Final exam minus 10 points, provided this score is higher than an exam grade.  If you miss an exam, it will count as your replacement exam and will not be made up.  The Final exam score may not be dropped.  If you miss two exams, the final will replace only one of these zeros.

  Final:  The comprehensive final will be given on the following date as directed by the official Amarillo College Schedule.  If you wish to take your Final exam early, you may make arrangements with your instructor to take it early in the AC Testing Center.

  • Section 011: Thursday, Deceber 8th  at 12 Noon in room E207      

  Grading Policy:	Percentages:	Grading Scale:	Grade:
  Attendance (2 free)	5%	90 - 100%	A
  Homework (lowest 2 dropped)	15%	80 - 89%	B
  Exams (4 @ 14% each)	56%	70 - 79%	C
  Final	14%	60 - 69%	D
  Reviews (3 @ 3.33% each)	10%	below 60%	F

  Other Student Resources to get help with your math homework assignments:       

  1. Your instructor is your first and BEST resource for any help!
  2. Free one-on-one tutoring at the Student Outreach Center in Engineering 104. You will need your AC ID  to sign in.  Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am – 8pm,   Fri 8am – 2pm, Sat 10am – 3pm, Sun closed

  3. Free online tutoring at Smarthinking on MyAC. This is available 24 hours a day.  You will need to log on to MyAC, click on Academics, click on Tutoring, then create an account.

   USING AC Online TO GET YOUR GRADES, CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR, FIND CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS, etc.: I will use AC Online to post your grades and to communicate with you via e-mail. You can click AC Online from the AC home page and then login to find our class. Once you are inside our class, you can check your grades and send me e-mails. If an emergency arises and you can’t come to class, contact me immediately. Most instructors will work with you if you communicate with them quickly. If you wait a week or two to talk to your instructors, they tend not to be very understanding. If you know you are going to be absent, let me know ahead of the absence rather than afterward and we can work out some arrangement which can help you in this class. I expect you to e-mail me why you are absent from class. That lets me know that you care and that you are not just skipping. I truly appreciate your keeping in touch with me.

  TEAMWORK: This class requires that we work together as a team. My part is to present the material to you in an organized manner and to teach you. I will have to go at a quick pace at the beginning of the semester because the harder material is toward the end of the semester. We will slow down once we get past Section 1.4. Your part is to come to class, do your homework and reviews, and come to tutoring or to my office for help. I look forward to working together this semester!

  Extra Credit points:  The only opportunity for you to earn extra points that can be added to your lowest exam score is within the first two weeks of school. In order to qualify, you must complete and turn in the green pages (pg. 3-6) in the College Algebra Course Manual by Wednesday, September 7^th. These pages cover the prerequisites chapter of our text and this material should already be familiar to you. If the extra credit pages are completed within the time limit, those points will be added to your lowest exam score.

  Attendance

  This course meets in the Engineering Building in room E207

  Attendance:  Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at EVERY class period.  It is your responsibility to make sure that I have marked you present for each class by signing the attendance sheet that is distributed at the beginning of each class period.  You will have 2 “free” absences and for every absence after that, your attendance grade will drop 20 points (i.e. 3 absences = 80, 4 absences = 60, 5 absences = 40, 7 or more absences = 0).  If you are absent for any reason, YOU are responsible for all make-up work and notes.  Please find a classmate to copy their class notes, as I do not make copies of my personal lecture notes.  Remember that the deadline for withdrawing from any class at AC for Fall 2011 Semester is Wednesday, November 16^th . If you stop attending class and your average drops below a 60 due to missed assignments and you do not officially drop the course by this deadline, you will receive an F for the course.

   

  Calendar

   Calendar and Homework Assignments

  Date	Homework #	Section	Homework problems assigned. (Due at start of next class period.)
  8/23	Orientation		Start working on your extra credit. Try to use the AC online e-mail.
  		5.1	Select topics discussed in class
  8/25		5.2	Discussed in class
  	1	6.1	*2, *9, *34, *38, 3, 7, 15, 17, 21, 27 (10 problems)
  8/30	2	6.2	*2, *29, *30, *31, 3, 7, 15, 21 (8 problems)
  9/1	3	%6.5	*4, *14, *36, *53, 3, 19, 29, 35 (8 problems)
  9/6		P.6	Discussed in class
  	4	%1.4	*26,*38,*56, 5, 19, 21, 25, 29, 35, 37, 55 (11 problems)
  9/8	5	%1.5	*12,*38,*58,*72,*98, *138, 3, 9, 15, 23, 31, 37, 41, 51, 67, 71, 87, 97, 135, 139, 141, 149 (22 problems)
  9/13	Exam #1
  9/15	6	1.6	*2,*12,*55,*64, 1, 3, 17, 25, 31, 43, 67, 77, 105 (13 problems)
  9/20	7	%1.7	*14,*38,*56,*124, 9, 11, 15, 17, 31, 39, 45, 51, 55, 63, 73, 109 (14 problems)
  9/22	8	%2.1	*16,*28,*77,*99, 5, 9, 15, 19, 21, 39, 59, 61, 65, 67, 69, 83, 103 (17 problems)
  9/27	9	%2.2	*22,*34,*60,*84, *86, 1, 7, 9, 15, 17, 37, 57, 59, 83, 85 (15 problems)
  9/29	10	2.5	*60,*72,*90,*127ab or 128ab(your choice), 57, 59, 67, 73, 85, 87, 103 (11 problems)
  10/4	11	%2.6	*12,*22,*34,*60, *74, 9, 21, 23, 41, 53, 61, 67, 75, 79 (14 problems)
  10/6	12	2.7	*6,*16,*24,*38, 3, 17, 35 (7 problems)
  10/11	Exam #2
  10/13	13	3.1	*22,*28,*42, *58, 9, 19, 27, 39, 57, 65, 71 (11 problems)
  10/18	14	%3.2	*20,*26,*42, *50, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 27, 29, 41, 43, 45, 49 (15 problems)
  10/20	15	%3.3	*12,*24,*38, 9, 13, 23, 29, 33, 37 (9 problems) (55a,b,&c extra credit)
  10/25	16	3.4	*7,*13,*17,*20, 29, 47, 53, 55 (8 problems)
  10/27	17	3.5	*6,*47,*54,*68, 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, 25, 31, 35, 39, 59, 67 (15 problems) (89, 91, or 92 extra credit, pick one)
  11/1	Exam #3
  11/3	18	4.1	*8,*24,*31,*35, *66, 2, 3, 5, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 29, 37, 55 (15 problems)
  11/8	19	%4.2	*8,*20,*52,*56, 3, 15, 23, 29, 33, 35, 37, 47, 49, 65, 83, 85, 95, 97, 117 (19 problems)
  11/10	20	4.3	*10,*30,*58,*76, 5, 13, 22, 25, 37, 57, 63, 67, 77, 79 (14 problems)
  11/15	21	4.4	*8,*18,*54,*68, *application prob., 5, 13, 15, 19, 21, 27, 37, 39, 53, 65, 67 (16 problems)
  11/17	22	%8.1	*2,*18,*24, *32, *70, 7, 13, 19, 25, 29, 45, 49, 57 (13 problems)
  11/22	Exam #4
  11/24			Thanksgiving Holiday
  11/29	23	8.2	*6, *16, *26, *38, *50, *62, 3, 11, 17, 23, 35, 47 (12 problems)
  12/1	24	8.3	*26, *32, *38, *68, 1, 3, 9, 11, 17, 19, 25, 27, 31, 33, 37, 51, 53, 55, 74 (19 problems)
  			Review for Final
  12/8	Final Exam		12 Noon on Thursday, Dec 8th in this classroom, E207

   ^% means that you have the option to do this homework section by hand or online using coursecompass.com and MyMathLab.

   

   

  Additional Information

  \ Additional Contacts:        

  \

  \ Dr. Kathryn Wetzel, Department Chair, 371-5097, kcwetzel@actx.edu

  \

  \ Gina Garrett, Senior Staff Assistant, 371-5158, ggarrett@actx.edu

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM