College Algebra Syllabus for 2011-2012
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

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.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

MATH-1314-022 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

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

College Algebra,5th edition, by Robert Blitzer, Prentice Hall Publishing Company. 

Supplies

Graphing Calculator, Highlighters, Graph Paper, and Straightedge.

Student Performance

1.  Solve linear, rational, quadratic, polynomial, and radical equations in one variable analytically and with a graphing utility.

2.  Explore properties of functions and operations on functions including composition, inverse functions, and transformation graphing techniques.

3.  Graph polynomial and rational functions in detail.

4.  Study exponential and logarithmic equations, functions, and applications.

5.  Solve systems of linear equations using substitution, addition, and matrix methods.

6.  Examine general and standard form equations for conic sections, and graph all conics in detail.

7.  Define general and recursive formulas for sequences, and use summation notaation to calculate the sum of a sequence.

Students 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

Studannts are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment.  Behaviors that are not supportive include but are not limited to tardiness/leaving early; electronic device use/noise; talking during lecture; and/or abuseve, offensive, or disrespectful language and/or demeanor toward AC faculty, staff, students, and/or property.  Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or "Student Rights & Responsibilities" will be subject to disciplinary action which may include but is not limited to removal from the classroom, consultations with the department chair and/or other AC authority, and/or withdrawal from the course and/or college.

Grading Criteria

INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD/EXAMINATIONS:  Math 1314 meets TTh 1:30-4:15 pm in room Engineering 105.  There will be 6 hours of lecture per week for 8 weeks, which should require at least 12-18 hours outside of class per week.  Expect to cover 3 sections each day we meet and make a dedicated effort to read this material before class.

GRADING CRITERIA/GRADE SCALE:  The final grades of A (90-100), B(80-89),C(70-79), D(60-69), and F(below 60) will be computed as the mean of earned grades from chapter tests and the comprehensive final exam.  There will be a total of at least 3 exams.

Exams will be assigned in class at appropriate times during the semester.  Exams are scheduled in advance to ensure that you will be able to attend class on the exam day.  Be sure to be in class when the tests are assigned and when taken.  Let me know immediately if you cannot be present for a test.

Daily quizzes or pop tests may be used as need be and will count as part of the test grade for that chapter.  Daily quizzes or pop tests missed because of absence or tardiness will not be made up unless the student is on a school-sponsored trip and prior arrangements have been made.  Make-up tests will not be given except at my discretion, but every student will be allowed to retake (or make-up) one test near the end of the semester.  Tests are taken during class time unless a retest is to be taken or I make other arrangements.  Do tests neatly in pencil and show all possible work.  I give partial credit.

HOMEWORK:  Students will need to work appropriate sections in the text to gain proficiency on the material.  Homework may be turned in for extra credit and is due on the day of the test on that material, as explained by the instructor.  Homework must be neat (as determined by me) to be accepted.  Late homework needs my approval to be accepted.  Do the homework in pencil circle or highlight the answers, and don't use spirals.  Show all the work the way I give it to you in class.  Write the original problem.  Draw pictures, charts, etc.  The standing homework assignment is the odd numbered problems omitting only those problems I say to.  Be sure to master each type of homework problem, even if not assigned, to ensure complete understanding of the material for the test.  It is your responsibility to correct your homework and to get any questions answered.  Staple each section, i.e. staple 6.1, staple 6.2, etc and write name and section # at the top of each page.  It is possible that the homework may not be returned until later in the semester.

FINAL EXAMINATION:  The final exam time will be 1:30-3:30 on Thursday May 10, 2012 in E105.

The single most important criterion in my handling of unusual situations is my understanding of your intent.  Feel free to make appointments for help or just to visit.  Let's work together and make this class a valuable learning experience.  You've paid for my time so contact me often for help.

SCHOLASTIC dishonesty  shall constitute a violation of the rules and regulations described in the "Student Rights and Responsibilities" under Student Conduct and Responsibilities and can be accessed on the college website www.actx.edu.  Consequences for cheating may include receiving zero, permanent removal from the class, and/or failing the course.

Attendance

Poor course performance has been linked to poor class attendance and tardiness.  Attendance is required and roll will be taken.  Each day we meet is a week's worth of work, so don't  miss class.  Attendance will be used in reporting to any government agency that supports students and requires satisfactory progress as measured by attendance.  Remember the deadline of dropping any class at AC is the 13th class, 11/30/11.  If you stop attending class, and your grade drops below a 60 due to missed assignments and/or tests, and you do not officially drop the course by this deadline; you will receive an "F" for the course grade.

Calendar

Additional Information

My home phone number is 355-0338.  My cell-phone number is 325 812- 3692.  Don't use up my minutes.  Do not text me!!!!!  You can leave phone messages for me in the Math Lab at 371-5088 or at home at 355-0338.