Beginning Algebra Syllabus for 2011-2012
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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-0302-002 Beginning Algebra

Prerequisites

MATH 0301-minimum grade of C, Accuplacer score of 41, THEA score of 180 or an equivalent score on a state approved test

Course Description

Operations with real numbers with an introduction to the complex number system; exponents and polynomials; operations with algebraic expressions, linear equations in one and two variables; linear inequalities in one variable; basic geometry; introductory graphing; systems on linear equations in two variables; factoring polynomials; applications.

(This is a developmental course. It does not meet elective or graduation requirements.)

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Robert Blitzer, Introductory Algebra for College Students, Fifth Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, ISBN: 10-0-13-235679-1

Supplies

• Blue-line gragh paper - 4 or 5 square per inch
• Blue-line notebook paper, pencils, eraser

  Student Performance

  \ Student Performance/Learning Outcomes

  \
  \ After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the Mathematics Department.
  \
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  • \ Apply the four arithmetic operations using the order of operations on signed numbers.
  \
  • \ Demonstrate a basic understanding of imaginary numbers.
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  • \ Apply the rules for exponents to simplify expressions.
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  • \ Apply the arithmetic operations with polynomials and work with the many applications of polynomials.
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  • \ Apply the four arithmetic operations using the order of operations on algebraic expressions.
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  • \ Algebraically solve linear equations in one variable.
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  • \ Graph linear equations in two variables using ordered pairs and intercepts, and using the slope-intercept method.
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  • \ Solve systems of linear equations in two variables using methods of graphing, substitution and addition.
  \
  • \ Algebraically solve and graph linear inequalities in one variable.
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  • \ Demonstrate a basic understanding of geometry applications.
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  • \ Understand and apply factoring to binomials, trinomials, and four-term polynomials.
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  • \ Apply algebraic skills to solve equations from various types of stated problems, then state the solution in a complete sentence.
  \

  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

  Behavioral Expectations/Classroom Ground Rules

  Students 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 noises; talking during lectures; abusive, offensive, or disrespectful language; abusive, offensive, or disrespectful demeanor toward AC faculty, staff, students and/or property.
  In order to receive credit for a course, all material listed on the syllabus must be covered.  The instructor sets the pace to ensure that these requirements are met.  Complaining about the pace will not result in less material being covered.
  Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or “Student’s Rights & Responsibilities” will be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to: removal from the classroom; consultation with the Mathematics and Engineering Department Chair and/or other AC authority; withdrawal from the course and/or the college.

  Policy On Cheating and Plagiariam

  Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in any math course at Amarillo College. On the first day of class, you will be required to sign and date a Course Contract. Included in the contract is the following statement: "I fully understand that if I cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test I will receive an automatic “F” in the course.  This grade will go on my permanent transcript and cannot be removed.  Cheating includes, but is not limited to: the use of a calculator with graphing capabilities and the use of cell phone calculators, the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones, and copying. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test." 
  You will not be allowed to take your tests until this contract is signed and on file in the Math Lab. 

  Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!
  
  Food/Drink and Cell Phone Policy

  Food and drink are allowed in the Outreach Center and may be allowed in the classroom setting at the instructor's discretion. Only drinks are only allowed in the developmental math testing room.
  Cell phones should be turned off, or in silent mode In the classrooms, Outreach Center, and the Math Lab. Cell phone calculators may not be used at any time.  MP3 players or any other device requiring headphones are not allowed in the Math Lab testing room.
      

  Grading Criteria

  Testing

  All tests, including the final exam, will be taken in the Math Lab (ENGR-106) and may be taken during normal laboratory hours, day or evening.Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time.  If the exam is retaken, the higher of the scores is counted.
  Students in Beginning Algebra may use a scientific calculator with no graphing capabilities.
  Please note: No tests will be given out less than one hour before the Math Lab closing time.You must present an Amarillo College picture I.D. every time you take a test in the Math Lab.The Math Lab staff will retain your I.D. while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.

  Chapter Tests

   The tests over each chapter must be completed by the deadlines set by your instructor. Your instructor will give a first attempt test deadline and a second attempt test deadline. The tests will be graded by your instructor. All tests are stored in the Math Lab during the semester. You may review a test you have already taken any time the Math Lab is open. You must present an Amarillo College student I.D. every time you review a test in the Math Lab. The Math Lab staff will retain your I.D. while you review your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.

   Please note: Under no circumstances may a student take any test or questions from a test out of the Math Lab.

  • Each chapter test may be taken a maximum of two times.  The higher of the two scores will be used for averaging.  Tests must be taken in sequence, and you cannot go back to improve your grade after taking a different test.  You should carefully review your first test and other study materials before retaking a test.  If you score less than "70" on any chapter test, you will be required to complete a minimum of 30 minutes of tutoring.
  •  If your first attempt at a test is late, you will not be given a second attempt on the same test.
  • Any chapter test that is not taken by the instructor’s 2nd deadline will result in a loss of 5 points per day, excluding Sundays.  The only exception to this policy will be if the student has an emergency.  Written verification of extenuating, verifiable circumstances will be required. 

   
  
   

  Accessing grades online

  • You can access your chapter test grades on AC Online by going to www.actx.edu. Log in to AC Online and click on "MY GRADES".

  • Final grades for this course will appear on WebAdvisor, not on AC Online.

  Be aware that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended) does not permit instructors or the Math testing lab to disclose information regarding grades over the phone, via email, or to a third party. If a student needs to discuss their grades, they must do so in person.  

  Tutoring

  When using the Outreach Center students need to scan in and out with their Amarillo College ID.

  • Mandatory
    • In an effort to increase retention in developmental mathematics courses, any student who scores below a “70” on any chapter test (excluding final exams week) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor or the Outreach Center before retesting or testing the next chapter.
    • Appointments for 30 minute tutoring are required and can be scheduled in the Outreach Center or by calling 371-5119. 
    • A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete a 30 minute required tutoring. You must present this form when retesting. You will not be allowed to take your next test without the Completed Record of Tutoring form.
    • Outreach Center hours are available in the "Additional Information" section of the Syllabus and posted on the homepage of your class on AC online.
  • Free Drop-in
    • Peer tutors are available at the Outreach Center in ENGR 104.

  Skill Drills

  • Once instruction has begun and homework has been assigned, 5-minute Skill Drills will be administered at the beginning of every class period over previous homework. It will be important to be in class on time so as not to miss the Skill Drills.
  • Skill Drills must be completed in pencil, no credit if done in ink.
  • During the course of the semester, there will be a total of 132 points available on Skill Drills.  A student’s Skill Drill grade will be the total points accumulated over the course of the semester.  The highest score given will be a 100 even if a student acquires over 100 points.
  • If a student’s Skill Drill grade is higher than his/her lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating the student’s final average.
  • There will be no make-up skill drills for any reason.

  Accuplacer Exam

  • Students in MATH 0302 will test on the Math portion of the Accuplacer exam. Your instructor will provide you with testing times and the testing location. Students who do not take the Accuplacer within the designated time frame will result in a loss of 5 points off the scaled score per day up to 5 days excluding Saturday and Sunday. The only exception to this policy will be if prior arrangements have been made with the instructor and the Math Lab Specialist. Only tests taken during the specified week as set by the Mathematics and Engineering Department will be accepted for this requirement. No early testing will be accepted.
  • Students who have special needs may take their exams under the supervision of disAbility Services, if they chose to do so.
  • Any student who has not take the Accuplacer exam prior to the Final Exam week will receive a zero for their Accuplacer exam grade. 
  • The cost for the test has already been paid as it was included as a fee when the student registered for MATH 0302.

  Homework

  • A homework assignment will usually be given at the end of each class. This assignment is due, fully completed, at the beginning of the next class and is not to be worked on while instruction is being given. Late homework for any section(s) will only be accepted prior to the final deadline for the chapter test covering that homework and only with the permission of your instructor. (Regardless of chapter test due dates, the last day to turn in homework from the last chapter is prior to the deadline date and time of the final exam). Early homework will be accepted by the Math Lab for subsequent approval by your instructor. Homework is checked for completion by the Math Lab and is returned to you by your instructor during the next class meeting.
  • Your final homework grade will be determined by dividing the number of problems you received credit for by 90% of the total number problems assigned for the semester.Your daily homework grade is assigned according to the number of problems you attempted to work following the guidelines outlined on the Homework Assignment Sheet, not the number of problems you worked correctly.  This grade will carry the same weight as one chapter test grade.  Turning in all of your homework is one of the best things you can do to improve your grade!
  • Please read carefully your Homework Assignment Sheet for instructions on the correct format for all homework assignments.  You must write the problem down, show all of your work, and give a final, circled answer to receive credit for working a homework problem. (See Homework Assignment Sheet for example.)
  • Only odd-numbered problems will be assigned throughout the semester.  Students should check their own answers with those provided in the back of the textbook for accuracy.

  Final Exam 

  • A comprehensive final exam will be given after all chapter tests are completed.
  • Final exams will be graded by your instructor.  
  • The final exam may be taken a maximum of two times.
  • The final exam must be taken by the date set by your instructor, and in all cases that will be no later than one hour before the Math Lab closes for the semester.

  Unlike chapter tests, there is no provision for the late penalty deduction of 5 points per day. You must complete the final exam by the assigned due date and time as specified by your instructor. This deadline is independent of the date of closing of the Math Testing Lab. Remember, the final exam counts twice.

    

  Grading Policy

  • Homework and Skill Drill grades will be recorded by the Math Lab personnel on the student’s official grade card.  It is recommended that each student maintain their own records provided in the Homework Assignment Sheet.
  • Your grade for this course will be determined by averaging:
    • The six chapter test grades used for averaging (each chapter test counts once).
    • If a student's Skill Drill grade is higher than the student's lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating the student's final average.
    • The Accuplacer exam (counts once).
    • Homework average for semester (counts once).  
    • Skill Drill grade for semester (counts once on its own and could also count as a replacement chapter test grade. 
    • The Final exam grade (counts twice).
    • Mean = [six chapter test grades + Accuplacer + Homework average + Skill Drill grade + 2 (Final exam grade)] / 11.
    • Attendance: possible +/- of points to final average (see General Attendance Policy).
  • Three times during the semester, students will be able to easily calculate their current course average by using the checkpoint system included on the Homework Assignment Sheet. Students are strongly encouraged to record all grades throughout the semester to see how they are progressing.
  • Grades will be given as follows:
    A    90-100
    B    80-89
    C    70-79
    D    60-69
    F    Below 60 (Unsatisfactory)
  • A grade of "F" will be earned as follows:
    • You complete the course with an overall average below 60.
    • You do not complete the course and so not drop the course in time to receive a grade of "W" and do not meet the requirementslisted below for a grade of "I"(incomplete).
    • You receive an "I" (Incomplete) after signing an Incomplete contract, but so not satisfy the conditions for removal by the agreed-upon date.
    • You violate the cheating and plagiarism policy.
  • Incomplete:
    • A grade of "I" (Incomplete) is not generally given in developmental math courses. Any exceptions will be made by your instructor on an idividual basis, and only for extreme circumstances.
    • A grade of "I" (Incomplete) will be possible only if the student has at most the Final Exam and one Chapter test to complete. If the instructor agrees to give the student an incomplete, the student must sign a contract that specifies the requirements for changing the temporary grade of "I" to the letter grade earned by the student. The student will have a maximum of three months from the date the contract is signed to fulfill these requirements. If the student has not met those requirements by the end of the three months, the grade of "I" will automatically be changed to an "F". 
  • Withdrawal:
    • You will receive a "W" for a withdrawal/drop if the withdrawal is initiated before the deadline stated in WebAdvisor.

   **Please note the following deadline for withdrawals - Summer I classes - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20,2012**
   

   

  Attendance

  General Attendance Policy

  Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and be on time for daily attendance check.  Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence and no differentiation will be made as to excused or unexcused absences.  Leaving class early or prior to dismissal time will be counted as an absence.  You will be rewarded for perfect attendance, not only because you will receive the instruction you need to do the assignments, but you will also have two points added to your final average.

   

  
  

  6 week classes

  Day classes	Night classes
  Perfect attendance: 2 points added to final average 1 - 3 absences: no change in final average 4 - 5 absences: 1 point deducted from final average. 6+ absences: 3 points deducted from final average.	Perfect attendance: 2 points added to final average 1 absence: no change in final average 2 absences: 1 point deducted from final average. 3 absences: 3 points deducted from final average.

  These points definitely could result in a letter grade difference. A failing grade may cause you to be placed on academic probation or suspension according to the provisions of the college catalog. They may also affect admission to another college if you seek a transfer.
  3 or more weeks of absences will be considered excessive and as failure to make satisfactory progress. These standards will be used in reporting to any agency that supports any student financially and requires satisfactory progress as measured by attendance (the Veterans Administration, for example). If you quit attending and do not officially drop the course by the official drop date, a grade of “F” will be given.

   

   

   

   

   

    

   

    

  Calendar

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  \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

  \ WEEK	\ DATES	\ ASSIGNMENTS	\ TESTS
  \ 1	\ 5/21 - 5/24	\ Orientation, 1.1 - 1.7	\
  \	\ 5/28	\ MEMORIAL DAY - CAMPUS CLOSED	\
  \ 2	\ 5/29 - 5/31	\ 1.8, 2.1 - 2.3	\  Chapter 1
  \	\	\ 2.5, 3.3*, 2.6	\ Chapter 2
  \ 3	\ 6/4 - 6/7	\ 4.1 - 4.4	\ Chapter 4
  \ 4	\ 6/11 - 6/14	\ 5.1 - 5.3	\ Chapter 5
  \	\	\ 6.1 - 6.3	\
  \ 5	\ 6/18 - 6/21	\ 6.5 - 6.7	\ Chapter 6
  \	\	\ 7.1 - 7.3	\
  \	\	\ LAST DAY TO DROP- WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20TH	\
  \ 6	\ 6/25 - 6/28	\ 7.4	\  Chapter 7
  \	\	\ 9.1, 10.4**	\
  \	\	\ Review	\ Final Exam***

  \

  \   *  Section 3.3 material  will appear on the Chapter 2 test.
  \ **  There is no chapter test for Sections 9.1, 10.4; however this material will appear on the Final Exam.
  \ ***Check with your instructor for your Final Exam Due Date.

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  Additional Information

   

  Math Lab	Outreach Center
  Monday - Thursday	Monday - Thursday
  7:30am - 10:00pm	8:00am - 8:00pm
  Friday	Friday
  7:30am - 3:00pm	8:00 - 2:00pm
  Saturday	Saturday
  10:00am - 5:00pm	10:00am - 4:00pm
  371-5088	371-5119

   

   

   

   

   

   MATH LAB RULES

  •  Books can be places on the bookshelf or in a hall locker before you request a test. Padlocks may be checked out in the Math Lab. 
  • To request a test, please sign in on the designated notebook and fill out a “Test Request” slip.
  • Basic Mathematics 0301 and Beginning Algebra 0302 students may take all of their tests twice.  Intermediate Algebra 0303 students take their test once.
  • All tests must be taken in order. Once a test is taken, you may not go back and take (or re-take) a previous test.
  • A picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Math Lab. 
  • No scratch paper is allowed for testing. You may use the backside of the test to show your extra work.  Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Math Lab and return to finish that test at a later time.
  • In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test. All purses must be on the floor.
  • The Math Lab will not hand out a test less than one hour before closing time. The Math Lab personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior time closing.
  • Students can log in to AC Online to get their test results.
  • Tests may not be taken out of the lab.
  • The Math Lab hours are posted below, in your syllabus, on AC Online, and in the lab itself. 
  • Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Math Lab for 10 cents.  Please bring exact change. Pens are not allowed on any test.
  • Childcare arrangements must be made prior to testing. Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
  • CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
  • Cell phones must be turned off as not to disturb other students who are testing. NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

  NOTE:

   Basic Mathematics students (0301) may not use any calculators on tests.

  Beginning Algebra student (0302) may use scientific calculators with no graphing capabilities.

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM