Basic Mathematics Syllabus for 2013-2014
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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-0301-099 Basic Mathematics

Prerequisites

Placement by an Accuplacer score of 40 or below, a THEA score of 179 or below or an equivalent score on a state-approved test

Course Description

Arithmetic review of whole numbers and fractions; decimals; ratio and percent; measurement and basic geometry; signed numbers; simple algebraic expressions; applications.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hr; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Elayn Martin -Gay, Basic College Mathematics with Early Integers, Second Edition,Pearson, ISBN: 978-0-321-72643-8 (textbook only).

Supplies

Required Materials

• Textbook
• Blue-line notebook paper, pencils, erasers
• Skill Drill booklet to be purchased in the AC Bookstore

  Student Performance

  Student Performance/Learning Outcomes

  After studying the material presented in this course, you will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the Mathematics Department.

  • Apply the four arithmetic operations using order of operations on signed numbers, fractions, and decimals;
  • Evaluate the perimeter, area, and volume of basic geometric shapes;
  • Apply conversions between fractions, decimals, and percents;
  • Apply conversions within the U.S. system of measurement and the Metric system of measurement;
  • Apply mathematical skills to evaluate equations from various types of stated problems, then state solutions in complete sentences;
  • Evaluate data from tables and graphs;
  • Apply the distributive property, simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions;
  • Solve algebraic equations by performing the addition property of equality

  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

  You are expected to behave in the classroom, Math Testing Center and the Outreach Center 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 lecture; 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. If you fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or “Student Rights & Responsibilities” you 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 Plagiarism

  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 of any kind including cell phone calculators, the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones, copying or leaving the Math Testing Center with at test or questions from a test. 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 Testing Center.

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

  Grading Criteria

  Testing

  All tests, including the Final Exam, will be taken in the Math Testing Center, Durrett 103,and may be taken during normal Math Testing Center hours, day or evening.  Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time.  If an exam is retaken, the higher of the scores is counted. you may not use a calculator of any kind, including a cell phone calculators.Please note:  No tests will be given out less than one hour before the Math Testing Center closes and will be picked up 5 minutes prior to closing. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test.

  Chapter Tests

  Pre-Assessment: During the first week of the semester, you must go to the Math Testing Center and complete a pre-assessment activity. The purpose of this assessment is to discover your strengths and weeknesses of basic math skills, and it will not affect your grade in this class.  you must take this assessment prior to taking the first chapter test.

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

  Please note: under no circumstances may you take any test or question from a test out of the Math Testing Center.

  • Each chapter test may be taken a maximum of two times. The higher of the two scores will be used for averaging your final grade. Tests must be taken in sequence, and you cannot go back to improve a 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 mandatory tutoring.
  • If your first attempt test is late, you will not be given a second attempt on the same test.
  • Any test 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 you have an emergency.  Written verification of extenuating, verifiable circumstances will be required. 

  Accessing Your Grades Online

  To view your current course grades

  • By going to www.actx.edu click on AC Connect and log in using your ACNetID and password
  • click on your course
  • The menu on the left click on My Grades.

  To view your Final course grades

  • You can access your grades by going to www.actx.edu click on AC Connect and log in using your ACNetID and password
  • Scroll down to Self Service on the botton right of the page and click on Current Student
  • Under current student click on Academic Profile and click on Grades.

  Be aware that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended) does not permit instructors or the Math Testing Center to disclose information regarding grades over the phone, via email, or to a third party. Therefore, if you need to discuss your grades, you must do so in person.     

  Outreach Center - Tutoring

  When using the Outreach Center you are required to scan in and out with your Amarillo College student I.D.
  • Free peer tutoring
  • Mandatory tutoring
    • In an effort to increase retention in developmental mathematics courses, if you score below a "70" on any chapter test (excluding the Final Exam week) you must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with your instructor or in 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 after your 30 minute tutoring session which must be presented 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 "Additional Information" section of the Syllabus and in your class in ACconnect.

  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 topics covered in class. It is 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 136 points available on Skill Drills.  Your 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  you acquire over 100 points.
  • If a your Skill Drill grade is higher than the lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating your final average.
  • There will be no make-up Skill Drills for any reason. 

  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.  Homework is checked for completion by the Math Testing Center and is returned to you during the next class meeting. Homework will be accepted by the Math Testing Center with prior approval by your instructor.
  • Late homework for any section(s) will only be accepted prior to the final deadline for the chapter test covering that late homework. It will only be checked for completion with the permission of your instructor.
  • Your final homework average will be determined by dividing the number of problems you received credit for by 90% of the total number problems assigned for the semester. 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. 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 your Homework Assignment Sheet carefully for instructions on the correct format for all homework assignments. You must write the problem down,show your work, and circle 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. You should check your 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.
  • During Final Exam week, you will only be allowed to test Chapter 6 and the Final Exam. No prior chapter tests will be available.
  • Final Exams will be graded by your instructor.
  • The Final Exam may by taken a maximum of two times.
  • A Final Exam must be taken by the date set by the instructor, and in all cases that will be no later than one hour before the Math Testing Center 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 Center. Remember, the Final Exam counts twice.  

   

  Grading Policy

  • Your grade for this course will be determined by averaging:
    • Six chapter test grades (each chapter test counts once).
    • Skill Drill grade for semester (counts once on its own and could also count as a replacement chapter test grade. If your Skill Drill grade is higher than your lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating your final average.
    • Homework average for semester (counts once).
    • The Final Exam grade (counts twice).
    • Average = [six chapter test grades + Homework average + Skill Drill grade + 2(Final Exam grade)] divided by 10.
    • Attendance: possible +/- points to final average (see General Attendance Policy).
  • 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 if:
    • You complete the course with an overall average below 60.
    • You do not complete the course and do not drop the course in time to receive a grade of “W” and do not meet the requirements listed below for a grade of “I” (Incomplete).
    • You receive an “I” (Incomplete) after signing an Incomplete contract, but do 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 individual basis and only for extreme circumstances.
    • A grade of “I” (Incomplete) will be possible only if you have no more than the Final Exam and one Chapter Test to complete.  If the instructor agrees to give you an Incomplete, you must sign a contract that specifies the requirements for changing the temporary grade of “I” to the letter grade you earned. You will have a maximum of three months from the date the contract is signed to fulfill these requirements.  If you have not met those requirements by the end of the three months, the grade of “I” will automatically be changed to a grade of “F”.

  • Withdrawal
    You will receive a "W" for a withdrawal/drop if the withdrawal is initiated before the deadline stated in Web Advisor under "Important Course Section Dates."  
    **Please note the following deadline for withdrawals**
    
    Summer I - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25TH
    Summer II - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6TH 

  Attendance

  General Attendance Policy

  Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is your responsibility 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 to transfer.Three 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

  Week	Summer I	Summer II	Assignments	Tests
  1	5/27 - 5/29	7/7 - 7/10	Orientation, 1.9, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6	Chapter 2
  2	6/2 - 6/5	7/14 - 7/17	3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6	Chapter 3A*
  3	6/9 - 6/12	7/21 - 7/24	3.7, 4.1, 4.2 4.3, 4.4, 4.5	Chapter 3B** Chapter 4
  4	6/16 - 6/19	7/28 - 7/31	5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6	Chapter 5
  5	6/23 - 6/26	8/4 - 8/7	6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5	Chapter 6
  	Last day to Drop Wednesday, June 25th	Last day to Drop, Wednesday, August 6th
  6	6/30 - 7/3	8/11 - 8/14	7.3, 8.1, 8.2*** REVIEW FINAL	Final Exam

  * Chapter 3A test will cover sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
  **Chapter 3B test will cover sections 3.5, 3.6, 3.7

  ***  There is no Chapter 7 &8 test; however, Chapter 7 & 8 material will appear on the Final Exam.

  ****  Check with your instructor for your Final Exam Due Date.  

  Additional Information

  MathTesting Center hours 371-5088	Outreach Center hours 371-5119
  Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 10:00pm Last test will be handed out at 9:00pm	Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 8:00pm
  Friday 7:30am - 8:00pm Last test will be handed out at 7:00pm	Friday 8:00 - 8:00pm
  Saturday 9:00am - 8:00pm Last test will be handed out at 7:00pm	Saturday 9:00am - 8:00pm

   

  MATH TESTING CENTER RULES

  •  Books can be placed on the bookshelf before you request a test. 
  • To request a test, 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.
  • An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Math Testing Center. 
  • 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 Testing Center 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 Testing Center will not hand out a test less than one hour before closing time. The Math Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing.
  • You can log in to AC Online to get their test results.
  • Tests may not be taken out of the Math Testing Center.
  • The MathTesting Center hours are posted on the outside door, in this syllabus, on AC Online, and in the Math Testing Center. 
  • Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Math Testing Center for 25 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.

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM