College Algebra 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.

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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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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

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N/A

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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-1314-003 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

In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability and conics may be included.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The book that is attached to our course through MyMathLab is:

College Algebra, Eleventh Edition...Authors: Lial, Hornsby, Schneider, Daniels; Pearson Publishing Co.

You do not need to purchase a physical textbook.

 An online "eBook" version of your textbook is included with the purchase of your MyMathLab Access Code.

Supplies

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• Graphing Calculator:  IT-83, TI-84 (or plus versions).  No calculators with logic or factoring capabilities are allowed (TI-89, TI-92, TI-nspire).  No sharing of calculators is allowed and a cell pho

  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:

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  1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of properties of functions, including domain and range, operations, compositions, and inverses.
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  2. Recognize and apply polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions and solve related equations.
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  3. Apply graphing techniques.
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  4. Evaluate all roots of higher degree polynomial and rational functions.
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  5. Recognize, solve and apply systems of linear equations using matrices.
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  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

  ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

  Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and "Student Rights & Responsibilities" will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to: removal from the course, consultation with the department chair or other AC authority, or withdrawl from the course or college.

  Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the rules and regulations described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook under Student Conduct and Responsibilities.  Consequences for cheating may include  receiving a zero for an assignment, permanent removal from the class, or failing the course.

  COMMUNICATION IN THE COURSE

  Your presence in the course will be established through correspondence with me, public discussions with other students in the course, and your attendance at the midterm and final exam sessions.  Through any venue, disrespectful language will not be tolerated.  Using foul language in emails or discussions will result in receiving a zero for that assignment and possible removal from the course.  You are expected to express yourself with courtesy and consideration at all times.  This attitude of respect also applies to the proctors for the midterm and final exams.

  ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

  1.    This is a difficult course! Online classes are not necessarily more difficult than in-class courses, but they require self discipline and motivation. You will be expected to learn the material through reading the textbook, completing the notes provided on BlackBoard, and finishing the homework on MyMathLab

  2.    You need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and a dependable printer to produce class notes.  By signing up for an online course, you are communicating that you have access to such tools.

  3.    This class demands a great deal of time. Online courses often take more time than in-class delivery courses. Please expect to spend at MANY hours each week on this course.  If your other life commitments do not allow you this amount of time to spend on the course, you may want to choose another course or delivery method.
  
  4.    Deadlines are your responsibility. Due dates are posted on the MyMathLab website and on the BlackBoard class calendar.

  5.    Technical difficulties happen. If you are kicked out of an exam, email me immediately!  I will do my best to reset your exam in a timely manner.  (However, do not expect me to reset your exam late in the evening on the due date!) Completing online exams a few days ahead of time ensures that if you have any technical difficulties, we can take care of them before the due date.
  
  6.    You are responsible for getting help when you need it.  On the MyMathLab website, there are power points, videos, and step by step tutorials you can access for each homework problem you complete.  Take advantage of it!

  Grading Criteria

  Homework:  Expect to have an online homework assignment after each section covered in class. Online homework problems may be attempted as many times as you wish in order to achieve the highest possible score and online “helps” are available at the click of a button if you desire assistance.  It is possible to get a “100” on every homework assignment if you start early enough and try each problem several times.  Online homework will not be accepted after the due date. To compensate for this, the 2 lowest homework grades will be dropped. 

  Online Homework/MyMathLab Instructions:  To access MyMathLab where your online homework is located, get online on your computer and go to www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com.  You will need our class’s Course ID which is usnick57589 and your Student Access Code which is found in the red and white MyMathLab kit which is bundled with your new textbook or you can purchase an access code online with a credit card during the registration process.

  To Register and Enroll in MyMathLab:

  1. Go to www.pearsonmylabandmastering.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 choose a username and password.  Consider using the same username and password you use for your AC Connect access and be sure to write it down so you don’t forget it.  You are now ready to click on our course which is "SUMMER 2014 MATH1314-003 (online)" and you will see the course “homepage.”
  4. The first time you get into our course, you will need to run the “Browser Check” found on that homepage to make sure you have what you need to view the content in your course on your computer.  Blue “checks” are good.  If you get any red “x’s”, just follow the onscreen instructions.  If you need help from the software publisher, their “help” number is 1-800-677-6337.
  5. On the homepage, please also notice the links to “Pearson tutor services” and “How to Enter Answers”, which is a video that helps you learn how to put fractions, square roots, etc. into this software.  Both links are very helpful.
  6. Now you are ready to access your online homework.  Inside the 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.”

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

  1. Your instructor is your first, BEST resource for help.  Feel free to come to office hours or make an appointment.
  2. MyMathLab has videos, examples, and helps for solving the problem at the click of a button as you work your homework.  Remember that the key is to start your homework assignment EARLY so that you have plenty of time to work each problem as many times as you want and need in order to get the highest possible grade.
  3. Free one-on-one tutoring at the Student Outreach Center in Durrett 104. You will need your AC ID  to sign in.  Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am – 8pm,   Fri 8am – 2pm, Sat 9am – 3pm, Sun closed.

  Final Exam:  The comprehensive final exam will be given on the following date as directed by the official Amarillo College Schedule.      

  Extra Credit: Extra credit will not be given.

  Your semester grade (90-100 A, 80-89 B, 70-79 C, 60-69 D, below 60 F) will be calculated as follows:

  15% - Online Homework - completed on MyMathLab.  Can be re-worked until perfect!  Please note that your submit your ANSWERS to the homework on MyMathLab.  You must work out the solutions to the problems on paper in a notebook.  See below.

  20% - Online Exams - completed on MyMathLab.  Work will be included in the notebook.  See below.

  15% - Homework/Exam Notebook - submitted at midterm exam and final exam.  Shows all of your work for homework and exam problems from MyMathLab.

  25% - Written Midterm Exam (taken in person) - taken at the Washington Street campus or can be taken at an approved site.  You will need to show a photo ID to take the exam.  If you cannot take your seated exams at the Washington Street Campus, contact me during the first week.

  25% - Written Final Exam (taken in person) - The final exam will be comprehensive.

  USING Blackboard TO PRINT CLASS MATERIALS, GET YOUR GRADES, CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR, FIND CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS, etc.:   Students will be required to log in to Blackboard regularly to check the course announcements, calendar, e-mail, grades, and print class handouts.  To access our course area in BlackBoard:

  1. Go to https://acconnect.actx.edu and log in.  Your log in information is the same as your Web Advisor log in.  If you need help contact askAC at 371-5000 and they can lead you in the right direction.  You may also contact the CTL helpdesk at 371-5992.
  2. Once you are logged in, click on our course
  3. Then, you will see any links you will need on the left hand side of the screen. 

  Attendance

  Since this is an online class, attendence is not an issue.  Use the schedule (below) and any updates given on BlackBoard to meet deadlines in the course.

  If you stop working on the class and your average drops below a 60 due to missed assignments and you do not officially drop the course by the deadline, you will receive an F for the course.  The deadline for dropping a class at AC is published in the official Amarillo College Schedule of Classes. 

  Calendar

  The major exams will be given in the Math Testing Center and announced one week in advance.

  A comprehensive final exam for this course will be given at the scheduled time listed in the Amarillo College Schedule of Classes.

  TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: This schedule is subject to change by the instructor at any time.

  Week 1: Syllabus & MyMathLab orientation, 1.3, 1.4

  Week 2: 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, Test1

  Week 3: 2.3, 2.7, 2.8, Test2

  Week 4: MIDTERM EXAM, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3

  Week 5: 3.4, 3.5, Test3

  Week 6: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

  Week 7: 4.4, 4.5, Test4

  Week 8: 5.2, 5.3, FINAL EXAM

  Additional Information

  You must use two online sites for this course.  The Amarillo College AC-Online site will contain your lessons, the course email,  important announcements, assignment schedule, calendar, and grades.  The MyMathLab site will contain online homework, online quizzes and tests, additional video lectures, the textbook, and online tutoring.

  Assignments will be made available every Saturday.  Homework, quizzes and online tests will be due Saturday at 9:00am unless otherwise noted.

  This class demands a great deal of time.  Online classes often take more hours than in-class delivery courses.  Please expect to spend many hours each week on this course.  If your other life commitments do not allow you to spend this amount of time, you may want to choose another course or delivery method.

  Get help immediatly!!!  Shoot an email to your instructor.  Find other students in the class to work with.  Call and set up a time to meet your instructor.  If you live in or close to Amarillo, go and get help in the Math Out-Reach Center at Washington Campus.  Call your instructor with a quick homework question. 

  Many students have been successful in this course.  I believe everyone of them had worked really hard.

  There is no extra credit work.  Please don't ask.

  More information on what is required to complete this course can be found in AC-Online.  The link for AC-Online is on the Amarillo College homepage.  The login and password are the same as Web Advisor.  After logging in, you will see your math course.  Click to see the homepage for our course.  Once you are into our course, click on the Lessons Tab.  You will see the Lessons and a folder labeled "Orientation".  Start by clicking on Orientation.

  MATH LAB RULES

  • Books may be placed on the bookshelf or in a hall locker before you request a test. Padlocks may be checked out in the Math Lab. 
  • An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take a test in the Math Lab. 
  • 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 to closing time.
  • The Math Lab hours are posted on the outside door,in this syllabus, and in the lab itself. 
  • Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Math Lab 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!

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM