College Algebra Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Hereford Off Campus 123

Office Hours

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-1314-033 College Algebra

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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

\ Please purchase your textbook bundled with a MyMathLab Access Code.

Supplies

\ Graphing Calculator: You are required to bring your calculator to EVERY class. A TI-84 Plus calculator is preferred and will be used by the instructor. No calculators with

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:

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

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 class time, 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/.

\ Food and Drink: In accordance with the policy of the Science, Mathematics & Engineering Department and by the discretion of the instructor ONLY DRINKS are allowed in the classroom. NO FOOD is allowed. NO FOOD OR DRINK are allowed in the computer labs or in classrooms when laptop computers are in use by the student.

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

\ 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 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!

\ Each course has curriculum coverage requirements, and instructors must set the pace of the course to ensure that these requirements are met. Complaining about pace will not result in less material being covered. Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in this syllabus and/or with AC’s “Student Rights & Responsibilities” will be subject to disciplinary action which may include but is not limited to:

\ removal from the classroom; consultation with the department chair or other AC authority; withdrawal from the course and/or the college.

Grading Criteria

Homework: Expect to have an online (MyMathLab, MML) homework assignment and several Hand-in HW Problems (HHW) assigned 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. MML homework and HHW Problems may be completed and turned in early, but they may not be turned in late.

Online Homework/MyMathLab Instructions: To access MyMathLab where your online homework is located, get online on your computer and log into the AC portal https://acconnect.actx.edu. Once in AC Connect click on the College Algebra Blackboard course and then on the MyMathLab (MML) link.

To Register and Enroll in MyMathLab:

Go to https://acconnect.actx.edu and log in.
Click on your College Algebra course.
Click on the MML link on the left side of the screen to open the MML registration page.
Follow the onscreen instructions to register and enroll. The Course ID for this class is wilks65136. 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 purchase just the MML Access Code, there is an eText available on MML to use for your HHW..
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 “AC Math1314- 033 Wilks FA 2014” and you will see the course “homepage.”
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.
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.
Now you are ready to access your online homework. Inside the AC Math1314-033 Wilks FA 2014 class, click “Assignments” or "Homework" on the left side of the page, and begin! Also note, you can view your homework grades under the button called “Gradebook.”

Focus Problem Instructions: The Focus Problems will be available for you to purchase from the AC bookstore. Focus Problems will be assigned at the end of each section covered in class and are due at the beginning of the next class meeting after they have been assigned. All work should be written by hand and shown in the space provided on the Focus Problem pages. Please show all necessary steps to work the problem to get full credit. Each Focus Problem is worth +2 points each and will be graded on a 1/2 point scale. Late Focus Problems will not be accepted. To compensate for this, the 3 lowest Focus Problem grades will be dropped.

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

Your instructor is your first, BEST resource for help. Feel free to come to office hours or make an appointment.
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.
Free one-on-one tutoring at the Learning Center in Room 124. Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am – 9:45

Test Reviews: Reviews will be assigned before each major exam and the grade will be turned in to the Testing Center prior to taking each exam. Reviews will be graded as a homework assignment. Students will get credit for each problem completed with work shown and will receive no credit for those left undone or not completed according to the stated directions. Students will not be allowed to take an exam without first turning in an exam review grade. Late reviews will not be accepted after the exam due date.

Exams: Four major exams will be given and will be completed outside of class in the Testing Center. Students must show an Amarillo College ID and turn in an exam review grade before testing. No late exams will be given, no matter the reason. If you know in advance that you will be gone during the assigned exam dates, you MUST make arrangements with your instructor to take the exam early in the Testing Center. At the end of the semester, your final exam grade will replace your lowest exam grade if it is higher. All graded exams will be kept on file in the math department. A grade below 70 on an exam will require one hour of tutoring in the Learning Center and a Record of Tutoring be presented before the next exam can be taken. (The hour may be in increments.)

Final Exam: The comprehensive final exam will be given on the following date as directed by the official Amarillo College Schedule: Section 1314-032, Dec 9, 12-2:00 pm; Section 1314-033, Dec 10, 7-9:00 pm

Extra Credit: Extra credit will not be given.

Grading Policy:	Percentages:	Grading Scale:	Grade:
Hand-in HomeworkGrade	10%	90 - 100%	A
Online Homework	10%	80 - 89%	B
Major Exams (4 @12.5% each)	50%	70 - 79%	C
Final	20%	60 - 69%	D
Attendance and Participation	5%	below 60%	F
Exam Reviews	5%

USING Blackboard TO PRINT CLASS MATERIALS, GET YOUR GRADES, CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR, FIND CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS...

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 AC CONNECT:

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.
Once you are logged in, click on our course
Then, you will see any links you will need on the left hand side of the screen.

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. 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!

STUDY GROUPS are encouraged. Working lessons out with other students seems to encourage and benefit most students. An obvious caution would be to not become dependent on the group for individual understanding. Note that HW problems are randomly generated so no two HW papers on the same lesson will be the same.

Attendance

Attendance: Practice is essential and much emphasis is placed on accurately completing the homework and reviews. Class attendance and participation is expected and emphasized as a key component to success in the class. Questions need to be addressed promptly so as not to fall behind on classroom instruction.

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Class attendance is essential. In the event of an absence it will be the student’s responsibility to:

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Understand that it is the policy of the AC, Hereford Campus Math Department that tardies and early departures from class are counted as absences.
Notify the instructor before or immediately following the absence via email on AC CONNECT.
Make sure all HW assignments are completed and turned in by the due date... no late homework is accepted.
Cover the material missed during instruction
Become aware of announcements made in the class and on AC CONNECT.

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Exams may be made up BEFORE an absence by special appointment made with the instructor BEFORE the absence, or a "0" will be recorded.

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Absences, tardies, and early departures are inevitable and should be accompanied with the courtesy of an explanation to the instructor via AC CONNECT email. Scheduled doctor appointments need to be made for non-class hours. Nevertheless, excessive absences, tardies, and early departures will result in a penalty of 6 points each on the Instructor's choice grade

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Remember that the deadline for withdrawing from any class at AC for the Fall 2014 Semester is Tuesday. November 18 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

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Any divergence from these policies will be decided by the instructor..

Calendar

Calendar and Homework Assignments (subject to change at any time by your instructor)

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Week 1	Introduction and Register for MML,Review
Week 2	Sections 1.3,1.4,1.5
Week 3	Sections 1.6,1.7
Week 4	Sections 1.7, Exam I
Week 5	Section 2.3, 2.8
Week 6	Sections 2.7, Exam II
Week 7	Sections 3.1, 3.2,
Week 8	Sections 3.3, 3.4
Week 9	Section 3.5,
Week 10	Sections Exam III, 4.1,
Week 11	Sections 4.2, 4.3,
Week 12	Sections 4.4, 4.5
Week 13	Exam IV, 5.2
Week 14	Sections 5.3, Final Review
Week 15	Review for Final Exam
Week 16	Final Exam

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Additional Information

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\ \ Testing Center \	\ Learning Center
\ See hours posted	\ Monday - Thursday
\ \ No Test will be given out one hour \ \ before Testing Center closes \	\ 8:00am - 9:45pm
\ Closed for lunch: 1:00-2:00	\ Friday
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\	\ Saturday
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\ TESTING CENTER RULES

\ Books may be placed on the bookshelf before you request a test.
\ An Amarillo College picture ID and Test Review are required in order to take a test in the Testing Center.
\ Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Testing Center and return to finish that test at a later time.
\ In the Testing Center, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test. All purses must be on the floor.
\ The Testing Center will not hand out a test less than one hour before closing time.
\ The Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing time.
\ The Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door.
\ Please come prepared. 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 Center. 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: