College Algebra for STEM Majors Syllabus for 2014-2015
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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-1414-DC034 College Algebra for STEM Majors

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

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 4 lec)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ College Algebra, 9th edition, by Michael Sullivan, Prentice Hall

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

Supplies

\ Basics:  Blue-lined notebook paper (8.5" x 11") and blue-lined graph paper - 4 or 5 squares per inch or engineering graph paper, stapler, a straight edge, pencils, erasers, a highlighter in your favorite

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 highter 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

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 htt;://sites.actx.edu/catalog/notices/.

\ Cheating is defined in Webster's College Dictionary as "taking an examination in a dishonest way, as by having improper access to answers."  Improper access includes, but is not limited to, copying from another student's paper, copying from the homework solutions manual, or using any unauthorized sources of information while taking an exam or quiz.  If the instructor sees a cell phone out during any exam, the instructor will assume that student is cheating and the exam will be taken up and a grade of "F" will be received for the course. 

\ Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or Student Rights & Responsibilities will be subject to disciplinary action.

\ Food/Drink:  It is the policy of the Mathematics, Sciences & Engineering Department that food and drink be allowed in the classroom setting, at the instructor's discretion.  Food and drink are not 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 Mathematics,Sciences & 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 Plagiariam:  Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in any math course at Amarillo College.  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.

\ ADDITIONAL CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
\ 1.  BE ON TIME.
\ 2.  BE PREPARED.
\ 3.  NO DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR will be tolerated.
\

Grading Criteria

The final average will be computed based on the following percentage basis:  Written Homework ........10%, MML Homework........10%, Exams........40%, Midterm Exam.......20%, Final Exam........20%

The final letter grades are assigned based on the following numerical result:

A ............90-100,   B............80-89,   C............70-79,   D............60-69,   F............59 and Below

Homework:  Expect to have written homework and online homework from MML that will be assigned for each section.  At the end of the semester, two online homework grades will be dropped and two written homework grades will be dropped.  Turning in all your homework is one of the best things you can do to improve your grade!

Written Homework:

1.  Expect to have homework assigned for each section.   Late homework will not be accepted.

2.  Homework must be done in pencil.  Anything that is wrong or needs to be corrected must be clearly erased.  Don't write, doodle, or perform mathematical calculations in the margins.  Homework must be neat and legible.

3.  Homework must be presented in an orderly manner with the problem running a single column down the left half of the page.  You may use the right half of the page for graphs, tables and drawings.  Any problem (excluding graphs) with work presented in anything except the first column will not receive credit.  Each line must contain only one equal sign, "=."   All final answers must be boxed or circled to receive credit.  Any problem with the answer not circled or boxed in will not be graded.

4.  Turn in your written homework to your high school teacher.  Your high school teacher will grade and keep records of the written homework.

and remember, LATE HOMEWORK IS NOT ACCEPTED.

Online Homework/MyMathLab Instructions:

Enrolling in the Course:

1.  Go to www.pearsonmylaband mastering.com.
\ 2.  Click on Student under Register.
\ 3.  Enter the course ID  bartlett13536
\ 4.  If you have a Pearson account, enter your username and password.  If you have never used a Pearson MyLab and Mastering product, click on Create to enter information to create your account.
\       a.  Make sure you enter an email address that you check ofter.
\       b.  Please, use YOUR name as you are registered for school.
\ 5.  If you have used MyMathLab with this textbook and this Pearson account previously, you should see a page indicating that you are done.
\ 6.  If you have not used MyMathLab with this textbook before, you have three options.
\       a.  To use an access code that came packaged with your textbook or bought as a stand alone folder, click on Access Code.
\       b.  To use a credit card or PayPal account to buy the access code, click on the box with $91.30 USD.
\       c.  To get temporary access while you wait for financial aid, payday, etx., click on Get temporary access without payment for 17 days at the bottom of the screen.  You will need to purchase an access code using one of the two methods above before the 17 day temporary access period is over in order to continue to work on assignments.
\ 7.  You are now enrolled in your course and should see it listed on the Courses page when you login.
\ 8.  Click on the course name in order to enter the course.

Course Homepage Menu:

1.  To work on an assignment, click on Homework, the assignment name, and then on question1.
\ 2.  Each homework problem will usually have some of the following buttons to the right of the problem:  Help me solve This, View an Example, Video, Animation, Textbook, Connect to a Tutor, Ask My Instructor, Print, Study Plan, Tools for Success, Multimedia Library and HTML eBook.  Each of these are further explained under your course content in Blackboard.
\ 3.  The Grade book will show you the assignment you have worked, the scores, and give you the chance to review any assignment (without changing the grade).

Other Information:

1.  When you send emails from the Ask My Instructor button on a problem, it generates and email that is sent with the reply email address as the email address you used when setting up your account.  To view/edit this, click on Account at the top left corner of the page and enter your login name and password.
\ 2.  In general, you get 4 attempts on each problem.  The following equal 1 attempt.
\       a.  Entering an incorrect answer on a short answer or numeric problem 3 times.
\       b.  Entering an incorrect answer on a multiple choice problem 1-2 times depending on the number of answer choices.
\       c.  Using the Help Me Solve This button. (View an Example does not use an attempt.)
\ 3.  After each attempt, you will be presented with the correct answer and the Submit Answer button will become Similar Exercise (until 4 attempts have been used).  To get another attempt on your problem, click on Similar Exerciese and a similar problem (same problem, different numbers) will appear.
\ 4.  You can print your assignments, work on them away from the computer, and then return to enter the answers.  On each problem, there is a button that will open a popup and ask if you want to print that page or the entire assignment.
\ 5.  You do not have to "save" any work.  Once you click on Submit answer and see either a green check mark or a red box with hints, the answers are saved.
\ 6.  If you open a homework assignment and see a green check next to a problem, you have received full credit for that problem.  A red X means you have attempted the problem, but have not received any credit.  If you have both a green check and a red X, you have received partial credit.
\ 7.  Be VERY careful when entering an answer.  There are instructions written in blue below most problems, if you do not enter the answer in the specified format or with the requested rounding, the answer will be considered incorrect.  Recall that entering an incorrect answer three times is one attempt.

Exams:   Five major exams will be given via MyMathLab.   If you miss a major exam, the grade on your final exam will be used to replace the missing grade.  I do not offer make-up exams.  If you know ahead of time that you will be missing an exam, you may schedule to take the exam early.  If you miss more than one exam (remember the first missed one is replaced by your grade on the final exam) a second missed exam will be recoreded as a zero.  If you do not miss any exam and your final exam grade is higher than your lowest test score, I will replace the lowest test score with your final test grade.

Midterm and Final Exams: The midterm will be written in form and will be taken at your high school:  Monday, October 13 through Wednesday, October 15

The final will be written in form and  taken at your high school:  Monday, December 8 through Wednesday, December 10 

Both midterm and final exams will have a 2 hours time limit.

If needed, the midterm and/or final exam can be taken on the AC campus, at the Math Testing Center.  The Math Testing Center is in Durrett Hall room 103 and is open from 7:30am-10pm Monday-Thursday, 7:30am-3pm Friday, and 9am-4pm Saturday.  This must be scheduled with your AC instructor at least 2 weeks in advance, and an official AC ID is required.  You must arrive 2 hours before closing time in the Math Testing Center, due to the 2 hour time limit.

I do not give extra credit work.

Free Help:  If you feel yourself getting behind in class or having problems with certain concepts covered, get help immediately.  It is YOUR responsibility to get help. 
\ The following are a few ways to get FREE help outside of class:
\ 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 online 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 possible to get the highest grade.
\ 3. Free one-on-one tutoring at the Student Outreach Center in Durrett 104 is available.  You will need your AC ID to sign in.  Hours:  MTWR 8am - 8pm, Fri 8am - 2pm, Sat 9am - 3pm, Sun closed.
\ 4.Get free tutoring from Student Support Services (Library, 371-5420)
\ 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-mails, 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 STL 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

Attendance:  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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Calendar

Additional Information

Additional Contacts:  Dr. Kathryn Wetzel, Assistant Dean/Department Chair (806) 371-5097; Collin Witherspoon, Department Coordinator (806)371-5158,  Michelle Boillat, Administrative Assistant (806) 371-5158.

A Note from the Instructor:  At this point you may be feeling a little overwhelmed with the requirements of Math 1414.  Please note that we are all in this together, and my role as your instructor is to facilitate your efforts to reach your educational goals.  I am looking forward to working with each and every one of you this semester.