College Algebra 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.

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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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Course

MATH-1314-099 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

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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Supplies

Graphing Calculator:  A TI-84 Plus calculator is preferred.  Students unable to afford the purchase of a graphing calculator can apply to check one out for the semester.  Bring a copy of your

Student Performance

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

\ Students are expected to behave in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment. For a full discussion of appropriate behavior and studentresponsibilities, please refer to the Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook.  Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or 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 Math & Engineering Department Chair and/or other AC authority, withdrawal from the course and/or Amarillo College.

\ Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying from another student’s paper, using unauthorized sources of information on any assignment, turning in work that is not your own (copied from the solution manual, having someone else do your work, etc.), and allowing someone to cheat. Any student who cheats will receive a grade of zero for that assignment (grade may NOT be dropped or replaced) and/or other disciplinary action as described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Grading Criteria

Homework: Homework will be assigned using MyMathLab.  No late work will be accepted, so complete all assignments on time.  I will drop TWO grades and the remaining will count as 10% of your average.  Written FOCUS problems will be assigned and graded by your high school teacher.  I will drop TWO and the remaining will count as 10% of your average.

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 XXXXXXXXXXXX and your Student Access Code which is found in the red and white MyMathLab kit/folder 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.  If you are retaking this course with the SAME TEXTBOOK, you can reuse the access code you used last time.
3. During the registration process, if you have not used MymathLab before you will choose a username and password.  Consider using the same username and password you use for your AC Online access and be sure to write it down so you don’t forget it.  You are now ready to enter our course 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 course, 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.”

Tests: There will be four chapter tests that will be completed on MyMathLab.  It is expected that you complete the tests without the assistance of books, notes, or other people.

Midterm and Final Exams: The midterm will be in written form and will be taken at your high school: Wednesday, March 11 or Thursday, March 12.  The final exam will be in written form and will be taken at your high school:  Monday, May 11; Tuesday, May 12 or Wednesday, May 13.  

Both midterm and final exams will have a 2 hour 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.  This must be scheduled and coordinated with your AC instructor and high school teacher at least 2 weeks in advance and an official AC ID is required.  You must arrive at least 2 hours before closing time in the Math Testing Center, due to the 2 hour time limit.

Other Information:  Before you ask, I do not give extra credit.  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board sets the topics that must be covered in order to receive credit for a course. The instructor sets the pace to meet these requirements. Any student having trouble maintaining the pace should seek extra help from the instructor and/or a tutor.

Grading Criteria/Scale:

Attendance

The deadline for withdrawing from any class at AC for Spring 2015 Semester is Thursday, April 23rd. 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.

Calendar

Additional Information

Resources:  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 outside of class.  The following are a few ways to get FREE help:

1. Contact your instructor during office hours or make an appointment.
2. Get free tutoring from the Outreach Center (Durrett Rm 104)
3. Get free tutoring from Student Support Services (Rm 305 of library; 371-5420)
4. Get free tutoring 24/7 from Smarthinking Online Tutoring.  Available on the AC Online homepage under "Institutional Resources".

Additional Contacts: 

Collin Witherspoon, Department Chair, 371-5142

Samantha Jewett, Administrative Assistant, 371-5326