Intermediate 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

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-0303-025 Intermediate Algebra

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Math 0302-minimum grade of C, Accuplacer score of 63, THEA score of 230, an equivalent score on a state-approved test or department chair consent

Course Description

A study of relations and functions; inequalities; factoring; polynomials, rational expressions; quadratics with an introduction to complex numbers; exponential and logarithmic functions; determinants and matrices; sequences and series. \ (This is a developmental course. It does not meet elective or graduation requirements.)

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Elayn Martin-Gay, Intermediate Algebra, Sixth Edition, Pearson;
\ ISBN: 978-0-321-78504-6

Supplies

Required Materials

• eText (included with MyMathLab Access Code) or hardback Textbook
• Blu

  Student Performance

  \ Student Performance/Learning Outcomes

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

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    \ Define, represent, and perform operations on real and complex numbers.
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    \ Recognize, understand, and analyze features of a function.
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    \ Recognize and use algebraic (field) properties, concepts, procedures (including factoring), and algorithms to combine, transform, and evaluate absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational expressions
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    \ Identify and solve absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational equations.
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    \ Identify and solve absolute value and linear inequalities.
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    \ Model, interpret and justify mathematical ideas and concepts using multiple representations.
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    \ Connect and use multiple strands of mathematics in situations and problems, as well as in the study of other disciplines.  
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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

   

  Behavioral Expectations/Classroom Ground Rules

   

  Students are expected to behave in the classroom 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 lectures; 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. Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or “Student’s Rights & Responsibilities” 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, the use of cell phone calculators, the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones, copying or leaving the Math Testing Center with a 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

  It is the policy of the Mathematics Department that food and drink may be allowed in the classroom setting, at the instructor's discretion, but food and drink are NOT allowed at any time in the Learning Center or Testing Center.  Students may have food and drink in the Student Lounge areas but must police the area upon departure.

  It is the responsibility of each student to police the area he occupies of litter, food and drink containers, and any spills that have occurred before leaving the classroom

   Cell phones should be turned off, or in silent mode in the classrooms, Learning Center, and off in the 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 Testing Center testing room.

   

  Grading Criteria

  Testing

  All tests, including the final exam, will be taken in the Testing Center (Room 122)  and may be taken during normal Testing Center  hours, day or evening. Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time. Students in Intermediate Algebra may use a graphing calculator.
  Please note: No tests will be given out less than one hour before the Testing Center closing time. You must present an Amarillo College picture I.D. every time you take a test in the Testing Center. The Testing Center staff will retain your I.D. while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test. 

  Chapter Tests

  Prior to testing, each student will be required to complete an online test review and score a 70 or higher. Students will print the results from each online test review and present the results to the Testing Center when requesting a test. Tests over each chapter must be completed by deadlines set by your instructor. Your instructor will announce test deadlines. Tests will be graded by your instructor and stored in the Learning Center during the semester.  You may review  and complete your Reflective Test Journal for a test you have already taken any time the Learning Center is open.  You must present an Amarillo College student I.D. every time you review a test in the Learning Center.  The Learning Center staff will retain your I.D. while you review your test and it will be returned when you turn in your test. 

   Please note: Under no circumstances may a student take any test or questions from a test out of the Testing or Learning Center.

  • Each chapter test may be taken only one time. Tests must be taken in sequence.  If you score less than 70 on any chapter test, you will be required to complete a minimum of 30 minutes of mandatory tutoring and must present that Record of Tutoring when requesting you next test..
  • Any test that is not taken by an instructor’s deadline will result in a loss of 5 points per day, excluding Sundays. The only exception to this policy will be if the student has an emergency. Written verification of extenuating verifiable circumstances will be required.

  Accessing Grades Online

  To view your current course grades:

  • Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect then log in.
  • Click on your course.
  • Click on My Grades on the menu to the left.

  To view your Final course grades:

  • Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect then log in.
  • Scroll down to Self Service on bottom right of the page, and click on Current Student.
  • Under current student, click on Academic Profile and then Grades.

  Be aware: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended) does not permit instructors or the Math Testing Lab to disclose information regarding grades over the phone, via email or to a third party. If a student needs to discuss their grades, they must do so in person.

   

  Tutoring

  When using the Learning Center students should scan in and out with their Amarillo College ID.

  • Mandatory
    • In an effort to increase retention in developmental mathematics courses, any student who scores below a “70” on any chapter test (excluding final exams week) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor or in the Learning Center before testing the next chapter.
    • Appointments may be made in the Learning Center for the 30 minute tutoring or are usually available as "drop ins."
    • A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete 30 minutes of required tutoring.  You will not be allowed to take your next test without the completed Record of Tutoring form.
    • Learning Center hours are available in the Additional Information Section of the Syllabus and posted on the homepage of your class in AC Connect.
  • Free Drop in
    • Peer tutors are available at the Outreach Center.

  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 will be 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 128 points available on Skill Drills.  A student’s 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 a student acquires over 100 points.
  • If a student’s Skill Drill grade is higher than his/her lowest chapter test grade, the skill drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating the student’s final average.
  • There will be no make-up Skill Drills for any reason.

  Homework

  • An online homework assignment will be assigned in MyMathLab for each section of the book covered. Weekly assignments are due fully completed by 11:59 pm each Sunday night following the presentation of the material in class. Assignments will not be accessible or accepted after the 11:59 pm deadline each week unless deadline amended by individual instructor.
  • The problems due from MyMathLab program should be worked on notebook paper(or graph paper as needed) and kept in order in your notebook with each section labeled at the top right of the page. The problems assigned are similar to problems in the textbook and to the test problems. You are required to do the assignments in MyMathLab. You will need to practice using the toolbar before you attempt the assignments in MyMathLab. You need to be competent in entering your answers. You may continue to work on an assignment to make a better grade up until the due date for the assignment.
  • You may access MyMathLab by going to:  The course site on AC Connect and clicking the MyMathLab button on the right.  This will take you directly to this course’s MyMathLab course.  You must register online following the steps outlined in the Student Access Kit which was packaged with the book. When registering, enter the Access Code in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. If needed, the course I.D. for the semester will be provided to you by your instructor.

   Homework Notebook

  • The homework notebook must be a 3-ring binder with dividers. Notebooks must be brought to class each class period and will be checked periodically by the instructor.
  • Your notebook will include a minimum of the following:
    • Title Page (Name, Math 0303-section, Intermediate Algebra-Spring 2015, instructor name
    • Syllabus
    • Reflexive Test Journal
    • Class notes
    • Homework
    • Chapter test review work
  • Homework assignments should be:
    • On lined notebook or graphing paper as needed.
    • Completed in pencil .
    • Started on a new page for each section with the section title in the top right corner.
    • Organized running down the page, with up to two columns of work (not across the page in one line).
    • With answers circled
  • Your overall homework grade will be calculated by averaging your MyMathLab homework average (50%), Notebook 1 (25%), and Notebook2 (25%). This grade will carry the same weight as one chapter test grade. Submitting all of your homework and keeping a detailed notebook is one of the best things you can do to improve your grade! 

  Final Exam

  • A comprehensive Final Exam will be given after all chapter tests are completed.
  • During Final Exam week, students will only be allowed to test Chapter 8 and the Final Exam. No prior chapter tests will be available.
  • Final Exams will be graded by your instructor.  
  • The Final Exam must be taken by the date set by your 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 score counts twice.  

  Grading Policy

  • Your grade for this course will be determined by averaging:
    • Six chapter test grades (each chapter test counts once).
    • Homework Aerage (counts once).
    • Skill Drill grade for semester (counts once on its own and could also count as a replacement chapter test grade). If a student’s Skill Drill grade is higher than the student's lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating the student’s final average.
    • Final Exam grade (counts twice).
    • Mean = [six chapter test grades + Homework/Notebook average + Skill Drill grade + 2 (Final Exam grade)] / 10.
    • Attendance: possible +/- points added 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 as follows:
    • 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 the student has no more than the Final Exam and one Chapter Test to complete.  If the instructor agrees to give the student an Incomplete, the student must sign a contract that specifies the requirements for changing the temporary grade of “I” to the letter grade earned by the student.  The student will have a maximum of three months from the date the contract is signed to fulfill these requirements.  If the student has 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 WebAdvisor under "Important Course Section Dates."

  **Please note the following deadline for withdrawals.**

  • 16 weeks - Tuesday, November18, 2014 / Thursday April 23. 2015
  • 8 weeks -  See your instructor for this date 

  Attendance

  \ General Attendance Policy

  \

  \ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student 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.      

  \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

  \ \ 16 week classes meet 2 times a week \ 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. \	\ \ 8 week classes meet 2 times a week \ Perfect attendance: 2 points added to final average \ 1 or 2  absences: no change in final average \ 3 absences: 1 point deducted from final average. \ 4+ absences: 3 points deducted from final average \
  \ \ 16 week classes meet once a week \ Perfect attendance:  2 points added to final average \ 1 or 2 absences: no change to final average \ 3 absences: 1 point deducted from final average \ 4+ absences: 3 points deducted from final average \	\ \ 8 week classes meet 4 times a week \ Perfect attendance:  2 points added to final average \ 1 - 3 absences: no change to final average \ 4 - 5 absences: 1 point deducted from final average \ 6+ 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 a transfer. 3 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	Week of: Fall       -         Sp	Assignment	Tests
  1	08/25      -   03/23	Orientation, 2.1
  		2.4, 2.5, 2.6
  2	09/08      -   03/30	2.7, 3.1	Chapter 2
  		3.2, 3.4
  3	09/22      -   04/06	3.5, 5.1, 5.2	Chapter 3
  		5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6
  4	10/13      -  04/13	5.7, 5.8, 6.1	Chapter 5
  		6.2, 6.5
  5	10/27      -  04/20	7.1, 7.2, 7.3	Chapter 6
  		7.4, 7.5
  6	11/10       -  04/27	7.6, 7.7	Chapter 7
  		8.1, 8.2
  7	11/24       -  05/04	8.5, 8.6	Chapter 8
  8	12/01      -   05/04	Final Review, FINAL*
  *Only Chapter 8 and Final Exam will be available for testing
  Calendar subject to change Testing dates/deadlines will be provided by your instructor, The Math Testing Center closes at noon, Thursday, May 15

   

  Additional Information

  TESTING CENTER                                                 LEARNING CENTER

  See Hours Posted                                                       8:00-9:45 Mon-Thur

  Lunch hour 1:00-2:00                                                                                    

  no Test will be given out an hour before closing                                        

                                         

  TESTING CENTER RULES

   

  • Books may be placed on the bookshelf before you request a test.
  • To request a test, fill out a “Test Request” slip.
  • All tests must be taken in order. Once a test is taken, you may not go back and 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 or notcards are allowed for testing. You may use the back 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 time.
  • Students can log in to AC Connect to get their test results.
  • Tests may not be taken out of the lab.
  • The Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door, in this syllabus, on AC Connect, and in the lab itself. 
  • Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the 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! 

  MyMathLab Homework Instructions:

  • Go to the course site on AC Connect, MyMathLab button or to www.mymathlab.com
  • Sign in
  • Click on our Course
  • Click on Assignment you want to work on
  • Begin with Question 1
  • Work the problem on your paper and CIRCLE the answer
  • Enter Answer on computer:  Watch for details!
  • Click  Check Answer at the bottom.  If your answer is correct, then you will click OK
    • If incorrect, you may seek help at the top right or come back to the question later.
  • Click the next circled number at the top to move on to the next problem
  • When you have completed the entire assignment, click  SAVE at the bottom.  If you do not complete the entire assignment at one time, be sure to  SAVE  before you leave MyMathLab to save your work to complete later.
  • Be sure to use the button on the right to help you if you need help with problems.
  • Homework assignments for each week will only be available through Sunday, 11:59 pm.
  • Student Tech Support   1-800-677-6337

  Begin your homework assignments early in the week to give ample time to return and correct problems. 

   

  Test Reviews on MyMathLab

  • Test Reviews require a score of 70 before you are allowed to take the Chapter Test in the Testing Center. 
  • To avoid missing Test Deadlines and incurring late penalties, you will want to complete the Test Reviews in a timely manner.

  Suggestions:

  • Begin the Test Review immediately after completing the last HW assignment in the Chapter.
  • A score of 70 is satisfactory, but not necessarily adequate to prepare you for the Chapter Test.
  • Take your time and work accurately!!!  You are unable to CHECK ANSWER on individual problems during the Test Review.  Once you’ve completed the Test Review correct and incorrect problems are indicated.  A score less than 70 will require reworking the entire Test Review!  Take your time and work accurately!!! 
  • Use unsuccessful Test Review Attempts to help you achieve a successful attempt.  Don’t make the same mistakes! (each Test Review is slightly different but contains similar problems)

   

   

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM