College Algebra for STEM Majors Syllabus for 2015-2016
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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

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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

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-1414-006 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

College Algebra, Tenth Edition...Author: Michael Sullivan; Pearson Publishing Co.

 You may purchase your text bundled with or without a Mymathlab access code, but this course is not using Mymathlab for homework this semester.  It is completely your choice this semester as to whether you want access to Mymathlab or not this semester.

Supplies

• Graphing Calculator:  You are required to bring your calculator to EVERY class.  A TI-83, 83 Plus, 84, or 84 Plus calculator is preferred and will be used by the instructor.  No cal

  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

  Student Responsibilities:   Students are expected to read the syllabus and to sign and turn in a course contract before the first exam can be taken by the student.  Students are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of a positive learning environment.  Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to the following: the use of cell 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/.  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 or a Math Testing Lab staff person sees a cell phone out during any exam, that student is assumed to be 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 & 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 & 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 with your instructor.   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!

  Students in Math 1414 are expected to BE ONTIME,  BE PREPARED with homework done and class notes already printed, and PARTICIPATE IN CLASS in a positive manner.  If ever a substitute teacher comes to teach the class, students are expected to treat that teacher with the highest respect and behavior. 

  Grading Criteria

  Class Notes: Students are expected and REQUIRED to bring the class notes with them to class.  Class notes will be posted in blackboard under the Lessons tab for our course.  Not only will this simplify and speed up the note taking process, but it will allow you to pay closer attention to the math problem solving processes.  If you experience any problems in printing the class notes, please notify your instructor immediately for help in this area.  In the past, I have found the class notes to be one of the most important tools for achieving success in this course.

  Class Collaboration (C-squared):  At the discretion of your instructor, a class collaboration assignment may be presented and completed during class.  This work will be graded by your instructor and recorded in the Blackboard grade book.  Students are allowed to (and expected to) work together to understand concepts taught in class that day and correctly complete all problems in the assignment.  These will be short assignments.  They are designed to clarify and promote learning before you leave class.  You may obtain help from the instructor as needed.  Two lowest class collaboration assignment grades will be dropped at the end of the semester.

  Homework:  Expect to have written homework assigned after each section covered in class. Your instructor will give you the due date for each assignment.  Most assignments will be due at the beginning of the next class period, however there will be periodic exceptions to that norm.  You may complete and turn in homework early.  Late homework will not be accepted.  Late is defined as anything turned in after the start of the class period.  Two written homework grades will be dropped at the end of the semester.  Turning in ALL your homework is one of the best things you can do to improve your grade.

  Written Homework Grading Policies: 

  1. Homework must be done in PENCIL only.  A grade of zero may be given if homework is done in anything except pencil. 
  2. Homework must be neat and legible with problems worked in a SINGLE COLUMN running down the left half of the page.  The right half of the page may be used for graphs, tables, and drawings.  The back side of the paper may not be used.  Each line must contain only one equal sign, “=”.  All final answers must be boxed or circled. 
  3. A proper heading is required on each page consisting of your name, Math 1414, the date, and the section number for this assignment.
  4. The problems listed with a star * on the assignment sheet must be done on the first pages that you turn in with the rest of the problems done on the following pages.  These starred problems are often the even numbered problems that I will grade closely for correctness.  I expect you to check the answer to the odd numbered homework problems in the back of the textbook for correctness.
  5. Homework must be turned in at the beginning of the class period.
  6. When turning in the homework papers, fold them in half lengthwise to create a long narrow column and be sure that you fold them in such a way that YOUR NAME is showing at the top of the outside folded page.  This enables me to quickly see whose paper it is when I am returning them to you after grading.
  7. If you are absent, you are still expected to do your homework assignment.  It is your responsibility to contact a fellow student to get the class notes, learn the material, and be able to do the homework assignment and turn it in on time for the next class period.  You may want to get a fellow class member’s phone number right now to help in this situation: _______________________________ .

  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. Free one-on-one tutoring is available at the math Outreach Center in Durrett 104. You will need your AC ID  to sign in.  Outreach Center hours are MTWThF 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-8pm, closed Sundays. 
  3. Get free tutoring from Student Support Services in the Library.  Call 371-5420 for more information.
  4. Consult the Math 1414 Clowe-Tompkins Homework Solutions Manual available through a staff tutor in the Outreach Center.  You must work a problem and seek tutoring help before you can ask to see this manual, but I am providing it in the Outreach Center for your assistance with the homework.

  Exams:  Five major exams will be given and a comprehensive Final. Major exams will be administered in class (in which case they must be completed by the end of class), or in the Math Testing Lab. It is the policy of the Math Department that no late exams are given.  If you know in advance that you will be missing an exam, you may schedule to take the exam early.  If you miss a major exam, the grade on your final exam will be used to replace the missing grade.  If you miss more than one exam, the second and following missed exams will be recorded 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 exam grade.  If you make below a 70 on an exam, a minimum of 1 (one) hour must be spend in the Outreach Center correcting your major exam, working on your homework, or studying for your next major exam.  Documentation of your time spent in the Outreach Center must be presented to me before the next major exam. 

  Final Exam:  A comprehensive Final Exam will be given on the following date as directed by the official Amarillo College Schedule:  Section 1414-006, Monday, December 7th from 7 to 9 pm in our regular classroom.        

  Grading Policy:	Percentages:	Grading Scale:	Grade:
  Class Collaboration	5%	90 - 100%	A
  Written Homework/Class Collaboration Work	15%	80 - 89%	B
  Major Exams (5 @ 12% each)	60%	70 - 79%	C
  Final Exam	20%	60 - 69%	D
  		below 60%	F

   

  USING AC Connect/Blackboard to PRINT CLASS NOTES, GET YOUR GRADES, CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR, FIND CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS, etc.:   Students will be required to log in to AC Connect and access the online Blackboard course regularly to print class notes, check the course announcements, calendar, e-mail, and to see grades.  To access our course area in Blackboard:

  1. Go to www.actx.edu.  Click the AC Connect Portal link found on the left side of the main menu bar.  Your login 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 to AC Connect, find  and click 2015FA STEM College Algebra 1414-006 under your list of courses.
  3. Then, you will see our online course and the main menu is on the left hand side of the screen. Click “Lessons” to print class notes.  You may click “My Grades”, “Send E-mail”, “Announcements”, or “Calendar” to perform those functions also from this main menu.

  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 for the majority of this semester because of the amount of material we must cover in this STEM course. Your part is to come to each and every class time, do your homework and C-squared assignments, and come to tutoring or to my office for help. I look forward to working together this semester!

   

  Attendance

  Attendance:  Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class period 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.  Students arriving more than 10 minutes late or leaving class early,  prior to instructor dismissal, will be marked absent.

  Students are expected to attend class with their printed class notes and calculator.  If at ANY TIME you are having trouble printing your class notes before you come to class, please see your instructor immediately for help.  Attendance with printed class notes is extremely important to your success in this course.

  If you are absent for any reason, YOU are responsible for obtaining the assignments and notes from a fellow student in this class.  Remember that the deadline for withdrawing from this class at AC for the FALL 2015 Semester is Tuesday, November 17th. 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

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

  Week 1	Syllabus, Sections R.2, R.4, R.5
  Week 2	Sections R.7, R.8, Exam 1, 1.1, 1.2
  Week 3	Sections 1.3, 1.4
  Week 4	Sections 1.5, 1.6, 1.7
  Week 5	Exam 2, Sections 2.3, 2.5
  Week 6	Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5
  Week 7	Section 4.1, Exam 3
  Week 8	Sections 4.3, 4.4, 5.1
  Week 9	Sections 5.3, 5.2, 5.5
  Week 10	Exam 4, Sections 6.1, 6.2
  Week 11	Sections 6.3, 6.4, 6.5
  Week 12	Sections 6.6, 6.8, Exam 5
  Week 13	Section 2.1,2.4, 7.3, 7.4
  Week 14	Sections 8.1, 8.2
  Week 15	Sections 8.2, 8.3, Final Exam Review
  Week 16	Take Final Exam

  Additional Information

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  \ Math Testing Lab(Durrett 103) \	Outreach Center (Durrett 104)
  Monday - Thursday	Monday - Thursday
  7:30am - 10:00pm	8:00am - 8:00pm
  Friday	Friday
  7:30am - 8:00pm	8:00 - 8:00pm
  Saturday	Saturday
  9:00am - 8:00pm	9:00am - 8:00pm
  371-5088	371-5119

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  \ MATH LAB RULES

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  • 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. 
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  • An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take a test in the Math Lab. 
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  • 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.
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  • In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test. All purses must be on the floor.
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  • The Math Lab will not hand out a test less than one hour before closing time.
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  • The Math Lab personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing time.
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  • The Math Lab hours are posted on the outside door,in this syllabus, and in the lab itself. 
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  • 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.
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  • Childcare arrangements must be made prior to testing. Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
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  • CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
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  • Cell phones must be turned off as not to disturb other students who are testing. NO CELL PHONE use of any kind is allowed 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!
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  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM