College Algebra 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

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-1314-003 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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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. – Required

MyMathLab access code OPTIONAL

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 logic or fac

  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 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/.  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. 

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  \ 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. 

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  \ 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.

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  \ 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!

  Grading Criteria

  Homework and Focus Problems:  Expect to have written homework assignment and 2 to 4 Focus Problems assigned everyday.  Homework and Focus Problems may be completed and turned in early, but they may not be turned in late. 

  Homework

  Homework is graded on a completion basis.

  Written homework problems will be assigned from each section once we have completed the section.

  If you miss class, it is YOUR responsibility to get with another classmate to find out what the assignment was and when it is due.  You may also contact me by phone (371-5988) or email (tgmeraz@actx.edu), but keep in mind that I may not get your message before the assignment is due.  Once a week on Sunday night I will post the previous weeks assignment on the AC Connect website under Content/Written Homework Assignments.  This is done as a courtesy so that you will have it for future reference and will not necessarily be available before the assignment(s) is due. All assignments will be due at the beginning of class the following class meeting, unless otherwise stated.

  The written homework must be done in pencil. Anything that is wrong or needs to be corrected must be cleanly erased. Do not write, doodle, or perform mathematical calculations in the margins. Homework must be neat and legible. I will be the judge as to what is neat and legible. Do not tear your paper out of a spiral and leave jagged edges. Any assignment with jagged edges will not be accepted and will be recorded with a grade of zero.

  If you use more than one sheet of paper for any assignment you must include your name, section number, section from the book being covered and number the pages (i.e. pg 1, pg 2, etc).  Please do NOT fold your paper, if you choose to staple pages together it must be in the top left corner and be placed in such a way that all writing on subsequent pages does not get covered.

  You will place completed homework in a “homework folder” that I will place out at the beginning of class.

  Questions regarding the assignments will be discussed at the beginning of the class period as time permits. If you have questions that are not covered in class, you are encouraged to meet with me during my office hours or at a prearranged time. Note that late homework will not be accepted! The four lowest homework grades will be dropped.

  Focus Problem Instructions:  The Focus Problems will be available for you to download and print from Blackboard.  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 lowest Focus Problem grade from each chapter will be dropped.

  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. MyMathLab has videos and example problems. 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.
  3. Free one-on-one tutoring at the Student Outreach Center in Durrett 104. You will need your AC ID  to sign in.  Hours: Mon-Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 9am - 8pm, Sun closed.

  Test Reviews:  Reviews will be assigned before each major exam and will be turned in to the Math Lab prior to taking each exam.   Students will not be allowed to take an exam without first turning in a COMPLETED exam review including all necessary work.  Completed reviews with work shown will be given a grade of 100.  Reviews not completed with work shown will be given a grade of 0.  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 Math Testing Lab.  Students must show an Amarillo College ID and turn in an exam review 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 Math Lab.  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.  If you score below a 70 on an exam, you will be required to spend at least 1 hour receiving help in the Math Outreach Center before you will be allowed to take the next exam.

  Final Exam:  The comprehensive final exam will be administered in the Math Testing Center and will be due by 1:30 pm, August 11, 2016.

  Extra Credit: Extra credit will not be given.

  Attendance:  You should be on time for class, prepared for class, and actively participate and be on task in class daily.

  Grading Policy:	Percentages:	Grading Scale:	Grade:
  Focus Problems	10%	90 - 100%	A
  Homework	10%	80 - 89%	B
  Major Exams (4 @12.5% each)	50%	70 - 79%	C
  Final	20%	60 - 69%	D
  Exam Reviews	5%	below 60%	F
  Participation (Will receive this credit if you have taken all 4 major exams at the end of the semester)	5%

  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-mail, 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 CTL 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. 

  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 go to tutoring or come to my office for help. I look forward to working together this semester!

  If you have a smartphone I encourage you to download the Blackboard app.  This is a convenient way for you to have instant, mobile access to the course at all times including announcements and the syllabus.  

  Attendance

  Attendance:  Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and be on time in order to be successful in the course.

  If you are absent for any reason, YOU are responsible for obtaining the assignments and notes.  Remember that the deadline for withdrawing from any class at AC for the Fall 2015 Semester is Thursday, August 4. 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	Introduction, Look at MML
  	Section 1.3, 1.4
  Week 2	Sections 1.5, 1.6
  	Sections 1.7, 2.3
  	Chapter 1 Exam, Section 2.7
  	Sections 2.8, Chapter 2 Exam
  Week 3	Sections 3.1, 3.2
  	Sections 3.3, 3.4
  Week 4	Section 3.5, Chapter 3 Exam
  	Sections 4.1, 4.2
  Week 5	Sections 4.3, 4.4
  	Sections 4.5, Chapter 4 Exam
  Week 6	Sections 5.2, 5.3
  	Final Exam:  Administered in the Math Testing Center and will be due by 1:30 pm, August 11, 2016.

  Additional Information

  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 - 3:00pm	8:00 - 8:00pm
  Saturday	Saturday
  9:00am - 4:00pm	9:00am - 8:00pm
  371-5088	371-5119

   

  
  MATH TESTING CENTER RULES

  • Books can be placed in the bookshelf before you request a test but Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take a test in the Math Lab. 
  • 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.
  • In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test. All purses must be on the floor.
  • The Math Lab will not hand out a test less than one hour before closing time.
  • The Math Lab personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing time.
  • The Math Lab hours are posted on the outside door and in this syllabus.
  • 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.
  • 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!

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM