College Algebra Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

MATH-1314-021 College Algebra

Prerequisites

<p>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</p>

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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

College Algebra, Twelfth Edition...Authors: Lial, Hornsby, Schneider, Daniels; Pearson Publishing Co. (Optional)

My Math Lab Access Code (Mandatory)

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 factoring capabilities are allowed (TI-89, nspire).  Students unable to purchase a graphing calculator can apply to the Adult Students Program or from the Student Services Center for the privilege of checking one out for the semester. No sharing of calculators is allowed and a cell phone calculator will not be permitted.
• Access to a working computer with internet access and a printer.  There are student computers located in the AC Learning Center for student use.  This enables you to access the course in Blackboard and the online homework found at  www.mymathlab.com.
• Amarillo College student I.D. (for testing and tutoring)
• MyMathLab Access Code (This will include an eText or a book may be purchased with the Access Code)

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:

1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of properties of functions, including domain and range, operations, compositions, and inverses.
2. Recognize and apply polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions and solve related equations.
3. Apply graphing techniques.
4. Evaluate all roots of higher degree polynomial and rational functions.
5. Recognize, solve and apply systems of linear equations using matrices.

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 http://sites.actx.edu/catalog/notices/. 

Food and Drink:  In accordance with the policy of the Science, Mathematics & Engineering Department and by the discretion of the instructor ONLY DRINKS are allowed in the classroom.  NO FOOD is allowed.  NO FOOD OR DRINK are 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 Science, 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 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:  Expect to have an online (MyMathLab, MML) homework assignment and several Hand-in HW Problems (HHW) assigned after each section covered in class. Online homework problems may be attempted as many times as you wish in order to achieve the highest possible score and online “helps” are available at the click of a button if you desire assistance.  It is possible to get a “100” on every homework assignment if you start early enough and try each problem several times.  MML homework and HHW Problems may be completed and turned in early, but they may not be turned in late. 

Online Homework/MyMathLab Instructions:  To access MyMathLab where your online homework is located, get online on your computer and log into the AC portal https://acconnect.actx.edu.  Once in AC Connect click on the College Algebra Blackboard course and then on the MyMathLab button on the right.

To Register and Enroll in MyMathLab: YOU MUST REGISTER THROUGH THE CLASS SITE TO BE ENROLLED IN MML!!!!!  YOU MUST ALSO REGISTER THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS.

1. Go to https://acconnect.actx.edu and log in.
2. Click on your College Algebra course.
3. Click on the MYMATHLAB link on the left side of the screen to open the MML registration page.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to register and enroll.  Register using your purchased Access Code, a credit card or Pay Pal, or use the 14 day free access until payment can be made.If you purchase just the MML Access Code, there is an eText available on MML to use for your HHW..  
5. During the registration process, you will choose a username and password.  Consider using the same username and password you use for your AC Connect access and be sure to write it down so you don’t forget it. 
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Now you are ready to access your online homework.  Inside the class, click “Assignments” or "Homework" buttons and begin!  Also note, you can view your homework grades under the button called “Gradebook.”

Hand-in Homework Problems will be assigned at the end of class.  These FOCUS worksheets will consist of 2 – 4 problems for each assignment.  All work should be in pencil, working down the page, and answer circled.   Please show all necessary steps to work the problem to get full credit.

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, examples, and helps for solving the problem at the click of a button to the right of the workspace. 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 Learning Center in Room 124.  Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am – 9:45

Test Reviews:  Reviews will be assigned before each major exam in MML to prepare you for each Exam.  Those grades are averaged in the course grade.

Exams:  Four major exams will be given and will be completed outside of class in the Testing Center Room 122.  Students must show an Amarillo College ID and turn in an exam review grade 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 Testing Center.  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.  A grade below 70 on an exam will require one hour of tutoring in the Learning Center and a Record of Tutoring be presented before the next exam can be taken. (The hour may be in increments.)

Final Exam:  The date for the comprehensive final exam will be announced in class and posted on the testing center board.

Extra Credit: Extra credit will not be given.

USING Blackboard TO PRINT CLASS MATERIALS, GET YOUR GRADES, CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR, FIND CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS...

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 AC CONNECT:

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

STUDY GROUPS are encouraged.  Working lessons out with other students seems to encourage and benefit most students.  An obvious caution would be to not become dependent on the group for individual understanding.  Note that MML problems are randomly generated so no two sets on the same lesson will be the same.  Though the HHW will be the same for the class, make sure you clearly understand the work!!  Just copying will only hurt you.

Attendance

Attendance:  Practice is essential and much emphasis is placed on accurately completing the homework and reviews. Class attendance and participation is expected and emphasized as a key component to success in the class. Questions need to be addressed promptly so as not to fall behind on classroom instruction.

• Understand that it is the policy of the AC, Hinkson Memorial Campus Math Department that tardies and early departures from class are counted as absences.
• Notify the instructor before or immediately following the absence via email on AC CONNECT.
• Make sure all HW assignments are completed and turned in by the due date... no late homework is accepted.
• Cover the material missed during instruction
• Become aware of announcements made in the class and on AC CONNECT.

Remember that the deadline for withdrawing from this class is November 22, 2016.  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

Any divergence from these policies will be decided by the instructor..

Calendar

Additional Information

TESTING IN AMARILLO:

If you plan on taking a test at the Amarillo Math Testing Center, you must notify me at least 1 week prior to the day you plan on taking the test so that I have a chance to make sure they have a copy of the test you are to take.  Additionally, I am required to let them know that students from another campus plan on testing at their facility.  If you do not give this notice, I cannot guarantee the availability of a test when you arrive.  In other words, you might be denied the opportunity to test when you show up.  If at all possible, plan to take your tests here in Hereford at our testing center.

TESTING CENTER RULES

• Books may be placed on the bookshelf before you request a test.
• An Amarillo College picture ID and Test Review are required in order to take a test in the Testing Center. 
• Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Testing Center and return to finish that test at a later time.
• In the Testing Center, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test. All purses must be on the floor.
• The Testing Center will not hand out a test less than one hour before closing time.
• The Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing time.
• The Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door.
• Please come prepared.  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 Center. 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!