College Algebra Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

MATH-1314-004 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.

  Purchase of a textbook for this course is optional.  If you do choose to purchase a textbook, please purchase your textbook bundled with a MyMathLab Access Code because the access code is required for this course.

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 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 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 in the testing lab.
• College Algebra Course Manual for Fall 2017 by Sherri Clowe-Tompkins packet purchased at AC Bookstore.
• Access to a working computer with internet access and a printer.  There are student computers located in the AC Library  and in the Math Outreach 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 purchased as a bundle with your textbook or online
• Basic supplies:  pencils, notebook/graph paper, straight edge, colorful pencils, highlighters, small (½ inch) three ring binder with 3 dividers.

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

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

Students are expected to BE ON TIME, BE PREPARED with homework completed and ready to turn in, and PARTICIPATE DURING CLASS in a positive manner.

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 meet with their instructor for 5 minutes during the first two weeks of class.  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 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 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!

Grading Criteria

Course Manual/Class Notes: Students are expected to purchase the course manual and bring the class notes with them to class each day.  Not only will this simplify 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 purchasing the course manual, please notify your instructor immediately for help in this area.

Homework:  Expect to have an online homework assignment and 2 to 4 written Focus Problems 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 myMathLab homework assignment if you start early enough and try each problem several times.  Online homework and Focus 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 to the Firefox or Google Chrome internet browser and follow the instructions below.  You will need your MyMathLab Student Access Code which is found in the red and white MyMathLab kit which is bundled with your new textbook OR you can purchase an access code online with a credit card during the registration process.  If funds are tight at the beginning of the semester, you may enroll with temporary access online which gives you two weeks of free myMathLab access after which you must enter an access code or buy one online. 

To Register and Enroll in MyMathLab:

1. Get into the Amarillo College website at www.actx.edu.  From the home page, click the AC Connect portal and login using your AC username and password.  Get into our blackboard course found in the upper central portion of that webpage.  Click MyMathLab from the main menu of our AC Connect Blackboard course. (Click "Launch" and "continue" if needed.)
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 MyMathLab 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 have any problems with purchasing MyMathLab access, please talk with your instructor for creative solutions.  If funds are tight at the beginning of the semester, this is the area where you can click the words "Temporary Access" at the bottom of this web page and gain 14 days of free MyMathLab access after which you must pay or use a code to finish the rest of the semester.
3. 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.  You are now ready to click on our course which is “College Algebra Fall 2017 Math 1314-004" and you will see the course “Home Page.”
4. The first time you get into our course, you will need to click around the website to become familiar with all the helpful features. You might want to try to find the homework assignments, and the grade book in MyMathLab.  Another helpful feature is the online e-textbook which is found under the Multimedia Library tab of the main menu.  You must access it by chapter and section.  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.  Click "Homework” on the Main Menu found at the left side of the page, and begin!  Also note, you can view your homework grades under the button called “Gradebook.”  Be sure to "save" after you do a homework section before you exit.
7. An alternate way to do homework is to go to www.mymathlab.com on a Firefox or Google Chrome web browser.  This gets you straight into Pearson's MyMathLab software.  If you have an iPad, the Puffin browser works best for MyMathLab.  You can only do this alternate entry AFTER you have registered through our AC Blackboard course.

Focus Problem Instructions:  The Focus Problems are found inside the Course Manual which you will purchase from the AC bookstore.  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 must be written by hand in pencil and shown in the space provided on the Focus Problem pages.  Please show all necessary steps to work the problem to get full credit.  If no work is shown or if the problem is not done in pencil, a grade of zero will be recorded.  Each Focus Problem page is worth 100 points and will be personally graded by your instructor.  Late Focus Problems will not be accepted.  Three lowest Focus Problem grades will be dropped at the end of the semester.

Other Student Resources to get help with your math homework assignments: 

1. Your instructor is your first, BEST resource for help.  Please 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 as you work your homework.  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 needed in order to get the highest possible grade.
3. Free one-on-one tutoring is available at the math Outreach Center (ORC) in Durrett 104. You need your AC photo ID  to sign in.  ORC hours and phone number are on a following page of this syllabus.
4. Get free tutoring from Student Support Services.  Call 371-5420 for more information.

Test Reviews:  Reviews will be handed out in class or sent via an email to you by your instructor prior to each major exam.  Reviews must be completed and turned in to the Math Lab prior to taking each chapter exam.  Reviews will be graded on a completion basis.  Students will get credit for each problem completed with work shown and will receive no credit for those left undone or not completed according to the stated directions.  Students will not be allowed to take an exam without first turning in a COMPLETED exam review to the testing lab staff.  Late reviews are not accepted after the exam due date. 

Exams:  Four major Chapter 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 a completed exam review to the Math Testing Lab staff before being allowed to take an exam.  It is the policy of the Math Department that no late exams are given.  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.  If you miss an exam, your Final Exam grade will replace your missed exam grade.  If you miss a second exam, a zero will be recorded for that exam grade.  If you do not miss any exams and your final exam grade is higher than your lowest test score, your Final Exam grade will replace your lowest test score.  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 a minimum of 1 (one) hour receiving help in the Math Outreach Center (Durrett Room 104) before you will be allowed to take the next exam.  Documentation of your time spent in the ORC must be stapled to your completed review before you will be allowed to take your next exam.

Final Exam:  A comprehensive Final Exam will be given on the following date as directed by the official Amarillo College Schedule:  Section 1314-004, Thursday, December 14th at 10:30am in our regular classroom.        

Grading Policy:	Percentages:	Grading Scale:	Grade:
Focus Problem Grade	15%	90 - 100%	A
Online MyMathLab Homework	10%	80 - 89%	B
Major Chapter Exams (4 @12.5% each)	50%	70 - 79%	C
Final Exam	20%	60 - 69%	D
Exam Reviews	5%	below 60%	F

USING AC Connect/Blackboard TO 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 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 2017FA College Algebra 1314-004 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. 

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 each and every class time, do your homework and reviews, 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 success in this course.  It is the responsibility of the student to scan their AC ID 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 tardy or absent.

Students are expected to attend class with Course Manual notes and calculator. 

If you are absent for any reason, YOU are responsible for obtaining the assignments and notes from a fellow student in this class.  You will still be responsible for completing all FOCUS and homework assignments on time.  It is good idea to get contact information of a class mate right now for just such a situation:  ________________________________________________________. 

The deadline for withdrawing from this class at AC for the Fall II 2017 Semester is Wednesday, December 6^th. In order to be allowed to drop from this course with a “W”, you must personally meet with and obtain a signed "Withdrawal Approval Form" from your instructor.  Instructor approval is based on the efforts of the student to complete homework and test assignments.  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.   Students who do not attend class nor complete any homework or tests in this course by the Census date for this course, October 30^th, will be administratively dropped from this course.

Calendar

Additional Information

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

MATH LAB RULES

• 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. 
• 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,in this syllabus, and in the lab itself. 
• 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 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!