College Algebra Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Administrative Drop Policy

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Course

MATH-1314-001 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

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

Required:  MyMathLab Student Access Code.

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 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 Math Outreach Center and Ware Student Commons 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 attendance, testing, and tutoring)
• MyMathLab 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

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 be ON TIME, PREPARED with homework completed and ready to turn in, and PARTICIPATE DURING CLASS in a positive manner.  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.  Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to the following: the use of cellular phones, texting, making offensive remarks, 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/.  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.  

Videos/Photos: Students must receive instructor consent before taking pictures or videos of the instructor's work or lessons.  

Guests/Children:  It is the policy of the Mathematics & Engineering Department that only students enrolled in this course attend this course.  

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 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 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:  Instructions as to how to access the online homework will be given in class.  

Focus Problem Instructions:  The Focus Problems will be available for you to 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 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.  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 3 lowest Focus Problem grades 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, 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 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.  Reviews will be graded on a completion basis.  Students will get credit for each problem done in pencil and completed with work shown and will receive no credit for those left undone, those with no work shown, 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 including all necessary work.  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 one hour receiving help in the Math Outreach Center before you will be allowed to take the next exam.

Final Exam:  The mandatory comprehensive final exam will be taken in class from 7:30am - 9:15am on the date set by the instructor.         

Extra Credit: Extra credit will not be given.

Attendance:  Students should be on time for class, prepared for class, and actively participate and be on task in class daily.  Students will be allowed to miss one class day without penalty.  Starting with the second absence, five points will be deducted from the starting attendance/participation grade of 100 for each absence.  It is the responsibility of the student to sign the attendance sheet daily.  Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence, and no differentiation will be made as to excused or unexcused absences.  If you are absent for any reason, YOU are responsible for obtaining the assignments and notes. 

Students arriving more than 10 minutes late or leaving class early,  prior to instructor dismissal, will be marked absent.  Students not engaged in class, though physically there, will be marked absent.  Texting, working on homework in class, sleeping, talking while instructor is talking, and other disruptive behavior will get you counted absent.

Grading Policy:	Percentages:	Grading Scale:	Grade:
Focus Problem Grade	10%	90 - 100%	A
Online 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
Attendance	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. 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!

Attendance

Attendance:  Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  The deadline for dropping this course is June 20, 2018.  Students wanting to drop this course must print out a drop request form , obtain all needed signatures, and turn in to the registrar's office before the close of business on the drop date.  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.  Note:  Late drops will NOT be given under any circumstance.

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	8:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday	Saturday
9:00am - 8:00pm	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!