Fundamentals of Mathematics I Syllabus for 2019-2020
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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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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Course

MATH-1350-003 Fundamentals of Mathematics I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: MATH 1314-minimum grade of C or Department Chair consent For Education majors

Course Description

Elementary concepts of sets, functions, numerations systems, number theory and properties of the natural numbers; integers; rational and real number systems with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking.

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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Optional:  Long, DeTemple, Millman, Mathematical Reasoning for Elementary Teachers, Seventh Edition.  Pearson Addison-Wesley, 2015.

Required:  MyLab and Mastering Student Access Kit by Pearson.

Supplies

TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator (scientific is acceptable, but TI-84 recommended) and access to a computer with Internet.  A TI-Nspire calculator is not acceptable.

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Explain and model the arithmetic operations for whole numbers and integers.
2. Explain and model computations with fractions, decimals, ratios, and percentages.
3. Describe and demonstrate how factors, multiples, and prime numbers are used to solve problems.
4. Apply problem solving skills to numerical applications.
5. Represent and describe relationships among sets using the appropriate mathematical terminology and notation.
6. Compare and contrast structures of numeration systems.

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

POLICY ON CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM:  Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in any math course at Amarillo College. Students that cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test will receive an automatic “F” in the course.  This grade will go on your permanent transcript and cannot be removed.  Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones, copying or leaving the Math Testing Center with a test or questions from a test. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test.
 
You will be taking your midterm and final exam in the Math Testing Room.  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.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS/CLASSROOM GROUND RULES:  Students are expected to behave in the online environment the same way as in a traditional classroom.    In order to receive credit for a course, all material listed on the syllabus must be covered.  The instructor sets the pace to ensure that these requirements are met.  Complaining about the pace will not result in less material being covered.  Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or “Student Rights & Responsibilities” will be subject to disciplinary action which may include but is not limited to; denied access to online course, consultation with department chair and/or other AC authority, withdrawal from the course and/or the college.

Grading Criteria

The final grades of A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69), and F (below 60) will be computed as follows:

Online Exams (drop lowest 1)	40%
Midterm/Final (20% each)	40%
Online Homework Average	15%
Lesson Activities Average	5%

 

Attendance

1. I will communicate with you in Blackboard, so it is important for you to log-in regularly to check course announcements and updates.
2. If you log-in regularly, you are more likely to keep up with your work and finish each lesson in a timely manner.
3. I am required to verify that you participated and were present in the course.  In a face-to-face course, I would take attendance.  With online courses, this is accomplished through online work.
   
   The deadline for dropping this course is October 8, 2019. Students now have to visit with the instructor and complete a drop request form before being allowed to withdraw from a course.  It is the student's responsibility to turn the form into the registrar once the instructor has signed it.  Deadline for letting me know you want to drop is 5pm on October 7.  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

Expectations and Requirements for this course

Every online class is different; it makes sense to outline my policies and expectations so that each student is well informed as they begin the class as to what will be required of them.

1. This is a difficult course! Online classes are not necessarily more difficult than in-class courses, but they require self discipline and motivation. You will be expected to learn the material through reading the textbook, reading the instructor notes, and finishing the homework on MyMathLab
2. You need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and a dependable printer to produce class notes.  By signing up for an online course, you are communicating that you have access to such tools.
3. This class demands a great deal of time. Online courses often take more time than in-class delivery courses. Please expect to spend at least 5-20 hours each week on this course.  If your other life commitments do not allow you this amount of time to spend on the course, you may want to choose another course or delivery method.
4. Deadlines are your responsibility. Due dates are posted on the MyMathLab website and on the syllabus.
5. Technical difficulties happen. If you are kicked out of an exam, email me immediately!  I will do my best to reset your exam in a timely manner.  Please don't panic, I am here to work with you.  However, completing online exams a few days ahead of time ensures that if you have any technical difficulties, we can take care of them before the due date.
6. You are responsible for getting help when you need it.  On the MyMathLab website, there are power points, videos, and step by step tutorials you can access for each homework problem you complete.  Take advantage of it!

 

Weekly Routine

At the beginning of each week, the student should first log in to Blackboard.  In the Foundations of Math I course, navigate to the "Weekly Lessons" link and locate the lesson for the week.  Read the lesson Start Here document.  Here you will find information about what you need to complete for the week.  Work through the information in the "start here" document.  Then, go to the MyMathLab link and complete the online MyMathLab homework.  Take assigned exams on MyMathLab by the deadlines posted on MyMathLab and on the sylalbus.

 

TEAMWORK

This class requires that we work together as a TEAM.  Each of you can be successful in this course if we both put forth our best efforts and work together. 

As your instructor, I pledge to:

• Present the material to you in an organized manner
• Maintain the course on Blackboard and MyMathLab
• Answer your questions in a timely manner

As a student, I expect you to:

• Log in to Blackboard regularly & check email regularly
• Put in the time it takes to read and comprehend the material presented in each weekly module
• Complete your assignments in a timely manner
• Take responsibility for your own learning
• Ask for help when you need it

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!