College Algebra Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>E 203A</p>

Office Hours

MTWR 11:45am - 12:30pm

MW 8:15pm - 8:45pm

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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.

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-1314-012 College Algebra

Prerequisites

Prerequisite:Scores on a state-approved test indicating college-level math skills Corequisite: MATH 0314

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:

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 Textbook: 

College Algebra, 8th ed.
Authors:  Blitzer, Robert
(Pearson Education Publishers)

Note:  The physical textbook for this course is optional.  Daily homework will be completed online using MyMathLab, where an electronic version of the text is accessible. 

Supplies

Calculator: You will need a graphing calculator for this course. The recommended calculator is a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus.  Other forms of Texas Instruments or Casio graphing calculators will be permitted at the instructors discretion. Note that TI-89s, TI-NSpires, and cell phone graphing calculator apps are not permitted in the Math Testing Lab. 

Internet: You need access to reliable internet service to access the class on a daily basis.  (If your internet service is interrupted, it is also a good idea to have a back up plan for accessing the internet elsewhere so that you can complete your school work!)

Electronic Devices:  You will need a working laptop, computer, tablet, or phone with a functioning camera to watch video lectures, complete online homework, and to participate in remote tutoring (if the need arises).

Printing:  You will also need access to a reliable printer to produce class notes and other materials.  (Computers and printers are available for student use in the Underground in the WARE Building on the Washington Street Campus or in the Math Academic Success Center in Durrett 104.  Every student has $20 pre-loaded onto their student ID to cover printing costs!)

Helpful Apps: To upload work and completed notes, you may want to download a scan app or use the Notes app if you have an iPhone. In the event that you want to participate in remote tutoring, you may want to download the Zoom app

MyMathLab:  Students must have access to MyMathLab by purchasing the student access kit from the Amarillo College Bookstore or paying for access directly online. 

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.

The following Developmental Math topics will be imbedded in this College Algebra course:  Fractions; Factoring; Rules for Exponents; Factor expansion:  distribution, foil, conjugates; Order of Operations; Radical and Complex Numbers; Completing the Square; and other topics as needed.

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 Center.  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.

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 10-15 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.

Grading Criteria

Grading Policy:  Your grade (90-100% A, 80-89% B, 70-79% C, 60-69% D, less than 60 F) will be determined using the following weights:

Online homework (15% of your total grade):  All homework is in MyMathLab.  After registering, click on the "Assignments" button found on the homepage. Help buttons will be available for each problem in MyMathLab, and you may rework problems multiple times until you get the correct answer. Online homework must be submitted before midnight CST on the due date. The due dates for the online homework and tests are on the course schedule in Blackboard and also in MyMathLab. Two lowest homework grades will be dropped.

Note Checks (10% of your total grade): Submit a copy of your notes after you finish watching your lecture video each day. These notes will be submitted in Blackboard each day. 

Online Unit Tests (45% of your total grade):  Five online unit tests will be completed in MyMathLab by the due dates. Each exam has a time limit of 120 minutes. Due dates for exams are posted in the class schedule on Blackboard and in MyMathLab. You must submit work for each exam in Blackboard. No late exams will be accepted. 

Review Worksheets (5% of your total grade): Following each unit of instruction, a review will be available in MML to complete prior to taking the exam. For the final, a final review worksheet will be available in Blackboard. 

Final Exam (25% of your final grade):  The final exam is a proctored exam (Not online). These exams are taken at the Washington Street  Campus or can be proctored at an approved testing site.  Hereford Campus and Moore County Campus have been used by students in the past. You will be required to provide a photo ID to take an exam. If you need to take your midterm and final exam somewhere other than the Washington Street Campus math testing center, you must make arrangements with me by September 29th! There will be a form in Blackboard for you to complete.  If you fail to complete the form by the deadline, you will be required to test at the Washington Street Campus. The deadline for completing the in-person final exam is Wednesday, October 9th by 10pm. The final may not be taken beyond that date. If the grade of the final exam is higher than your lowest test, it will replace that grade. Final Exam:  Available October 7 - 9 (due by 10pm on the 9th)

Keep on track:  All homework, reviews, and tests can be started early. You may work ahead.  Do not to wait until the last minute to start an assignment so that if you are ill or have technical difficulties you are not put in a bind.  

Late Work: Deadlines are your responsibility. Due dates are posted on the MyMathLab website and in Blackboard. However, because this is an online course, I can tailor it to your individual needs without disrupting the flow of the course. If you need a deadline extension for a MyMathLab homework assignment (up to 2 days maximum), please don't hesitate to ask. I will extend ONE online exam (up to 2 days maximum) if you miss a due date. If you submit completed notes late, 5 points will be deducted per day after the due date. No extensions will be granted beyond October 6th. Also, no extensions are available for the final exam.

Note: your current course average is displayed in Blackboard. The average showing in MyMathLab is not correct.

Mandatory Tutoring:  If your overall average drops below a 75 after a major exam, you will be required to complete one hour of tutoring. Tutoring may be completed virtually or in the Math Academic Success Center in Durrett Hall Room 104. 

Extra Credit: Extra credit will not be given.

Attendance

ADMINISTRATIVE DROP POLICY - Students who do not attend class by logging in and complete the all of the following assignments by the census date for this course which is Monday, August 26, 2024, will be administratively dropped from the course. 

1. Sign and submit the course contract via GOOGLE FORM. This form can be found in Blackboard. 

2. Have notes submitted for sections 1.1 - 1.3.

2. Complete the MyMathLab Homework assignments 1.1 - 1.3. 

The deadline to drop this course is Tuesday, October 1st.  To complete the drop process, you must submit your drop form to me by noon on October 1st and submit it to the Registrar that day.  If you stop attending class and your average drops below 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

Tentative Schedule (subject to change at any time by your instructor)

Week 1:  Orientation, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Week 2:  1.4, Unit 1 Review, Unit 1 Test, 2.1, 2.2

Week 3:  2.3, 2.4, Unit 2 Review, Unit 2 Test

Week 4:  3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4

Week 5:  Unit 3 Review, Unit 3 Test, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

Week 6:  4.4, Unit 4 Review, Unit 4 Test, 5.1, 5.2

Week 7:  5.3, 5.4, Unit 5 Review, Unit 5 Test, Final Review 

Week 8: Final Exam - opens 10/7 and due 10/9 by 10pm. 

Additional Information

BLACKBOARD: Students will be required to login to Blackboard via the AC Connect portal on a regular basis to check e-mail, course announcements, grades, and access course materials. To get into Blackboard, go to www.actx.edu and click the AC Connect portal.  Log in to Blackboard.  Once you have logged in, you should see our class listed on your home page. If you need help logging into the site, contact Ask AC at (806) 371-5000

TUTORING: Tutoring may be completed in the Math Academic Success Center in person on campus (Durrett Hall Room 104) or virtually by Zoom.  To join an ongoing Zoom Meeting for tutoring, click the Tutoring Zoom link in Blackboard, or go to  https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID:  541 139 851

AC Connect:  Students will be required to log in to AC Connect on a regular basis to check e-mail, course announcements, and grades. To get into AC Connect, use the website address:  http://acconnect.actx.edu . Once logged in, you should see our class listed on your home page. If you need help logging into the site, contact Ask AC at (806) 371-5000

MyMathLab:  Tech Support: 1-833-585-1828

Free Help:  If you feel yourself getting behind in class or having problems with certain concepts covered, get help immediately. It is YOUR responsibility to get help outside of class.

The following are a few ways to get FREE help outside of class:

  1. Contact your instructor to make an appointment for help.
  2. Get free tutoring from the Academic Success Center - Math (Outreach Center) (Durrett Hall, Room 104, 371-5119).  You will need your AC ID to sign in.  
    Hours: Monday - Friday  8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00am - 8:00 pm., Sunday closed
  3. If you need help with AC Connect, you can contact the AC Help Center at 371-5000, or via email at askac@actx.edu.

Math Testing Center (Durrett 103 – 806.371.5088)
Monday – Thursday 9:00am - 10:00pm       Friday - Saturday 9:00am - 8:00pm
No test will be handed out less than one hour before closing.

In-Person Tutoring: Math Academic Success Center - Durrett 104
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 8 pm
Saturday: 9am - 8 pm

Virtual Tutoring
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/541139851

MATH TESTING CENTER RULES

  • An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take a test in the Math Lab. 
  • Books can be placed in the bookshelf before you request a test but Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • 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
  • Childcare arrangements must be made prior to testing. Children may not accompany students into the testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
  • CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
  • Cell phones must be turned off so as not to disturb other students who are testing. NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. 

Syllabus Created on:

08/13/24 12:00 PM

Last Edited on:

08/17/24 10:18 AM