College Algebra for STEM Majors 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-1414-007 College Algebra for STEM Majors

Prerequisites

Prerequisite:Scores on a state-approved test indicating college-level math skills Corequisite: MATH 0315

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

(4 sem hrs; 4 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required: Daily homework will be completed online using MyMathLab, where an electronic version of the text is accessible.

Optional Textbook: College Algebra, 11th edition, by Michael Sullivan, Prentice Hall

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:  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 highter 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 and PREPARED for class daily.  Students should participate in class in a positive manner.  Using foul language in emails or discussions will not be tolerated and may result in possible removal from the course.  You are expected to express yourself with courtesy and consideration at all times.  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. 

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 regardless of the testing venue.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board sets the topics that must be covered in order to receive credit for a course. The instructor sets the pace to ensure that these requirements are met. Any student having trouble maintaining the pace should seek extra help from the instructor and/or a tutor.

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:

Category

Percentage of Total Grade

Online Homework (Drop 2 lowest grades)

Core Problems (Drop 2 lowest grades)

Reviews

Attendance

10%

10%

5%

5%

Exams (4 Exams, No drop grades)

Final Exam

50%

20%

Online Homework:  All homework will be completed online using the MyMathLab website. Help buttons will be available for each problem in MyMathLab, and you may rework problems multiple times until you get the correct answer. You may continue working on all the assignments on MyMathLab until the due date. No late homework will be accepted. These MyMathLab due dates will be posted on the course calendar on Blackboard and also on the MyMathLab website. Though this homework will be submitted online, I strongly recommend that you keep an organized log of written work to accompany each homework assignment to better learn the process of solving problems.  

Core Problems:  Students will be required to print core problem worksheets from Blackboard on a weekly basis and bring them to class. During extended time on Mondays and Wednesdays, students will discuss and present solutions to various problems. Attendance is mandatory!  Core problems will be due on Mondays and Wednesdays promptly at 9:00AM. These due dates are also posted on the course calendar in Blackboard. For each day that a set of core problems is late, 10 points will be deducted from the grade.

Review Worksheets:  Following each unit of instruction, a review worksheet can be printed from Blackboard. Students must complete this review, and submit it in the Math Testing Lab as a "ticket" to take the exam. You will not be allowed to take the exam until you submit a completed review.  Reviews will be graded based on completion.  If you miss an exam and do not submit a review, you will receive a zero for the review.  No review grades will be dropped, and no late reviews will be accepted.

Exams:  Four unit exams will be given outside of class in the Math Testing Lab.  Due dates for exams are posted in the class schedule on Blackboard, and no late exams will be accepted.   

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

Final Exam:  A comprehensive final exam will be given on Week 8. The deadline for completing the final exam is Wednesday, December 11th by 10pm. The final may not be taken beyond that date. The final exam counts 20% of your grade. If the grade of the final exam is higher than your lowest test, it will replace that grade. 

Extra Credit: Extra credit will not be given.

Attendance

Daily attendance is required in both lecture and extended time.

If you miss lecture, you can keep up with class by reading the corresponding section in the textbook.

If you miss the extended time, you are responsible for completing the required assignments and submitting them on time.

The deadline to drop this course is Wednesday, December 4th, 2024.  To complete the drop process, you must submit your drop form to me by noon on December 4th and submit it to the Registrar that day. 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

Tentative Schedule:  This schedule is subject to change by the instructor at any ime.

Week 1Syllabus, R.2, R.4, R.5, R.7, R.8
Week 21.1, 1.2, 1.3, Exam 1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7
Week 32.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4-3.5, Exam 2
Week 44.3, 4.4, 5.1-5.2, 5.6, 5.3, 5.4
Week 5Exam 3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5
Week 66.6, 6.7-6.8
Week 7Exam 4, 2.1, 2.4, 7.3, 7.4, 8.1-8.2
Week 8Final Review and Final Exam due by 12/11

Additional Information

Additional FREE Resources for Help

Tutoring can be completed online. You may access these services at https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/.

Or, join an ongoing Zoom Meeting: at  https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID:  541 139 851

Outreach Tutoring Center Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 8:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am - 8:00pm

371-5119

Math Testing Center Hours

Monday - Thursday:  9:00am - 10:00pm

Friday - Saturday: 9:00am - 8:00pm

*Last exam handed out 1 hour before close

Syllabus Created on:

10/19/24 2:46 PM

Last Edited on:

10/20/24 4:53 PM