College Algebra Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Moore County Campus, Room 139</p>

Office Hours

The hours listed below are YOUR TIME to come get support directly from the instructor. Please take advantage of this time to ask questions or discuss concerns. I have an open door policy – if my office door is open, please come in!

Monday: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 11:15 to noon

Thursday: 2:30 to 3 p.m.

The best way to reach me is through email or Blackboard message. I check email regularly and will usually respond same day or the next day Monday through Thursday. I may not check email consistently after 5 p.m., or on the weekends (including Friday), so if you email after 5 p.m. on Thursday, you can expect a response on Monday.

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-1314-121 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Back to Basics College Algebra Notebook (Available to print on Blackboard)

Supplies

  • Access to a Computer
  • Access code for MyLabMath
  • Graphing Calculator:  You are required to bring your calculator to EVERY class.  A TI-84 series calculator is preferred and will be used by the instructor.  No calculators with logic or factoring capabilities are allowed (TI-89, nspire).  Note:  TI-83 calculators do not have enough functionality for this course.
  • 3-ring Binder
  • Printed Course Documents From Blackboard
  • Dividers
  • Pencils
  • Graph Paper & College Ruled Notebook Paper
  • Stapler
  • Amarillo College student I.D. (for testing and tutoring)
  • Optional - Highlighters, Colored Pens/Pencils for Note Taking (NO RED!)

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

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.  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 (loud snoring?). 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. We will take a quick break during class - snacks/drinks are welcome.

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. Does anyone still use a pager?

Videos/Photos: Students must receive instructor consent before taking pictures or videos of the instructor's work or lessons. I will post photos of the notes as they are presented on the whiteboard after each class for you to access. This is NOT a substitute for coming to class, but is made available in case you missed something in your notes.

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. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying from another student’s paper or using any unauthorized sources of information (i.e., your cell phone) while taking an exam or quiz.  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 your instructor's office.   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! And yes, this will actually happen.

Grading Criteria

Homework (15%):  Daily homework will consist of online assignments. Online assignments will be submitted using MyLab Math and will be automatically graded on the website.  Details on how to register and enroll in MyMathLab will be given in class.  Assignment deadlines will be indicated in MyMathLab with each homework set. Late homework will not be accepted. You are encouraged to work the problems using pencil/paper and keep this written work in your notebook to help prepare for the written exams.

In order to compensate for life situations, I will allow for a week's extension on homework once, with the exception of the last set of homework. If you need extra time, you must let me know by messaging me through Blackboard or via email.

Focus Problems: Focus Problems will be assigned after the completion of each section and will count as a Homework grade. Focus Problems are to be printed off from Blackboard and completed in pencil in the space provided, showing all work/steps as presented in class. Focus Problems will be graded like an exam problem, where partial credit will be given as applicable. If you receive below a 70 on a Focus Problem, it may be resubmitted for corrections up to a grade of 70 one time. Late Focus Problems will be accepted for half credit and are NOT eligible for corrections.

Exam Reviews (5%):  Exam reviews will be assigned before each exam and are to be turned in to the Testing Center 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 an Exam Review packet.  Late reviews will not be accepted after the exam due date. It is highly recommended to work the exam review multiple times to prepare for each exam.

Exams (50%): Four exams will be given and are to be completed in the Testing Center outside of class time. Exams must be completed by the due date given in class. Late exams will not be given. Do not schedule your exam during class time. The Testing Center rules are included at the end of the syllabus.  Students must show an Amarillo College ID and turn in an exam review before testing. Please also either leave your cell phone in your vehicle or turn it in at the front desk before entering the Testing Center.  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 Testing Center.  At the end of the semester, if you miss an exam or score low on an exam you may replace the score with the grade you make on the final exam if the final exam score is higher than your lowest exam score. This applies to only one exam.  All graded exams will be kept on file in your instructor's office.  Each exam counts as 12.5% of your grade, which means that the average of the exams will count as 50% of your grade. 

Mandatory Tutoring:  If your grade in the course falls below a 75 at any point in the class, you will be required to complete one hour of tutoring before taking the next exam.  Tutoring may be completed on campus in the Math Academic Success Center or virtually through the Math Academic Success Center.  Note that you will not be allowed to take the next exam until you complete the required tutoring.

Final Exam (20%):  A comprehensive final exam will be given in Week 8.  The deadline for completing the final exam is Wednesday, March 5, 2025.  The final may not be taken beyond that date. The final exam counts for 20% of your grade.  If the grade you make on the final exam is higher than your lowest regular exam grade, it will count for both the final exam grade and will replace your lowest exam grade.

Extra Credit: I may or may not provide extra credit opportunities depending on how I feel. Must be present to win.

Attendance (5%):  You will receive an Attendance grade in this class. You will be allowed to miss two class days without penalty.  Starting with the third absence, five points will be deducted from the starting attendance/participation grade of 100 for each absence. Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence. Please contact me via email or Blackboard message before class for an excused absence. More information regarding attendance is provided below.

Note Check: At the end of the semester, your notebook will be checked for completion of the course notes. A rubric will be provided on the first day of class.  This will count as 5% of your grade.

Math 1314 and Math 0314 are linked together and known as a co-requisite pairing.  Successful completion of both courses is essential.  One course cannot be dropped without dropping both classes, which might have serious financial aid consequences.  To earn credit, you must pass with a “C” or better average in both courses.  Each of the two classes will have course specific requirements; however, because Math 0314 and Math 1314 are fully integrated, major test grades from Math 1314, including the conditional final and the homework average, will count in both course gradebooks.

Grading Policy:

Percentages:

Grading Scale:

Grade:

 Homework

15%

90 - 100%

A

Exam Reviews 

5%

80 - 89%

B

Unit Exams (4 @12.5% each)

50%

70 - 79%

C

Attendance

5%

60 - 69%

D

Final Exam

20%

below 60%

F

Note Check

5%

 

 

Last Day To Take Final Exam: Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

TEAMWORK and HARD WORK: These co-requisite courses require team work.  We will all work together as a team to be successful.  My goal is to present the material to you in an organized manner and to teach you the concepts. I will also work closely with your Math 0314 instructor, who will build foundational skills to help support the materials presented in our Math 1314 class. Your part is to come to class, do your homework, focus problems, and reviews, and go to tutoring or come to my office for help. This class is a lot of work! If you commit to making this class a priority in your life for 8 short weeks, you will most likely be successful. I look forward to working with you this semester!

Attendance

Attendance:  This is a really fast-paced class and attendance is essential. We have a lot to cover in 8 short weeks and if you miss class just once, you will miss huge chunks of information. Please be on time, and prepared for class, adequately caffeinated, and ready to actively participate in class every day.  You will be allowed to miss two class days without penalty.  Starting with the third absence, five points will be deducted from the starting attendance/participation grade of 100 for each absence. Sometimes I will pass around a sign-in sheet and sometimes, I will take attendance in other ways. It is your responsibility to make sure you are counted present. Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence. Please contact me via email or Blackboard message before class for an excused absence due to illness or other valid reason. Not hearing your alarm go off is not an excused absence (good try, though!). If you are absent for any reason, you are responsible for catching up on deadlines, assignments and notes.

WITHDRAWAL: Last day to withdraw or drop this course is Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Please come visit with me and/or your advisor before dropping this course to understand the full consequences of dropping. You must complete a drop request form before being allowed to withdraw from a course. It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary signatures and turn the form into the registrar once the form has been signed. Please let me know you want to drop by noon on Monday, February 24, 2025. If you stop coming to class and your average drops below a 60 due to missed assignments and you do not officially drop the course by withdrawal date, you will receive an F for the course.  Note:  Late drops CANNOT be given under any circumstances.

Calendar

Course Calendar (subject to change at any time by your instructor)

Week 1:  Welcome/Introductions, Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Week 2:  Section 1.4, Unit 1 Review & Test, Sections 5.2, 2.1, 2.2

Week 3:  Sections 2.2, 2.3, 2.4

Week 4:  Unit 2 Review & Test, Sections 3.1, 3.2

Week 5:  Sections 3.3, 3.4, Unit 3 Review, Section 4.1

Week 6:  Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, Unit 3 Exam, Unit 4 Review

Week 7:  Unit 4 Exam, Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, Final Exam Review

Week 8:  Final Exam Review, Final Exam

Additional Information

Tutoring:

Moore County Campus 
Monday9 am to 4 pm 
Tuesday8:30 am to 5 pm 
Wednesday9 am to 5 pm 
Thursday8:30 am to 5 pm 
FridayTBD 
Washington St. In-Person
Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Washington St. Remote Tutoring
Monday - Thursday9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Link to Zoom Tutoring

Testing:

Moore County Campus Testing Center
Monday3:30 to 8 pm
Tuesday9:30 am to 1:30 pm / 3:30 to 8 pm
Wednesday9:30 am to 1:30 pm / 3:30 to 8 pm
Thursday9:30 am to 1:30 pm / 2 to 8 pm
Friday9:30 am to 1:30 pm

Please note that no test will be given with less than 2 hours before the testing center closes. You must make an appointment ahead of time to take your exams. DO NOT wait until the last minute to get a spot on the schedule.

Syllabus Created on:

01/06/25 3:14 PM

Last Edited on:

01/14/25 10:45 AM