College Algebra Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

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. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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-1314-003 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 Resources Student 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

Required:  MyLab and Mastering Math Student Access Code by Pearson. 

Optional: Textbook
College Algebra 5th Edition
Author(s): Trigsted, Kirk
Textbook ISBN-13: 9780137913114

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 Center.

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). Using your cell phone to complete the online homework is not recommended. 

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.

Student Performance

Your success is important to me.  A few skills you will need to succeed in this course and in life include:

1. A growth mindset
2. Strong time-management skills
3. Organizational skills
4. Study skills
5. Willingness to learn
6. Commitment to success

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

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

Students are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment. For a full discussion of appropriate behavior and student responsibilities, please refer to the Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook which can be accessed using the link above or through the AC Website http://www.actx.edu .  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 a zero on an assignment or test, an F in the course, or permanent removal from the classroom.

Plagiarism and cheating cannot be tolerated in any math course at Amarillo College.  On the first day of class, you will 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, but is not limited to:  the use of a cell phone, notes, note cards, or books during an exam, copying work from another student, or leaving the classroom or Math Testing Center with a test or questions from a test.  Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students cheat on a test".  You will not be allowed to take your tests until this contract is signed and on file with your instructor.  Please Note:  NO CELL PHONES or smart watches may be used during an exam in class or in the Math Testing Lab.  If your phone and/or watch is out at any time for any reason during while in the Testing Room, you will receive an automatic "F" for the course.

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.

Videos/Photos:  Students should ask permission before taking pictures or videos of the instructor's work or lessons.

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:  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. These MyMathLab due dates will be posted on the class schedule in Blackboard and also on the MyMathLab website. No late homework will be accepted. Though this homework will be submitted online, please keep an organized log of written work to accompany each homework assignment to better learn the process of solving problems. At the end of the semester, the two lowest MyMathLab grades will be dropped.  

Checkpoint Worksheets:  Checkpoint worksheets are found in Blackboard.  You will need to print these out.  These worksheets cover the highlights from each section and will help you prepare for your written exams. Due dates will be given in class. 

Exam Review Worksheets:  Review worksheets are found in Blackboard and will be printed out and used to assist you in studying. The completed review worksheet will be turned in to the Math Testing Center when you test and is your "ticket" to test. You will be unable to take the exam until you submit a completed review. You may not turn in the "Class Copy Review" to the Testing Center. 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 and one comprehensive final exam will be given throughout the course and must be completed in pencil. Due dates for exams are announced in class, and no late exams will be accepted. At the end of the semester, your final exam grade will replace your lowest exam grade if it is higher.  All exams will be given outside of class in the Math Testing Center.  

Mandatory Tutoring:  If your overall average falls below 75 after any unit exam, you will be required to complete one hour of tutoring and a Tutoring For Success Worksheet before taking the next exam. Tutoring may be completed on campus in the Math Academic Success Center in Durrett Hall Room 104.

Final Exam:  A comprehensive final exam will be due by Wednesday, March 11, 2026 by Noon.  The final exam counts 20% of your grade. If the grade you make on the final exam is higher than your lowest test, it will count for the final exam grade and replace your lowest test grade, comprising a total of 35% of your grade.  

Extra Credit/Late Work: Extra credit will not be given and late work is not accepted for credit. 

Attendance

Attendance: It is important for you to be on time and prepared for class, actively participate and be on task in class daily. Missing class prohibits you from gaining the material you need to be successful in this class and hinders your ability to engage with your classmates. Attendance will be taken every day at the beginning of each class, so please be on time.  If you are more than 10 minutes late or you leave class early without prior permission, you will be counted absent for the day. Students will be allowed to miss one class without penalty. Starting with the second absence, five points will be deducted from the starting attendance grade of 100 for each absence. Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence, and no differentiation will be made as to excused or unexcused absences.   

The deadline to drop this course is Tuesday, March 3, 2026.  To complete the drop process, you must notify me of your intent to drop by 3:00 pm on March 2, 2026.  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

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.

GETTING STARTED WITH MYMATHLAB

To register for MyMathLab:  
     1. Log in to our class in Blackboard.
     2. Click the MyMathLab link, and click "Open Pearson" or "Open MyLab and Mastering."
     3. Create your Pearson account or log into a previously existing account.
     4. Select any available access option, if asked.
          » Enter a prepaid access code that came from the bookstore.
          » OR Buy instant access using a credit card or PayPal.
          » OR Select "Get temporary access without payment for 14 days."
     4. Select "Go to my course."
     5. Select College Algebra (1314-003, Spring I 2026) from My Courses.

To sign in later:
     1.  Select MyMathLab from the Content section of our course in Blackboard.
     2.  Click "Go to Course Home."
OR:
     1. Go to https://mlm.pearson.com
     2. Sign in with the same Pearson account you used before.
     3. Select College Algebra (1314-003, Spring I 2026) from My Courses.

TUTORING

Tutoring may be completed in the Math Academic Success Center in person on campus (Ware 4th Floor) 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

TESTING

The Math Testing Lab is located in Ware, Room 123.