College Algebra Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Engineering 201B

Office Hours

I'll stay after class if you have questions or need help.  You can also contact me through email at tdholmes22@actx.edu.

Others by appointment

Course Information

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 Student Service Center office 112. 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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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-1314-014 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

Required: MyMathLab student access kit purchased from the Amarillo College Bookstore.

Supplies

Required: MyMathLab access code

Supplies

Computer and Printer:  In order to access and complete course work, students will need a reliable computer to use on a daily basis.  A printer is also necessary, as students will be required to print notes, labs, and other course materials.  A device with a camera (such as a cell phone, tablet, or laptop) will also be necessary for scanning and submitting written work.

Internet:  Students will need daily access to the internet to attend remote class/lab meetings, access lecture videos, and to complete online homework.

If your technology at home isn’t working or working well, we will have options to help you. The Underground will be open on Washington street and is following the CDC safety procedures to protect you, us, and everyone else. The Underground has the technology you need as well as the people who can help you log-in, learn how to operate Blackboard or other tools your professor will use. YOU CAN BE SUCCESSFUL! No matter what, AC will help you. Even if you don’t feel confident with your technology or technology skills, we can help you.

Calculator:  A graphing calculator is required for this course.  All classroom demonstrations will be done on the TI-84 Plus.  Other forms of Texas Instruments or Casio calculators will be permitted at the instructor's discretion.  However, the TI-89, TI-92, or TI-Nspire calculators may not be used during exams.

Textbook:  The textbook is not required for this class.

MyMathLab:  Students must have access to MyMathLab by purchasing the student access kit from the Amarillo College Bookstore. 

Getting Started with MyMathLab 

 To access MyMathLab where your online homework is located, first log into our course in Blackboard.   You will need the following information:

Student Access Code: If you chose to purchase a new textbook, the student access code can be found in the MyMathLab kit wrapped with your textbook. If you chose not to purchase the textbook, you can buy the access code online with a credit card  during the registration process.

Email Address: Use the address you check most often.

To register and enroll

  1. Log into your Blackboard course.  Click the MyMathLab link at the left of the page.

    Tip: If you have previously linked your Blackboard and Pearson accounts, you are taken directly to the Pearson payment page. Go to step 4.

  2. Review the license agreement and privacy policy and click I Accept.
  3. To link your Blackboard and Pearson accounts, enter your Pearson account username and password.

    If you do not have a Pearson account, click Create and follow the instructions.

  4. Select an access option:
    • Enter your access code
  5. From the You’re Done page, click Go to My Courses.

    You'll also get a confirmation email.

To get started after registering:

1.)  Log into Blackboard by clicking the AC Connect button at the college website www.actx.edu. 
2.)  Click the MyMathLab link at the left of the page in our course in Blackboard.
3.)  Click the SECOND link, "MyMathLab with Pearson e-text Course Home." This is where you can review previously submitted assignments by clicking on Gradebook or Review.
4.)  To work on assignments, click the “Homework” button, and choose the section you wish to complete.
5.) To access the textbook, click the “Chapter Contents” button, and choose the chapter and section you wish to view.
6.) To view a power point presentation of a particular section, click the “Multimedia Library” button, and choose the chapter and section you wish to view or print.
7.) Under the “Homework” button, START YOUR FIRST HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT, “Orientation”

**If your MyMathLab access code has not come in there is a 14 day free access code that you can access on the MyMathLab site.  This will help you not get behind.**

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

  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

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

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 by reading the textbook (or ebook on MyMathLab), watching the videos, and finishing the homework, reviews, and exams on MyMathLab.

2. 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.

3. Deadlines are your responsibility. Due dates are included in the weekly assignment which is posted on Blackboard every Monday morning.  Please note that NO extensions will be granted for the deadlines specified in the weekly assignments.

4. Technical difficulties happen. If you experience problems, email me immediately.  I will do my best to assist you.  Please don't panic, I am here to work with you.  However, completing assignments and 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 to keep you on schedule.

5. If a student makes below 70 on any major exam, the student will be required to spend one hour in the ORC before the student will be allowed to take the next exam.  

6. You are responsible for getting help when you need it: 
a.) Your instructor is your first, BEST resource for help.  Feel free to come to the office hours or make an appointment. 
b.) Free one-on-one tutoring at the Student Outreach Center currently seeing students in person on a limited basis, in Durrett 104. You will need your AC ID  to sign in.  Hours: Mon-Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 9am - 8pm, Sun closed.  You may also meet with the Student Outreach Center virtually by zoom.  Virtual Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/541139851  Meeting ID: 541 139 851
c.) On the MyMathLab website, there are power points, additional videos, and step by step tutorials you can access for each homework problem you complete.  
d.) Smarthinking online tutoring has qualified instructors available to assist you online.  There is a registration link in Blackboard.

 

ONLINE COMMUNICATION

Your online presence in the course will be established through online correspondence with me.  Through any venue, disrespectful language will not be tolerated.  Using foul language in emails or discussions will result in receiving a zero for that assignment and possible removal from the course.  You are expected to express yourself with courtesy and consideration at all times.  This attitude of respect also applies to the proctors for the midterm and final exams.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and "Student Rights & Responsibilities" will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to: removal from the course, consultation with the department chair or other AC authority, or withdraw from the course or college.

Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the rules and regulations described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook under Student Conduct and Responsibilities.  Consequences for cheating may include  receiving a zero for an assignment, permanent removal from the class, or failing the 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 another student’s paper, submitting another student's work for your own, or using any unauthorized sources of information while taking an exam.  Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students to cheat on an assignment or test.

Grading Criteria

Your course grade (90-100 A, 80-89 B, 70-79 C, 60-69 D, below 60 F) will be calculated using the following weights:

Grading Policy:

Percentages:

Grading Scale:

Grade:

MML Homework (drop lowest 2 grades) 10%

90 - 100%

A

Exam Reviews (5 Reviews)

10%

80 - 89%

B

 Exams (5 Exams)

60%

70 - 79%

C

Final Exam (can replace lowest Exam grade)

20%

60 - 69%

D

 

 

below 60%

F

**If your average is less than 70% at the time of the final, or if you missed a unit exam, you will be required to take the conditional final exam.  If your average is 70% or above, but you are unhappy with your grade, you can also take the conditional final exam to try to raise your average.  If however, your average is 70% or above and you are content with your grade, you will not be required to take the conditional final exam.

Homework, unit reviews, and unit exams will be completed on MyMathLab (the link is on our Blackboard course)

Attendance

Through distance learning, you will establish your presence online. Course grades will be posted on Blackboard.  You will need to check your email and grades.  In addition, you will need to log into MyMathLab regularly to complete homework.

Remember that the deadline for withdrawing from this class is Wednesday December 8, 2021.

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 obtain additional signatures and turn the form into the registrar once the instructor has signed it.  Deadline for letting me know you want to drop is noon on December 7, 2021.  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

Calendar and Homework Assignments (subject to change at any time by your instructor)

Week 1:  Orientation, Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Week 2:  Section 1.4, Unit 1 Test, Section 2.1

Week 3:  Sections 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, Unit 2 Test

Week 4:  Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4

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

Week 6:  Sections 4.4, Unit 4 Test, Section 5.1

Week 7:  Sections 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, Unit 5 Test

Week 8:  Conditional Final Exam 

Weekly assignments are due on MyMathLab Monday the week after they are assigned by 11:59 PM.  (This includes online HW)

Additional Information

Syllabus Created on:

10/24/21 2:18 PM

Last Edited on:

11/07/21 1:33 PM