College Algebra for STEM Majors Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Phone

Office Location

Room 215

Office Hours

Daily from 7:30 - 8 and from 3:00 to 4:00

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-1414-011 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:  MML Code purchased from the AC Bookstore.

COVID 19 - UPDATE:  The contents you need for this course will be available on Blackboard under Content.  Access to a working computer with reliable internet access is REQUIRED.

Supplies

  • Graphing Calculator:  Calculators will be provided during class time.  You are required to bring your calculator to EVERY class.  A TI-84 Plus calculator is preferred and will be used by the instructor.  No calculators with logic or factoring capabilities are allowed (TI-89, nspire).  
  • Course Notebook (as explained under textbook)
  • Pencils
  • Graph Paper & College Ruled Notebook Paper
  • Amarillo College student I.D. (for testing, tutoring, and entrance into the Ware Underground)
  • Optional - Colored Pens/Pencils for Note Taking

    COVID-19 UPDATE:  You will need a working laptop, computer, tablet, or phone to participate in remote class meetings, watch video lectures, and complete online homework and tests.

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:  Due to the COVID-19 situation, this class will meet remotely during our usual scheduled class time using the Google Hangouts Meeting capability.  Information on how to access these meetings will be sent to your official Amarillo College email address.  Students are expected to log in to each class meeting, watch lecture videos, and complete notes Monday through Thursday each week.  In addition, students will be expected to complete online homework, reviews and exams using the MyMathLab website.  Information on how to register for MyMathLab will be available in our class in Blackboard.  The WARE Underground is open on the Washington Street Campus with computer access and tech support for your personal devices.

Students are expected to be ON TIME, PREPARED and READY TO WORK, and PARTICIPATE DURING CLASS in a positive manner.  Students are expected to read the syllabus and to sign and turn in a course contract before the first exam can be taken by the student.  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 other personal projects during class time, or engaging in any other form of distraction.  For a full discussion of appropriate behavior and student responsibilities, pleases 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, Drafting & Data Science Department that food and drink be allowed in the classroom setting, at the discretion of the instructor's discretion.

Phones/Pagers:  It it the policy of the Mathematics, Engineering, Drafting & Data Science Department that cell phones and pagers must be turned off or in silent mode in the classrooms and the computer labs.

Videos/Photos:  Students must receive instructor consent before taking pictures or videos of the instructor's work or lessons.

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 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!

Communication:  Students will be required to participate in remote class meetings.  An attitude of courtesy and respect will be required at all times.  Students are also encouraged to communicate with the instructor by email to address any concerns about the course on a regular basis.

Grading Criteria

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.  Due dates will be posted on the class schedule in 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.

Student Resources to get help with your math homework assignments: 

  1. Your instructor is your first, BEST resource for help.  Feel free to ask questions during remote class meetings or to contact me by email.
  2. Free one-on-one tutoring through the Academic Success Center for Math:  Access online at https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/.
  3. Smarthinking online tutoring has qualified instructors available to assist you online.  There is a registration link in Blackboard.

Online Test Reviews:  Reviews will be assigned on MyMathLab before each major exam.  Each review functions as a practice exam.  Expect your grade on the exam to be similar to your grade on the review.  Keep in mind that you may work the review problems multiple times to keep improving your grade and to better prepare for the exam.

Exams:  Five unit exams will be given on MyMathLab.  Due dates are posted in the class schedule in Blackboard and also on MyMathLab.  If you score below a 70 on any unit exam, you will be required to complete one hour of tutoring before taking the next exam.  This will be completed online at https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/.  

Low Exam Retake:  At the end of the semester, if your average is less than 70 or you did not complete a unit exam, you will be required to retake your lowest unit exam on MyMathLab.  If your average is higher than 70 but you wish to improve your grade, you will also be given the opportunity to retake your lowest exam on MyMathLab.  However, if your average is 70 or above AND you are content with your grade, you will not be required to retake any unit exam.         

Extra Credit: Extra credit will not be given.

Grading Policy:

Percentages:

Grading Scale:

Grade:

Attendance
           5%

90 - 100%

A

MyMathLab Homework (Drop 2 Lowest Grades)

20%

80 - 89%

B

MyMathLab Reviews (5 Reviews, no drops)

 5%

70 - 79%

C

MyMathLab Unit Exams (5 Exams, no drops)

70%

60 - 69%

D

   

below 60%

F

                  

TEAMWORK:  We will all work together as a team to be successful.  My part is to present the material to you in an organized manner and to help you with any questions that might arise as we cover each section.  Your part is to come to class, do your homework problems, reviews, and exams and come to tutoring or to my office for help.  I look forward to working together this semester!

Attendance

Attendance: Your presence during the remote class meeting is required.  Attendance will be taken each day of your remote tech supported class.  You will receive one excused absence; however after your first absence you attendance grade will decrease by 5 points per day absent.  If you are having internet difficulties, please notify me.     You also need to log in to Blackboard Monday through Thursday to get to the virtual class, check the schedule, email, access notes and lecture videos, and to connect to MyMathLab.  Blackboard keeps a record each time you log in, and this information is very helpful.  If questions arise concerning attendance, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Attendance everyday is important.

The deadline to drop this course is March 2, 2021.  To complete the drop process, you must submit your drop form to me by noon on  March 2 and submit it to the Registrar that day.  (We will be able to complete this electronically.)   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, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Week 2:  1.4, Unit 1 Test, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Week 3:  2.4, Unit 2 Test, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3

Week 4:  3.4, Unit 3 Test, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4

Week 5:   4.4, Unit 4 Test, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4

Week 6:  Unit 5 Test, Conditional Unit Exam Retake

Additional Information

Resources:  

1.  You instructor is your first and best resource for any help.  As you know, success in a math class takes work, commitment, and perseverance.  As your instructor, I am here to facilitate your efforts to reach your educational goals.  I am looking forward to working with each and every one of you this semester.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if I might provide assistance.

2.  COVID-19 UPDATE:  Tutoring will now 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 - Thursday
8:00am - 8:00pm
Friday
8:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday
9:00am - 8:00pm

371-5119

Syllabus Created on:

02/20/22 3:17 PM

Last Edited on:

02/20/22 3:17 PM