College Algebra Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Engineering 201D

Office Hours

MTWR 9-9:30AM

(Other times are available 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-LC6 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

College Algebra, 7th ed.
Authors:  Blitzer, Robert
(Pearson Education Publishers)

Note:  The physical textbook for this course is optional.  Daily homework will be completed online using MyMathLab, where an electronic version of the text is accessible. 

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 participate in remote class meetings (if the necessity arises), watch video lectures, and complete online homework. 

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 we need to meet virtually via Zoom, or if 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. 

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

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 will not be tolerated in any math course at Amarillo College.  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, but is not limited to:  the use of a cell phone, notes, notecards, 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 may be used during an exam in class or in the Math Testing Lab.  If your phone 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.

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

Attendance (Includes on-campus and remote)

5%

Online Homework (Drop 2 lowest grades)

20%

Review Worksheets (No drop grades)

5%

Exams (5 Exams, no drops)

70%

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 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.  

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

Mandatory Tutoring:  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.  Tutoring may be completed on campus in the Math Academic Success Center in Durrett Hall Room 104.  Note that you will not be allowed to take the next exam until you complete the required tutoring.

Conditional Final Exam:  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 take a comprehensive final exam.  The grade on the final will replace your lowest exam grade.  If your average is higher than 70 but you wish to improve your grade, you may choose to opt into taking the comprehensive final exam.  The grade on the final will replace your lowest grade, whether it is higher or lower.  However, if your average is 70 or above AND you are content with your grade, you will earn exemption from the comprehensive final exam.         

Extra Credit: Extra credit will not be given.

Note:  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 which might have serious financial aid consequences.  There are no extra credit opportunities in this course.  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, will count in both course gradebooks.

Teamwork: These co-requisite courses require team work.  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 teach you.  My part is to also work closely together 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 come to tutoring or to my office for help.  I look forward to working together this semester.

Attendance

Attendance:  Attendance will be taken every day at the beginning of each class, so please be on time.  If you are late or you leave class early without prior permission, you will be counted absent for the day.  You are allowed to miss one day without penalty.  For every absence after the first, 5 points will be deducted for your attendance grade.

The deadline to drop this course is Tuesday, May 3, 2022.  To complete the drop process, you must submit your drop form to me by noon on May 3 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 (subject to change at any time by your instructor)

Week 1:  Orientation, 1.1, 1.2

Week 2:  1.3, 1.4, Unit 1 Test, 2.1

Week 3:  2.2, 2.3, 2.4

Week 4:  Unit 2 Test, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3

Week 5:  3.4, Unit 3 Test, 4.1, 4.2

Week 6:  4.3, 4.4, Unit 4 Test, 5.1

Week 7:  5.2, 5.3, 5.4, Unit 5 Test

Week 8:  Final Review, Conditional Final Exam

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

  1. Log into your Blackboard course.  
  2. Click the MyMathLab link at the left of the page.
  3. Review the license agreement and privacy policy and click I Accept.
  4. If you already have a Pearson account, log in with your username and password.  If not, click Create and follow the instructions.
  5. Select an access option:
    • Enter the student access code from your MyMathLab kit purchased from the AC Bookstore,
    • Pay for access directly online,
    • Or, choose to obtain temporary free access for 14 days.
  6. From the You’re Done page, click Go to My Courses.  You'll also get a confirmation email.

TUTORING

Tutoring may be completed in the Math Academic Success Center in person on campus (Durrett Hall Room 104) 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

In Person Remote Tutoring
Monday - Friday   Monday, Wednesday, Saturday  8:00am - 8:00pm
8:00am - 8:00pm   Tuesday, Thursday  8:00am-midnight
Saturday   Sunday  2:00pm-6:00pm
9:00am - 8:00pm   https://zoom.us/j/541139851
371-5119  

TESTING

The Math Testing Lab is located in Durrett Hall, Room 103. 

Math Testing Center Hours
Monday - Thursday 
8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday
8:00am-8:00pm
Saturday
9:00am - 8:00pm
371-5088

Please note:  No tests will be given out less than one hour before the Math Lab closes

Syllabus Created on:

03/03/22 1:07 PM

Last Edited on:

03/03/22 1:12 PM