College Algebra Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Engineering 201D</p>

Office Hours

FALL I 2024:  MTWR 10:30-11:30AM

FALL II 2024:  MTWR 9:30-10:30am

(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-1314-014 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

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

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, take pictures of your handwritten work to submit online, and complete online homework and tests.  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.  Every student has $20 pre-loaded onto their student ID to cover printing costs!)

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 graphing calculator apps are not permitted in the Math Testing Lab.

Helpful Apps:  Please download the free CamScanner app to use to convert pictures of your handwritten work to pdf form.  You may also want to download the Zoom app to take advantage of the remote tutoring available through the Math Academic Success Center.

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

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 online math course requires self discipline and motivation. You will be expected to learn the material by watching the lecture videos, completing course notes, and finishing the homework and exams on MyMathLab

2.    While unit exams will be administered online, you are required to come to the Math Testing Lab to take an in-person, pencil and paper, comprehensive final exam on Week 8.

3.    You need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and a dependable printer to produce class notes.  (This class requires a lot of printing!) By signing up for an online course, you are communicating that you have access to such tools.

4.    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 5-12 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.

5.    Deadlines are your responsibility. Due dates are posted on the MyMathLab website, in Google Classroom, and in the class schedule posted in Blackboard (through the AC Connect Portal).  However, because this is an online course, I can tailor it to your individual needs without disrupting the flow of the course.  If you need a deadline extension for MyMathLab assignments (up to 2 days), please don't hesitate to ask!  However, no homework extensions will be granted past Sunday, May 8, at midnight, and the final exam Week 8 will also not be extended past its due date of Wednesday, May 11 at 8PM.  Also note that it is perfectly acceptable to work ahead of schedule!

6.    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.

7.  You are responsible for getting help when you need it.  On the MyMathLab website, there are power points, additional videos, and step by step tutorials you can access for each homework problem you complete.  Take advantage of it!  All students may obtain free tutoring from the Academic Success Center for Math either in person in Durrett Hall Room 104 or using the Zoom meeting platform.  To access tutoring, please join the zoom meeting by following this link:  https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID 541 139 851.  Online tutoring is also available through Smartthinking.

ONLINE COMMUNICATION

Your online presence in the course will be established through correspondence with me and public discussions with other students in the course.  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. 

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 withdrawal 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.

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:

Note Checks (no drops)

  5%

MyMathLab Homework (Drop 2 Lowest Grades)

15%

MyMathLab Unit Exams (5 Exams, no drops)

50%

Comprehensive Final Exam

30%

Attendance

Through distance learning, you will establish your presence online.  Several times per week, you will need to log into Blackboard to obtain the week's assignments and print class notes.  You will also need to check your email and grades.  In addition, you will need to log into Google Classroom to submit completed notes on a daily basis and log into MyMathLab regularly to complete homework and chapter exams.

You will be required to come to campus to take the comprehensive final exam in person in the Math Testing Lab.  If you do not live in Amarillo, you are still required to take the comprehensive final exam in person, but we will work together to locate a proctor at a local school, library, or college in your area.

Calendar

Semester Schedule: (subject to change at any time by your instructor)

Week 1:  Orientation, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Week 2:  1.4, Unit 1 Test, 2.1, 2.2

Week 3:  2.2, 2.3, 2.4, Unit 2 Test

Week 4:  3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4

Week 5:  Unit 3 Test, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

Week 6:  4.4, Unit 4 Test, 5.1, 5.2

Week 7:  5.3, 5.4, Unit 5 Test

Week 8:  Comprehensive Final Exam

The last day to drop this course is May 3, 2022.   To officially drop, you will need to submit your drop form to me by noon to obtain my signature, and then submit it to the Registrar.  We will be able to complete this process electronically.

Additional Information

LECTURE NOTES

You will be required to watch lecture videos and complete guided notes printed from Blackboard on a daily basis. Notes will be submitted on Google Classroom on a daily basis for a grade.   (Take a clear picture of each page of your notes using the CamScanner (or other) app.  Convert the pictures of your work to a single pdf document, and upload to Google Classroom.)  You will receive a 100 if your notes are complete, a 50 if anything is left blank, and a zero if you do not submit notes.  Due dates occur throughout the week and are posted on the class schedule in Blackboard and also on Google Classroom.  Five points per day will be deducted for late notes.

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 for the week until Sundays at midnight.  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 accomplany each homework assignment to better learn the process of solving problems.  

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.  Review grades will be counted as homework grades.

ONLINE EXAMS

Five unit exams will be given on MyMathLab.  In addition to entering your answers on MyMathLab, you will be required to show work for each test problem on paper.  MyMathLab will automatically score your answers, and then you will need to upload your written work to Google Classroom for a separate grade.  Due dates for exams are posted in the class schedule in Blackboard and also on MyMathLab.   

MANDATORY TUTORING

If you score below a 70 on any unit exam, you will be required to submit test corrections on Google Classroom and complete one hour of tutoring before taking the next exam.  Tutoring may be completed on campus in the Academic Success Center for Math or remotely by joining https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID:  541 139 851.  Test corrections will be due 2 days after the test is due.  By completing your test corrections, you can earn back 5 points on your exam.

COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM

On Week 8, you will be required to come to the Math Testing Lab on the Washington Street Campus in Amarillo (or another testing site in a different town approved by me) to take your comprehensive final exam.  This exam is mandatory, and it counts as 30% of your grade.  To prepare for the exam, you may complete the final exam review worksheet available in Blackboard Turn in your final exam review worksheet on Google Classroom before you take your examThe final exam is due by Wednesday, May 11, by 8PM.  There will be no extensions for this deadline, as I have to report final grades to the school on time.        

 WEEKLY ROUTINE

1.)  LOG IN  TO BLACKBOARD (via the AC Connect portal at www.actx.edu) at the beginning of each week.
2.)  CHECK THE SCHEDULE to determine what sections of notes, lecture videos, and MyMathLab assignments are planned for each week. 

3.)  PRINT AND COMPLETE THE NOTES AS YOU WATCH THE LECTURE VIDEOS provided in Blackboard.  Fill in the blanks, work the problems, and complete the graphs.  This should be completed before you start the homework on MyMathLab
4.)  Take clear pictures of your notes, convert them to pdf form, and SUBMIT YOUR NOTES ON GOOGLE CLASSROOM.

5.)  WORK THE MyMathLab HOMEWORK at www.pearsonmylab.com.
6.)  TAKE ASSIGNED REVIEWS AND EXAMS on MyMathLab by the deadlines posted on MyMathLab.
7.)  TAKE YOUR COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM ON WEEK 8 IN PERSON!

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 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 GOOGLE CLASSROOM

To register for Google Classroom, where you will submit your notes for a grade, do the following:
     1.)  Go to classroom.google.com
     2.)  Click the plus (+) in the upper right hand corner.
     3.)  Select the option to "Join class."
     4.)  Be sure to log in with your official amarillocollege.com email address.  (You will not be able to join the class if you are logged in with any other email address.)
     5.)  Enter the class code anmtp74. You're done!

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

Free tutoring is available 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  

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

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 1:15 PM

Last Edited on:

03/05/22 1:11 PM