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

Phone

Office Location

<p>Amarillo College classroom 206</p>

Office Hours

Monday and Wednesday 5 to 5:30 in Room 206

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-1414-005 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

Textbook: College Algebra, 11th Edition

Author: Michael Sullivan; Publications: Prentice Hall

A hard copy of the text book is required. My Math Lab Access Kit/e-textbook is optional. No assignment online.

No assignment will be in My Math Lab for the entire course. All homework and exams are required to be in details and with step by step methods of neat and legible hand written copies. 

Supplies

Basics:  Notebook (8.5" x 11"):  For taking class-notes and for Homework, pencils or mechanical-pencils, erasers, a highlighter in your favorite color.  You can get free graph paper at http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/lite/.  

Graphing Calculator:  TI-84 Plus CE or TI-84 Plus are recommended.  You will be allowed to use AC during school and during testing.  The Department policy is that no TI-89's, no TI-92's or no TI-Nspire or no similar calculators (CAS calculators) may be used on tests. 

Graphing Calculator checkout:  Students unable to purchase a graphing calculator can apply to the Adult Students Program for the privilege of checking one out for the semester.  Bring a copy of your schedule to the Adult Students Program, Student Services Center, Room 130 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Friday.  You must complete an application and be enrolled in a math class to receive this assistance.

Students who lose (due to accident / theft / any other mishap) or damage in any way a loaner graphing calculator will be required to replace the lost, stolen, or damaged calculator with a new TI-84 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator.  Failure to do so will result in immediate action(s) taken by Amarillo College.

Access to a working computer with internet access and a printer.  There are student computers located in the AC Library and the Math Outreach Tutoring Center for student use.  This enables you to access the course in Blackboard (optional for e-textbook at www.mymathlab.com.)

Amarillo College student I.D. (for testing and tutoring).

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/STEM course: 

    1. Factoring
    2. Rules for Exponents
    3. Factor expansion:  distribution, foil, conjugates
    4. Completing the Square
    5. Complex Numbers
    6. Rational Numbers:  operations
    7. 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

Expected Behavior:

Student Responsibilities: Be committed.  It will take 10 hours a week to be successful, that is 6 hours in class and a minimum of 4 outside of class, but you can do it.  Persevere, stay on top of the work and seek help!

Students are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment.  Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to the following:  the use of cellular phones, texting, making offensive remarks, reading newspapers, talking, use of personal music systems, doing homework or other personal projects during class time, or engaging in any other form of distraction.  For a full discussion of appropriate behavior and student responsibilities, please refer to the Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook http://sites.actx.edu/catalog/notices/.

Cheating is defined in Webster's College Dictionary as "taking an examination in a dishonest way, as by having improper access to answers."  Improper access includes, but is not limited to, copying from another student's paper, copying from the homework solutions manual, or using any unauthorized sources of information while taking an exam or quiz.  If the proctor sees a cell phone out during any exam, the proctor will assume that student is cheating and the exam will be taken up and a grade of "F" will be received for the course. 

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, Sciences & Engineering Department that food and drink be allowed in the classroom setting, at the instructor's discretion.  Food and drink are not allowed in the computer labs or in classrooms when laptop computers are in use by the student.

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

Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism:  Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in any math course at Amarillo College.  This is required and assumed that you fully understand and agree with the virtual contract by the 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." 

Please Note:  NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room/Classroom.  If your cell phone is seen out pocket AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing session, you will receive an "F" for the course!

ADDITIONAL CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
1.  BE ON TIME AND REGULAR.
2.  BE PREPARED.
3.  NO DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
will be tolerated.
4.  SUBSTITUTE BEHAVIOR.  If a substitute should come in to teach the class, you are expected to be on your best behavior and treat him/her with the highest respect.  I would not send anyone in to teach who is not fully capable of doing so.

Grading Criteria

The final score will be computed based on the followings:

Grading Policy

Percentage

Grading Scale

Grade

Exam Reviews

10%

90-100%

A

HW Assignments

Quizzes

10%

10%

80-89%

B

Chapter Exams

50%

70-79%

C

Final Exam

20%

60-69%

D

 

 

59 and Below

F

I. Quizzes : Quizzes problems must be finished in class.   It will be a few problems from homework or from notes.  They will be done in class and may be at the beginning over the previous days homework or over the notes from that day.

II. Homework Assignments: HW will be collected Chapter wise and according to the course calendar. You have to do the assigned homework problems in details, showing all necessary steps (not interested on correct answers only) . HW is weighted by 10% on the Overall Average.

III. Chapter ExamsFour Chapter Exams will be taken and a comprehensive Final Exam.  If you miss a Chapter Exam, the grade on your Final Exam will be used to replace the missing grade. If you don't miss any of them, then the lowest score will be replaced by the Final Exam score if that is higher. So, no make up for any missing exam. Each Chapter Exam is weighted individually by 12.5%.

(a) Exam 1 on: Exercises R.2, R.4, R.5, R.7, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

(b) Exam 2 on: Exercises 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5

(c) Exam 3 on: Exercises 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6

(d) Exam 4 on: Exercises 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.8

(e) Final Exam Additional Exercises for the Final Exam R.8, 2.1, 2.4, 7.3, 7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.6.

IV. Final Exam: Final Exam is Required and mandatory!! Under NO circumstances will the final be given late (No Make Up)!  Final Exam is weighted by 15%.

V. Exam Reviews: Exam Reviews will be exercised in class before each exam. Completed Exam Reviews are to be submitted at testing center as exam ticket to take the exam. Exam Reviews are to be graded and weighted by 10%.

VI. Attendance & Participation: Daily attendance is essential to your success.  I understand things happen but every class is so imortant because we only have 15 class periods in which to insure you get the information you  need to be successful.   

SOME OTHER GENERAL POLICIES:

JJJ  At the top of the first page of all assignment/quiz s please be sure to write  your name and the Assignment/Quiz title. Problems must be presented in details with all necessary steps of work. Each line must contain equal sign, "=" to show continuation of the previous line/step. Only the correct answer will not be examined!! All final answers must be boxed or circled to receive credit.  

JJJ If you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact another student to get the class-lessons for that class and/or any important class decision.  If needed, please send text message to my cell-phone 236-3357, or e-mail me at katye.bargsley@amaisd.org, but you take the chance that I may not retrieve the email immediately.  I will not video the lecture you must be here to receive the notes.  

JJJ Late/Early leavingIf you are late more than 10 minutes to join the class, or if you leave the earlier than dismissal without permission, then you will be marked as 'tardy' and two 'tardy' will be considered as '1' absent. 

JJJ Blackboard Connection: It is required for any Amarillo College courses to maintain regular touch with your blackboard and/or college email. I will post all important tasks on blackboard’s ‘Announcement’. You are responsible to check blackboard regularly, and especially when you miss a class.

Use Blackboard to print class materials, get your grades, contact your instructor, find class announcements, etc.:    Students are required to log in to Blackboard regularly to check the course announcements, calendar, e-mails, grades and print class handouts.  

1.  Go to https://acconnect.actx.edu and log in.  Your log in information is the same as your Web Advisor log in.  If you need help contact askAC at 371-5000 and they can lead you in the right direction.  You may also contact the STL helpdesk at 371-5992.
2.  Once you are logged in, click on our course
3.  Then you will see any links you will need on the left hand side of the screen.

JJJ Withdrawal: The deadline for withdrawing from any class at AC for Spring II 2022 Semester is May 3 (Tuesday).  To withdraw, contact me for my approval signature within Monday (May 2) so that you will not run late to submit your request to register office within the deadline. 

If you stop attending class and if you have no other option left but to withdraw, you need to see your instructor in-person to take approval signature by this date. If you do not officially drop the course by this deadline, you will receive an "F" for the course.

I guarantee that all the exams will be exactly similar to the assigned homework problems. You have to focus on learning the methods and clarifying the conceptions of the assigned homework problems by heart. So that you will be sure to secure your expected grade for this course. And this is my policy to let you achieve the target level of the lessons for Math 1414.

No extra credit or retake of test, but your final can replace your lowest test.  

JJJ  Free Help:  If you feel yourself getting behind in class or having problems with certain concepts covered, get help immediately.  It is YOUR responsibility to get help.   The math lab is excellent and is open a lot, so use them if you need help.  
The following are a few ways to get FREE help outside of class:
1. Your instructor is your first, BEST resource for help.  Please feel free to stay longer or remain in your classroom after the class is over to talk to me or to make an appointment.
2. Free one-on-one tutoring at the Student Outreach Center in Durrett 104 is available.  You will need your AC ID to sign in.  Hours:  MTWR 8am - 8pm, Fri 8am - 8pm, Sat 9am - 8pm, Sun closed.
3. Get free tutoring from Student Support Services (Library, 371-5420)

 **** If you feel yourself getting behind in class or having problems with certain concepts covered, get help immediately.  It is YOUR responsibility to get help. You are strongly recommended to get tutoring-helped from our "Math Outreach Center".

 

 

Attendance

Attendance:  Regular class participation is REQUIRED for this course. Be present in class on-time everyday. If you are absent for any reason, you are responsible for obtaining the class notes from other class participants. Attendance will recorded and will be graded at the end of the semester. Each absent will result in deduction of 1 point and joining late or leaving earlier will result in deduction of 0.5 point. Attendance will be recorded with care.  

No Make-Up for any Lab-work or Assignment submission as I grade all assignments on a single seating for equal judgement in grading.  But I will drop 2 daily grades and 1 quiz grade.  

Deadline for withdrawing from this class is Tuesday, May 3, 2022.To drop the class, student needs to contact the instructor either in-person or by sending official email with written withdrawal concern that needs to be documented. After receiving the drop request in proper format, instructor will provide  the "Withdrawal Request Form with approval signature on that". Then the student has to sign and fill out some blanks and then to submit to register's office within May 3, 05:00 pm.  Deadline for letting me know you want to drop is 5:30 pm on May 2, Monday.  

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 withdrawals will NOT be accepted by the registration policy.

Calendar

Tentative Schedule:  This schedule is subject to change by the instructor at any time.

Week 1:    Orientation, R.2, R.4, R.5, R.7

Week 2:   1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, Exam 1

Week 3:   2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5

Week 4:   4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, Exam 2

Week 5:   5.6, 5.4, 5.3, Exam 3

Week 6:   6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, Exam 4

Week 7:   R.8, 2.1, 2.4, 7.3, 7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3

Week 8:   8.6, Review, Final Exam.

Additional Information

Additional Contacts: Penelope Davies, Department Chair (806) 371-5901

Syllabus Created on:

03/08/22 8:35 AM

Last Edited on:

05/01/22 9:46 PM