College Algebra for STEM Majors Syllabus for 2022-2023
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Instructor Information

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

College Algebra, 11th edition, by Michael Sullivan, Prentice Hall

Supplies

All supplies as required to complete your MATH 1414 notebook:

• 2 inch 3-ring binder
• Package of 8 dividers
• 3-hole punched paper for taking notes (lined notebook paper, graphing paper, or blank computer paper per the student preference)
• Printed class notes (to be completed by the student each class)

Basics:  3-hole punched paper (8.5" x 11") for taking notes (can be blue-lined notebook paper, blue-lined graph paper, or engineering graph paper), a stapler, a straight edge, pencils, erasers, a highlighter. 

Printable graph paper is available on Blackboard. Every student has printing funds attached to their Amarillo College ID and can print graph paper in the Underground.

Graphing Calculator:  TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84, or TI-84 Plus.  You are required to bring your calculator to every class.  The Math Department policy is that no TI-89's, TI-92's or TI-Nspire 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 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.

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

Student Performance

Welcome to Math 1414 - College Algebra. Algebra is a set of powerful mathmatical tools that allow us to solve interesting and challenging problems.  Just as multiplying two by twelve is faster than counting to 24 or adding 2 twelve times, algebra helps us solve problems more quickly and easily than we could otherwise. Algebra also opens up whole new areas of life problems, such as graphing curves that cannot be solved with only foundational math skills. 

In algebra, we will learn many fundamental mathmatical techniques which will be necessary to master more advanced mathematics such as statistics and calculus. Statistics and calculus are used in almost every STEM career. Statistics are often used within businesses, the media, health and wellness, politics, social sciences, and many other fields. Calculus helps us describe many complex processes, such as how the speed of an object changes over time. Scientists and engineers use calculus in research and in designing new technology, medical treatments, and consumer products. 

But, you can use algebra in your daily life as well. I have found algebra helpful in making financial decisions. For example, I use algebra every year to pick a health care plan for my family using two-variable equations to find the break-even point for each option. You can use it when choosing cell phone plans or figuring gas cost for a trip.

Algebra is an important life skill worth understanding well. It moves us beyond basic math and prepares us for statistics and calculus. It is useful for many jobs some of which a student may enter as a second career. Algebra is useful around the house and in analyzing information in the news. It also teaches us to think logically and how to analyze problems.

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.

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

Respect: You are expected to behave in a professional manner towards the instructor and your peers. We will treat each other with respect.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: You paid good money to take this course, as did your peers. Be considerate of your fellow classmates and help the instructor build an environment suitable for learning. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. If you are a distraction to other students, you will be asked to leave the classroom.

• Be on time
• Be prepared for class
• No disruptive behavior
• Personal Electronics: Cell phones will be silenced during class. If you must take a personal call, step outside the classroom. Personal laptops will be allowed for taking notes if you prefer. If personal electronics usage (cell phone or laptop) becomes a distraction, you will be asked to leave the classroom.
• Life Happens: The instructors understands that you may have to step outside the classroom to handle personal business or use the restroom. There is no need to ask, just quietly excuse yourself. Also be quiet when reentering the classroom. 
• Food and 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.  This is a 3.5 hour lecture, so the instructor will allow snacks and drinks in the classroom.  Food can be a distraction to other students, so do not bring distracting items (bagged potato chips, apples, etc). Drinks will only be allowed in sealable cups/bottles (must have a lid). Please do not spill or make a mess and force to the instructor to remove these privileges. 
• Guests/Children:  It is the policy of Amarillo College that only students enrolled in this course attend this course.
• Videos/Photos:  Students must receive instructor consent before taking pictures or videos of the instructor's work or lessons.  You may not take pictures of the white board in lieu of taking hand written notes.  Studies show that handwriting notes is much better for memory retention

Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism:  Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class.  Cheating 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.  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 returned to your instructor.  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!

Grading Criteria

The final average will be computed based on the following percentage basis:

• Written Homework ........10%
• Quizzes..........................10%
• Notebook.........................5%
• Reviews...........................5%
• Exams (4 @ 12.5%).......50%
• Final Exam.....................20%

The final letter grades are assigned based on the following numerical result:

• A ...........90-100
• B............80-89
• C............70-79
• D............60-69
• F.............59 and Below

I DO NOT GIVE EXTRA CREDIT WORK! Your grade is your grade.

Homework:  Expect to have written homework that will be assigned after each section is covered in class.  Your instructor will give you the due date for each assignment.  You may complete your homework early; however, LATE HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  At the end of the semester two written homework grades will be dropped.  Turning in all your homework is one of the best things you can do to improve your grade!

1. Expect to have homework assigned each day.  It must be turned in at the beginning of the next class period.  Late homework will not be accepted.  Late is defined to be anything turned in after the start of the class period.
2. Homework must be done in pencil.  Anything that is wrong or needs to be corrected must be clearly erased.  Don't write, doodle, or perform mathematical calculations in the margins.  Homework must be neat and legible.  I will be the judge as to what is neat.  Just because you can read it doesn't mean that I can interpret it.
3. Do not tear your paper out of a spiral and leave jagged edges.  Any assignment with jagged edges will not be accepted and will be recorded with a grade of zero.  We have scissors or a paper cutter you can use to trim the edges.
4. If you have more than one page to turn in, the pages must be stapled together in the top left corner.  Multiple pages that are not stapled or held together by a paper clip, folded corner, etc. will not be accepted and will be recorded with a grade of zero.  You must staple multiple pages together.
5. Homework must be presented in an orderly manner with the problem running a single column down the left half of the page.  You may use the right half of the page for graphs, tables and drawings.  Any problem (excluding graphs) with work presented in anything except the first column will not receive credit.  The back side of the paper may not be used.  Each line must contain only one equal sign, "=."   All final answers must be boxed or circled to receive credit.  any problem with the answer not circled or boxed in will not be graded.
6. You will place your name in the top right corner of each page.  Under your name place the course name, number, and section.  In the top left corner of each page list the appropriate section of the homework assignment (for example Section 1.1) and place the due date underneath.  Notice the "Section" is not abbreviated and the date must be in a standard format.  Any assignment without the proper heading will not be accepted and will be recorded with a grade of zero.
7. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact another student to find out the homework assignment for the following class.  You may call and leave a message on my phone, 806-371-5326, or e-mail me at zachary.vick@actx.edu, but you take the chance that I may not retrieve the message before the due date.

At the end of the semester, I will drop your two lowest homework assignments to allow for sick days or "My dog ate my homework." days.  Use these days wisely. And remember, LATE HOMEWORK IS NOT ACCEPTED.

Quizzes:  There will be in-class quizzes given at the beginning of each class over the prior lecture and homework.  At the end of the semester, I will drop your two lowest quizzes to allow for sick days or "My dog ate my homework and I was not able to study." days.  Use these days wisely.

Reviews:  You will be required to complete an exam review, posted on Blackboard for each module, before you will be allowed to take an exam.  This completed review is your ticket to take the exam.  These reviews must be completed in pencil and will be graded for completion.  The grade will count as 5% of your overall grade.

Exams:  Four major exams will be given and a comprehensive final.  If you miss a major exam, the grade on your final exam will be used to replace the missing grade.  I do not offer make-up exams.  If you know ahead of time that you will be missing an exam, you may schedule to take the exam early.  If you miss more than one exam, the second missed exam will be recorded as a zero.  (Remember, the first missed one is replaced by your grade on the final exam.)  If you do not miss any exam and your final exam grade is higher than your lowest test score, I will replace the lowest test score with your final test grade.

Major exams will be administered in the testing center.  The final exam will be administered in class (much finish in allotted class time). 

TUTORING POLICY

If you make below 70 on a major exam, a minimum of one hour must be spent in the Math Academic Success Center (Math Outreach Center) correcting your major exam.  You can also attend one hour of the instructor's office hours.  Documentation of your time spent in the Outreach Center must be presented to me along with your corrected exam before you will be allowed to take the next major exam.

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 following are a few ways to get FREE help outside of class:

1. Your instructor is your first, BEST resource for help.  Feel free to come to office hours or make an appointment.
2. Free one-on-one tutoring at the Math Outreach Center in Durrett 104 is available.  You will need your AC ID to sign in.
3. SmarThinking (link on the left of Bb shell)

Blackboard

You will be using Blackboard to print class materials, get your grades, contact your instructor, find class announcements, etc. Students will be required to log in to Blackboard regularly to check the course announcements, calendar, e-mails, grades and print class handouts.  To access our course area in Blackboard:

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, or via email at askac@actx.edu,and they can lead you in the right direction.
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.

Attendance

Attendance:  Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and be on time for daily attendance check.  Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence and no differentiation will be made as to excused or unexcused absences.  Students arriving more than 10 minutes late or leaving class early, prior to instructor dismissal, will be marked absent.

If you are absent for any reason, you are responsible for obtaining the assignments and notes.

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 before the withdrawal deadline.  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 circumstances.
 

Calendar

Additional Information

FREE TUTORING PROVIDED BY AMARILLO COLLEGE

Academic Success Center-Math (Math Outreach Center)

Located at Durrett 104. Phone: 806-371-5119

• Monday - Friday:  8am-8pm
• Saturday:  9am-8pm

Remote Online Tutoring 

Available Via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/541139851

• Monday:  8am-8pm
• Tuesday - Friday:  8am-11pm
• Saturday:  9am-11am
• Sunday:  2pm-6pm

TESTING

Math Testing Center:

• Location: Durrett 103
• Phone: 806-371-5088
• Hours:
  • Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Math Testing Center Rules:

• Books may be placed on the bookshelf before you request a test.
• An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take a test in the Math Testing Center.
• In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test.  All purses must be on the floor.
• The Math Testing Center will not hand out a test less than one hour before closing time.
• The Math Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing time.
• The Math Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door and in this syllabus.
• Please come prepared.  If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Math Testing Center for 25 cents.  Please bring exact change.  Pens are not allowed on any test.
• Childcare arrangements must be made prior to testing.  Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on Campus.
• CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
• Cell phones must be turned off as not to disturb other students who are testing.  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!

Amarillo College Advocacy & Resource Center (ARC)

Located Ware Student Commons Suite 108 for walk-in services. For any questions, please call 806-371-5446 or email thearc@actx.edu. Website located at https://www.actx.edu/arc/student-resources.

Provides assistance and resources for:

• Caregiver Resources
• Childcare Resources
• Parenting Assistance
• Housing Assistance
• Food Assistance
• Affordable Clothing
• Transportation Assistance
• Substance Abuse Resources
• Mental Health Resources
• LBGTQ+ Resources
• Veteran Resources
• and more

If there are any barriers to you succeeding in this course, privately let the instructor know. I am here to help you succeed.