______Course Syllabus
MTH 100, Intermediate College Algebra (Lecture-Based)
1. INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION Name: Adrian Seaver Office: No On-Site Office (call / email for appointment in Math Lab or alternate location) Phone number: (256) 829-8657 E-mail address: [email protected] (students that email me their major, favorite movie and food before next week gets +2 on 1st Test) Office hours: Available before/after class or by appointment during the week (call / email)
Website: http://www.adrianseaver.com
2. COURSE DETAIL a. Course name, number and credit hours: MTH 100 Intermediate College Algebra - 3 Semester Credit Hrs, Section 400, Reference/Synonym # 3522 b. Class meeting time: Mon / Wed @ 4:00pm – 5:30pm, Room 27 c. Prerequisite: MTH 092 (Developmental Algebra II) or MTH 098 (Elementary Algebra) or appropriate mathematics placement score. d. Course description: This course provides a study of algebraic techniques such as linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and operations with exponents and radicals. Functions and relations are introduced and graphed with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions. This course does not apply toward the general core requirement for mathematics for AS degrees. e. Course Objectives: To review algebraic concepts and to help students acquire a solid foundation in intermediate algebra. f. Textbook: Intermediate Algebra, 5th edition, by K. Elayan Martin-Gay, Pearson/Prentice-Hall, 2005. (Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and Chapter 10 as time permits; see Topic Outline for sections covered).
3. COURSE SUPPORT MATERIALS a. MyMathLab online resource for student homework and tutorials. The resource also contains video clips, practice exercises, and animations designed to help students succeed in learning and understanding mathematics. b. ** Recorded lectures provided by Mr. Rodney Alford as an additional learning resource can be accessed through Blackboard at http://webct6.calhoun.edu c. Library and LRC resources and services are accessible on-line at http://lib.calhoun.edu/lib
4. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS Instructional methods may include, but not be limited to, lectures, class discussions, student presentations, and computer-generated material. The facilities of the Mathematics Learning Center may be utilized. MyMathLab is the software used for this course. Students must complete the homework using this web- based software. Chapter exams, sample exams, and/or quizzes will likely be paper-based. CHAPTER 2 EQUATIONS, INEQUALITIES, AND PROBLEM SOLVING 1/11 2.1 Linear Equations in One Variable 2.4 Linear Inequalities and Problem Solving 1/13 2.5 Compound Inequalities 2.6 Absolute Value Equations 1/20 2.7 Absolute Value Inequalities
1/27 CHAPTER 3 GRAPHS AND FUNCTIONS 3.1 Graphing Equations 3.2 Introduction to Functions 2/1 3.3 Graphing Linear Functions 3.4 The Slope of a Line 2/3 3.5 Equations of Lines CHAPTER 4 SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS 2/8 4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables CHAPTER 5 EXPONENTS, POLYNOMIALS, AND POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS 2/15 5.1 Exponents and Scientific Notation 5.2 More Work with Exponents and Scientific Notation 5.3 Polynomials and Polynomial Functions 2/17 5.4 Multiplying Polynomials 5.5 The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping 2/22 5.6 Factoring Trinomials 5.7 Factoring by Special Products 2/24 5.8 Solving Equations by Factoring and Problem Solving CHAPTER 6 RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS 3/3 6.1 Rational Functions and Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions 6.2 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions 3/8 6.3 Simplifying Complex Fractions 6.4 Dividing Polynomials 3/10 6.5 Synthetic Division and the Remainder Theorem 6.6 Solving Equations Containing Rational Expressions 3/15 6.8 Variation and Problem Solving CHAPTER 7 RATIONAL EXPONENTS, RADICALS, AND COMPLEX NUMBERS 3/29 7.1 Radicals and Radical Functions 7.2 Rational Exponents 7.3 Simplifying Radical Expressions 3/31 7.4 Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Radical Expressions 7.5 Rationalizing Denominators and Numerators of Radical Expressions 4/5 7.6 Radical Equations and Problem Solving 4/7 7.7 Complex Numbers CHAPTER 8 QUADRATIC EQUATIONS AND FUNCTIONS 4/14 8.1 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square 8.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by the Quadratic Formula 8.3 Solving Equations by Using Quadratic Methods 4/19 8.4 Nonlinear Inequalities in One Variable 8.5 Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs 4/21 8.6 Further Graphing of Quadratic Functions CHAPTER 9 EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS 4/26 9.1 The Algebra of Functions; Composite Functions 9.2 Inverse Functions CHAPTER 10 CONIC SECTIONS 4/28 10.1 The Parabola and the Circle 10.2 The Ellipse and the Hyperbola 5. ONLINE HOMEWORK POLICIES Online homework is a required portion of this course and MUST be completed for each chapter. All sections of online homework for a given chapter MUST be completed prior to (or on the date of) the test for that chapter with a grade of 70% or better (on EACH section). For example, if your test on chapter 2 is on September 2, then when I download HW grades the morning after the test, you will need to have a grade of 70% or better on each section from chapter 9 (sections 9.1-9.8) to avoid penalty. Keep in mind that even if you are absent on the day of the test, you still MUST have the homework completed by the date of the test to avoid penalty. If not completed according to these guidelines, you are automatically deducted 10 points from that test grade. Also, as a bonus, those who complete each section of the chapter’s online HW with a 100% grade will be given + 5 points to their grade for that test (good bonus – half a letter grade).
6. GRADING PLAN Chapter Tests – 35% Online Homework – 15% Quizzes – 30% Final Exam – 20%
7. GRADE SCALE A – Excellent (90% – 100%) B – Good (80% – 89%) C – Average (70% – 79%) D – Poor (60% – 69%) F – Failure (Below 60%)
8. OTHER ASSIGNMENT INFO Along with online homework assignments, I will also provide a list of problems from the textbook that correspond to the type of problems that you will encounter while doing online homework exercises. These book problems are for additional practice and lecture purposes only. They will not be taken up for a grade. Student homework grades will come from online assignments.
Tentative Test Dates: Test 1 – Chapter 2: Monday, January 25 Test 2 – Chapter 3 / 4.1: Wednesday, February 10 Test 3 – Chapter 5: Monday, March 1 Test 4 – Chapter 6: Wednesday, March 17 Test 5 – Chapter 7: Monday, April 12 Test 6 – Chapter 8 / 9.1,9.2: Final Exam (Wednesday, May 5, 4-6 pm) Holidays for the semester. The school will be closed and class cancelled on the following dates: Martin Luther King, Jr. – Monday, January 18 Spring Break – March 22-26 (Mon. Mar. 22 and Wed. Mar. 24 for this class)
8. DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF FINAL EXAM Wednesday, May 5 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm (same classroom) 9. ATTENDANCE POLICY The maximum number of absences for this course is five (5) Attendance is taken for each class meeting. Absences are counted beginning with the first class meeting after the student registers; however, students are responsible for all coursework and assignments made or due from the first day of class. In general, students should have no more than five absences for a 15- week term. Communication with the instructor concerning absences is essential. If a student has excessive absences, he/she is encouraged to withdraw from the course after consulting with the instructor. Instructors will not withdraw students for any reason. Failure to officially withdraw from the course could result in a grade of F and adversely impact financial aid. Withdrawing from a course is the responsibility of the student; therefore, a grade of F will not be changed to a grade of W. Military personnel who are involuntarily called to active duty for unscheduled and/or emergency situations and those individuals called for jury duty will be excused with official documentation. College-related events which the student is required to attend by the club sponsor and which have been approved by the appropriate Dean, will also be excused. Official documentation will be required. If a student registers during the drop/add period, attendance is counted from the first class meeting following registration. I will also award minor extra credit for attendance (likely credit will be + 4 pts. on final grade for students that missed 0 times, + 2 pts. for those missing 1 time, +1 for those missing twice => includes unexcused or excused absences). Please contact me before class if you expect to miss class (unless a last-minute or emergency situation arises), especially if you expect an excused absence. Students are responsible for activities missed during any absence, whether excused or unexcused, and make-up work will be governed by the instructor as stated below. It is the student’s responsibility to keep a record of his/her absences and to understand specific policies detailed in each course syllabus. (PLEASE GET WITH ME BEFORE / AFTER ANY ABSENCES) 10. MAKEUP POLICY/HOW TO MAKE UP MISSED WORK Please contact me as soon as possible before missing class (or as soon as possible after class) in order to make up missed work / tests. If you miss a test (also counted as an absence), you must complete the test within 1 week (don’t forget that online HW is still due on the day the test is given in class to avoid penalty). Make-up tests will be administered in the testing center (Huntsville), and you will need to bring your student ID. The testing center hours are typically Mon-Thurs 10-5:30. Quizzes (which will be shorter and of which the lowest grade will be dropped) will only be made up on class days (before or after class) and follow similar guidelines. 11. WITHDRAWAL POLICY If a student has excessive absences or is likely to earn a grade of F, he/she is encouraged to withdraw from the course after consulting with the instructor. Instructors will not withdraw students for any reason. Failure to officially withdraw from the course could result in a grade of F and adversely impact financial aid. Withdrawing from a course is the responsibility of the student; therefore, a grade of F will not be changed to a grade of W. A student may withdraw through the last class day (prior to final examinations). 12. DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT STATEMENT The College and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing both employment and educational environments free of harassment or discrimination related to an individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated. 13. DISABILITY STATEMENT If you have a disability that might require special materials, services, or assistance, please contact Calhoun’s Disability Services Office in the Chasteen Student Center, Room 218 (Decatur Campus) or call (256) 306-2630 or (256) 306-2635. 14. GENERAL COMMENTS BY INSTRUCTOR 1. Mobile phones (and laptops) should be turned to “silent” or “vibrate” during class and put away. 2. Food / Drinks are allowed in class in which case they do not create a problem for others or disrupt the class. This policy may be revised if necessary. No alcoholic beverages, and no food or drink allowed in the Math Lab should we utilize any class time in that area. 3. Please try not to be late for class. If I can make it on time, I expect you can as well. I know it may be hard for some of us to get here after work, but the earlier we get started, the earlier we get out. If tardiness becomes a problem, I will be forced to mark students absent for repeat offenses. 4. Expect regular quizzes. I will drop your lowest quiz grade, but you can reasonably expect a quiz every week (if a chapter test is not given that week). Quizzes are typically short and will only take a small portion of class time. THIS SYLLABUS IS EFFECTIVE SPRING SEMESTER, 2010 15. GETTING STARTED WITH MYMATH LAB ONLINE MyMathLab is an interactive website where you can: Self-test to improve your math skills. Study more efficiently. Create personalized study plans with exercises that match your book. Get help when you need it. Includes multimedia learning aids like videos and animations. Talk to a live tutor via a toll free number. What do I need to get started?
*NOTE: IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A COURSECOMPASS ACCOUNT FROM A PREVIOUS CLASS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN, AND YOU ARE USING A DIFFERENT TEXTBOOK FROM THE ONE THAT YOU USED WHEN YOU FIRST REGISTERED, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE ENTIRE REGISTRATION PROCESS. YOUR ACCOUNT IS STILL ACTIVE. a. Log in using your current username and password. b. Click on the “Enroll in a Course” button on the left panel above the link(s) of courses that you have previously taken. c. Enter the instructor’s Course ID (listed below) when prompted to do so. d. You will then be directed to a page asking for the Student Access Code for the new book that you will be using for the new course. e. YOU’RE READY TO BEGIN!! If you DO NOT already have a CourseCompass account, follow the steps below: What steps do I take next? Take the access card that was packaged with the text, review the grid above one more time and then follow steps 1 - 8 below. 1) Go to www.coursecompass.com and click on Register. 2) Enter your six-word student access code, school zip code and country. 3) Enter the Course ID seaver17035 given to you by your instructor. 4) Fill in the requested information, and then create your unique Login Name and Password. It’s recommended that you use your email address as your login name. 5) Return to www.coursecompass.com and log in. At the Welcome page, click on the course you are taking. 6) The first time you enter the site from your computer and anytime you use a new computer, click on the software Installation Wizard on the Announcements page or on the navigational buttons on the bottom left side of the screen. This wizard will walk you through the installation of the software you will need to use the MyMathLab resources. Note: the software may already be installed in the school lab. Check with your lab administrator. 7) Technical problems? Call Tech Support at 800-677-6337, Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm EST. 8) Additional help can be found on the Announcements page by clicking on Student Help or viewing the tip sheets. Math 100 Students:
As an instructor, I like to try and get to know my students throughout the semester. One way I accomplish that is by gathering some information on the first day of class. If you could fill out the following form to give me a little information about yourself, I’ll add you to my email / mail list in order to try and keep you up to date with announcements for the class and try to keep you posted on grades after tests as the semester progresses. I also hope to get an idea of your interests and hobbies and hopefully provide example and test questions that apply or deal with those areas of interest. I hope we have a good class this semester. Please feel free to let me know any suggestions / questions / comments as the year progresses. I plan to take a survey half-way through the semester and hope to incorporate suggestions as we go along. My contact info is listed here if you need anything. I will use this form to record attendance on this 1st day.
Thanks, Adrian Seaver E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 256-829-8657
- Please fill out and return the bottom portion before leaving the 1st session of class ------
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