MATH 043 C15

CLASS SYLLABUS

Fall 2015

Raymond Arp

Instructor

Fall 2015

MATH 043 C15

Class Syllabus

CLASS: / Beginning & Intermediate Algebra; 4 credits; Section C15
T-R; 6:00 pm – 7:50 pm; CSI Shields, MEYRH 231

KEY

/ Instructor: / Raymond L. Arp, P.E.
INFORMATION: / Email: / or
Textbook: / “Beginning & Intermediate Algebra”
by Messersmith, 4th edition. (ALEKS 360)
The course covers chapter 1 – 13; except 9
PREREQUISITE: / Compass Test: Pre-Algebra: 55-99 or Algebra: 26-61 or SAT Math 460 or higher.
COURSE
OBJECTIVE:
COURSE GOAL: / This course is designed to prepare the student for college algebra and elementary statistics. It covers graphing on the Cartesian coordinate plane, algebraic expressions and factoring, first-degree equations and inequalities, linear functions, quadratic equations and functions, systems of linear equations, polynomials, rational expressions, negative and rational exponents, radicals, graphing functions, logarithms, and application problems.
This course is designed for the student to build on the terminology, techniques, and the concepts of Algebra. Algebra is a mathematical language that provides tools for stating, simplifying, and picturing relationships. The ability to think analytically and solve problems is important in any profession and employers expect a college graduate to have said skills.
GRADING PRACTICES: / All required work will be done on ALEKS. No additional homework or exams are assigned. Math concepts must be practiced, practiced, and practiced.
ALEKS Student module Reference Guide:
https://www.aleks.com/resources/New_Student_Module_Ref_Guide.pdf
ALEKS Student Registration Instructions
https://www.aleks.com/highered/math/Higher_Ed_Student_Registration.pdf
10-character Class Code: 6UGVU-LXRQU
ALEKS Learning Technical Support: 714/619-7090 or http://support.aleks.com for the fastest and most effective assistance.
Attendance/Class participation / 20%
ALEKS: Pie Mastery and Chapter Objectives / 60%
One comprehensive,2 hour, departmental final exam; given in classroom / 20%
Standard grading scale applies: A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), etc.; successful course completion is at least a “C” grade. An incomplete is available but not a recommended avenue to pursue. An “F” on the final exam will result in a student not passing the class with a “C”.
CLASSROOM
GUIDELINES:
PROGRESS REPORTS:
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: / ·  Attendance is critical if not essential for successful completion. The ALEKS schedule is aggressive and demanding. Statistically, those that attend class seem to grasp a given concept more effectively than those that do not attend.
·  A few minute break will be given mid-way through class.
·  Follow directions. All forms of conduct must be ethical and professional.
·  Electronic devices, such as cell phones and PDA’s need to be out of sight and silenced. Please refrain from texting; if necessary, then leave the class.
·  Profanity, vulgarity, insulting language, or other inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated; students must be respectful and courteous to each other. Students not adhering to this rule will be dropped from class.
·  Math textbook and a scientific calculator must be purchased by week one.
·  Students must adhere to all applicable policies in the CSI catalog. Online at www.csi.edu
·  Be prepared, Be polite, and Be on time.
If a student’s progress is unsatisfactory as indicated by lack of attendance, poor test scores, incomplete or poor homework, or classroom behavior, the instructor may institute the PASS (Positive Action for Student Success) Program and alert the Advising Center of the difficulties. This is the “early alert” system.
If a student continues to have difficulties through the course, the instructor may institute the SMART (Students Making A Right Turn) program which aims at contacting students who may need a “wake up” alert in making academic decisions before it’s too late in the semester. These “wake up” red flags may arise from a broad spectrum of issues: attendance, coursework, classroom behavior, and other factors impeding the student’s success at CSI.
A student will have achieved the course objective when they successfully demonstrate their understanding of the course content by completing objective assignments, developing solutions to application problems, and communicating solutions to problems. The course content includes:
·  Rational numbers
·  Variable expressions
·  Operations on sets of numbers
·  Set-builder notation and interval notation
·  First degree equations in one variable
·  First degree inequalities
·  Linear functions
·  Find length and midpoint
·  Write the equations for lines
·  Solve systems of linear equations
·  Polynomials
·  Solve polynomial equations by factoring
·  Simplify exponential expressions having integer and variable exponents
·  Scientific notation
·  Expressions with rational exponents
·  Radical expressions
·  Complex numbers
·  Solve equations containing radicals
·  Functions
·  Rational expressions
·  Solve rational equations
·  Solve quadratic equations
·  Solve equations that are quadratic in form
·  Solve quadratic and rational inequalities
·  Parabolas
·  Exponential functions
·  Logarithms
ADMINISTRATION
NOTES: / ·  Student email: CSI email is the primary source of written communication to all students. It is the student’s responsibility to check their CSI email accounts regularly. Failing to do so will result in missing important messages and deadlines. Student e-mail addresses have the following format: . Free training is provided at the Taylor building.
·  Computer Literacy: All CSI students are required to demonstrate competency on a computer skills assessment before obtaining any associate degree through CSI. See “Degree and Certificate Requirements” in CSI catalog.
·  Disability Statement: Any students with a documented disability may be eligible for related accommodations. To determine eligibility contact Student Disability Services located on the 2nd floor of the CSI Taylor Building or 208/732-6260. See “Student Disability Services” in CSI catalog.
·  Online evaluation: Students are strongly encouraged to fill out an “online” course evaluation within the last two weeks of class. Said evaluation assists in continued improvement of course. Contents of evaluations are anonymous. Please give honest feedback. Ten points of extra credit will be given. Evaluation found at www.evaluation.csi.edu.
·  Drop/Withdrawal Policy: The student is responsible for dropping a class. In order to withdraw from this math course following late registration (first Friday of the term), a completed registration form is required. Student must drop course or withdraw within the first 12 weeks, or receive applicable letter grade.
·  CSI Campus Security – The College of Southern Idaho is committed to providing safe campuses for all students. Currently in place is an Emergency Notification System (RAVE) that provides information relating to an emergency on any CSI campus. Students are encouraged to report any emergency (medical, criminal, behavioral, etc.) that is cause for action. Do this by calling 911 regardless of which campus you are on. The Twin Falls campus is equipped with an Emergency Warning “Siren” that can be heard outside of buildings across campus. In the event of a signal, students arriving on campus should leave, and others should proceed with caution to avoid the emergency area.
·  Outcomes Assessment:
1)  Philosophy Statement: General education in Mathematics develops the understanding of mathematics as a language which permits the student to express, define, and answer questions about the world.
2)  Student Learning Outcomes:
·  The students will be able to analyze real-world questions and mathematically structure strategies to model the questions.
·  The students will be able to correctly provide solutions to the models of the questions.
·  The students will be able to communicate the solutions to the questions when analyzed and solved mathematically.
·  Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of the College of Southern Idaho to comply with all federal, state and local authorities requiring nondiscrimination, including but not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Executive Orders 12898 (Environmental Justice) and 13166 (Limited English Proficiency). College of Southern Idaho is an equal opportunity employer.
The college does not exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject any individual to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, income, protected veteran status, limited English proficiency, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
For more information or if you believe you have been subject to discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, or if you believe you have been subject to discrimination on any other basis, please contact the College of Southern Idaho’s Title IX, ADA, and 504 Coordinator: Director of Human Resources, 208/732-6267 Or Associate Dean of Student Affairs, 208/732-6225.
SUGGESTIONS: / ·  Always use a piece of paper to the “fullest”; front and back.
·  Ask questions until the concept is understood.
·  Schedule time of at least nine (9) additional hours per week outside of class for doing ALEKS objectives and Pie mastery. This class covers a great deal of material. Three hours of studying on a Sunday is not as productive as three hours of paced study. Time management is important to school and employment success.
·  Schedule time for math every day. Keep up with the objectives. Study effectively. Be honest with yourself. Develop a “can do” attitude toward Math. Listening and watching is not enough.
·  A graphing calculator is required. Note: A graphing calculator can be used on the Final exam.
·  Math assistance:
o  Free, drop-in, math tutoring will be available: either at the campus Math Lab in SHL 207 or at the Academic Development Center Lab in GRM 202.
o  ALEKS Learning videos are a great online tutorial; that is recommended.
o  Form a study group of committed students with similar educational goals.

TENTATIVE

SCHEDULE:

Open Dates (Due by Midnight) Objectives

08/24/2015 - 08/30/2015 Course Readiness and Diagnostic (16 topics)

08/31/2015 - 09/06/2015 Chapter 1: The Real Number System (25 topics)

09/07/2015 - 09/13/2015 Chapter 2: Rules of Exponents (36 topics)

09/14/2015 - 09/23/2015 Chapter 3: Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable (77 topics)

09/24/2015 - 09/30/2015 Chapter 4: Linear Equations in Two Variables and Functions (52 topics)

10/01/2015 - 10/07/2015 Chapter 5: Solving Systems of Linear Equations (11 topics)

10/08/2015 - 10/18/2015 Chapter 6: Polynomials (50 topics)

10/19/2015 - 10/25/2015 Chapter 7: Factoring Polynomials (41 topics)

10/26/2015 - 11/08/2015 Chapter 8: Rational Expressions (94 topics)

11/09/2015 - 11/15/2015 Chapter 10: Radicals and Rational Exponents (79 topics)

11/16/2015 - 11/22/2015 Chapter 11: Quadratic Equations (25 topics)

11/23/2015 - 11/29/2015 Chapter 12: Functions and Their Graphs (33 topics)

11/30/2015 - 12/06/2015 Chapter 13: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (16 topics)

Note: If a student completes all of the topics in a chapter before the due date, then the next chapter will open, allowing faster self-paced progress and the grade (100%) will be recorded. If the student has only completed a lesser percentage at the due date, then that percentage is recorded in the gradebook and the next chapter opens according to the schedule. However, those parts of the previous chapter that are important to progressing will be carried into subsequent Objectives.

Also, an automatic retention assessment (knowledge check) will occur after completing 20 topicsand5 hours of work on ALEKS. Students can “pause” a knowledge check for up to 24 hours if they want to work on other things first.

Additionally, students must answer topics correctly multiple times before it is “learned”.

December 2015
Sun / Mon / Tues / Wed / Thurs / Fri / Sat
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
6 / 7
Comprehensive Review / 8 / 9
Comprehensive Review / 10 / 11 / 12
13

Week 17

/ 14
Final Exam
6:00-8:00 PM
In classroom / 15 / 16 / 17
. / 18 / 19

Arp Math 043-C15 Fall 2015 Page 6 of 6