Course Syllabus: Spring 2017
Math 0373.009: Intermediate Algebra
Computer Assisted Course
Instructor: Doug Harley
OFFICE: CB 340
Class Meets: TR 11am to 12:20pm in CB120
Lab Meets: Thursdays 12:30pm to 1:20pm in CB120
OFFICE HOURS: MWF 11am to 12pm, TR 2pm to 3pm
E-mail address:
Phone: (361) 698-1570
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA:
This course will utilize the “MyMathLab” computer program. This program is Internet based so Internet access is essential. The text associated with this class is “Elementary and Intermediate Algebra Concepts and Applications, Bittinger Ellenbogen Johnson 6th Edition”. A hard copy of the textbook is not essential to this course, but the student access code for MyMathLab is essential. Intermediate Algebra students are required to register and attend a lab. The MyMathLab program does not work on Mac Computers and it works best on the Google Chrome browser.
The Course Code for this class is: harley66504.
PREREQUISITE: A grade of C or better in Math 0371 or assessment scores.
CO-REQUISITE: Students must enroll in Math0008 - Lab for Extended Intermediate Algebra.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Students will demonstrate a proficiency in the operations of algebraic expressions, such as rational and/ or radical expressions. This includes addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
2. Students will demonstrate proficiency with the algebra of linear functions, slope, graphs of lines, and slope-intercept form of a line.
3. Students will demonstrate ability to model and solve real-world situations requiring the use of such algebraic topics as linear functions and/ or rational expressions.
4. Students will demonstrate an ability to represent and evaluate basic algebraic information involving such topics as linear functions, inequalities, rational expressions, or radical expressions.
5. Students will demonstrate an ability to interpret algebraic models, such as linear and/ or rational functions, inequalities, or schematics, and draw inferences from them.
Question: How can I do my homework when Course Compass is down?Answer: Use the backdoor. If coursecompass.com is acting up or it won't let you login because their server is down, try using the backdoor. Go to MathXL.com. On the right hand side, you should see "MyMathLab Log In" with "backdoor" in parenthesis underneath it...enter this way. There will be some physical differences, but you should be able to get to your assignments.
Grading policy
Students will be given four tests this semester. Three major tests will be scheduled during the semester and the final exam will be administered at the appropriate time during finals week. Each student will be given 23 quizzes. Homework is calculated as part of your grade. There is also a practice test for each test. Test and quiz dates are easily identified on the course calendar. Tests are timed. Test will be taken in class and are limited to 80 minutes with no more than 20 questions. Quizzes are taken online. MyMathLab automatically takes the better grade for quizzes and tests. Homework counts as 15% of your overall grade.
Homework: 15% (You can work homework problems until you get them correct.)
Quizzes: 15% (Quizzes will be taken online. Your three lowest quiz grades will be dropped.)
Practice Test 1 (Sections 6.1 – 6.7): 3%
Test 1 (Chapters 6.1 – 6.7): 12% (10 bonus points added to this test grade if you complete all homework for Sections 6.1 – 6.7 )
Practice Test 2 (Sections 3.6, 3.7 & 7.1 – 9.1): 3%
Test 2 (Sections 7.1 – 9.1): 12% (10 bonus points added to this test grade if you complete all homework for Sections 7.1 – 9.1 )
Practice Test 3 (Sections 9.3 – 10.7): 3%
Test 3 (Sections 9.3 – 10.7): 12% (10 bonus points added to this test grade if you complete all homework for Sections 9.3 – 10.7)
Final Exam: 25%
Your Final Exam is comprehensive. You can receive up to 10 bonus points on your final exam for doing 100% of your homework. If you complete 91% of your homework you will receive 1 bonus points on your final exam. If you complete 92% of your homework, you will receive 2 bonus points on your final exam, etc.
Grades:
A 90% - 100%
B 80% - 89%
C 70% - 79%
R below 70%
Classroom Policy
Absolutely no cell phone usage in the classroom!!! If you absolutely cannot do without your cell phone during class time, then you need to exit the classroom. You cannot use your cell phone as a calculator. If you need a calculator, then bring a calculator to class. I recommend either a scientific calculator or a graphing calculator for this class.
Important dates:
Class Begins: Tuesday, January 17th
Spring Break: March 13 - 18
Last day to drop: Monday, April 24th
Last day of class: Wednesday, May 3rd
Final Exam: TBA
Withdrawing from the class:
If you stop attending class without officially withdrawing from the College then the grade is an automatic “R”. If you choose to withdraw, you must go to the Registrar’s Office in person to withdraw from class. The last day to drop for Spring 2017 is Monday, April 24th. You will receive an automatic “W” if the drop is made prior to, or, on the official drop date.
Questions: If you have any questions call or email me. You should expect a response within 24 hours although normally I will respond much sooner. If you call or email me on the weekend, expect a response on Monday.
Email:
Do not email me from Course Compass since those emails do not get forwarded to my email account. If you need to email me, use the following email: . When emailing me be sure to include your first and last name, your course name, days and times you meet for class. Please don’t leave me guessing who is emailing me and which course you are enrolled in. Most math questions I will answer using the Echo Smart Pen which produces a PDF file with audio. You will need the latest version of Adobe Reader.
Developmental Courses
Some students have a need for further work toward building a strong academic foundation. It takes courage, determination and a lot of will power on the part of the student to postpone career plans while doing developmental work in English, mathematics, or reading. The student will be paying tuition for these courses, the grades earned will be reflected on the permanent transcript; and yet, in most instances, they will not count toward a degree. The student who takes academic enrichment courses at Del Mar College and works hard to benefit from them will find it easier to succeed in courses taken for credit. Through these classes the student should develop good study habits, improve reading comprehension, increase ability to analyze what is read and develop reasoning powers. This is what building an academic foundation is really all about.
Scholastic Dishonesty:
Students are expected to maintain the integrity of the College by avoiding dishonesty in their own behavior and by expecting honest behavior from their fellow students. One of the requirements for passing the courses students take at Del Mar College is that students do their own work. Meeting this requirement means avoiding plagiarism, collusion and cheating. A full description of this policy is available from the Vice President of Student Development.
Student Code of conduct:
Please refer to the following link regarding the Student Code of Conduct and the Rights and Responsibilities of Students:
http://www.delmar.edu/sthandbook/rights.php#3
Responsibilities and Safety Standards of Student Conduct [Chapter 7 – Policy B7.13]:
http://www.delmar.edu/policymanual/pmcurrent/ch7/ch7.html#b7_13
B7.13 Standards of Student Conduct Policy
This policy is applicable to all students enrolled at Del Mar College to ensure that all practices and actions of the College are applied to students in an equal and nondiscriminatory manner. The policy includes standards and procedures on Student Rights, Student Obligations and Responsibilities, Non-Scholastic Student Misconduct, and Student Scholastic Dishonesty.
Students with disabilities:
Students needing accommodations based on a disability are encouraged to contact the office of Special Services, Harvin Student Center room 188, or by calling 698-1298 or the West Campus, Coleman Center, at 698-1741.
MATH 0373. EXTENDED INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA (3-1-3) 32.0104.52
Intensive study of the operations of algebra designed to fill the needs of students preparing for college algebra. Credit not allowed for both MATH 0372 and 0373. Assessment Levels: R2, E1, M2.
Absences: No unexcused absences are allowed!!! If you have an unexcused absence, you will be dropped from the course. However, you will not be dropped if you are passing the course (overall average greater than 70%). Absences are excused if you have a doctor’s excuse or if you notify me in advance. However, an excused absence will become an unexcused absence if you do not complete the homework and quizzes assigned (100%) for the day of your absence prior to the next class meeting. If you are late coming to class or you leave class early this will be the same as an excused absence, meaning you must complete all homework and quizzes assigned for that day (100%) or it will become an unexcused absence. If you leave class early, you must notify your instructor, or it will automatically become an unexcused absence. In order to be successful in this course, I expect most students will have to spend between 8 to 10 hours each day doing homework and taking quizzes outside of class time. If you are dropped from the course, I will reinstate you once your overall grade is above a 70%.
Tentative Schedule of Topics:
Each Chapter / Section has its own homework assignment and quiz. The dates these are available and the dates these are due is included on the Course Calendar. The test availability and due dates are listed below, but are also included on the Course Calendar. In addition, a list of topics is listed below. The link to the Course Calendar can be found on Course Compass as soon as you enter your course on the left side; click on the link entitled “Course Calendar”. Please be sure to check this calendar often to ensure that you do not miss the due dates for any homework, quiz or test.
Test / Tentative DateTest 1: 6.1 – 6.7 / Tuesday, February 21st
Test 2: 7.1 – 9.1 & 3.6 – 3.7 / Thursday, March 23rd
Test 3: 9.3 – 10.7 / Tuesday, April 18th
Final Exam / TBA
Chapter / Section / Topic
Section 6.1 / Rational Expressions
Section 6.2 / Multiplication and Division
Section 6.3 / Addition, Subtraction, and Least Common Denominator
Section 6.4 / Addition and Subtraction with Unlike Denominators
Section 6.5 / Complex Rational Expressions
Section 6.6 / Solving Rational Equations
Section 6.7 / Applications using Rational Equations and Proportions
Section 7.1 / Introduction to Functions
Section 7.5 / Formulas, Applications, and Variation
Section 3.6 / Slope-Intercept Form
Section 3.7 / Point-Slope Form
Section 8.1 / Systems of Equations in Two Variables
Section 8.2 / Solving by Substitution or Elimination
Section 8.3 / Solving Applications: Systems of Two Equations
Section 9.1 / Interval Notation and Problem Solving
Section 9.3 / Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Section 9.4 / Inequalities in Two Variables
Section 10.1 / Radical Expressions and Functions
Section 10.2 / Rational Numbers as Exponents
Section 10.3 / Multiplying Radical Expressions
Section 10.4 / Dividing Radical Expressions
Section 10.5 / Expressions Containing Several Radical Terms
Section 10.7 / Geometric Applications
Inclement Weather: You should check for updated messages using the DMC Information Line at 698-1600 as well as checking with local television and radio stations for updates when there are severe changes in weather conditions. You are expected to make your own decisions regarding your travel abilities to and from campus and take precautions for your safety.
EXPECTED CLASSRROM ETIQUETTE: As individual instructors each outline their expectations and policies for classroom attendance and conduct, among other policies including absences, drops, grading, late work, and plagiarism, students should consult the specific instructor’s syllabus for the course section in which they are enrolled.
COLLEGE POLICIES:
Academic Honesty
You are expected to maintain the integrity of the College by maintaining academic honesty for yourself and by expecting academic honesty behavior from your fellow students. One of the requirements for passing the courses you take at Del Mar College is that you do your own work. Meeting this requirement means avoiding plagiarism, collusion, and cheating.
Standards of Student Conduct
To maintain a positive learning environment, it is essential that you conduct yourself according to certain standards of behavior set by the College. It is your right in attending Del Mar College to retain your individualism, personal freedom, autonomy and dignity, while respecting, at the same time, the rights of others. All students are individuals and display different abilities, skills, interests, appreciations, attitudes, beliefs and values. You also have a responsibility to yourself, to your fellow students, to your instructors, to College personnel, to the policies of the College, and to the law of the land.
Services for Students with Disabilities
Del Mar College is an “open door college” to students with disabilities who have a high school diploma or General Education Development Certificate. Students with documented disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Special Services Office on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.
Withdrawal From College
If you decide to withdraw from a class, you must complete a withdrawal form for each class. Forms are available from the Registrar’s Office at any campus site. Failure to file a withdrawal form may result in a grade of “F” for each course in progress.
Six Drop Limit
If you are a first-time student who entered college in Fall 2007 or after, you cannot drop more than six courses, including any course you have dropped at another college in Texas, according to Senate Bill 1231. There are exceptions to this policy if you can show good cause for dropping a course(s). For further information, contact the Office of Admissions and Registrar.
Student Complaints
Procedures for student complaints against the College have been set forth in writing and are included in the Board of Regents Policy Manual. The Office of Student Services is responsible for coordinating the processing of student complaints. The Student Complaint Policy is based on the belief that such complaints are best resolved at the level closest to the issue that led to the complaint. Resolutions to such complaints must be reached through the participation of all parties involved in the issue that led to the complaint. All procedures developed in relation to this policy will be applied in an equitable and nondiscriminatory manner and will protect the rights of all parties.