MATH 1070-003 College Algebra for Social Sciences and Business
Fall 2012Syllabus

Class Sessions: / M/W2:00 – 3:15 PM in Plaza Building 211
Instructor: / Stephanie Patterson
Office Location: / CU-Denver Bldg., Rm. 649 (6th floor CU Building – 1250 14th Street)
Help Sessions:
Note: These are subject to
change. I will post on Blackboard as an announcement if any changes occur. / I will hold open help sessions in the MERC lab (NC 4015) during the following times. Feel free to drop in with your questions!
Tuesdays or Thursdays: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Other times, such as before and after class,are available by appointment - e-mail first if you want to be sure I’m available!
E-mail: / Note: e-mail is the best way to reach me.
Web Page / Grades are updated regularly and posted at:

Math Dept. Office / CU-Denver Bldg., 6th Floor (1250 14th Street)
phone: 303-556-8442 (main line)
Math 1070 Course Captain / Lane Andrew: Office CU-Bldg., Rm. 652
Phone: 720-290-0313; email:
Dept Associate Chair / Lynn Bennethum: Office CU-Bldg., Rm. 638
Phone: 303-556-4810; email:

Description: Topics in algebra designed for students who intend to take business calculus. Functions, graphs, scatter plots, curve-fitting, solving systems of equations, polynomial and rational functions, and selected other topics. Graphics calculator required. No co-credit with MATH 1110 or MATH 1130.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra or equivalent.

Required Materials:

Text:College Algebra, Ratti and McWaters, 2nd Edition, 2011.(Actually this is optional.)
If you purchase a hard copy of the text then we recommend that you purchase it new bundled with the student access code that gives you access to the MyMathLab software. A used text will not usually come with an unused access code. Each access code can only be used once! If you purchase a used text then you will probably still need to purchase the software and eBook online. If you don’t mind using the eBook instead of a hard copy of the text then the MyMathLab software is all you need!

MyMathLab: A copy of the text is really optional since an eBook comes with the purchase of the MyMathLab software. The total cost for the software and eBook is approximately $78.00. You can purchase the software and the eBook by going topearsonmylabandmastering.com. Under REGISTER, click STUDENT. You will need the COURSE ID, which is patterson21452,your university email address (which you check regularly), and either a student access code or a valid credit card. (Note: If you are retaking this course with the same textbookthen you should not need to pay for MyMathLab a second time. In this case, sign in to your account and select ENROLL IN ANOTHER COURSE above your course listings. Use the newCOURSE IDabove.)

Graphics Calculator: You will also need a graphing calculator for this course. This calculator will be utilized in class, on the homework, and on parts of the exams. The recommended calculator for the course is one of the TI-83 or TI-84 calculators. Other calculators may be sufficient but please ask if you have a different calculator that you would like to use.
How you will be evaluated:

Written Homework Assignments: Homework problems will be given over each section covered and collected each week. Approximately 11 assignments will be graded and will be worth a total of 100 points after the lowest homework grade is dropped at the end of the semester.

Application Project: One project will be assigned during the semester that will be an extension to the homework assignments. This project will require the use of a graphing utility. The project will count for 25 points.

MyMathLab Homework: Online homework will be assigned over each section covered. You will use MyMathLab to do the online homework. It is recommended that you do the online homework for each section before doing the written homework and before taking the online quiz for the section. You get immediate feedback while doing the online homework since the problems are graded as you do them. You can also get help on a problem if necessary and you have multiple attempts to get each problem correct. If you want to improve your score on a particular assignment you can return and try individual problems again, up until the due date of the assignment. Note: You must pass the MyMathLab Basic Skills Quiz with a score of 80% or better to unlock the MyMathLab online homework.

MyMathLab Quizzes: There will also be online quizzes over each chapter. If you want to improve your score on a particular quiz you can return and try that quiz again, up until its due date. Your best score will count so you can only improve your score on a quiz by attempting it more than once. Note: You must pass the MyMathLab Basic Skills Quizwith a score of 80% or better to unlock the other MyMathLab quizzes.

Exams: Three in-class exams, worth 100 points each, will be given plus a comprehensive final exam, counting 200 points. The dates and times of the exams are:
Test #1 – Wednesday, September 19th.
Test #2 – Wednesday, October 17th.
Test #3 – Wednesday, November 14th.
Final Exam – Saturday December 8th(9:00 AM - Noon)

Points Summary: You will be accumulating a possible 800 points during the semester.

Written Homework / 100 points
Application Project / 25 points
MyMathLab Homework / 75 points
MyMathLab Quizzes / 100 points
In-class Exams / 300 points
Final Exam / 200 points
Total / 800 points

Grading Scale: Your final grade will be determined by the percentage of these points you have actually received

A 92.0 – 100% A- 90.0 – 91.9%
B+ 88.0 – 89.9% B 82.0 – 87.9% B- 80.0 – 81.9%
C+ 78.0 – 79.9% C 70.0 – 77.9%
D 60.0 – 69.9%
F below 60.0%

Late Work and Exam Makeup Policy:

Makeup Tests: I expect you to take all of the tests. If some emergency arises that causes you to miss a test, we will deal with it in such a way that you are not penalized. We will discuss the details if this happens. If at all possible, you must make arrangements with me beforehand, and I will ask for details regarding the emergency. If you miss a test without making prior arrangements, you will in all likelihood receive a zero. No makeup will be offered after the test has been passed back to the class.

Final Exam: The final exam will be Saturday December 8th(9:00 AM - Noon). The final exam is cumulative and will include topics from throughout the semester. Attendance at the final exam is mandatory. In most cases the final exam will not be held in the same room as your class was held. Your instructor will provide you with the room number where your final exam will be held. You are required to take the final exam in the correct room with the other students from your section. Having the final rescheduled is extremely rare and is not permitted for reasons such as a plane ticket that was purchased earlier, attendance at weddings or accommodation of your work schedule.

Late Homework Assignments: Homework will be assigned on the last day of the week and it will be due the following last class period of the week. No homework will be accepted late; however, feel free to drop off homework early to my mailbox or scan and email me your homework on the day it is due. If you don’t have a scanner, take a picture of your homework pages and email it to me. I may ask you to submit a hard copy when you return to class.

Late Application Project: No late projects will be accepted, but feel free to drop off the project early to my mailbox or scan and email me your homework on the day it is due. If you don’t have a scanner, take a picture of your assignment pages and email it to me. I may ask you to submit a hard copy when you return to class.

Late Online Homework and online quizzes: If you do not do an online homework assignment or take an online quiz by its due date you will receive a zero on that assignment. There will be no exceptions. Technical difficulties are always possible (likely) when working with computers so plan ahead and get your online homework and quizzes done early!

Frequently Asked Question: How much time should I be spending on my Math 1070 each week?
A “full-time job” is considered to be 40 hours per week and a “full-time student” is considered to have a schedule of 15 hours per week. If you subtract 15 hours of class time from the 40 hours, that leaves 25 hours of studying per week. 3/15 = 1/5 of 25 hours is 5 hours of studying Math 1070, outside of class time per week. Warning: If your last math class was several years ago or if your prerequisite math skills are weak then you are not well prepared and you will need to spend considerably more time on this class in order to be successful!

Attendance:Regular attendance and participation are important to your success in any college course but particularly in mathematics. You are expected to attend class faithfully and to take responsibility for your own learning.

Cheating: Examples of cheating include (but are not limited to):using unauthorized references (e.g. another individual, cell phone, notes, texts...) during an exam or online quiz, using a calculator on an exam or online quiz where a calculator is not allowed, altering a graded exam and coming back to request more points, turning in duplicate homework assignments,and plagiarism. The penalty for cheating will depend on the evidence and the intent of the student. At a minimum, the penalty for deliberate cheating on an exam will be a zero on the exam. A letter will also be sent to the department Chair and the CLAS associate Dean and it is likely that depending on the circumstances, cheating of this kind may result in a course grade of F as well as possible expulsion from the university.It isn't worth it, so don't do it. I encourage students to work together on homework. However, it is expected that you turn in your own work expressed in your own words. Never copy someone else’s work and do not allow someone else to copy your work. If there are duplications of portions of homework where it is obvious that copying has occurred, then all parties involved will receive a zero on the assignment.

Student Code of Conduct: As members of the University community, students are expected to uphold university standards, which include abiding by state civil and criminal laws and all University policies and standards of conduct.These standards are outlined in the student code of conduct which can be found at:

Incomplete Grades:Incomplete grades (I) are not granted for low academic performance. To be eligible for an Incomplete grade, students must (1) successfully complete at least 75 percent of the course, (2) have special circumstances (verification may be required) that preclude the student from attending class and completing graded assignments, and (3) make arrangements to complete missing assignments with the original instructor using a CLAS Course Completion agreement.

Where to Get Additional Help: There are Teaching Assistants available to answer your questions in the MERC lab in the North Classroom Building (NC) room 4015. This is an excellent resource! Check with the lab to see their schedule. Try to form a study group to study and learn with; it really works for some people! Realize that there are many ways of learning and a study group may be helpful for you. Listening to a lecture and asking questions may work for someone else. The Learning Resource Center (see below) may be able to assist you in setting up a study group. And don’t forget about me! Please, don’t be afraid to ask me questions. Don’t think, “I must be the only one who doesn’t understand.” Feel free to ask questions before, during, or after class. You are always welcome to drop in and see me during my open office hours held in the MERC lab (see page 1), or you can ask questions by email. If your email contains math symbols, just type them as you would on your calculator.

Other Resources:

Academic Success and Advising Center Helps new freshmen and transfer students through academic advising, schedule planning, time management, personal support and referrals to other on-campus resources.North Classroom (NC) Room 2024Phone: (303) 352-3520.

Career Center The Career Center offers a full array of services to assist and guide students with understanding and leveraging their skills, personality, values, and interests as they choose an academic major and determine a career direction. Services include job search and strategies, resume development and writing, practice interviews, and salary negotiation. Students are encouraged to participate in career-related programs and services to plan their careers and gain the skills and experiences they need to graduate successfully. Tivoli building, Room 267 Phone: (303) 556-2250.

Disability Resources and Services Office (DRS) Serves the needs of a large and diverse community of students with disabilities who attend the University of Colorado Denver. Accommodations may include: assistance in identifying volunteer note takers, alternative testing (extra time, scribe, reader), textbooks in alternate format (Braille, enlarged, audiotape), priority registration, interpreters and referral to the Access center. North Classroom Building (NC) Room 2514.
Phone: 303-556-3450 TTY: 303-556-4766

First-Year Experience The First Year Experience (FYE) is a comprehensive approach to ensure first year students make a successful transition to college. Office of Undergraduate Experiences Phone: 303-315-2133
Learning Resource Center Get some help with managing class assignments and course loads, learning study skills and tutoring. UCD students are eligible for 1 hour of free tutoring per week. North Classroom Building (NC) Room 2004. Phone: (303) 556-2802

Scholarship / Resource Office Information about scholarships and guidance on the scholarship application process.
1250 14th Street #120(CU Denver Building)Phone: 303-352-3608

Student Life Office It is the mission of the Office of Student Life to encourage all students to take advantage of all of the academic resources, out-of-class learning and recreational opportunities that are available throughout the year at UC Denver. Tivoli Student Union #303 Phone: 303-556-3399.

The University of Colorado Denver provides many other services and resources. See:

Fall 2012 CLAS Academic Policies
The following policies pertain to all degree students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).
  • Schedule verification: It is each student’s responsibility to verify online that his/her official registration is correct: verify before classes begin and prior to the drop/add deadline. Failure to verify schedule accuracyis not sufficient reason to justify a late add or drop.
  • E-mail: Students must activate and regularly check their official student e-mail account for CU Denver business: Those who forward email must check CU Denver e-mail regularly for messages not automatically forwarded.
  • Waitlists:
  • Students are not automatically notified if they are added to a class from a waitlist.
  • Students are not automatically dropped from a class if they never attended, stopped attending, or do not make tuition payments.
  • Waitlists are purged after the 1st week of classes, after which a paper Schedule Adjustment Form (SAF or drop/add form) is required. It is the student's responsibility to get the form (online or at the Advising Office, NC 4002), have it signed, deliver it to the Registrar (Annex 100) or the Student Services Center (NC 1003), and verify her/his schedule online.
  • Late adds(after 5 September) will be approved only when circumstances surrounding the late add are beyond the student’s control. This will require a written petition and verifiable documentation. Petition forms are available in NC 4002. The signature of a faculty member on a SAF does not guarantee that a late add petition will be approved.
  • Late drops (after 5 September) will be approved only when circumstances surrounding the late drop have arisen after the published drop deadline and are beyond the student’s control. This will require a written petition and verifiable documentation. The signature of a faculty member does not guarantee that a late drop petition will be approved.
  • Tuition:Students are responsible for completing arrangements with financial aid, family, scholarships, etc. to pay their tuition prior to Census Date (5 September). Students who drop after that date are (1) financially responsible for tuition and fees, (2) academically responsible and will receive a "W" grade, and (3) are ineligible for a refund of COF hours or tuition.
  • Graduation:
  • Undergraduate students wishing to graduate in fall2012 must complete the online Intent to Graduate Form and meet with their academic advisor to obtain a graduation application. This application must be submitted by Census Date (5 September). You can obtain an application only after meeting with your advisor. There are no exceptions to this policy.
  • Graduate students wishing to graduate in fall semester 2012 must complete the online Intent to Graduate form and have a Request for Admissions to Candidacy on file with the CU Denver Graduate School (LSC 1251) no later than 5 PM, September 5, 2012.

Important Dates and Deadlines
  • August 19, 2012: Last day to withdraw from all classes via UCDAccess and receive a refund of the $200 advance payment and all tuition.
  • August 20, 2012: First day of classes.
  • August 26, 2012:Last day to add or waitlist classes using UCDAccess. After this date, a Schedule Adjustment Form (SAF) is required to change, add, or drop.
  • August 27, 2012: Last day to drop without a $100 drop charge. No adds permitted on this day.
  • August 28 - September 5, 2012:
  • UCDAccess registration is closed; registration now requires a SAF with faculty signature.
  • Verify your registration via UCDAccess. You are not registered for a course unless your name appears on the official roster; conversely, your name may have been added automatically from the waitlist without notification, which means that you will be held responsible.
  • September 3, 2012: Labor Day (no classes).
  • September 5, 2012: Census date.
  • 9/5/12, 5 PM: Last day to add structured courses without a written petition for a late add. This is an absolute deadline and is treated as such. This does not apply to independent studies, internships, project hours, thesis hours, dissertation hours, and modular courses.
  • 9/5/12, 5 PM: Last day to drop a courseorcompletely withdraw from fall 2012 using a SAF and still receive a tuition refund, minus the drop fee. After this date, tuition is forfeited and a "W" will appear on the transcript. This includes section changes. This is an absolute deadline.
  • 9/5/12, 5 PM: Last day to request pass/fail or no-credit option for a course.
  • 9/5/12, 5 PM: Last day for a graduate student to register for a Candidate for Degree.
  • 9/5/12, 5 PM: Last day for a Ph.D. student to petition for a reduction in hours.
  • 9/5/12, 5 PM: Last day to apply for fall 2012 graduation. If an undergraduate, you must make an appointment and see your academic advisor to apply. If a graduate student, you must complete the Intent to Graduate and Candidate for Degree forms.
  • September 17-26, 2012: Faculty can use the Early Alert system.
  • October 29, 2012, 5 PM: Last day for non-CLAS students to drop or withdraw without a petition and special approval from the academic dean. After this date, a dean’s signature is required.
  • November 12, 2012, 5 PM: Last day for CLAS students to drop or withdraw with signatures from the faculty and dean but without a full petition. After this date, all schedule changes require a full petition. Petitions are available in NC 4002 for undergraduates and in the CU Denver Graduate School offices for graduate students.
  • November 19-25, 2012: Fall break (no classes; campus closed). Be thankful.
  • December 10-15, 2012: Finals Week. No schedule changes will be granted once finals week has started--there are no exceptions to this policy. Commencement is December 15.
  • December 20, 2012: Due date for faculty submission of grades.
  • December 24, 2012: Fall final grades available on UCDAccess (tentative).

Tentative Schedule Fall 2012