MATH 60 INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA

Instructor: Mary BormanOffice: WOH 109

Office Hours: 11:00 – 11:50 am MTPhone: 917-4981(Office) leave message

At other times by appointment757-6573 (Home) feel free to call me at

Email: ome before 9 pm or leave a message

Class meets: 2-2:50pm MTWF WOH 126

Required Materials: M60 Introduction to Algebra, LBCC Mathematics Dept. Fall 2012 (text)

Introduction to Algebra MTH 60 Course Materials (packet)

Scientific Calculator or Graphing Calculator

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course assumes that you have mastered the basic math skills developed in MTH 20. In this course we will be expanding those skills to become proficient in manipulating variables, signed numbers, exponents and formulas. Topics include but are not limited to: writing and evaluating algebraic expressions, solving equations, using problem solving techniques, the Cartesian coordinate system, linear and non-linear graphs, ratios, rates, proportions, similar triangles and dimensional analysis. Note: A minimum competency level is required to pass this course.

COURSE FORMAT: The format will include lecture and small group work. Students will be expected to share solutions to various assignments both orally and in writing. Because we meet for only 4 hours per week, it is imperative that we make good use of the class time. We will begin the discussion of the topic of the day on time. Whether the topic is something you're already familiar with or not, I'd like you to take part because you may be able to offer a "window" for another student to see his/her way through a problem with which s/he is struggling. And, often insights into our own difficulties come unexpectedly while looking at something else or listening to someone else. Please note that this is nota self-study course. Check the catalog for the availability of such a course if you are interested in that style of class.

GRADINGAPPROXIMATE SCALE

(% of the total 700 points)

4 mod tests @ 100 pts. each 40090 – 100 %A

Homework10080 – 89 %B

In Class Assnmt/Workouts10070 – 79%C

4 activities @ 25 pts. each10060 - 69%D

Total points possible7000 - 59%F

Assignment of a letter grade is dependent on passing all the tests. You must pass the first 3 Mod tests with a score of 70 and the Mod 4 test with a score of 60. A proficiency test must be passed at the 95% level. If you do not pass all the tests you will receive an NP or F. Your points per mod are posted on Gradebook. Gradebook can be found on my instructor website. Your grade is a percent of the total number of points possible as describe above, as long as the required tests are passed.

M60 Syllabus continued, page 2/4

TEST INFORMATION: The four module tests for this class will be taken outside of class time in the Learning Center, WH 226. In order to take a module test you will need a "ticket" signed by your instructor and a photo ID. If you test after the deadline, or if you retake a test, your score will be capped at 80%. If you retest after the retest deadline the score is capped at 70%. All test deadlines are listed on the calendar. Retest deadlines are one week after the test deadline. You are allowed one retest per mod. You may not take a test more than once in a day. You may not take more than two different tests in one day.

Additionally, there is one Proficiency Test in this class. The Proficiency Test is first given in class. There is more information about the test in your Mod packet. This test does not count towards your grade but must be passed with a 95% in order to pass this class.

Each of the first 3 mod tests must be passed with 70% or higher. If you do not pass, you are allowed one retest after meeting with me to have your ticket resigned. The mod 4 test must be passed with 60% or higher. It is your responsibility to review your test and be sure you have passed them all. A word to the wise: things can get very hectic near the end of the term. If you wait until the very end to take your last test, you may not have the opportunity to retest and it could result in having to retake the entire course.

ACTIVITIES: The activities are very important, be sure to mark the dates on your calendar. These will be done in assigned groups. The activity is due the class period following the day it is scheduled. Each activity is worth 25 points. It usually requires about a week to score and return activities. Late activities are penalized 5 points if turned in before the others are returned and 10 points or more later. You may have the opportunity to make up one activity at the end of the term.

WORKOUTS: Workouts are short assignments designed to help you develop constructive study habits and apply critical thinking skills to the mathematics you are learning. Some of them will be done in class, others are to be done outside of class time. The Workout portion of your grade consists of your scores on 10 of the 13 workouts. Workout due dates will be announced in class.

HOMEWORK: Homework will be assigned and collected each class day. Plan to spend 2 – 3 hours/day on your Math homework. The tentative lecture schedule tells which sections will be covered that day in class. The homework for that section will be due the day of the following class period. It should be completed and corrected before I will sign your mod ticket, which is necessary in order to take the mod test. Any work not turned in to me or the LC the day it is due is classified as late work. There are no points given for late work. Late assignments may mean your ticket could be signed late and cause you to miss the deadline for the mod test which includes a grade penalty. The answers for the odds are in the back of your book. You are responsible for checking your answers with those at the back of the book. Beginning with Mod 1, you will be expected to readand highlight each section before we cover that topic in class.

In Class Assignments: There will be some in class assignments (ICA's). These can only rarely be made up if I’m notified in advance or there are some extenuating circumstances. Attendance in class is an important part of being a student. I will score and record these on your homework sheets. These will give you and me an opportunity to check for your understanding as we proceed.

M60 Syllabus continued, page 3/4

HELP: Please let us know when you first need help. There are many resources available. I have scheduled office hours and you can make an appointment to meet me at other times. The LC has one or two Math help desks available all hours it is open. The "Math Angle" is designed to help with the developmental classes and there are free tutors available for anyone in this class.

EXPECTATIONS: I expect that my students will be involved in class. This includes being present, asking questions and participating in discussions. You should come to class prepared (this means you should bring your book, calculator, etc. as well as your homework). I expect you to be respectful of everyone in the class, in word as well as behavior. Along these lines, I ask that you turn off your cell phone and music devices during class and put themaway so as to avoid causing a distraction.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Students who have any emergency medical information of which I should know, who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, or students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations, should make an appointment with me as early as possible, no later than the first week of the term. If additional assistance is required the student should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at 917-4789.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: I assume that you are ethical and honest. However, if there is an incident of academic dishonesty (including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, forgery, or aiding or abetting cheating or plagiarism), you will be subject to disciplinary action. This may include reporting the incident to the administration where it will be noted in your file, as well as receiving a grade of F for the course.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION: LBCC prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, use of native language, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. (for further information

RIGHT TO PRIVACY: I like to return homework, ICA's, workouts and activities at the beginning of the class when possible and because we do some things in groups, there may be times during the term when other students may become aware of your scores. If you are uncomfortable with this, please let me know so we can arrange a time when you can collect you assignments from me privately.

One last note: The responsibility for being a student rests with you, but having been a student for many years, raising a family, having children who attended college, and teaching at LB for more than 20 years, I know that being a college student is not easy work. At times it's downright frustrating and there may be times when life seems overwhelming. There are also very exciting and rewarding times. But, if you ever get the feeling things are hopeless, please see me immediately. I thank you and your mother will too.

M60 Syllabus continued, page 3/4

Math 60Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Perform operations involving signed numbers including exponents and evaluating expressions.

2. Solve equations with more than one operation using a variety of algebraic skills and concepts such as the distributive property, combining like terms and clearing fractions.

3. Create graphs of equations with two variables including labeling axes and determining an appropriate scale.

4. Apply algebraic strategies to a variety of applied problems such as percent problems, equations with variables on both sides and ratios and proportions.

5. Explain mathematical concepts, processes and solutions.

Be sure you know the answers to the following 20 questions:

1. Where is your instructor's office?

2. When is her office hour?

3. Where do you take your mod tests?

4. How many mod tests are there?

5. What is the lowest score you must get on each mod to pass the course?

6. How many proficiency tests are there?

7. What is the minimum score to pass the proficiency test?

8. What happens if you take unauthorized notes/equipment into the testing center?

9. Where can you find the test deadlines?

10. What happens if you are absent for an activity?

11. When is the homework due and where can it be turned in?

12. What happens if you take a test after the deadline?

13. What should you do if you are unable to attend class?

14. Where can you find the in-class notes?

15. Where can you go to find out your grade at any time during the term?

16. How do you calculate your grade?

17. What is your instructor's name?

18. Where are the answers to the odd numbered homework problems located?

19. Who checks the answers to your homework?

20. Who scores the workouts?