Syllabus_fa16_mt003.docx 3
SYLLABUS for Pre-Algebra Review
A. Course Title –below
B. Instructor name–below
C. How to Contact the Instructor–below
MT003 Pre-Algebra Review (3 cr) Fall 2016Sec 05 MWF 10-10:50am K233
Instructor: / Linda Perel
Office Hours: / MWF / 12-1pm
Tu / 11-12am
Th / 2:20-3:20pm
Phone: / 851-1332 (leave message)
Email: /
Office: / K154
Mailbox: / K249
useful web sites: / mymathlab.com
facultypages.ecc.edu/perel
D. Catalog Description: (From the catalog) A developmental course designed to give a brief overview of arithmetic skills and to prepare students for elementary algebra. Topics include: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratio, and proportion, percent, integers, simple linear equations and basic calculator skills. Word problems will be related to each topic. No prerequisite.
E. Text / Course Materials:
1) PRE-ALGEBRA & MyMathLab 12 MONTH PACKAGE (binder ready) ISBN#: 9780134197388 (This is the book package in the North Bookstore which includes MyMathLab access code and custom looseleaf binder version of the textbook.)
(If you are looking for just the book without MyMathLab, the full title is Prealgebra Ed. 7, ISBN-10: 0321997158 or ISBN13: 9780321997159, by Marvin L. Bittinger, DavidJ.Ellenbogen, and Barbara L. Johnson)
2) Scientific calculator preferred (has “log” key on it)
3) A note/homework system to store papers, take notes and write homework assignments with.
F. Library Resources – a copy of the textbook will be at the Reference Desk in the library at North Campus and may be used in the library only.
G. Course Outcomes:
1) Perform basic computations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and integers.
2) Apply divisibility rules for 2, 3, and 5 and write prime factorizations of whole numbers.
3) Convert fractions, decimals, and percents from one form to the other.
4) Estimate numbers by rounding-off.
5) Apply the order of operations to evaluate mathematical expressions
6) Represent a comparison of data in ratio form and solve the proportions.
7) Solve applications problems relative to the above.
8) Solve simple 1 or 2-step equations.
9) Demonstrate a “sense of numbers” by determining if a mathematical solution is reasonable.
10) Present organized work with checks to avoid careless errors.
11) Perform mental arithmetic and use a calculator effectively.
12) Optional Topic: Measurement, geometry, algebra.
13) Read Critically and think logically when solving word problems that involve whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents.
14) Calculator skills: Calculate with the four basic operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) to solve problems and demonstrate an understanding of these keys: . Also demonstrate an understanding of order of operations.
H. ECC Learning Outcomes – see Part G. They are the same outcomes.
I. Testing/ Means of Evaluation
60% / 5 tests35% / 5 graded homework assignments
5% / participation / attendance
100% / Total
J. Grading Determination:
To figure your grade at the end of the semester, average your tests together and get a %. Multiply it by .60. Average your homework marks together and multiply it by .35. Add these together and also add in up to 5 points for participation/attendance.
A 90 and up; / D 60 to 66; D+ 67 to 69;B- 80 to 82; B 83 to 86; B+ 87 to 89; / F 59 and below
C- 70 to 72; C 73 to 76; C+ 77 to 79;
Further Explanation:
· Tests: You will complete 5 in-class tests, each to cover 1 to 2 chapters. Do not be absent for tests unless you are seriously ill or have an emergency. In these cases, contact me to make arrangements to make up the test in my office.
· Homework:
o Homework is assigned every day from the textbook. Label each assignment with page and items numbers. Copy short problems. Show all work. Show your logic in more complex problems. This homework is not collected. Check your answers with the answers in the back of the book. We will go over it the next day.
o Graded homework: You will be assigned 5 graded homework assignments to complete. Most assignments will be problems given on a handout, but could also be from the textbook
· Calculator: All skills must be learned by hand without calculator. You will be required to demonstrate all calculations without a calculator on HWs and tests except for finishing up proportions and percent problems in chapters 7 and 8, and except when I am explicitly testing for calculator skills.
· Attendance and participation: Attendance and participation will count for 5% of your grade. In college and employment and other important life activities, regular attendance is key to success. More than 4 absences in a Mon-Wed-Fri course is excessive. Again, Do not be absent for tests.
· MyMathLab access code is sold with the ECC North Bookstore book package. MathXL is an online Homework tool that is contained in MyMathLab. MyMathLab is optional for this class.
K. Attendance - Absence was addressed in the previous section “Grading Determination”, in the bullet “Attendance and participation”.
L. Academic Integrity and Class Policy
1) Student responsibility is essential. Please do not talk out of turn. Raise your hand to be called on in order. Excessive talking about nonacademic and nonmath related topics is inappropriate. Your behavior should not disturb the concentration of the class members. If we are independently working in class on math problems, quiet concentration is required.
2) Cell phones and smartphones: mute your phone and put it away when you are in class. This is common courtesy. If there is an urgent call you need to take, notify me before class, sit by the door to take it in the hallway.
3) On test days: put all items away, including your phone.
M. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Erie Community College recognizes the right of qualified individuals with disabilities to receive appropriate course accommodations and academic adjustments. These arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis. If there is a physical or mental impairment (including learning disability or Attention Deficit Disorder), which will impact the ability to participate in this class then contact the Disabled Student Services office listed below as soon as possible. A counselor will provide information to the instructor which will allow appropriate academic adjustments to be made for the student.
City Campus: Counseling, 45 Oak St., Room 102L 851-1189
North Campus: S Bldg. (Spring Center), Room 212A 851-1495
South Campus: Bldg. 3, Room 3120 851-1933
N. Topical Outline – We will cover chapters 1 through 5, 7 and 8 (omitting sections 2.7, 5.7 and 8.7)
O. Other
1) Placement Retest – If you took the ECC math placement test but feel that your course placement is incorrect, you are allowed one retest. It is offered this week only. The teacher will announce the dates and times in class.
2) Extra Help: See the teacher during her office hours (see the top section of the syllabus), and/or go for free tutoring that is available in the Math Tutoring Center in D110, off of the main library building hallway. The hours are usually: Mon-Fri 9-3, evening and Saturday hours tba. The supervisor is James Easton (851-1581).
3) Computer resourses:
· Use computers in the open lab in the library and in K238.
· Refer to my academic website (facultypages.ecc.edu/perel) for posted homework, practice tests and reminders.
· Common Software issue – Sometimes the software does not work when pop-up blockers are turned on. Remedy this by turning off all of your browser’s pop-ups.
4) Dates: / Last day to drop and add classes: Fri. Sept 2.Last day to withdraw with a "W" on your transcript: Mon Nov 14.
Last day of school: Fri Dec 16; grades due: Thurs Dec 22 (midterm grades due: Fri Oct 21).
Days offs: Mon Sept 5; Fri Nov 11; Wed - Sat Nov 23-26
*Tues Nov 8 is a Friday schedule.