NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title: Beginning Algebra
Course Prefix & Number: MATH 0305	Section Number:  404	Semester: Spring 2017
Semester Credit Hours: 3	Lecture Hours: 3	Lab Hours: 0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): This course includes basic algebraic concepts and notations; algebraic expressions and equations, factoring polynomials and graphing. Some algebra is required. This course does not count toward graduation at NCTC.
Course Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement score on TSI or other approved assessment test.
Required Course Materials: MyLabsPlus Access Code.   Recommended Course Materials: Headphones or ear buds (for online lectures or music). Elayn Martin-Gay: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra, Pearson, 2017, 6th ed. Textbook is optional. Calculators are permitted.  *** NO GRAPHING CALCULATORS NOR CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ALLOWED – ONLY SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS ALLOWED. *** TI-30X IIS is highly recommended.

 

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	James Beimesch
Campus/Office Location:	Corinth/Corinth 217
Office Hours:	Corinth 217 9:30 AM – 10:50 AM, E-mail (2:30 PM – 4:10 PM)
Telephone Number:	None
E-mail Address:	jbeimesch@nctc.edu (include your name, class date, and time)

 

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
33	Homework	10%
14	Quizzes	10%
3	Chapter Tests	60%
1	Final Exam	20%

Grade Scale:   90 – 100% = A;   80 – 89% = B; 70 – 79% = C;     Below 70% = F

NOTE: College Prep does not give grades of D or I.

 

 

HOMEWORK, QUIZZES, AND TESTS POLICIES

All homework, quizzes, and tests are completed online in Mylabsplus (MLP). The first day of class; please log into Canvas and click on the Modules tab then click the MLP link. You will need to open a new page to access MLP. If for any reason you cannot log into MLP from Canvas email me immediately. Everyone needs an access code for MLP before they may complete any assignments. If you have taken a College Pre math class within the last two semesters; you may be able to log into MLP and start working on your assignments. If you do not have the money at this time to purchase the access code you may use the

 

Temporary Access:. You will be permitted temporary access for the first 14 days after you log into your course. At the end of that time, you will be prompted again for a new access code. If you are waiting for Financial Aid, please use the Temporary Access Code, but buy the code as soon as your Financial Aid money is in the bookstore. Do not enter the new code until you are prompted by MLP, otherwise it will create a new account.  I cannot stress enough for you to buy the MLP Access Code as soon as the Finical Aid money is in the bookstore and carry the code in your backpack until you are prompted. Each semester students are locked out of MLP for two weeks when the Bookstore closes student’s accounts.

 

 

Plug-ins:

At home, you will need to download some plug-ins before viewing assignments. There are several places in MLP for you to run the Installation Wizard. These plug-ins do not take very long to download. They are required for you to view the assignments and to generate new problems.  Please call Tech Support Number for Priority Schools: Students and Instructors. 1-855-875-1797. If you have any issues downloading the plug-ins, you may also use the 24/7 web site if you are having technical problems with MyLabsPlus, contact the Customer Technical Support Team at http://247pearsoned.custhelp.com. I cannot answer technical computer problems, but I do need to know when you are having computer issues for I do not drop you from the class.

 

 

Homework:

Please complete all schedule homework assignments by the date listed on the weekly schedule. Each homework question may be attempted multiple times in order to increase your homework grade. To do this click on the Similar Exercise button located at the bottom of the page (this button replaces Check Answer). Please try to score at least 90% on each homework assignment. I will reopen all the homework during week 15.

 

 

Quizzes:

All scheduled weekly quizzes will be due by Sunday night for attendance purposes.   Quizzes may be attempted many times, but as soon as you score a grade of 80% move on to the next assignment.  I will reopen all the quizzes during week 15. Each quiz attempt has a time limit of at least 45 minutes and only the highest score will be counted in your average. If you are locked out of your quizzes, please email me at once and I will unlock your quiz. You may review your quiz by going into your Gradebook and select your quiz. You may receive help on each question on the quiz by using Help me Solve it located on the right of your screen. Do NOT use any notes or help to complete quizzes while testing.

 

 

Tests:

There are three tests (not including the final) each test counts 20%. Make sure to follow the deadline dates listed on your weekly schedule.   Each chapter test will have a time limit of 1 hour and the final will be 2 hours. Students will be allowed to use a non-graphing calculator on each test.  While taking each test and quiz, you are NOT to use any notes or information from the book and are not allowed to use any unapproved material. Make-up tests are not allowed. However, your final exam grade will replace a previous exam grade if it is better.

The final exam will be comprehensive and is required of all students. The final exam must be completed by the end of the schedule time and day for this class’s final.  No exceptions. Please keep in mind you may take your final early.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gradebook:

The gradebook in MLP keeps a running average of your grade. At the start of the semester, the gradebook will be set on cumulative average this is an average of all the assignments completed and uncompleted. As you complete more assignments your grade will improve.  Just remember it will be really slow in receiving a higher score. Do not worry this is normal.

 I go over all tests to give partial credit. I look for answers that are technically correct, but have not been submitted in ‘good form’. An example would be an answer of 14/16 that has not been simplified to 7/8. Your answers will be more complicated than this example, but you get the idea that I will be looking for answers that are technically correct. Note: switching the + or – signs are considered a wrong answer and no credit is given.

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

	At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.	Define, represent, and perform operations on real numbers.
2.	Recognize, understand, and analyze features of a function.
3.	Recognize and use algebraic (field) properties, concepts, procedures (including factoring), and algorithms to combine, transform, and evaluate polynomial expressions.
4.	Identify and solve polynomial equations.
5.	Identify and solve linear inequalities.
6.	Model, interpret and justify mathematical ideas and concepts using multiple representations.
7.	Connect and use multiple strands of mathematics in situations and problems, as well as in the study of other disciplines.

 

 

CLASS RULES

1. Turn off all electronic devices prior to entering class.
2. Do not read or send text messages during class. You will be counted absent for the day and asked to leave class if you use your cell.
3. Being on unapproved websites as in Facebook or homework for another class, you will be asked to leave class and will be counted as absent for the day.
4. When I am giving a class lecture, students are not to be logged into any computers. Even if a student is behind, please take notes during each class lecture unless you are ahead of my lecture. You will need to ask to work on the computer.
5. Administrative policy prohibits food or drink in classrooms.
6. Be courteous to your fellow classmates.
7. Maintain a positive and professional attitude.
8. The use of profanity is prohibited in the classroom. I will ask you to leave the classroom and count you absent for the day.
9. Ask questions, get involved, and do your homework. Ask for help early.
10. Notice to Students: You will not pass this class if you only work during class time. Please schedule at least three to five hours per week outside of class to complete homework, quizzes, and pre-tests.
11. While taking each quiz and test, you are NOT to use any notes or information from the book.
12. The final exam will be comprehensive and is required of all students.
13. Please do not embarrass your fellow classmates by wearing sagging pants. You will be asked to leave the classroom and meet with the Dean of Students before you come back to class.
14. This is a working syllabus and is subject to change.

 

 

 

 

TSI COMPLIANCE

At North Central Texas College, students who test but do not meet the passing scores in ALL sections of the TSI Assessment or any other THECB approved testing measurements are required by state law to obtain TSI advising and continuously enroll in a formal college preparatory studies (developmental) program every semester until all TSI requirements are satisfied. TSI program attendance is MANDATORY. Non-compliance with the rules of attendance will result in a student being WITHDRAWN from the college preparatory course and possibly from North Central Texas College. Withdrawals are subject to college policies as set forth in the college catalog.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all College Prep classes for which they have registered. There are NO excused absences. The Department of College Preparatory Studies will notify students of absences reported by instructors and one courtesy warning e-mail notification (Lion Pride email) will be sent to the students’ current NCTC student e-mail address (Lion Pride) when the student accrues 1 week absence (not necessarily consecutive days) in a course. Failure to read and/or receive NCTC e-mail (Lion Pride) is no excuse for not complying with the Attendance Policy. It is the student's responsibility to maintain correct and current e-mail and local and permanent addresses with the college.

After a student has been absent from class 2 weeks (not necessarily consecutive days), the student may be dropped. If the student is dropped from the only College Prep class in which he/she is enrolled and is TSI liable, the student may be DROPPED from all remaining courses for that semester.

Inform the instructor in writing during the first week of class of any religious holidays observed this semester. Documentation must be given to the instructor at the class following the holiday.

Also, since punctuality has become a problem in recent semesters, three tardies will be considered one absence. Coming in late disrupts the class. Occasions do occur that you will need to be tardy, but not on a consistent basis.

 

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

 

 

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Thursday, November 3, 2016.

MATH LAB Students who need help with any math class can visit the NCTC Mathematics Lab to receive assistance. No appointments are necessary. See the most current tutoring hours for all five campuses at http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Tutoring.aspx.     TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE: GAINESVILLE – 1403 (Library) CORINTH – 182 FLOWER MOUND - 111 Mon, Tues, & Thurs 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Mon through Thurs 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Mon 10:30 am – 2:00 pm Wed 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Fri 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Tues & Thurs 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Fri 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Sat 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Wed 12:30 – 3:00 pm     Fri 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (OSD)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-498-6207.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).   http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx

 

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. http://nctc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2014-2015/Catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook

 

 

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Elizabeth Howell
Office Location:	Corinth 324
Telephone Number:	940.498.6209
E-mail Address:	ehowell@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Sara Alford
Office Location:	Flower Mound Suite 200
Telephone Number:	972.899.8401
E-mail Address:	salford@nctc.edu

 

 

Tobacco-Free Campus

NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, on campus property.