NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

Course Title: Beginning Algebra

Course Prefix & Number: MATH 0305

Section Number:  0101

Semester: Spring 2020

Semester Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 48

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 or Recommended Course Materials:

MyMathLab  Access code – required 

Elayn Martin-Gay: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra, Pearson, 2017, 6th ed. - Optional

Calculators are permitted.  *** NO GRAPHING CALCULATORS NOR CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ALLOWED – ONLY SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS ALLOWED. *** TI-30X Multiview is highly recommended (under $20) the second best is TI-30X 11s (under $10). The instructor will not supply calculators.

  • Spiral notebook . You may want a notebook with pockets.

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Clara N. Ward

Campus/Office Location:

Gainesville MSS 809

Office Hours:

MW 8:30-9:20 AM and TR 10:30-11:30

Telephone Number:

 

E-mail Address:

cward@nctc.edu

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

Approx. 30

Homework

10%

Up to 30

Quizzes

10%

4

Chapter Tests

60%

1

Final Exam is mandatory

20%

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

Students are expected to be here to take Tests on time. Tests missed due to absence that is documented and excused by the instructor may be made up.  The student must make arrangements with the instructor for making up the test promptly. NO make-up test will be given after a graded test is handed back to the class.

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.

 

STUDENT EMAIL

All students at NCTC are assigned a student email address, also known as Lion Pride email. Lion Pride email can be accessed on the NCTC home page by clicking on MyNCTC, then the link “Lion Pride Email” to the left. After clicking the Lion Pride Email link, the Microsoft Office 365 window will open.
1. Enter your NCTC student e-mail address. (for example, Smithj123456@student.nctc.edu)

2. Enter your password (your NCTC Student ID Number, either 7 or 9 numbers).

3. From the list of Microsoft icons, choose MAIL.

4. You will be asked to set your language and local time zone (Central Time). Your account is now activated.

 

**It is the student’s responsibility to activate and regularly monitor the assigned NCTC (Lion Pride) e-mail account. Important announcements and notifications from the Admissions office, Financial Aid, or other college staff will be sent via the Lion Pride student email system.

 

For communicating with classmates and instructors, students also have an option to communicate through Canvas. Canvas messaging is NOT the same as Lion Pride e-mail. Failure to read and/or receive NCTC e-mails (either in Lion Pride or in Canvas) is no excuse for not complying with any school policy. Be sure to regularly check BOTH the Lion Pride email as well as the Canvas inbox for important messages and information.

 

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 can result in a student being WITHDRAWN from the college preparatory course. 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 classes for which they have registered. All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies. It is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval by the faculty member. Approved college-sponsored activities are also excused absences. The instructor is responsible for judging the validity of any reason given for an absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work. Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless the absence is documented and excused by the instructor. Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives. Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

 

MATH 0305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring 2020 Tentative Weekly Schedule

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week

Date

Topic

Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

1/20/2020

Introduction:

NCTC closed Mon 1/20 for MLK Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Read and understand syllabus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2 The Addition & Multiplication

and course expectations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Properties of Equality

2.3 Solving Linear Equations

Canvas, Lion Pride email account

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MML

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

1/27/2020

2.4  Introduction to Problem Solving

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.5 Formulas & Problem Solving

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.6 Percent & Mixture Problem Solving

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

2/3/2020

2.7 Further Problem Solving

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.8 Solving Linear Inequalities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review Chapter 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

2/10/2020

TEST #1: Chapter 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1 Reading Graphs & the Coordinate Plane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2 Graphing Lines

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

2/17/2020

3.3 Intercepts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.4 Slope & Rate of Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.4 Graphing Inequalities (through ex 5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

2/24/2020

3.5 Equations of Lines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.6 Functions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

3/2/2020

4.1 - 4.3 Systems of Equations (basic only)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review Chapter 3 & 4.1 - 4.3 & 9.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

3/9/2020

TEST #2: Chapter 3 & 4.1 - 4.3 & 9.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.1 Exponents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.2 Polynomial Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/16/2020

NCTC closed 3/16 - 3/21 for Spring Break

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

3/23/2020

5.3 Multiplying Polynomials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.4 Special Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

3/30/2020

5.5 Negative Exponents

**Last Day to Drop with a "W" is

Omit Scientific Notation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.6 Dividing Polynomials (monomial only)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.7 Synthetic Division

Friday 4/3**

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

4/6/2020

Review Chapter 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEST #3: Chapter 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

4/13/2020

6.1 Greatest Common Factor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.2 Factoring Trinomials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.3 Factoring Trinomials of the Form ax2 +bx +c

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

4/20/2020

6.4 Factoring Trinomials by Grouping

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.5 Factoring Binomials (omit cubes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.6 Solving quadratic equations by factoring

 

 

 

 

 

 

14

4/27/2020

Review Chapter 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEST #4: Chapter 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15

5/4/2020

Review for Final Exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

5/11/2020

Final Exams: May 11 - 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Exam Wed., May 13, 10:00 am-11:50 am

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS RULES:

  1. Turn off all electronic devices on entering class.  Cells and laptops must be turned off and out of sight.
  2. Administrative policy prohibits food or drink in classrooms.
  3. Be courteous to your fellow classmates.
  4. Maintain a positive and professional attitude.  The use of profanity is not allowed in class.
  5. Notice to students: You will not pass this class if you only work during class time.  Please schedule at least three to eight hours per week outside of class to complete homework, quizzes and test reviews.
  6. Ask questions, get involved, and do your homework.  Ask for help early.
  7. While taking each quiz and test, you are NOT to use any notes or information from the book.
  8. Do all assignments on time. Look at the Due By date and complete each on time.
  9.   The final test is comprehensive and is required of all students.
  10. Before a test starts, turn off you cell phone and follow the instructor’s instructions .
  11. This is a working syllabus and is subject to change.

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Friday, April 3, 2020.

 

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 campuses at http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/student-success/tutoring/mathematics-lab.html

 

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 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    https://www.nctc.edu/catalog/student-services/office-students-with-disabilities.html.  

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. https://www.nctc.edu/_documents/academics/student-handbook.pdf.  

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

  1.  Zero on the assignment
  2. Failing grade for the course

 

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Dr. Elizabeth Howell

Office Location:

Corinth 236

Telephone Number:

940.498.6209

E-mail Address:

ehowell@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean:

Mary Martinson

Office Location:

Gainesville 1404

Telephone Number:

940.668.7731 ext. 4377

E-mail Address:

mmartinson@nctc.edu

 

CAMPUS POLICIES

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

 

Campus Carry: Effective August 1, 2017, a license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder's person while the license holder is on the campus of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education in this state. For more information, see the website at https://www.nctc.edu/campus-safety/campus-carry.html.

 

Parking Permits: The North Central Texas Community College District has managed traffic and parking regulations in order to ensure the safety of the campus community related to the operation and parking of vehicles on campus. These regulations apply to all operators of motor vehicles on campus. For parking permits and more information, see the website at https://www.nctc.edu/campus-safety/transportation-parking.html.