NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title: Beginning Algebra
Course Prefix & Number: MATH 0305	Section Number:  0400	Semester: Fall 2020
Semester Credit Hours: 3	Lecture Hours: 48	Lab Hours: 0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): A study of relations and functions, inequalities, algebraic expressions and equations (absolute value, polynomial, radical, rational), with a special emphasis on linear and quadratic expressions and equations. 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: Required: MyLab Math for Developmental Math: Basic, Intro & Interm Algebra Access Code (e-book included with the MyLab Math access code) (18 week access) Current email address (default email address is Lion Pride) Non-graphing scientific calculator (*No graphing calculators allowed) Free scanner app Recommended: Squires/Wyrick, MyLab Math for Developmental Math: Basic, Intro & Interm Algebra, 2nd Edition (paper notebook + 24 week access) TI-30X IIS calculator is highly recommended. Notebook 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:	Sophila Bradley
Campus/Office Location:	NA
Office Hours:	By Appointment
E-mail Address:	sbradley@nctc.edu

 

All office hours will be held online this semester.  Students can schedule an appointment with their instructor by selecting the Cisco Webex option in Canvas and navigating to the “Office Hour” tab.  The times that the instructor is available will be displayed there and a student may schedule a meeting by choosing a time and selecting “Confirm Meeting” at the bottom of the page.

 

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
16-18	Homework	15%
12-16	Quizzes	15%
4	Regular Exams	55%
1	Final Exam	15%

 

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

*No Retakes allowed on Unit test are allowed

*Homework will be assigned and completed online through MyMathLab (MML).

*Quizzes will be based on homework problems and may be in class or online in MML.

*No makeup tests or quizzes will be given after a test or quiz has been taken and returned.

*The final exam is a comprehensive exam and must be taken by all students. The final exam may also be used to replace the lowest unit test grade. 

 

*The grading policy may be amended during the semester at the instructor’s discretion.

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

	At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.	Define, represent, and perform operations on real and complex 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 absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational expressions.
4.	Identify and solve absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational equations.
5.	Identify and solve absolute value and 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.

 

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.

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.

 

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)

All testing will be online this semester except for classes that meet face to face.  Testing may be administered in a variety of ways and the mode of testing may change during the semester as deemed appropriate by the instructor.  Students may be required to use a webcam while testing.  Students may be asked to demonstrate knowledge/skills in a one-on-one conference if deemed necessary by the instructor. 

This schedule is tentative and will most likely change as the semester progresses.  It is provided so that you have a general idea of the order and speed with which we will be covering the material.

All homework, quizzes, and tests are completed online in MyMathLab (MML). You will need an access code that can be purchased in the bookstore or online after you log into MyMathLab. Read the modules in Canvas for all instructions.

 

 

 

For Technical Help:

MyMathLab (MML) tech support phone 888-883-1299 or online http://247support.custhelp.com for live chat.

 

Homework:

All due dates are listed in MML. Complete the assignments by 11:59 pm of the due date listed. The homework may be attempted multiple times in order to increase your homework grade.

HINT: You are expected to watch all section video presentations in the MyMathLab classroom. These videos can be accessed from the Start Here menu. This takes the place of going to class in a traditional course. If you do not have a high-speed Internet connection, it may be difficult to view the videos. The videos contain instruction on each objective that is to be covered in the course.

 

Quizzes:

Weekly quizzes will be due.  All due dates are listed in MML.  Quizzes may be attempted 3 times, and each quiz attempt has a time limit.  Only the highest score will be counted. Students should attempt the quiz multiple times in order to be prepared for the unit test.

 

Tests:

Four unit tests are scheduled during the semester and a comprehensive final exam. Make sure to follow the deadline dates listed in MML, and watch for the test announcements.  The tests will be given on MML, but you will take the test in a proctored setting. You will have only one attempt. Each test will have a time limit of 60-80 minutes. Students will be allowed to use a non-graphing calculator on the tests. No make-up exams will be given, but the final exam can replace your lowest test grade.

 

The final exam will be comprehensive and is required of all students. The final exam will also be given on MML. The final exam may be used to replace your lowest regular exam grade.

 

*No make-up exams will be given, but the final exam can replace your lowest test grade.

 

Gradebook:

The grade book in MML keeps a running average of your grade. I review all quizzes and tests in order to assign partial credit where possible.  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.

 

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Monday, November 2, 2020.

Students who need help with any math class can visit the NCTC Mathematics Lab to receive assistance. Sign up for an appointment or see the most current tutoring hours for all campuses at http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/student-success/tutoring/mathematics-lab.html. 

 

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

 

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

 

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  The use of online math solvers with submitted work is considered academic dishonesty.  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

 

Division Chair:	Ben Owens
Office Location:	Corinth 236
Telephone Number:	940.498.6209
E-mail Address:	bowens@nctc.edu
Instructional Dean:	Mary Martinson
Office Location:	Gainesville 1404
Telephone Number:	940.668.7731 ext. 4377
E-mail Address:	mmartinson@nctc.edu

 

Potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Wear a mask, stay safe, and contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.

 

Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students must wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. Students without coverings, or those who do not comply with the rules relating to face coverings, will not be able to participate in on-campus classroom activities. To request an exception to this requirement, students should contact the NCTC HR Office of Enrollment Management (ccove@nctc.edu). Failure to comply with the face coverings requirement may result in the Instructor directing the student to leave the classroom. Any student asked to leave the classroom may be referred to the student conduct officer. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.

 

Temporary COVID-19 Attendance Policy for Face-to-Face Meetings: We are facing an unprecedented situation in which all of us must be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

 

Faculty will:

• Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

 

Students should:

• Provide notification to campus officials (via NCTC Daily Health Check protocol through Canvas) if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
• Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
• Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
• Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
• Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
• Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
• Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During this period, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html

 

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.