Syllabus | MATH 0310 401 - INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

MATH 0310 401 - INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

Introduction

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Title: Intermediate Algebra
Course Prefix & Number: MATH 0310	Section Number: 401	Semester: Fall 2017
Semester Credit Hours: 3	Lecture Hours: 3	Lab Hours: 0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Concepts instructed in this course are algebraic including polynomials and rational expressions, linear expressions and inequalities, exponents and radicals, absolute value equations and inequalities, factoring, and quadratic equations and graphs. This course does not count toward graduation at NCTC.
Course Prerequisite(s): Pass Math 0305 with a “C” or better, or earn satisfactory TSI Assessment placement score, or earn satisfactory placement score on another approved assessment.
Required or Recommended Course Materials: MyLabsPlus Access code – required Elayn Martin-Gay: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra, Pearson, 2017, 6^th ed. - optional Calculators are permitted. *** NO GRAPHING CALCULATORS NOR CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ALLOWED – ONLY SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS ALLOWED. * TI-30X IIS is highly recommended.**

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
15	Quizzes and Test Reviews	20%
4	Exams	60%
1	Final Exam	20%

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

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

HOMEWORK, QUIZZES, AND TESTS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

All homework and quizzes are completed online in MyLabPlus (MLP). You will need an access code that can be purchased in the bookstore or online after you log into MyLabsPlus. Read the announcements in Canvas for all instructions.

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

Quizzes:

You have 5 attempts on each quiz. All section quizzes must be passed with a 70% before taking the chapter review. If you do not pass the quiz with a 70%, then you will have to had scored a 70% or higher on all homework for that quiz. You will need to make a passing grade (80% or higher) on the homework before I will reopen the quiz. Email me once you have done the homework so that I can give you more attempts on the quizzes.

Chapter Reviews:

You have unlimited chances to do the homework and take the chapter reviews. Homework is used to reinforce the material on the quizzes. You will repeat the cycle of homework, quizzes and test for each chapter. All assignments will be assigned and completed online through MyLabsPlus.

Only the highest score will be counted. Students should attempt the homework, quizzes and chapter reviews multiple times in order to be prepared for the unit test. Do not ask me to extend the due date. Check MyLabsPlus for deadlines. While taking each test review, you are NOT to use any notes, information from the book, another person or websites.

Tests:

Four unit tests are scheduled during the semester and a comprehensive final exam. Make sure to follow the deadline dates listed in MLP. The tests will be given in class. You will have only one attempt. You will be allowed to use a non-graphing calculator on the tests. You cannot use notes, the e-book or any other resources while taking the test. (that includes people) No make-up exams will be given, but the final exam will replace your lowest test grade, if you have missed only 1 week worth of assignments.

Final Exam:

The final exam will be comprehensive and is required of all students. The final exam will be given in class with a time limit of 2 hours (one attempt). The final exam may be used to replace your lowest regular exam grade.

Gradebook: The grade book in MLP keeps a running average of your grade. I go over all quizzes and tests. 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. I try to keep grades and attendance updated in Canvas.

CLASS RULES

Turn off all electronic devices prior to entering class.

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.

Administrative policy prohibits food or drink in classrooms.

Be courteous to your fellow classmates.

Maintain a positive and professional attitude.

Ask questions, get involved, and do your homework.

Notice to Students: You will not pass this class if you only attend class. Please schedule at least three hours per week outside of class to complete homework, quizzes and pre-tests.

While taking each test review, you are NOT to use any notes, information from the book, another person or websites.

You are welcome to come to my office during my posted hours. We can talk by phone if necessary. If you call me after my office hours, your phone call will be returned within a 24 hour time frame.

I check my email daily, and sometimes more. Please email me with any questions, problems, or concerns you have jkeller@nctc.edu. If you email me after my office hours, your email will be answered within a 24 hour time frame. If you email me over the weekend, your emails will most likely not be answered until Monday.

Use your NCTC email account for all email correspondence. This is how I will correspond with you.

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.

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)

Enter your password (your NCTC Student ID Number, either 7 or 9 numbers).
From the list of Microsoft icons, choose MAIL.
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 the College Prep Attendance Policy or any other school policies. 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 will result in a student being WITHDRAWN from the college preparatory course and possibly being placed on academic hold at 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. Faculty teaching College Preparatory courses will notify students of absences on a regular basis and one courtesy warning e-mail notification will be sent to the students’ current NCTC student e-mail address (Lion Pride email and/or Canvas email) when the student accrues 1 week absence (not necessarily consecutive days) in a course. Please check your NCTC student email (Lion Pride) frequently to ensure that you are receiving notifications from the college and from your instructors. Some faculty may send notifications in Canvas as well. 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. After a student receives an F/W in the same College Prep course twice, the student will receive an academic hold so that the student is blocked from enrolling in any other course except the required College Prep courses in the subsequent semester. This hold will be enforced even in summer.

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 may 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

Fall 2017 ~ NCTC

MATH 0310

Tentative Weekly Schedule

Date	Starting	Topic	Assignment
Week 1	August 28	Introduction, Syllabus, Calendar, & TSI forms 6.1 Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping 6.2 Factoring Trinomials	Sign TSI forms Read and understand syllabus and course expectations
Week 2	September 4	6.3 Factoring Trinomials and Perfect Square Trinomials 6.4 Factoring Trinomials by Grouping 6.5 Factoring Binomials	No Class Mon 9/4 – Labor Day
Week 3	September 11	6.6 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring Pg 414 Integrated Review: Choosing a Factoring Strategy 6.7 Quadratic Equations and Problem Solving
Week 4	September 18	*Review Chapter 6* TEST #1: Chapter 6 7.1 Rational Functions and Simplifying Rational Expressions	Test #1 in Class
Week 5	September 25	7.2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions 7.3 Add/Subtract Rational Expressions with Common Denominators and LCD 7.4 Add/Subtract Rational Expressions with Unlike Denominators
Week 6	October 2	7.5 Solving Equations Containing Rational Equations Pg 485 Integrated Review: Summary on Rational Expressions 7.6 Proportions and Problem Solving with Rational Expressions
Week 7	October 9	7.7 Simplifying Complex Fractions – OPTIONAL* *Review Chapter 7* TEST #2: Chapter 7	Test #2 in Class
Week 8	October 16	10.1 Radicals and Rational Functions 10.2 Rational Exponents 10.3 Simplifying Radical Expressions – Objectives 1, 2, & 3 ONLY (Examples 1 – 5)
Week 9	October 23	10.4 Add/Subtract/Multiply Radical Expressions 10.5 Rationalizing Denominators and Numerators of Radical Expressions Pg 632 Integrated Review – Radicals and Rational Exponents
Week 10	October 30	10.6 Radical Equations and Problem Solving 10.7 Complex Numbers
Week 11	November 6	*Review Chapter 10* TEST #3: Chapter 8 11.1 Solving Quadratic Equation by Completing the Square (and the Square Root Property)	Last Day to Drop with a W is Thurs 11/9 Test #3 in Class
Week 12	November 13	11.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by the Quadratic Formula 11.3 Solving Equations by Using Quadratic Methods: Examples 1, 2, 3, 6, & 7
Week 13	November 20	11.6 Further Graphing of Quadratic Functions 2.8 Linear Inequalities (REVIEW ONLY) 9.1 Compound Inequalities
Week 14	November 27	9.2 Absolute Value Equations 9.3 Absolute Value Inequalities	Thanksgiving Holiday College Closed November 22^nd and reopens November 27^th
Week 15	December 4	*Review Chapters 11, 2.8, & 9* TEST # 4: Chapter 9 Review for Final Exam	Test #4 in Class
Week 16	December 9-14	FINAL EXAM WEEK	CHECK FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE

**Final exam is scheduled for __Wed., Dec. 13, 12:00-1:50pm_________________

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Thursday, November 9, 2017.

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/student-services/student-success/tutoring/mathematics-lab.html.

TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON TUTOR AVAILABILITY:

GAINESVILLE – 1403 (Library)	CORINTH – 186	FLOWER MOUND - 111
Mon 10:00 am – 5:00 pm	Mon through Thurs 9:00 am – 6:00 pm	Mon & Wed 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tues, Wed, Thurs 9:00 am – 5:00 pm	Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm	Tues & Thurs 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm	Sat 10:00 am – 1:00 pm	Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 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 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/student-services/disability-services.html.

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. http://www.nctc.edu/catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook/nctc-student-handbook.html.

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Elizabeth Howell
Office Location:	Corinth 236
Telephone Number:	940.498.6209
E-mail Address:	ehowell@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Sara Flusche
Office Location:	Gainesville 1306
Telephone Number:	940.668.3351
E-mail Address:	sflusche@nctc.edu

CAMPUS RESTRICTIONS

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 http://www.nctc.edu/police/campus-carry.html.

Syllabus File(s)

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