Syllabus

MATH 1314 0380 - COLLEGE ALGEBRA

Introduction

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Title:

College Algebra

Course Prefix & Number:

MATH1314

Section Number:

0380

Semester/Year:

Fall 2020

Semester Credit Hours:

Lecture Hours:

Lab Hours:

Course Description (NCTC Catalog): In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability, and conics may be included.

Course Prerequisite(s): Meet TSI college-readiness standard for College Algebra; or equivalent

Required or Recommended Course Materials:

College Algebra, Lial/Hornsby/Schneider/Daniels, 12^th edition, Pearson, 2017 or MyMathLab access code (e-text included in MML)

Scientific calculator, TI-30X IIS is recommended

Graphing calculators and phone calculators will not be allowed on exams.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Rodney Cruz
Campus/Office Location:	Corinth
Office Hours:	Contact by email, Canvas or Remind
E-mail Address:	Canvas or rcruz@nctc.edu

OFFICE HOURS

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.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1	Demonstrate and apply knowledge of properties of functions, including domain and range, operations, compositions, and inverses.
2	Recognize and apply polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions and solve related equations.
3	Apply graphing techniques.
4	Evaluate all roots of higher degree polynomial and rational functions.
5	Recognize, solve, and apply systems of linear equations using matrices.

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
3	Partial Exams (Proctored. See Assignments section in Canvas)	60%
1	Final Exam (Proctored. See Assignments section in Canvas)	20%
See MyMathLab	Homework (Online. See Assignments section in Canvas)	20%

Grade Scale: 90 – 100% = A; 80 – 89% = B; 70 – 79% = C; 60 – 69% = D; Below 60% = F

COURSE CALENDAR 8-WEEK COURSE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Week	Date	Topic (SEE MYMATHLAB FOR DUE DATES)
1	Week of 8/24	Introduction; Solving Linear Equations 1.2 Mixture, motion problems 1.3 Complex Numbers 1.4 Solving quadratic equations by factoring, square root property, completing the square, quadratic formula 1.5 Applications
2	Week of 8/31	1.6 Solving Rational and Radical Equations 1.7 Inequalities – Linear, Compound (Quadratic, Rational OPTIONAL) 1.8 Absolute value equations and inequalities 2.1 Distance Formula 2.2 Circles 2.3 Functions – domain, range, function notation, increasing, decreasing
3	Week of 9/7	TEST 1 (1.1-2.3) Monday 9/7 2.4 Graphing lines, slope 2.5 Writing Equations of lines 2.6 Parent Functions, piecewise functions 2.7 Transformations 2.8 Composite Functions, Difference quotient 3.1 Quadratic functions; graphing
4	Week of 9/14	3.2 Synthetic division; remainder theorem 3.3 Factor theorem 3.4 Polynomial graphs 3.5 Rational Graphs 3.6 Variation
5	Week of 9/21	TEST 2 (2.4–3.6) Monday 9/21 4.1 Inverse functions 4.2 Exponential Functions 4.3 Logarithmic Functions 4.4 Logs with calculators, change of base rule 4.5 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
6	Week of 9/28	4.6 Log applications 5.1 Solving systems – substitution, elimination 5.2 Solving systems with matrices 5.3 Determinants and Cramer’s Rule
7	Week of 10/5	5.5 Non-linear systems 5.7 Matrix properties, operations 7.1 Sequences, Series
8	Week of 10/12	TEST 3 4.1-5.7 10/12 *COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM 10/15*

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.

See Canvas for HOMEWORK due dates

Your grade will consist of 3 partial exams, one comprehensive final exam, and online graded homework assignments. Each exam, the final exam, and the homework will be weighted as 20% of your grade.

There will be no make-up exams or assignments.

All online homework is due at 11:59 p.m. on the assigned due date. Test reviews are posted on Canvas/Modules, they do not count for credit. Remember that the test reviews may not be inclusive of every type of problem you may find. It is important that you study all the material and do not expect the actual tests be carbon copies of the test reviews.

Exams and homework scores will be posted on Canvas.

Your Final Letter Grade will be posted on My NCTC website.

Exams will graded and scores posted on Canvas generally within one week.

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

*The final exam must be taken by all students.

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

Questions regarding dropping the course must be addressed with the student’s academic advisors and not to the professor.

· Homework is very important and it is absolutely necessary for successful completion of the course. Mathematics is not a spectator sport.

· During tests all phones must be kept out of sight, in your car, purse, backpack, etc.

· Showing a picture ID is required to take the test. The instructor reserves the right to refuse test any student without a picture ID.

· BE COURTEOUS.

· The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus at any time during the semester.

· Any announcements/information disseminated during class (CANVAS) will take precedence over the syllabus.

HOMEWORK AND TEST POLICES & PROCEDURES

The exams are proctored. You must bring to each exam: pencils, a scientific calculator (non-graphing), and a photo ID. No notes of any kind will be allowed during exams.

Dual Credit (high school) students will take the tests proctored at their respective high schools. The student needs to ask the school proctor to contact the instructor for arrangements.
All tests schedules, campus and room numbers are posted in Canvas.
The Final Exam is COMPREHENSIVE and covers all chapters.
All dates and times are tentative and subject to change.
Contact the professor ASAP if you have extenuating circumstances that will not allow taking the test at the specified date.
Contact information for the NCTC Counseling & Testing Centers may be found at https://www.nctc.edu/catalog/student-services/advising-counseling-testing-center.html

RELIABLE TECHNOLOGY

Be sure that you are doing all of your assignments on a reliable computer with sufficient battery life and appropriate Internet connectivity. The instructor cannot help instances of computers “shutting down,” “crashing,” “running slow,” or “electrical outages due to a storm,” etc. Be mindful of this before you begin any assignments. Contact technical support if you encounter any technical issues. The instructor is not a qualified technical support person.

NCTC HELP DESK: https://my.nctc.edu/ICS/Need_Help/Student_Help_Desk.jnz

PEARSON CANVAS HELP: https://help.pearsoncmg.com/integration/cg/canvas/student/en/content/get_started.htm
PEARSON MYMATHLAB HELP: https://support.pearson.com/getsupport/s/

EMAIL COMMUNICATION

I will check emails periodically Monday thru Friday and will try to respond within 24 hours. However, I will likely check my email at least once per day when I am not on campus. Email may not be checked over the weekend, holidays, or after 4 pm on any weekday. Although Canvas is available to students 24/7, it is unrealistic to expect that the instructors will be. Keep in mind if there are any emails that are urgent over the weekend TRY not to panic. The solution probably can be resolved quickly upon the beginning of the week.

Reasons why I may not reply to your email:

-Question can be answered within the syllabus

-If emails resemble text messages to your buddies

-Include substantially poor grammar

-Not coherent

-Extra credit to boost grade

-Future point totals to make a certain grade

-Asking for more time to do an assignment

-Asking for special consideration over other students for any reason

-Questions regarding an assignment with less than 12 hours before a due-date

Be mindful of the tone that is presented in emails. If it is aggressive, unprofessional, or is academically offensive in anyway, the professor may not reply. Know that the student’s name may be given to the Associate Dean for further review.

REGARDING ATTENDANCE

In the case of online courses attendance is defined as regular access to the online course platforms: Canvas and Thinkwell, MyLab and Mastering (MyMathLab or MyStatLab), etc. In the case of hybrid or blended courses attendance is defined as both regular attendance to classes and regular access to the online course platforms.

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.

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)

TESTING POLICY

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.

TENTATIVE TEST SCHEDULE

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.

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Last day to withdraw from a 1^st 8-week course with a “W” is Monday, September 28, 2020.

MATH LAB

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.

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

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

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________

 Communication

 Mathematics

 Life and Physical Science

 Language, Philosophy & Culture

 Creative Arts

 American History

 Government/Political Science

 Social and Behavioral Sciences

 Component Area Option

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 Critical Thinking

 Communication

 Empirical and Quantitative

 Teamwork

 Personal Responsibility

 Social Responsibility

COURSE TYPE

 Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

 Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

 WECM Course

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. 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:

Zero on the assignment
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

INFORMATION FOR ONSITE (FACE-T0-FACE) CLASSES

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

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.

Syllabus File(s)

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