MATH 1314 0408 - COLLEGE ALGEBRA

Introduction

Syllabus

 

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

Course Title:

College Algebra

Course Prefix & Number: 

MATH1314

Section Number: 

408

Semester/Year:

Fall 2020

Semester Credit Hours:

3

Lecture Hours:

48

Class Time:

TR 8 – 9:20am

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:

  1. College Algebra, Lial/Hornsby/Schneider/Daniels, 12th edition, Pearson, 2017 (Optional]
  2. MyMathLab access code (e-text included in MML) [Required]
  3. A scientific or graphing calculator is required. The TI-30X IIS, TI-83 and TI-84 calculators are recommended.
                 

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Jason Rutledge

Campus/Office Location:

Corinth – Room: 206

Office Hours:

Email instructor for all questions and concerns. Video and audio conferences can be set upon request through WebEx or Canvas.

Phone Number:

(214) 814 – 5634 (Google number to my cell phone)

E-mail Address:

jrutledge@nctc.edu

 

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

MML Quizzes: (20% of Overall Average)*

All of the quizzes are done online using MyMathLab (MML), which should be accessed through Canvas. You will be able to attempt each quiz at most 5 times before the due date and time. All of the due dates and times for the quizzes are given in Canvas under the “Assignments” tab as well as through the “My Labs and Mastering” tab.

 

The quizzes are built to be a starting point for each chapter and as a nice way to wrap up what you have learned. So if you only work the quizzes without using the MML homework and the handouts/videos I have provided in Canvas, you can rest assured you will fail the tests. Use ALL of the materials at your disposal to master the material.

 

Tests and the Final Exam: (80% of Overall Average)

There will be 3 tests and a comprehensive Final Exam. Each test is worth 20% of your overall average and the Final will also be worth 20%, for a grand total of 80%. You want to make sure you are super ready for each test. NO MAKE-UP TESTS.

 

Each test will be a traditional pen/pencil and paper test. (These will NOT be administered online using MML.) Each test will be posted in Canvas under the Assignments tab. You will open the PDF provided (you can print it if you want, but don’t have to), answer all of the questions on paper, scan those solutions in as a single PDF document and submit that file into a dropbox in Canvas. (If any part of that seems daunting or confusing for you, reach out to the instructor ASAP.) You have a full 48 hours to complete and submit each test, so ALL LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL RECEIVE A ZERO REGARDLESS OF TEASON. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to allow for internet and computer problems. There is a document entitled “All About the Tests!!” with more in-depth details.

 

Test #1: (Chapter 1 and Sections 2.1 to 2.3)        Opens at 12am on Friday, September 25th

                                                                                  Closes at 11:59pm on Saturday, September 26th

 

Test #2: (Sections 2.4 to 2.8 and Chapter 3)        Opens at 12am on Friday, October 23rd

Closes at 11:59pm on Saturday, October 24th

 

Test #3: (Chapter 4)                                                Opens at 12am on Friday, November 13th

Closes at 11:59pm on Saturday, November 14th

 

Final Exam: (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)                 Opens at 12am on Monday, December 7th

Closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday, December 8th

 

Homework (NOT FOR A GRADE)

The online homework is not a graded component of this course. However, choosing not to do them will GREATLY increase your chances of failing the course. Use these as practice to better understand the material and a source to ask questions for clarification. Quality is better than quantity. A limitation of MML is that the final answer is all that matters. As you will soon learn, on my tests the work that supports that final answer is FAR more important. (To be honest, on the tests I am far less concerned with whether or not your final answer is right or wrong. How well does the work you supply support that response?)

 

*The lowest five (5) quiz grades will be dropped from the calculations of the final grade.

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

 

Tentative Schedule

 

Quiz 01 – Factoring                           Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, August 26th (Unofficially, you will until 9/29 to

complete this quiz.)

Quiz 02 – Section 1.1                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, August 29th

Quiz 03 – Section 1.7                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, August 29th

Quiz 04 – Section 1.3                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 2nd

Quiz 05 – Section 1.4                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 2nd

Quiz 06 – Section 1.2                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, September 5th

Quiz 07 – Section 1.5                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 9th

Quiz 08 – Section 1.6                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, September 12th

Quiz 09 – Section 1.8                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 16th

Quiz 10 – Section 2.1                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, September 19th

Quiz 11 – Section 2.2                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, September 19th

Quiz 12 – Section 2.3                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 23rd

 

Test #1: (Chapter 1 and Sections 2.1 to 2.3)

Opens at 12am on Friday, September 25th and closes at 11:59pm on Saturday, September 26th

 

Quiz 13 – Section 2.4                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 30th

Quiz 14 – Section 2.5                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 30th

Quiz 15 – Section 2.6                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, October 3rd

Quiz 16 – Section 2.7                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, October 3rd

Quiz 17 – Section 2.8                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, October 7th

Quiz 18 – Section 3.1                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, October 10th

Quiz 19 – Section 3.2                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, October 10th

Quiz 20 – Section 3.3                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, October 14th

Quiz 21 – Section 3.4                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, October 17th

Quiz 22 – Section 3.5                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, October 21st

 

Test #2: (Sections 2.4 to 2.8 and Chapter 3)

Opens at 12am on Friday, October 23rd and closes at 11:59pm on Saturday, October 24th

 

Quiz 23 – Section 4.1                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, October 28th

Quiz 24 – Section 4.2                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, October 28th

Quiz 25 – Section 4.3                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, October 31st

Quiz 26 – Section 4.4                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, November 4th

Quiz 27 – Section 4.5                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, November 7th

Quiz 28 – Section 4.6                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, November 11th

 

Test #3: (Chapter 4)

Opens at 12am on Friday, November 13th and closes at 11:59pm on Saturday, November 14th

 

Quiz 29 – Section 5.1                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, November 18th

Quiz 30 – Section 5.5                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, November 21st

Quiz 31 – Section 5.3                        Due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, November 25th

Quiz 32 – Section 5.7                        Due before 11:59pm on Saturday, November 28th

 

Final Exam: (Chapters 1 to 5)

Opens at 12am on Monday, December 7th and closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday, December 8th

 

 

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)

FOR OUR CLASS: Every Wednesday, I will check your progress in MML, attendance to our virtual class times, completion of any tests (as it pertains to that week) and/or any correspondence to verify you are currently engaged in the course. As long as there sufficient evidence that you are putting time and effort into the class each week, you will be counted as present.

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. 

 

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Last day to withdraw from a 16-week course with a “W” is Monday, November 2, 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)________           

 

o          Communication

x         Mathematics                  

o          Life and Physical Science

o          Language, Philosophy & Culture

o          Creative Arts

o          American History

o          Government/Political Science

o          Social and Behavioral Sciences

o          Component Area Option

 

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 

x         Critical Thinking

x         Communication

x         Empirical and Quantitative

 

o          Teamwork

o          Personal Responsibility

o          Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

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

x         Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o          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:

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

                       

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

Should you have any questions or concerns about the course, material, instructor or any other aspect of your NCTC experience, you should contact your instructor first using the information given at the beginning of this syllabus. If that fails to resolve the issue(s) you may contact the Division Chair, Dr. Elizabeth Howell. If that contact fails to resolve the issue(s) you may contact the Instructional Dean, Mary Martinson.

Ben Owens – Corinth Office 236 – bowens@nctc.edu – (940) 498-6209

              Mary Martinson – Gainesville Office 1404 – mmartinson@nctc.edu – (940) 668-7731 ext. 4377

 

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)

Handouts list view Handouts card view