NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title:		College Algebra			Course Modality:	ONLINE\Campus tests
Course Prefix & Number:		MATH 1314	Section Number:	0341	Class Day/Time:	M 11 am- 1 pm tutor
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	48	Semester/Year:	Fall 2021
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 **MyMathLab access code (e-text included in MML) wait until first class meeting Monday, August 23 at 9 pm in Webex before you buy the code.  This meeting will be recorded if you cannot attend. You must sign into MyLabs and Mastering on the first day of class, and buy the code before September 5. TESTS: Students will take test using MyMathLab in a Testing Center near you.   You will need to make an appointment in a Testing Center, then email me the day and time you are taking your test.   **Ear phones:  Many of the assignments have video lectures that students must view.  Having earphones/buds will help to listen without disturbing others. Notebooks: Spiral notebook(s) do homework/quizzes/test reviews.  Homework: is all online, having a computer and internet connect that student may use is required for this course. There are computers in the college library that students may use to complete required assignments.  Recommended Course Materials: **College Algebra, Lial/Hornsby/Schneider/Daniels, 13th edition, Pearson, 2017 If you need to turn pages.   ** Scientific calculator: The TI-36X Pro (Has an easy-to-use fraction button) or the TI-30X IIS is recommended Graphing calculators and phone calculators will not be allowed on exams.

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Kathryn Fritz
Campus/Office Location:	Gainesville Campus Room 821
Office Hours:	Math1314 ONLINE M 11 am to 1 pm Webex, MTWR 7:30 to 8 am room 808, WR 9:30 to 12:30 office room 821.
Telephone Number:	Office 940-668-4214 or use Remind
E-mail Address:	Canvas emails are best. If you use kfritz@nctc.edu then include your class and name.

 

STUDENT HOURS (OFFICE HOURS)

Each week instructors have time set aside to meet with students outside of class. (Traditionally these times have been called “office hours”.) This is a time when a student may ask questions regarding the class, or discuss a particular problem/topic with an instructor one-on-one.  Student hours may be held in-person or online via Cisco Webex meeting.  See below for instructions on where/when/how instructors will offer student hours in this class. 

 

 

Class Expectations:

• ASSIGNMENTS:

Each week students are required to log into MyLabs and Mastering (inside of Canvas), and complete the assigned scheduled homework, quizzes, and test reviews.  MyMathLab assignments will have soft due dates (ones due each week for attendance) then hard due dates (all assignments close on the last testing day of each test).  Please do not ask me to reopen any missed assignment.   For extra help: you may watch the videos in the Canvas Modules.

 

• ON CAMPUS TESTING:

There are four tests (including the final) to be taken in a Testing Center on a campus near you.  Students are required to make an appointment at least 24 hours before they test.   Please follow the link and schedule your test time at https://www.nctc.edu/testing-center/index.html.

Students are then required to email (use Canvas email) their instructor with day, time, and campus which they are testing.

 

 

TESTING WEEKS:

Week 3 - Test 1 Chapter 1: Testing dates September 14 to 17

 Week 8 - Test 2 Chapter 2 and Section 3.1: Testing dates October 12 to 15.

Week 12 - Test 3 Chapter 3 (rest) & 4: Testing dates November 9 to 12

Week 16 - Final: Testing dates December 6 to 8. The final exam is comprehensive and must be taken by all students. The lowest failed test grade may be substituted with the final exam grade.

 

 Note: Friday the Testing Center closes at noon.

 

• COMMUTATION:

Students are required to post each week in the Discussion board.  Each Monday between 11 am and 1 pm, I will host a Webex meeting for both Algebra classes if students need help with any of the concepts.  Please check Discussion board for login information.

I have also created an online Remind account for the online Algebra classes.  In the past, student sent me pictures of their homework questions, and I will send a picture reply as an answer.  This is the fastest way to receive question help.  I will also reply when I am not able to text answers back quickly. 

To join Remind:

Send a text to 81010

Test this message:  @eg7e23

 

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
3	Chapter Tests	60
1	Final	20
35	Homework	10
15/16/4/16	Quizzes/Discussions/Test Reviews/ Attendance	10

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

There will be 3 regular exams during the semester. No individual make-up exams will be given. If you know you are going to miss a test in advance, please email me for an earlier testing date.

 ➢ The final exam is comprehensive and must be taken by all students. The lowest failed test grade may be substituted with the final exam grade.

➢ Email is the quickest way to contact me. I do try to respond within the same day, except over the weekends.

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

*The final exam is a departmental comprehensive algebra exam and must be taken by all students

 

Fall 2021

NCTC

MATH 1314 College Algebra Tentative Weekly Schedule

 

Week	Date	Topic
1	August 23	Introduction Solving Linear Equation Refresh on Greatest Common Factor
		Applications and Modeling with Linear Equation (Mixture and Motion only) Refresh on Factoring Polynomials 1.3 Complex Numbers
2	August 30	1.4 Solving quadratic equations by factoring, square root property, quadratic formula 1.5 Applications and Modeling with Quadratic Equations
		1.6 Solving Rational and Radical Equations
3	September 6	No Class- MON SEPTEMBER 6– Labor Day holiday
		1.7 Inequalities – Linear, 3-part 1.8 Absolute value equations and inequalities
4	September 13	Test 1 Review
	TEST 1	TEST #1 Chapter 1 Testing Center dates September 14 to 17 All campus Testing Centers close at noon on Fridays. Tests are 90 to 95 minutes.
5	September 20	2.1 Rectangular Coordinates and Graphs (omit midpoint formula) 2.2 Circles
		2.3 Functions – domain, range, increasing, decreasing
6	September 27	2.4 Graphing lines, slope 2.5 Equations of lines (Omit modeling data and solving in one var. by graphing)
		2.6 Graphs of Basic functions (Omit continuity and x = y2) Parent Functions, piecewise functions
7	October 4	2.7 Graphing Techniques (Omit symmetry, even and odd)
		2.8 Function Operations on Functions and Composition 3.1  Quadratic functions and Models
8	October 11	Test 2 Review
	TEST 2	TEST #2 Chapter 2 and Section 3.1 Testing Center dates October 12 to 15. All campus Testing Centers close at noon on Fridays. Tests are 90 to 95 minutes.
9	October 18	3.2 Synthetic division; remainder theorem 3.3 Factor theorem Zeros of Polynomial Functions (omit Descartes’ rule of signs)
		3.4 Polynomial functions and graphs (Omit Intermediate Value and        Boundedness Theorems, Approx. of Real Zeros, and Polynomial models)
10	October 25	3.5 Rational Graphs (Omit oblique asymptotes and holes) 3.7 Variation
		4.1 Inverse functions (Omit Application) 4.2  Exponential Functions (Omit Modelling Growth)
11	November 1	**Last Day to Drop with a W is Monday 11/1*** 4.3 Logarithmic Functions (Omit graphing logs) 4.4 Evaluating Logarithms and the Change-of-Base Theorem (Omit Applications)
		4.5 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations 4.6 Applications of Exponential Growth and Decay (omit Models)
12	November 8	Test 3 Review
	TEST 3	TEST #3 Chapter 3.2 -3.7 & Chapter 4 Testing Center dates November 9 to 12. All campus Testing Centers close at noon on Fridays. Tests are 90 to 95 minutes.
13	November 15	5.1 Solving systems – substitution, elimination
		5.3 Determinants and Cramer’s Rule: Determinant solutions of Linear equations (omit Cofactors and Determinant Thm)
14	November 22	5.5 Non-linear systems of Equations (omit Applications) 5.7 Properties of Matrices (omit Applications)
		NO CLASSES FOR Thanksgiving Holiday Break - Campuses closed Wed., Nov 24 – 28
15	November 29	7.1 Sequences & Series
		Review for Final Exam
16	December 6 Final	Review for Final Exam Final Exams Dec 6-8 Finals are two hours and must be completed by Wednesday, December 8.

 

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.

 

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.

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 will be administered for online classes in-person proctored testing is required.  On site testing may be done in an NCTC testing center, at test locations provided by the math division, or at another authorized testing site.  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.

 

Assessment name	Tentative Date
TESTING WEEKS:	TESTING WEEKS:
Week 3 - Test 1	Test 1 Chapter 1: Testing dates September 14 to 17
Week 8 - Test 2	Test 2 Chapter 2 and Section 3.1: Testing dates October 12 to 15.
Week 12 - Test 3	Week 12 - Test 3 Chapter 3 (rest) & 4: Testing dates November 9 to 12
Week 16 - Final:	Week 16 - Final: Testing dates December 6 to 8.

 

Last day to withdraw from a 16-week course with a “W” is Monday, November 1, 2021.

 

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 160 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  

 

           Communication

X            Mathematics                  

           Life and Physical Science

           Language, Philosophy & Culture

           Creative Arts

           American History

           Government/Political Science

           Social and Behavioral Sciences

           Component Area Option

 

X            Critical Thinking

X            Communication

X            Empirical and Quantitative

           Teamwork

           Personal Responsibility

           Social Responsibility

 

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

X            Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

           WECM Course

 

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 170
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

 

Syllabi statement regarding 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 or other health related crisis, 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. Contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 27, 2021 and are subject to change as conditions change.

 

Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students are not required to wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. In May, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott released an Executive Order prohibiting Government entities from mandating the use of masks. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, NCTC will follow the Governor’s Executive Order for Government entities and effective immediately NCTC is no longer mandating the use of masks while on campus. This order does not mean that you cannot choose to wear a mask, rather it is no longer allowed to be mandated. These policies and procedures were updated on May 19, 2021 and are subject to change.

 

Return to Standard Attendance Protocol for Face-to-Face Meetings: In spring 2020, we faced an unprecedented situation in which all of us had to 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 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 the Fall 2021 semester, 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.