Syllabus

 

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

Course Title:

College Algebra

Course Modality:

In Person

Course Prefix & Number: 

MATH 1314

Section Number: 

501

Class Day/Time:

MW 11-12:20

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 or Recommended Course Materials:

College Algebra, Lial/Hornsby/Schneider/Daniels, 13th edition, Pearson, 2021 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:

Crawford

Campus/Office Location:

Flower Mound Room 107 (Faculty Offices)

Office Hours (Student Hours):

MW 9:30-10:50; 12:30-2:00

Telephone Number:

 

E-mail Address:

ccrawford@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS (STUDENT HOURS)

This is a time I have set aside to meet with students outside of class. (Traditionally these times have been called “office hours”.) You can come anytime during those hours, or we can set up a different time if necessary (We can do this in person or online).  This is a time to ask questions regarding the class, or discuss a particular problem/topic with me one-on-one. 

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

34

Homework

10%

10

Quizzes

15%

4

Exams

75%

 

 

 

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

 

MyMathlab

MyMathlab is an online homework and course management system.  The link is available on our Canvas course page.  You can purchase an access code in bookstore or buy online using paypal or credit card. You will need to register for this right away.  If you are waiting for funding, there is a Free temporary access (This is 2 week access and you will need to upgrade to the full version before the 2 weeks is over.)

 

 

 

Homework

Homework is submitted using mymathlab.  Each homework question may be attempted 5 times.  Each homework assignment is due at 11:59 pm on the due date.  Students can work on the homework after the due date for 20% off.

 

Quizzes

 

Quizzes will also be submitted using mymathlab.  Each entire quiz can be taken 3 times.  Your best score will be counted.  Late quizzes are not accepted.

 

Offline Homework

 

There will be 4 offline graphing assignments posted in CANVAS and turned in at the beginning of class on the due date. 

 

Tests

There are three regular exams and a departmental, cumulative final (required and counted at least once).  All tests will be taken in class using paper and pencil (and scientific, non-graphing calculator).  The lowest regular test grade may be dropped and the final counted twice if your final exam grade is higher than the lowest regular exam grade.  I will allow one makeup exam IF I AM NOTIFIED AHEAD OF TIME.  If you do not notify me and miss an exam, you will receive a zero (and the final counted twice to replace the grade).

 

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE

 

Assignment

Due Date

1.1 Solving Linear Equations

Aug 25

1.2 Mixture and Motion Problems

Aug 27

1.3 Complex Numbers

Aug 29

1.4 Quadratic Equations

Sep 1

1.5 Quadratic Applications

Sep 3

1.6 Rational and Radical Equations

Sep 3

Quiz #1 (1.1-1.6)

Sep 6

 

 

1.7 Inequalities

Sep 10

1.8 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities

Sep 12

2.1 Distance Formula

Sep 15

2.2 Circles

Sep 17

2.3 Functions

Sep 17

Quiz #2 (1.7-2.3)

Sep 19

Test 1: 1.1-2.3

Sep 22

2.4 Slope And Graphing

Sep 29

2.5 Writing Equations of Lines

Oct 1

2.6 Parent Functions and Piecewise Functions

Oct 3

2.7 Transformations

Oct 6

Graph Shifting – OFFLINE HOMEWORK DUE IN CLASS

Oct 6

2.8 Composite Functions and Difference Quotient

Oct 6

Quiz #3 (2.4-2.7)

Oct 8

 

 

3.1 Quadratic Functions and Graphing

Oct 10

3.2 Synthetic Division; Remainder Theorem

Oct 10

3.3 Factor Theorem

Oct 13

3.4 Polynomial Graphs

Oct 15

3.5 Rational Graphs

Oct 15

Quiz #4 (2.8-3.5)

Oct 17

Polynomial Graphing - OFFLINE HOMEWORK DUE IN CLASS

Oct 18

Rational Graphing – OFFLINE HOMEWORK DUE IN CLASS

Oct 18

 

 

Test 2: 2.4-3.6

Oct 20

3.6 Variation

Oct 27

4.1 Inverse Functions

Oct 29

4.2 Exponential Functions

Oct 31

Exponential Graphing – OFFLINE HOMEWORK DUE IN CLASS

Nov 3

4.3 Logarithmic Functions

Nov 3

4.4 Logs with Calculators; Change of Base Rule

Nov 5

4.5 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations

Nov 7

4.6 Log Applications

Nov 10

Quiz #5 (3.6-4.6)

Nov 12

5.1 Solving Systems – Substitution and Elimination

Nov 14

5.5 Non – Linear Systems

Nov 14

5.2 Solving Systems with Matrices

Nov 17

5.7 Matrix Properties, Operations

Nov 19

5.3 Determinants and Cramer’s Rule

Nov 21

Quiz #6 (5.1-5.7)

Nov 28

7.1 Sequences, Sums, Sigma Notation

Nov 28

 

 

Test 3: 3.6, 4.1-4.4, 5.1,5.2,5.3,5.5

Nov 29

 

 

 

 

Final (Comprehensive)

Dec 6 (501)

Dec 8 (500)

   

 

 

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.

 

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)

 

TENTATIVE TEST SCHEDULE

This schedule is tentative and may 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

Test 1 

September 22

Test 2 

October 20

Test 3 

November 29

Final Exam

December 6

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

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

 

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 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  

 

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

           Communication

X            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)

X            Critical Thinking

X            Communication

X            Empirical and Quantitative

           Teamwork

           Personal Responsibility

           Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

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

X            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:

  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

 

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.

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