Syllabus Spring 2012 MAT150 (College Algebra) Section 14750 10:00 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. M, T, W, Th GCC North Room A102 Instructor: Andrew McKintosh Office: A123 (access via A119) Phone: 623-845-4048 WEBSITE: http://web.gccaz.edu/~apmckint/ Email: [email protected] Office Hours: M – Th 6:30 a.m. – 6:55 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Other times by appointment (just talk to me, email me or call me). I am usually around campus until at least 12:30 p.m. but can make other arrangements with you to meet your needs. On Fridays I am often working at an off campus location (sometimes GCC Main or evaluating dual enrollment math instructors at local high schools) but again we can always make specific arrangements to meet your needs. Note: For short visits you can catch me daily between classes. I teach classes M – Th during the following times….7:00 a.m. – 8:05 a.m., 8:30 a.m. – 9:35 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. Course Description: Analysis and interpretation of the behavior and nature of functions including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, power, absolute value, and piecewise-defined functions; systems of equations, modeling and solving real world problems. Additional topics may include matrices, combinatorics, sequences and series, and conics. Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT120, or MAT121, or MAT122 or equivalent, or satisfactory score on District placement exam. May receive credit for only one of the following: MAT150, MAT151, MAT152, or MAT187. Textbook: There is no required textbook for this class. All homework problems are on our class web page (along with complete solutions in the “Help!!!” section). You should also utilize the links provided in the “Help!!!” section on our class web page to view various supplemental web based readings and videos of other examples of topics we cover. Electronic Devices: All cell phones, computers and Ipod like devices should be turned off prior to entering the classroom. The use of these items during class time is considered to be disruptive to the educational process. Students who insist on being disruptive will be dropped from this class by the instructor. Calculator: A scientific calculator will be needed at various times during this course. Some tests may be taken without the use of a calculator while others may require one. You may NOT use any calculator that has a built in CAS (Computer Algebra System), like the TI89 and TI92, that is capable of factoring and/or other types of symbolic manipulation. If you use a calculator that has a CAS on any assessment you will earn a zero for that assessment. Obviously no cell phone calculators can be used. Disability Statement: If you have a disability that may have an impact on your work in this class and for which you may require an accommodation, you need to notify the instructor immediately and the Disability Services and Resource office, located at the GCC Main campus in TDS 100. Their phone number is 623-845-3080. If the disability office finds that you are eligible for an accommodation you will need to bring me the “orange” paper during the first week of class if you expect me to accommodate your special needs. Obviously if a condition arises during the course of the semester that was not known at the start of the class you will be given the accommodation from the time you give me the official “orange” paper from the disability office. Attendance Policy: The instructor will be taking attendance daily. You are expected to show up on time every day that we are scheduled to meet. Students who make a habit of showing up late or leaving early are disruptive to the educational process and will be dropped from the course by the instructor. You can find the GCC Attendance information in the 2011 – 2012 General Catalog & Student Handbook on page 36 – 37 go online to the following webpage and enter 36 in the space at the top to flip to pages 36 – 37. http://www.gccaz.edu/catalog/2011-12%20GCC%20General%20Catalog%20and%20Student%20Handbook/flipviewerxpress.html Note that “excessive absences” are also considered a form of Academic Misconduct at this institution (see page 339 via above link). If you are late, miss class or leave early it is considered an “absence”. Only absences of the types addressed on pages 36 – 37 in the link above are “excused”. You will be dropped from this class once you hit your 11th “absence”. Help!!!: You can obtain help on homework from the “Help!!!” section of the class web page. There are complete detailed solutions to every assigned problem and supplemental readings and video links provided for each section. In addition you can visit the “Math Solution” center here at GCC North (in the D- building… hours are 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. M – Th I have been told) or at GCC Main (http://www.gccaz.edu/math/mathsolution.htm in the Math building) for free tutoring.Homework: See the class web page for daily homework. The COMPLETE solution to every assigned problem is also available for your viewing pleasure in the “Help!!!” section. Every student is expected to complete all homework assignments as we cover the material in this course and it is the student’s responsibility to check the solutions to make sure they are doing the problems correctly and obtaining the correct answer. Homework is NOT collected by the instructor and does NOT count directly towards your course grade. Since complete solutions to every homework problem are posted on your class webpage the instructor will not spend class time answering specific homework questions. If there are some things in the homework that you need help with please see me in my office and I will be happy to help you. Utilize the web links to supplemental reading and videos etc. You should plan on spending a minimum of 10 hours per week outside of class for this course if you wish to earn a C. Significantly more time will be required if you would like to earn a B or an A. Assessments: There are six (6) regular announced tests in this course (see the last page of this syllabus for test dates). These tests will be an in class assessment that will cover material since the previous test. Each student will have 65 minutes to complete each assessment, although many of you may get done early and leave once you turn in your completed assessment. Tests will