MATH 0315 (All) Beginning Algebra (3:3:1) Spring 2011 Syllabus Page 1 of 19 Instructor: Mr. Mark Lira Office: Math-107, Levelland Campus Phone: 806-716-2739 (Direct Number) E-Mail: [email protected] Office Hours: MW (9am-11am; 3pm-4pm); TTh (Before and after Class Time); Friday (9am – noon) Class Time: Section 004 MW 1:00pm – 2:45pm M128 – Levelland Section 212 TTh 1:00pm – 2:45pm RC259 – Reese Section 214 TTh 7:00pm – 8:45pm RC254 – Reese Welcome to Beginning Algebra – MATH 0315! This syllabus is intended to provide for you the plan for this course, and to be the source of information for this class. If you have any questions regarding any aspect of our class, please consult this document. If there are further questions, please don’t hesitate to enquire of me. An acknowledgement form is included and must be signed and turned in by each student. Course Description MATH 0315 – BEGINNING ALGEBRA (3:3:1) This course is for those students who need MATH 0320 and have not had one year of high school algebra. It includes properties of signed numbers, algebraic expressions, linear equations in one unknown, graphing and geometry. Time in a math lab may be required. This course will not satisfy graduation requirements. This course is required if testing indicates a need. Prerequisites Minimum score of 42 on the Accuplacer or 180 on the THEA, or successful completion of MATH 0310. Textbook “Elementary & Intermediate Algebra”, 2nd Edition, © 2010, Prentice Hall / Pearson Education: Michael Sullivan, III, Katherine Struve, and Janet Mazzarella. Texas Success Initiative (TSI) The TSI is a state program designed to ensure that all Texas institutions provide placement testing, personal advisement and appropriate instruction to students to enhance their opportunities for success in their college studies. All new students entering Texas colleges and universities are required to take a placement test prior to enrolling in college-level courses, unless exempt from testing under specified state standards (i.e., scores on ACT, SAT or TAKS). Testing will indicate whether a student possess adequate basic college-level skills in reading, writing and mathematics necessary to begin an undergraduate program of study. (From SPC Catalog) Supplies You will need pencils, notebook paper, 3-ring binder (≥ 2in), 5-tab dividers, graphing paper and a straight-edge (i.e., ruler). Please make certain all materials accompany you to each class meeting. Calculators will be allowed mid-way through the course, but not cell-phone calculators. Course Purpose/Goal The purpose of this course is to provide a background in beginning algebra for MATH 0320.MATH 0315 (All) Beginning Algebra (3:3:1) Spring 2011 Syllabus Page 2 of 19 Student Learning Outcomes / Competencies Upon completion of this course and receiving a passing grade, the student will be able to: 1. Add, subtract, multiply and divide real numbers (Chapter 1) 2. Use the order of operations to simplify an expression (Chapter 1) 3. Simplify algebraic expressions (Chapter 1) 4. Solve linear equations (Chapter 2) 5. Translate and solve word problems (All chapters) 6. Solve linear inequalities (Chapter 2) 7. Graph equations in two variables by the intercept method and the slope intercept method (Chapter 3) 8. Evaluate expressions using exponent rules (Chapter 5) 9. Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials (Chapter 5) 10. Factor polynomials (Chapter 6) 11. Solve quadratic equations by factoring (Chapter 6) *Developed by the Coordinating Board and the Faculty of South Plains College’s Math and Engineering Department. Opening Remarks Your success will be greatly based upon your effort to understand and learn the material presented. Most of our class time will be spent working out problems, with supporting explanations and instruction. It is expected that you work outside of class on the assigned homework (see related pages at end of syllabus). To be successful in this course, plan to spend minimum of four (4) to six (6) hours outside class every week maintaining or increasing your math skills – practice, practice, practice. All of the assignments are included in this syllabus to help you budget and plan your time accordingly; thus it behooves you to begin work as soon as possible, don’t procrastinate in doing the work and studying. Homework problems should be attempted early enough to seek help if needed. If you have any questions regarding the material, I’ll be happy to help during office hours, or some other previously agreed to time. Expectations -- Read the syllabus -- Attend class, arrive on time, do your homework, and be prepared to participate. -- Keep all cell phones and pagers turned off and put away for the duration of the class. Do NOT send or receive text messages during class. -- Maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. For more detail, see page 23 of the South Plains College General Catalog. -- Foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. For more detail, see page 23 of the South Plains College General Catalog. Binder Neatness and organization of a 3-ring binder are important. 1. Divider for Syllabus/Handouts 2. Divider for Notes: If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the notes from a classmate 3. Divider for Homework: These pages will be kept in ascending chronological order 4. Divider for Quizzes 5. Divider for ExamsMATH 0315 (All) Beginning Algebra (3:3:1) Spring 2011 Syllabus Page 3 of 19 Grading and Grading Scale Grading Grading Scale Homework submittals 20 @ 1% 20% A (100 – 90) Quizzes (variable) 20% B (89 – 80) Exams 4 @ 10% 40% C (79 – 70) Final Exam 1 @ 20% 20% D (69 – 60) F (59 – 0) A grade of C or better is required in order to advance to the next course. Although your grade in this course will not be used in calculating your GPA, your grade in this course is used to determine academic status for financial aid. This course and its grade will be recorded on your official transcript. If you plan to transfer to another college or university, be advised that the grade you make in this course may reflect on your ability to transfer. Extra Credit At this level, Extra Credit work is not allotted – all points earned will be from homework, quizzes and exams.MATH