Page 1 of 3 Math 131 Course Syllabus Instructor: Angela Czeiszperger Email: [email protected] Course Description: Emphasizes simplifying expressions, solving equations, and graphing functions, including linear, quadric, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic. Problem solving and mathematical modeling are integrated throughout. Appropriate technology to include a graphing calculator. Prerequisite: A 2.0 in MTH 120 or course placement by exam. Core Course Objectives: Students should be able to: 1. Simplify Algebraic expressions involving polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions. 2. Solve equations, inequalities, and systems of equations and inequalities. 3. For functions described algebraically or graphically: a. evaluate, find domain and range, find inverse b. perform algebraic operations and graphical translations 4. Solve application problems, including the ability to: a. represent a situation using a graph, table or equation b. forecast outcomes from above representations c. solve optimization problems 5. Use appropriate technology as part of their completing the objectives above. 6. Demonstrate a knowledge of current technology and/or scientific issues. Incompletes Policy: (Excerpt from JCC Policy) "A student may request an incomplete from the instructor. The incomplete will be granted only if the student can provide documentation that his or her work up to that point is sufficient in quality, but lacking in quantity, due to circumstances beyond the student's control. Furthermore, a written plan for making up the missing work within one semester must be completed by the student. Final determination of whether an incomplete will be given is the instructor's decision." Math 131 Associate Degree Outcomes ADO 7 Demonstrate Problem Solving Problem Solving Incorporates new knowledge with old. Converts complex concepts into useful personal language. Solves new problems in new contexts.Page 2 of 3 ADO 3 Demonstrate computational skills and mathematical reasoning Mathematical Concepts and Tools Demonstrates a basic knowledge of the structure of the real number system. Demonstrates computational skills using positive and negative numbers, fractions, and decimals, ratio and percents. Demonstrates an understanding of algebra (manipulating algebraic expressions, solving linear equations, applying the rules of exponents), geometry and measurement, data and descriptive statistics. Language of Mathematics Uses and understands basic mathematical terminology. Translates situations into mathematical symbols. Represents mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically and/or verbally. Problem-Solving and Mathematical Modeling Expresses work in an organized manner in order to reach a conclusion. Understands that the process is as important as the conclusion. Understands that an answer needs to be reasonable within the context of a situation. Uses mathematical methods and concepts in a variety of situations to model and solve problems. Uses a scientific calculator to support mathematical reasoning and problem solving. Required Equipment: Ti-83 or 84 calculator, Textbook (Intermediate Algebra: Functions and Authentic Applications, 3rd edition, Author: Jay Lehmann, Publisher: Prentice Hall) Grading Policy and Scale: A 2.0 or "C" is a passing grade. Only courses with passing grades count toward graduation. Other colleges transfer in only courses with passing grades. Many financial aid sources, including most employers, require passing grades. Additionally, earning less than a 2.0 in a class results in being unable to participate in the next level of courses in a discipline which requires this course as a pre-requisite. Registering for the next course sequence without passing the pre-requisite course may result in you being dropped from that class. Grading Scale: Grading Policy: 90 -100% 4.0 85 - 89% 3.5 Labs: 5% 80 - 84% 3.0 In-Class Work, Quizzes, homework: 10% 75 - 79% 2.5 Exam 1 (ch 1-3): 20% 70 - 75% 2.0 Exam 2 (ch 4-5): 20% 65 - 69% 1.5 Exam 3 (ch 6-8): 20% 60 - 64% 1.0 Cumulative Final (ch 1-9): 25% 0 - 59% 0.0 Homework: - Homework must be turned in before the exams. - There is a homework assignment roughly for each section in the course. - Homework is to be completed neatly on lined paper using a pencil.Page 3 of 3 In-Class Work, Quizzes, etc.: There will be at least one quiz done in every class period class (turned in for credit). These may be individual or group, closed or open notes at my discretion. Labs: There are 2 labs in the course. They will involve collecting data in class from your calculators and also from outside resources (papers, internet, etc.) and writing up your findings. Extra Credit: There will be no opportunities for extra credit. Your grade is based on your performance in class, not on extras. Exams: Every exam has a few cumulative review questions on it. The final exam is cumulative for the whole course. Absence Policy: Students are expected to attend all classes, arriving on time, and staying until the end. No in class assignments may be made up for any reason, therefore attendance is vital. If absence is unavoidable the student is responsible for obtaining the missed lecture notes from another student. Exams may not be made up except under extreme circumstances (which are determined by the instructor – contact me before the exam via email). Make-ups must be taken before the exam is passed out to the class (i.e. the next class period) or a zero will be given for that exam. Academic Honesty Policy: You are encouraged to talk to each other, but all your work must be your own. In other words, "group-work" is a great way to learn material, but anything you submit for a grade must be done by you - reflecting your own thought processes, not that of someone else. If I suspect you of academic dishonesty, I will follow JCC's Academic Honesty Policy and take appropriate action up to and including assigning a failing grade for the paper, project, report, exam, or the course itself (whichever I deem