MyMathLab Homework: 20%MTH 120-12: Beginning AlgebraCourse SyllabusFall 2008Instructor: Mark S. Wilson Email: [email protected]: TTH 6:00-8:35 PM Location: McDivitt 209Course Description: In this course we will study variables and variable expressions, integers, laws of exponents, equations (linear, quadratic, rational, radical and absolute value), linear inequalities, linear systems, coordinate graphing and problem solving.Prerequisite: MTH 098 (Prealgebra) or equivalent.Course Goals: The purpose of this course is to develop a progressive understanding of more basic algebraic skills, concepts, and problem solving techniques; to obtain a sense of how and why algebra is used, and to be able to relate these problems and use the learned problem solving techniques on real life applications. Great emphasis will be placed on understanding terms, concepts, principles and theories rather than cramming and memorization.Core Course Objectives: Upon completion of MTH 120 students will be able to:1. Simplify basic algebraic, exponential, rational, and radical expressions using mathematical processes and symbol manipulation.2. Use algebraic processes to solve linear, quadratic, rational, radical, literal equations, and systems of equations. 3. Demonstrate understanding of concepts of linear equations by: graphing a linear equation, finding x and y-intercepts, and finding the slope of a line.4. Solve basic application problems using algebraic processes and procedural techniques.5. Demonstrate knowledge of current technology and its uses and/or scientific issues.Associate Degree Outcomes: Mathematics 120 contributes to the following outcomes:1. The ability to comprehend and use information including written and oral forms. (ADO 2)2. Computational skills and understanding appropriate to the program of study. (ADO 3)3. Critical thinking and problem solving. (ADO 4)4. Knowledge of science and technology. (ADO 11)Page 1 of 4Materials:1. Textbook (Required): Beginning Algebra by Lial, Hornsby and McGinnis.2. A scientific calculator is recommended. A TI-30 is a good choice.3. MYMATHLAB is required.Grading: Your grade will be determined as follows: Grading Scale: Graded Assignments:90 -100% 4.0 85 - 89% 3.580 - 84% 3.0 5 Exams: 55 %75 - 79% 2.5 MyMathLab Homework: 20%70 - 75% 2.0 Portfolio Project: 5%65 - 69% 1.5 Cumulative Final Exam : 20%60 - 64% 1.055 - 59% 0.5 0 - 54% 0.0Homework: Homework assignments will be completed in MyMathLab. You will need to register with CourseCompass before you can use MyMathLab. Use the MyMathLab handout to guide you through this process. Register with MyMathLab today! Do not delay!On the CourseCompass site you will find daily homework assignments which you will complete online. There will be a time limit of one week for each assignment. MyMathLab will allot points for each correct problem in an assignment; I will then collect this information and assign a grade (using a straight scale). I advise you to keep a binder with loose-leaf paper and copy each problem and your solution into it before selecting your answers in MyMathLab. This will be an invaluable study aid for exams. You will find many helpful tools on the site including tutorials and solution videos. If you are stuck on a problem or submit the wrong answer, there will be a tutorial available for you to view that will show you how to do the problem. PLEASE MAKE USE OF THESE TOOLS! If you are still having difficulty with a problem, whether on a MyMathLab or a supplementary text problem, make a note of the problem number and bring it into class for discussion. If you need to see me for help do not hesitate to ask before or after class! More help is available below:1. Tutors are available at the Center for Student Success, Bert Walker Hall room 123. The phone number is (517) 796-8415.Page 2 of 42. Math Tutors are available Monday - Friday in the MeTec Center, located in the lobby of McDivitt Hall. Also in MeTec, there are video tapes available to be viewed in the center that correspond to a given course. There are also computer tutorial programs available for some of the courses as well.3. 10/07/2008 is Project Success Day for the Fall 2008 term. Project Success Day offers students the opportunity to enhance their learning skills in workshops that range from test taking to stress management.Portfolio Project: This project will demonstrate your problem solving skills. It will consist of a set of problems that will require some original thinking and perhaps a bit of research! You will receive a handout with all the details.Exams: You will have 5 regular in-class exams each worth 100 points. One week before every exam you will receive a review study guide. This guide will contain examples and solutions of every problem type that you will encounter on the exam. Do not ignore this invaluable resource! The study guide and your homework are your best tools for exam preparation. Keep all the reviews; do not throw them away! They will be very helpful for the review sections of the exams.Final Exam: The final exam is cumulative and is worth 100 points. As before, you will receive a review study guide one week before the exam. It is very beneficial if you also study your previous exam reviews to prepare for the final exam.Study Groups: I strongly encourage you to make a friend (or friends) in class to get together with outside of class. One of the best ways to study and to learn is by helping one another. We may work in groups of two to four in class.Makeup Policy: Unless there is prolonged illness, family death, or some extremely extenuating circumstance, exams may not be made up! If you feel that you have an extenuating circumstance contact me as soon as possible (before the exam) so we can find an appropriate solution.Attendance: I keep track of attendance but do not use it as a factor in determining your grade. Mathematics is a tough nut to crack without attending class so it is in your best interests to attend. This is especially true when you consider the make-up policy (stated above).Schedule: You will be provided with a day-to-day schedule of activities for this course. Make use of this information by reading the appropriate text sections ahead of time and to set aside study time for exams. This is subject to change.Incomplete Policy: The JCC policy on incompletes states “A student may request an incomplete from the instructor. The incomplete will be
View Full Document
Unlocking...