Official Math Department Syllabus 1 Jackson Community College Math 120-11: Beginning Algebra Winter 2009 Class Time: Monday and Wednesday 8:15am – 10:49am James McDivitt Hall, Room 141 Instructor: Melinda Wessels Contact Information: The most efficient way to contact me is by e-mail. My e-mail address is: [email protected]. You can also call and leave a message at 517-796-8450. Materials: *Beginning Algebra Tenth Edition, Lial, Hornsby, and McGinnis * My Math Lab software *Scientific Calculator (cell phone calculators are not allowed on exams) Purpose and Learning Objectives Course Description: Math 120 is the study of the following: 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(s): Math 110 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 to real life applications. Great emphasis will be placed on understanding of terms, concepts, principles and theories rather than cramming and memorization. Performance Objectives: Core Course Objectives 1. Simplify basic algebraic, exponential, rational, and radical expressions using mathematical processes and symbol manipulation.Official Math Department Syllabus 2 2. Use algebraic processes to solve linear, quadratic, rational, radical and literal equations and linear 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 All courses at Jackson Community College address one or more of the institutionally defined Associate Degree Outcomes (ADOs). Math 120 contributes to the following outcomes. ADO 3: Demonstrate computational skills and mathematical reasoning - 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. - Uses and understands basic mathematical terminology. - Translates situations into mathematical symbols. - Represents mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically and/or verbally. - Understands that connections exist between mathematics and real-world situations. ADO 7: Rubric for Critical Thinking - Incorporates new knowledge with old. - Converts complex concepts into useful personal language. - Solves new problems in new contexts. Course Information and Requirements 1. Calculators: For MTH 110 and MTH 120, a calculator is not required, but it would be advisable to have a scientific calculator that performs the basic operations (add, subtract, multiply, and divide), percents and fractions. (In the past, a TI-30 has been a good choice.) 2. Homework, Attendance and Participation: Attendance and participation is very important. Mathematics is similar to a sport, you cannot expect to be good at it without practicing. Therefore, homework will be given every class meeting. All homework will be assigned and completed using My Math Lab software. Late homework will not be accepted. Homework will be available on My Math Lab, the Saturday before the week we cover the material in class.Official Math Department Syllabus 3 It is extremely important for each student to be in class on time. Not only is the class disrupted by latecomers, the late student misses out on time to take quizzes, misses being counted for attendance and any instructions given at the beginning of class. If you do not plan to attend lectures regularly, you are advised to withdraw. 4. Extra Credit: “The mathematics department strongly recommends that extra credit not be offered in mathematics courses. In order to foster a collegiate environment, maintain the integrity of student grades, and provide for proper student placement and advancement through sequenced courses, the department believes this to be in the best interests of both students and faculty. Extra credit is understood to include bonus points on a test or assignment, separate extra credit assignments, and other forms of providing opportunities for more than 100% credit.” 5. Available Help: Your instructor: Please make use of your instructor! I am here to help. I am available during class work times and you are also welcome to make an appointment to see me. Math Lab: There is a math lab in JM 245. This lab is staffed with professional mathematicians who serve as tutors. It is open Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 am until 6 pm. The lab operates on a walk-in basis. Please remember to bring your textbook and your class notes to your tutoring session; these are very useful to the tutor as well as to the student. Center for Student Success: Located in Walker Hall, the center provides tutoring and other services. Please call 517-796-8415 or visit for more information. Online help: My Math Lab has many helpful features such as video mini-lectures on sections of the textbook, step-by-step help showing how to solve homework problems, and animations and videos showing problem solutions. Explore this rich resource! Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act) should contact the Center for Student Success. This is the first step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to facilitate your learning. (FREE!) This is a fast paced math course. If you are having trouble, get help right away. Please do not wait, as you will continue to fall further behind. 6. Study Groups: I strongly encourage you to make a friend or friends in class that you can get together with outside of
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