Course Syllabus for Math 0315 Department : Mathematics and Engineering Instructor : S. G. Smith Office : RC 257 Discipline : Mathematics Phone: (806) 894 – 9611 x 4698 Course Number : Math 0315 Course Title : Beginning Algebra Credit : 3 (includes lab) Prerequisites : equivalent knowledge of arithmetic as contained in Math 0310 Available Formats : conventional, and supplemental internet exercises (My Math Lab - optional) Textbook : Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, Sullivan, et. al., Prentice Hall, 2007 Supplies: standard notebook paper, calculator, graph paper (optional) Course Specific Instruction : None Course Description : This course is designed for 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, 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. Course Goal : The goal of this course is to provide foundational principles in algebra, which serves as prerequisite for Math 0320. Course Requirements : Students should attend every class session, lab, and perform each task as designated by the instructor Course Evaluation : Daily work is a combination of homework, classwork, and quizzes. The daily work average will constitute 20% of the course grade. Four major tests will constitute 60% of the total grade, with a comprehensive final being 20% of the course grade. Average: .20 x daily work avg. + .60 x test avg. + .20 final Makeup exams - Friday mornings, the same week as the exam (unless a holiday). No makeups for the final. Attendance Policy : Attendance and effort are important activities for success in this course. If you are absent, I encourage you to call regarding your assignments as necessary. A student who misses two consecutive weeks of classes or has missed five classes cumulatively may be dropped from this course. Please refer to the sections of your catalog listed as "Class Attendance" and "Drop and Withdrawals".Student Learning Outcomes/Competencies : Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide real numbers. 2. Use the order of operations to simplify an expression. 3. Evaluate an algebraic expression given a replacement set. 4. Solve linear equations and linear inequalities. 5. Identify and evaluate functions. 6. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials. 7. Apply the laws of exponents to simplify an algebraic expression. 8. Factor polynomials. Equal Opportunity : South Plains College strives to accommodate the individual needs of all students in order to enhance their opportunities for success in the context of a comprehensive community college setting. It is the policy of South Plains College to offer all educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability or age. ADA Accommodation: Students with disabilities, including but not limited to physical, psychiatric or learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the Special Services Office early in the semester so that the appropriate arrangements may be made. In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodations must provide acceptable documentation of his/her disability to the Special Services Coordinator. For more information, call or visit the Special Services Office in Reese Center Building 8 Diversity and Learning Environment: In this class, the teacher will establish and support an environment that values and nurtures individual and group differences and encourages engagement and interaction. Understanding and respecting multiple experiences and perspectives will serve to challenge and stimulate all of us to learn about others, about the larger world and about ourselves. By promoting diversity and intellectual exchange, we will not only mirror society as it is, but also model society as it should and can be. Accordingly, students will be expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner conducive with intellectual exchange in a positive learning environment. (This includes no food and drink, cell phones off, or no distracting