South Plains College MATH 0315 - BEGINNING ALGEBRA Spring 2012 Course Syllabus Instructor: Kathy Holster Office: M113 (math building) Phone: (806)716-2664 E-Mail: [email protected] Blackboard: http://spc.blackboard.com Office Hours: MW 1:30 – 2:30 TR 10:00 – 11:00 & 1:30 – 2:30 F 9:00 – 12:00 And other times by appointment Course Description: MATH 0315. BEGINNING ALGEBRA. (3:3:1) This course is designed 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 and geometry. Time in a math lab is required. This course will not satisfy graduation requirements. This course is required if testing indicates a need. (from SPC catalog) TSI: The Texas Success Initiative (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 possesses adequate basic college-level skills in reading, writing and mathematics necessary to begin an undergraduate program of study. (copied from the current SPC catalog) Course Objectives: Successful completion of this course should reflect mastery of the following objectives: (Chapter and section numbers are indicated in parentheses.) 1. Add, subtract, multiply and divide real numbers. (1.5) 2. Use the order of operations to simplify an expression. (1.7) 3. Simplify algebraic expressions. (1.8) 4. Solve linear equations. (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) 5. Translate and solve word problems. (2.5, 2.6, 2.7) 6. Solve linear inequalities. (2.8) 7. Graph equations in two variables by the intercept method and the slope intercept method. (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) 8. Evaluate expressions using exponent rules. (5.2, 5.4) 9. Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials. (5.1, 5.3, 5.5) 10. Factor polynomials, (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5) 11. Solve quadratic equations by factoring. (6.6) Expectations: • Read the syllabus. • Attend class, arrive on time, turn off and put away all electronic devices before entering the classroom. •Come to class prepared to take notes and participate. Do the assigned homework. Good study habits are essential for success. • Maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. This includes, but is not limited to, respect of others taking this course, turn off and put away all electronic devices before entering the classroom. The instructor reserves the right to ask a student to leave if his/her cell phone disrupts the class. Food and/or drinks are NOT allowed in the classroom with the exception of bottled water. 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. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on exams, collaborating with another student during an exam, and copying another student’s work. For more detail, see page 23 of the South Plains College General Catalog. Attendance: Attendance and effort are the most important activities for success in this course. Record of your attendance will be maintained throughout the semester. You may be dropped from this course with a grade of X or F if you exceed four absences throughout the semester. Please do not arrive late or leave early. Please be mindful of the new state law that allows a student who began college after Fall 2007 a maximum of 6 withdrawals for his/her entire undergraduate career. Absences are not classified as ‘excused’ or ‘unexcused’.Textbook: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, Sullivan/Struve/Mazzarella, Second Edition, Prentice Hall/Pearson Education. Supplies: You will need pencils, notebook paper, graph paper, a 3-ring binder, and a 3-hole punch. Please make certain all materials accompany you to each class meeting. Grading: Organization & Participation 5% Grading Scale: A 90-100 Homework/Homework Checks 15% B 80-89 Unit Exams 60% C 70-79 Final Exam 20% D 60-69 F 59 or below A grade of C (70) or better is required to advance to the next course. Although your grade in this course will not be used in calculating your GPA, your grade is used to determine academic status for financial aid. This course and its grade will be recorded on your official transcript. Organization & Neatness and organization of a 3-ring binder are important. The binder should be arranged in the Participation: following manner: 1st Calendar 2nd Syllabus 3rd • Notes for each section covered—Handouts to use to take notes are posted on Blackboard. http://spc.blackboard.com User name: first initial, last name, and last 4 digits of your Student ID Password: Original CampusConnect Pin No. (found on SPC acceptance letter) It is your responsibility to print the handouts. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the notes from a classmate or come to me during my office hours. • Homework for each section covered • Homework checks • Binder Contents Grade • Unit Exams These pages will be kept in chronological order. Homework: • Homework assignments from the textbook are given on the calendar; changes will be announced in class. Homework problems should be worked early enough to seek help if needed. Work extra problems, as required, to understand each topic. • Written assignments must be done in pencil and on paper without frayed edges. Writing on both sides of the paper is permitted. Exams: There will be 4 unit exams (15% each) and a comprehensive final exam (20%). Dates for the exams are given on the calendar. If for any reason you are unable to take an exam at the designated time you must contact me prior to class time. Make-up exams will be given at the discretion of the instructor. Tutoring and Free tutoring is available in room M116 in