College Algebra Math 1050 Fall :30-1:20 M-R BLT123

Transcription

1 College Algebra Math 1050 Fall :30-1:20 M-R BLT123 CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Dr. Shane Brewer Office Phone: (435) Office: BLT 110, San Juan Campus Office Hours: 10:00 am-11:00 am M-R Welcome to Math 1050! In this course we will continue to explore traditional algebraic topics but at a deeper level. A variety of activities will be used to help you learn the material. Technology and internet resources will also be used. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is an advanced course in algebra. Students will explore traditional algebra topics at a much more analytic and conceptual level than experienced in previous algebra courses. Students will learn to employ conceptual approaches, including algebraic, graphical, tabular, and technological methods, to solve problems rather than relying on strictly algorithmic methods. Topics covered: functions (graphs, transformations, combinations, and inverses); polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic functions, equations, and applications; systems of equations and matrices; partial fractions. Prerequisite: C or better in Math 1010, or Math ACT score of at least 23 (Math SAT score of at least 540), or AP calculus score of at least 3 on the AB exam, or satisfactory score on Math Placement Test within the Math prerequisite acceptability time limit. Course Availability: This course is generally available from the San Juan Campus during F, Sp, and Su. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of the course students should be able to: Solve advanced equations (quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, absolute value, exponential, and logarithmic) algebraically and graphically Graph advanced equations using analytical approaches Create mathematical models from data Solve systems of equations using matrices and technology Perform advanced algebraic manipulation and simplification including factoring highdegree polynomials and decomposing partial fractions

2 COURSE RESOURCES Textbook: The textbook used in this class is College Algebra: Graphs & Models by Bittinger, Beecher, Ellenbogen, Penna. 4 th Edition. Published by Pearson. ISBN The textbook is a valuable resource for learning and understanding the material. In addition to being available in regular book form from the campus bookstore or other retailers it is also available for purchase in digital form as an e-book from the publisher s website. An online copy (which requires internet access to use) is already included with the purchase of MyMathLab access. MyMathLab: MyMathLab (MML) is an online learning system where students will complete homework and quizzes. MML provides ample opportunity for guided practice that is not available using traditional paper-and-pencil approaches. Each student is required to purchase a MML Access code in order to take this course. MML is often available bundled with a new textbook. Access can also be purchased separately from a textbook by visiting and following the registration links. Canvas: Canvas is an online learning system used in this class to communicate with students and to provide additional resources and information. While using a second online learning system is a bit confusing, Canvas is the institutional standard and has some nice communication and online learning features. To register in Canvas you must have an A#, which is usually obtained after you enroll in the university. For more information about A#s and Canvas access visit Canvas Important: You must monitor both Canvas and MML. Basically, Canvas is for communication and information and MyMathLab is for completing assignments. Always start your online activities by logging into Canvas and then following the links to MML. Using this approach ensures that you get all class announcements and instructor communications. Graphing Utilities: All students are expected to have a graphing calculator. Graphing calculators or computer-based and online graphing utilities will be a valuable resource when completing the material and quizzes. The use of Ti-83s and 84s will be demonstrated in class. The instructor will use a TI-89. Internet Access: Students will need internet access in order to complete assignments in MML and to access the information and communication functionality of Canvas. Each student can access the internet on any campus or Learning Center computer. Home access is not required but it is helpful. Without home access students will be expected to plan their study time accordingly in order to complete all of their assignments.

3 COURSE ACTIVITIES GRADING Homework: Learning mathematics requires practice. To provide that practice homework problems will be assigned exploring each topics. Graded homework problems must be completed in MML prior to their due dates. Using MML for homework allows students the ability to keep reworking missed problems until they are correct, thus earning fully credit. Each student should strive for 100% accuracy on homework assignments. Tests: Tests are used to assess student understanding of the material and play a major part of the final grade in the course. Students can prepare for tests by completing homework and reviewing quizzes. A paper-and-pencil test will follow each of the 6 chapters. Missed tests cannot be made up unless approval is obtained from the instructor. The lowest test score will be dropped at the end of the semester. Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam will be given during the regularly scheduled final testing period. A complete final exam schedule can be found online on USU s website. Your grade will be based on the following: Components Scores Dropped Total Points Homework 10) None 350 Tests 100) One Lowest 500 Final Exam None 150 Total Points 1000 Your grade will be calculated using the following scale: Grade Percentage Range Points A % A % B % B 83-86% B % C % C 73-76% C % D 60-69% F 59% and below 0-599

4 COURSE POLICIES Feedback/Communication: Specific and personalized feedback on the quality and accuracy of your work will be given on most quizzes and tests. Additionally, feedback may be given during instructor conferences when needed. General feedback and instruction that applies to the whole class will be posted in Canvas. If you need to communicate with me electronically you can use (preferably) Canvas or my campus . I check both regularly and will reply within two week days to each message. I welcome mathematical questions using these tools and will try to provide feedback when appropriate. If it is not possible to answer questions electronically I will try to use class time when available. Syllabus Changes: This syllabus is subject to change. I will notify the class regarding all changes. Late Work: Late work due to procrastination will not be accepted. Late work due to legitimate emergencies may be accepted. The due date and time for each quiz and homework assignment will be posted clearly in MML. Non-MML assignments (some quizzes, tests, and the final) will be due when stated in class or on the schedule. MyMathLab: You must be able to access MML by the second week of class. If you are unable to obtain access due to financial or logistic reasons assignment deadlines may be extended. However, starting the third week of class deadlines will not be extended. You are responsible to solve any technological issues related to the use of MML. The instructor does not have the rights to solve issues related to user names and passwords. If you experience difficulties accessing the site you must inform the instructor immediately. If you do not inform the instructor then any missed assignments may not be excused. Technical support for MML can be accessed by visiting or calling Codian Lectures: For all distance classes, each lecture is digitally recorded and stored on the campus servers for one or two weeks. If you missed class or just wish to review the lecture you can do so by going to Once there you will need to navigate to the Math-A link and then use the pin (7715) to access the lectures. The lectures are listed by date and you may have to check a few to find the right one. The lectures are deleted after one or two weeks to clear server space. Computers in the Classroom: The use of computers during class time is not allowed unless we are doing an activity as a class which requires them. I will not allow chatting, instant messages, or reading during class. If you wish to participate in these activities during class, do no come to class. Tutoring: Tutoring will be available in the CALL Learning Lab. Information about tutor schedules will be given to you during class. Live tutoring may not be available at distance education sites. In this case, students will need to communicate their questions directly to the instructor.

5 UNIVERSITY POLICIES Incomplete Grades: Students are required to complete all courses for which they are registered by the end of the semester. In some cases, a student may be unable to complete all of the coursework because of extenuating circumstances. The term extenuating circumstances includes: (1) incapacitating illness which prevents a student from attending classes for a minimum period of two weeks, (2) a death in the immediate family, (3) financial responsibilities requiring a student to alter course schedule to secure employment, (4) change in work schedule as required by employer, (5) judicial obligations, or (6) other emergencies deemed appropriate by the instructor. The student may petition the instructor for time beyond the end of the semester to finish the work. If the instructor agrees, two grades will be given, an I and a letter grade for the course computed as if the missing work were zero. An Incomplete Grade Documentation Form must be filed by the instructor in the department or college office. Students may not be given an incomplete grade due to poor performance or in order to retain financial aid. An incomplete grade may be granted only if the student has completed the majority of the course and is passing the class at the time. Academic Dishonesty: Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty. Issues relating to academic dishonesty will be dealt with in accordance with USU policies which can be found in the online general catalog. American s with Disabilities Act: Any student with a documented disability condition who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the instructor and Disability Resource Services.