WELCOME TO: MATH 0310 Beginning Algebra

3110 Mustang Road Alvin, TX 77511-4898 Phone: 281-756-3500
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
WEBSITE:
Jennifer Hopkins
G162
By appointment
www.alvincollege.edu
E-MAIL:
PHONE:
[email protected]
281-756-3707
WELCOME TO: MATH 0310 Beginning Algebra
Course Title: Beginning Algebra
Course Number: MATH 0310-IN
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Total Contact Hours: 48
Term and Year: Ssummer 2016
Class Days & Times: online
Classroom Location: G162
A. COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR
The preferred method for communicating with your instructor outside of class is through ACC email. Please include your first
and last name, which class you are taking, a phone number or e-mail address where I can contact you and tell me what you need
to discuss with me. I will normally respond within 24 hours Monday-Thursday and by the next business day on Friday, Saturday
and Sunday. EXCEPTION: I will be on vacation July 16-24 and will respond to all email the week of July 25.
B. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course begins with a study of the principles of logical reasoning and statistical reasoning. This is followed by problem
solving and a study of number uses in the real world. The course concludes with math of finance, probability and statistics, and
math and the arts. Topics covered include introductory treatments of sets, logic, number systems, number theory, probability and
statistics. Appropriate applications are included.
C. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the semester, students will be able to solve the following kinds of problems. They will demonstrate acquisition of
the ability by successfully completing the final exam administered in MyMathLab.
1. Linear equations containing real numbers
2. Applications involving real numbers
3. Literal equations
4. Inequalities containing real numbers
5. Graphs of linear equations and inequalities
6. Polynomial operations
7. Rules for exponents
8. Factoring of polynomials
9. Operations and simplification of rational expressions
10. Solutions of rational equations
D. PRE-REQUISITE COURSES: completion of MATH 0309 or NCBM 0200 or appropriate placement test results
CO-REQUISITES: none
ACC Master Course Syllabus [Rev. December 2015]
E. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
MyMathLab Student Version Stand Alone Access Kit for Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 5th Edition;
Elayn Martin-Gay ISBN # 9781269824712
This may be purchased from the campus bookstore (281-756-3681) , via www.alvinccstore.com, or via MyMathLab during
the self-registration process. For more information about the textbooks, including details about how to order your book online
and have it delivered to you, visit the ACC College Store at www.alvinccstore.com.
F. CORE REQUIREMENTS (Only required for CORE courses)
This course is not part of the ACC Core Curriculum.
G. COURSE OUTLINE
June 14
MyMathLab Homework and Quiz over material due over
Chapter 1 Review of Real Numbers
1.1 Tips for Success in Mathematics
1.2 Symbols and Sets of Numbers
1.3 Fractions and Mixed Numbers
1.4 Exponents, Order of Operations, Variable Expressions, and Equations
1.5 Adding Real Numbers
1.6 Subtracting Real Numbers
1.7 Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers
1.8 Properties of Real Numbers
June 24
MyMathLab Homework and Quiz over material due over
Chapter 2 Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving
2.1 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
2.2 The Addition and Multiplication Properties of Equality
2.3 Solving Linear Equations
2.4 An Introduction to Problem Solving
2.5 Formulas and Problem Solving
2.6 Percent and Mixture Problem Solving
2.7 Further Problem Solving
2.8 Solving Linear Inequalities
July 5
MyMathLab Homework and Quiz over material due over
Chapter 3 Graphing
3.1 Reading Graphs and the Rectangular Coordinate System
3.2 Graphing Linear Equations
3.3 Intercepts
3.4 Slope and Rate of Change
3.5 Equations of Lines
3.6 Functions
July 15
MyMathLab Homework and Quiz over material due over
Chapter 4 Solving Systems of Linear Equations
4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing
4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution
4.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Addition (Elimination)
4.4 Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables
4.5 Systems of Linear Equations and Problem Solving
July 26
MyMathLab Homework and Quiz over material due over
Chapter 5 Exponents and Polynomials
5.1 Exponents
5.2 Polynomial Functions and Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
5.3 Multiplying Polynomials
5.4 Special Products
5.5 Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation
5.6 Dividing Polynomials
5.7 Synthetic Division and the Remainder Theorem
August 5
MyMathLab Homework and Quiz over material due over
Chapter 6 Factoring Polynomials
6.1 The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping
6.2 Factoring Trinomials of the Form 𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
6.3 Factoring Trinomials of the Form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 and Perfect Square Trinomials
6.4 Factoring Trinomials of the Form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 by grouping (optional)
6.5 Factoring Binomials
6.6 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
6.7 Quadratic Equations and Problem Solving
August 16
MyMathLab Final Exam over material due over material in chapters 1-6
H. EXAMS AND MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS
Homework in MyMathLab = 50% of total grade
Within the MyMathLab course site, students will complete exercises over the material taught in class. Students will apply
problem-solving techniques to arrive at their solutions.
Quizzes = 25% of total grade
Students will complete exercises over the material taught in class. Students will apply problem-solving techniques to arrive at
their solutions and hand them in at the next class.
Final Exam (comprehensive) = 25% of total grade
On paper, students will complete exercises over the material taught in class. Students will apply problem-solving techniques to
arrive at their solutions for questions ranging over the whole of the course.
I.
POLICIES ABOUT COURSEWORK AND DEADLINES
EXPECTATIONS
1. Students are expected to obtain a MyMathLab access code and send the instructor an e-mail stating that they have read this
syllabus and schedule and understand what is expected of them by the second week of class. Include your first and last name
and student ID number in this e-mail and all email to the instructor. I will not attempt to guess who
[email protected] is.
2. Students are expected to allocate a minimum of 10 hours per week to textbook readings, interacting with course materials,
participating in class discussions, and completing assignments, quizzes and exams.
3. Students are expected to use the ACC campus computers or have a workable computer that can access the course website.
Any technical problems on the student’s side WILL NOT be an acceptable excuse for late work.
LATE COURSE WORK POLICY: Students are expected to have their assignments done by the due dates. Late work will not be
accepted.
EXAM POLICY: Several exams will be given during this course. Two exams during the semester are 25 questions each. About
half of the questions will be multiple choice and half short answer/partial credit. The final exam is comprehensive, 120 minutes in
length and all multiple choice. The end of course exam is 10 questions administered in 45 minutes on MyBlackboard.
MAKE-UP POLICY: There are no make-ups in my class, period. If you miss an exam for some unavoidable reason and you
notify me BEFORE THE EXAM BEGINS then the next exam will count in for the missed exam. You must take the final in order
to complete the course. If you do not take the final, you will receive a grade of F for the course.
J.
GRADING SUMMARY
(How student grades will be calculated.)
Homework
Quizzes
Final Exam (comprehensive)
50% of total grade
25% of total grade
25% of total grade
Grading Scale:
A: 90 – 100%earned of points possible
B: 80 – 89%
earned of points possible
C: 70 – 79%
earned of points possible
D: 60 – 69%
earned of points possible
F: 0 – 59%
earned of points possible
Your course grade is based on the AVERAGE of the points you received on all course assignments and activities. Notify your
instructor if you are concerned with your grades or your status in the class.
K. WITHDRAWING FROM CLASS/COLLEGE
It is recommended that the student talk to the instructor before withdrawing. Current course withdrawal information can be found
in the printed version of the ACC Schedule for this semester or online at ACC Course Withdrawal Instructions. Students who
file withdrawal requests by the published deadline and have not exceeded the withdrawal maximum will receive a grade of W.
Six Drop Limit
The Texas Legislature passed a ruling that limits the number of classes a student can drop during their years as an undergraduate
student to six. This policy applies to any student who was a first time college freshmen fall, 2007, or later, who attends a Texas
public institution of higher education. Courses dropped while attending a private or out of state college do not count toward the
six drop limit. For further information, refer to the ACC Catalog or contact Student Services.
L. GRADE APPEAL PROCESS
Students have one year from the date of the grade assignment to challenge a grade. Refer to the grade appeal process as published
in the ACC Catalog at http://www.alvincollege.edu/Programs-Degrees/Course-Catalogs.
M. CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY
Alvin Community College students are required to attend classes. If an absence is unavoidable, the student is responsible for
completing all work missed during the absence. Instructors will not withdraw students for non-attendance, except in
developmental courses. Absences in excess of two weeks are to be reported to the Office of Advising Services, along with
appropriate recommendations. Departments and faculty may have other attendance policies for their course.
N. CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY
Alvin Community College students are members of an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge through a formalized
program of instruction and learning. At the heart of this endeavor, lie the core values of academic integrity which include honesty,
truth, and freedom from lies and fraud. Because personal integrity is important in all aspects of life, students at Alvin Community
College are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom. Incidents of academic
dishonesty will not be tolerated and students guilty of such conduct are subject to severe disciplinary measures.
O. CLASSROOM PROTOCOL
It is the right of each student to participate in his or her learning, and it is the responsibility of each student to not interfere with
the learning of other students. It is the expectation of the college that each student assumes the responsibility to follow college
policies and procedures governing classroom conduct on campus and online. This information is published in the ACC Student
Handbook on page 42.
P. EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTION
Alvin Community College is dedicated to student success. As part of its ongoing improvement efforts, students will provide input
for each course prior to the end of the semester enrolled. Evaluations will be completed in either online or paper format as
directed by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Research.
Q. ACC ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES
The ACC Tutoring/Learning Lab, located upstairs in building A, provides students with a variety of services including tutoring
(math, writing, and other disciplines); computers and printers; and tables/carrels. Call 281-756-3566 or visit the ACC
Tutoring/Learning Lab Website for more information.
The ACC Library is an excellent source for research and writing help. Quiet rooms are available for studying and doing class
work. For more information, visit the ACC Library Website or call 281-756-3559.
ACC Counseling Services assist students with issues that may negatively impact academic success. To contact a counselor, call
the office of Advising Services at 281-756-353.
Americans with Disabilities Act
ACC complies with ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are seeking an education.
Students who have a disability and would like classroom accommodations must register first with the Office of Disability
Services, A 136, or call 281-756-3533. Instructors are not able to provide accommodations until the proper process has been
followed.
Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) – The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Alvin Community College is committed to
improving community safety. College faculty, staff, students and community members may communicate safety concerns to the
BIT team by email, [email protected] or through an electronic reporting option located on the BIT page of the college
website.
MY Blackboard support can be obtained by completing the Online Support Form.
WEBACCESS, Passwords or ACC Computer Lab Information: If you experience problems with WebACCess, please call the
Help Desk at 281-756-3544 or email [email protected].
R. MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES
As a student, you may experience a range of challenges that can interfere with learning, such as strained relationships, increased
anxiety, substance use, feeling down, difficulty concentrating, and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or
stressful events may diminish your academic performance and/or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. Advising
services employs two Licensed Professional Counselors who can assist students with issues that negatively impact academic
success. Consultation and referrals are confidential. The Counseling Referral form is located at:
http://www.alvincollege.edu/CounselingServices.aspx
Emergencies:
If you or someone you know at ACC feels overwhelmed, hopeless, depressed, and/or is thinking about dying by suicide,
supportive services are available by requests at the Enrollment Services Center or by calling 281-756-3531, ask for a Counselor.
You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255. This is a 24 hour, toll free, confidential suicide
prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crises or emotional distress. If, however, you or someone you know is in an
immediate crisis, go to the nearest Emergency Room, or call 911.
S.
DISCLAIMER
(The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus as needed and will notify the students of any changes using email or
Blackboard.)