MASTER SYLLABUS

MATD 0370 Elementary Algebra

Fall 2002

 

SECTION SPECIFIC INFORMATION

The syllabus must have the

·  course name and number

·  section number and synonym

·  campus, room and time of day

 

INSTRUCTOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION

The following instructor information must be on the syllabus: 

·  instructor’s name

·  phone numbers (including ACC voice mail for adjuncts)

·  office hours and location of office

·  information on how conferences outside of office hours can be arranged

·  e-mail address

·   web page (if any)

        

COURSE DESCRIPTION

MATD 0370 ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA (3-4-0). A course designed to develop the skills and understanding contained in the first year of secondary school algebra. Topics include review of operations on real numbers, graphing linear equations, variation, solving linear and quadratic equations, solving systems of linear equations, polynomials, factoring, and applications. The same course is offered in a one hour (0170) and two hour format (0270). Prerequisites: C or better in MATD 0330 or its equivalent knowledge, or appropriate score on the ACC Mathematics Assessment Test taken before enrolling in ACC mathematics courses. (DVM 1173)

 

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS

Text: : Elementary and Intermediate Algebra for College Students, Allen Angel

Optional Shrink-Wrapped Bundle with Text, Solutions Manual, and MathPro

Supplemental Materials: Rectangular coordinate graphing paper, scientific calculator

Prerequisite:  C or better in Basic Math Skills (MATD 0330) taken in Spring 2000 or later, or C or better in Prealgebra (MATD 0350), or its equivalent knowledge, or a passing score on the MATD 0370 placement test

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is taught in the classroom as a lecture/discussion course.

 

 

COURSE RATIONALE

As with all developmental math courses, Elementary Algebra is designed to provide you with the mathematical foundation and personal confidence to enable you to use mathematics in your future life. This course is designed to prepare you for MATD 0390 Intermediate Algebra and the algebra-based courses which follow it. It also may provide you with sufficient preparation to be able to pass the math portion of the TASP test. It also offers you one way to prepare for MATH 1332 and 1342, after you have passed the math portion of the TASP test.

 

 

COMMON COURSE OBJECTIVES

Common course objectives are attached.  They can also be found at:

http://www2.austin.cc.tx.us/mthdept2/tfcourses/obj0370.htm

 

 

COURSE EVALUATION/GRADING SCHEME

Grading criteria must be clearly explained in the syllabus.  The criteria should specify the number of exams and other graded material (homework, assignments, projects, etc.).   Instructors should discuss the format and administration of exams   Guidelines for other graded materials, such as homework or projects, should also be included in the syllabus.

 

In-Progress Grade: If a student is regularly attending, doing all assigned work but is still not earning a grade of C or higher, may be eligible for the IP (in progress) grade.  Students who receive an IP grade are expected to register and pay for the course again in the following semester.  A maximum of 2 IP grades can be awarded in any one course.

 

 

COURSE POLICIES

The syllabus should contain the following policies of the instructor: 

·  missed exam policy

·       policy about late work (if applicable)

·  class participation expectations

·  reinstatement policy (if applicable)

   student discipline

 

TASP Warning: If you are relying on this course to meet a requirement that you be in mandatory remediation in mathematics this semester*, then:

i) if you are not "continually in attendance" in this course, you should be withdrawn from the course by your instructor,

ii) if you withdraw yourself from this course or are withdrawn by your instructor, you will be automatically withdrawn from all of your other college courses if this is the only TASP-mandated course you are taking.

* If you are unsure whether or not this warning applies to you, see an ACC advisor immediately.

 

 

Attendance Policy (if no attendance policy, students must be told that)

The recommended attendance policy follows. Instructors who have a different policy are required to state it.

Attendance is required in this course.  Students who have excessive absences (suggest 4 or more) may be withdrawn.

TASP mandated students who have excessive absences (suggest 4 or more)will be withdrawn.

 

  Withdrawal Policy (including the withdrawal deadline for the semester)

 It is the student's responsibility to initiate all withdrawals in this course.  The instructor may withdraw students for excessive absences but makes no commitment to do this for the student. After the withdrawal date, neither the student nor the instructor may initiate a withdrawal.  TASP madated students with excessive unexcused absences will be dropped

 

Incomplete Grade Policy

Incomplete grades (I) will be given only in very rare circumstances.  Generally, to receive a grade of "I", a student must have taken all examinations, be passing, and after the last date to withdraw, have a personal tragedy occur which prevents course completion.                      

 

Course-Specific Support Services

ACC main campuses have Learning Labs which offer free first-come first-serve tutoring in mathematics courses. The locations, contact information and hours of availability of the Learning Labs are posted at: http://www2.austincc.edu/rvslab/labhours.htm

 

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

"Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to, cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, work, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations; and homework.”

 

Recommended Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty Penalty

“Students who violate the rules concerning scholastic dishonesty will be assessed an academic penalty which the instructor determines is in keeping with the seriousness of the offense. This academic penalty may range from a grade penalty on the particular assignment to an overall grade penalty in the course, including possibly an F in the course. ACC's policy can be found in the Student Handbook page 33 or on the web at: http://www.austincc.edu/marketng/handbook/student_handbook_02-03.pdf.  

 
Recommended Statement on Student Discipline

Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include having the student leave class for the rest of that day. In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. ACC's policy on student discipline can be found in the Student Handbook page 32 or on the web at: http://www.austincc.edu/marketng/handbook/student_handbook_02-03.pdf. 

 
Statement on Students with Disabilities

"Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office of Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.”

 

Instructors are also encouraged to add a statement about the letter of accommodation, such as:

“Students who are requesting accommodation must provide the instructor with a letter of accommodation from the Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) at the beginning of the semester.   Accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the letter of accommodation from OSD.”

 

Statement on Academic Freedom

"Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good.  The common good depends upon a search for truth and upon free expression.  In this course the professor and students shall strive to protect free inquiry and the open exchange of facts, ideas, and opinions.  Students are free to take exception to views offered in this course and to reserve judgment about debatable issues. Grades will not be affected by personal views.  With this freedom comes the responsibility of civility and a respect for a diversity of ideas and opinions.  This means that students must take turns speaking, listen to others speak without interruption, and refrain from name-calling or other personal attacks."

 
 
 

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

 

 

16 Week Schedule

Week 1 Intro., Pretest, 1.1 - 1.4

Appendix A & B

Week 2 1.5 - 1.9

Week 3 1.10, 2.1 - 2.3

Week 4 2.4 - 2.6, Exam 1

Week 5 3.1 - 3.3

Week 6 3.4, appendix C, 3.5

Week 7 4.1, 4.2

Week 8 4.3, 4.4, Exam 2

Week 9 9.1 - 9.3

Week 10 9.5(part), 5.1

Week 11 5.2, 5.4, 5.5 Exam 3

Week 12 6.1 - 6.3

Week 13 6.4, 6.5 Exam 4

Week 14 6.6 & quadratic formula

Week 15 5.3, 5.6(part)

Week 16 Review, Final Exam

11 Week Schedule

Week 1 Intro., Pretest, Exam 1

1.1 - 1.6 App.A&B

Week 2 1.7 - 1.10, 2.1

Week 3 2.2 - 2.6, Exam 1 Exam 1

3.1 - 3.3

Week 4 3.4, appen C, 3.5

Week 5 4.1-4.3,4.4, Exam 2

Week 6 9.1 - 9.3, 9.5(part)

Week 7 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5

Week 8 Exam 3

6.1 - 6.3

Week 9 6.4, 6.5

Week 10 Exam 4, 6.6, Quadratic formula, 5.3

Week 11 5.6 (part), Review,

Final Exam

 

 

 

5 1/2 Week Schedule

Week 1 Intro., Pretest, Exam 1

1.1 - 1.10, App A&B 2.1

Week 2 2.2 - 2.6, Exam 1 Exam 1

3.1-3.4, append C, 3.5

Week 3 4.1-4.4, Exam 2

9.1 - 9.3, 9.5(part),5.1

Week 4 5.2, 5.4, 5.5 Exam 3

6.1 - 6.3

Week 5 6.4 - 6.5 Exam 4

6.6 & quadratic formula,

5.3, 5.6, Review

Week 5.5 Final Exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

  Instructors are encouraged to add a statement of variance, such as “Please note:  schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class.”

 

TESTING CENTER POLICY

ACC Testing Center policies can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/     

Instructor will add any personal policy on the use of the testing center.

 

STUDENT SERVICES

The web address for student services is:  http://www3.austincc.edu/evpcss/rss/Default.htm.

The ACC student handbook can be found at:  http://www3.austincc.edu/evpcss/handbk/toc.htm.

 

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES

The web address is:  http://www3.austincc.edu/evpcss/memos/reference.htm

then click on “Campus Based Student Support Overview”.

 

 

Common Course Objectives for MATD 0370

 

 

(revised May 2001)

The following objectives are listed in a sequence ranging from the simple to the more complex. As such, this document should not be viewed as a chronological guide to the course, although some elements naturally will precede others. These elements should be viewed as mastery goals which will be reinforced whenever possible throughout the course.

Overall objectives:

  1. Students will feel a sense of accomplishment in their increasing ability to use mathematics to solve problems of interest to them or useful in their chosen fields. Students will attain more positive attitudes based on increasing confidence in their abilities to learn mathematics.
  2. Students will learn to understand material using standard mathematical terminology and notation when presented either verbally or in writing.
  3. Students will improve their skills in describing what they are doing as they solve problems using standard mathematical terminology and notation.

1. Description and classification of whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers using sets and the operations among them.

  1. identify and use properties of real numbers
  2. simplify expressions involving real numbers
  3. evaluate numerical expressions with integral exponents
  4. simplify square roots of perfect square whole numbers

2. Polynomials.

  1. distinguish between expressions that are polynomials and expressions that are not
  2. classify polynomials in one variable by degree and number of terms
  3. simplify polynomials
  4. add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials (including the use of long division techniques and the distributive law)
  5. factor polynomials (including factoring out the greatest common factor, factoring by grouping, factoring trinomials in which the leading coefficient is one, factoring trinomials in which the leading coefficient is not one, factoring the difference of two squares, factoring the sum or difference of two cubes)
  6. understand and use the exponent laws involving integer exponents
  7. convert numbers into and out of scientific notation and perform multiplication and division with numbers written in scientific notation
  1. Solve linear equations in one variable involving integral, decimal, and fractional coefficients and solutions
  2. Application problems.
  1. write and evaluate linear expressions from verbal descriptions
  2. solve application problems which lead to one of the following types of equations: linear equations in one variable, systems of two linear equations in two variables, quadratic equations
  3. solve literal equations for a specified variable using only addition and multiplication principles
  4. solve application problems using ratio and proportion
  5. use given data to estimate values and to evaluate geometric and other formulas
  6. solve problems involving the Pythagorean Theorem
  1. Linear equations in two variables.
  1. identify the relationship between the solution of a linear equation in two variables and its graph on the cartesian plane
  2. understand and use the concepts of slope and intercept
  3. graph a line given either two points on the line or one point on the line and the slope of the line
  4. identify the equations of the line in the standard, point-slope, or slope-intercept forms and graph their solutions
  5. write an equation of a line given its graph or description (including one point on the line and the slope of the line, or two points on the line)
  6. solve systems of linear equations

6. Quadratic equations.

  1. find solutions to quadratic equations and equations of higher degree using the technique of factoring
  2. recognize a need to use the quadratic formula to solve quadratic equations and solve quadratic equations by using the quadratic formula when simplification of square roots other than perfect squares is not needed

7. Description and classification of irrational numbers.

  1. simplify perfect square radical expressions
  2. use decimal approximations in applications that involve radical expressions

8. Geometry

  1. Understand the difference between perimeter and area and be able to use formulas for these appropriately.
  2. Solve problems involving similar figures