Class Information:

Course Policies:

Prerequisite:  Math 40 or Math 41B with a minimum grade of C or qualification by testing (El Camino College Mathematics Placement Test) and assessment

Course Description:  This intermediate algebra course is designed for students who are not considering further study in the sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics.  In the context of studying basic functions and their graphs, students strengthen and expand their algebra skills.  Functions studied include linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, and radical functions, as well as the absolute value function.  Particular emphasis is placed on the operations on functions, solving equations and inequalitities, as well as using functions to model real life situations.  Other topics include solving systems of equations and applications.

Note: Math 73 serves as a prerequisite course for all transfer-level mathematics course sequences, EXCEPT the calculus sequence (Math 170, 180, 190, 191 and 220).  Students who have passed Math 73 and wish to enter the calculus sequence should consult with a counselor.  This intermediate algebra course satisfies the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science general education mathematics competency requirement.

This is not a traditional math class, where everyone is forced to work at the same pace and you listen to lectures every night. It is different for two main reasons: First, it is self-paced. You may cover the material as fast as you can, or as slowly as you need to understand the material and be successful in the course. I do, however, recommend that you follow the schedule if possible to complete the class on time; most students do. The second reason this class is different is that it’s a “hybrid” course, a combination of classroom and online learning. All of the instructional material required to learn the subject matter and help you succeed in the course is online but attendance in class every Friday morning is required. Emphasis will shift from the familiar lecture-based classroom to a more interactive environment. We’ll discuss our progress, answer questions, help each other, and practice communicating mathematically. Our goal is to foster permanent and authentic learning so you may succeed in future mathematics courses, as well as develop mathematical understanding and quantitative literacy for the world outside the classroom.  

Course Objectives and Methods of Evaluation:
             Course objectives are:

1)      Carry out numerical operations and manipulate algebraic expressions, including expressions with rational and negative exponents.
2)      Recognize functional relationships in the form of graphs, data or symbolic equations.
3)      Solve problems involving a variety of function types, including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational and radical functions, as well as the  absolute value function.
4)      Graph a variety of functions and relations and draw connections between these graphs and solutions to problems.
5)      Solve a variety of equations and inequalities, as well as systems of equations and inequalities, using algebraic and graphical methods.  Types of equations include linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational and radical equations, as well as absolute value equations.
6)      Using numerical, symbolic and graphical methods, model application problems, solve them and interpret the results in the context of the problem.  

Syllabus:

Methods of Evaluation: 

Attendance:   

Attendance will be taken every class session and you must log onto CourseCompass at least twice a week which will count as your attendance.  Students with two consecutive absences MAY be dropped from the class!  Any student who misses two exams will be dropped from the class.  Students are responsible for any material/announcements missed in class regardless of their presence including being aware of your status in the class.  You are expected to be present on time at all class meetings and to actively participate! You are expected to be at all class meetings on time!! Taken this class seriously is the first step to your success.  

Withdrawal from the class through the Admissions Office is the student’s responsibility.  If you have any concerns regarding your attendance, please contact me immediately via email, telephone or during my office hours.  

Academic Integrity: 

Students are responsible to inform themselves of College policies regarding the Code of Academic Integrity.  Any incident of cheating will be brought to the immediate attention of the Academic dean and appropriate actions will be taken including receiving an F grade for the course.  A report will be filed with the Campus Disciplinarian.  CHEATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! 

Calculators:   
Graphing Calculator is required in class.  No cell phones use will be allowed in class!  Cell phones must be completely off otherwise you will be asked to leave the class and one absence will be granted to you.  Cell phones may not be used as calculators!! 

Homework:     
Success in any math class is dependent upon completing and understanding all  assignments.  Most homework will be given on-line. The work you need to do to complete your on-line homework should be neatly written in your notebook together with the title, section and the grade you earn. Absolutely no late homework will be accepted!  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the assignment during an absence. 

Class work:   
You will often be given class work and it may be collected at any time during class. No makeup work is possible for missed class work. 

Quizzes:    
There will be on-line and in class quizzes. There are no make-ups on quizzes. The work you do to complete online quizzes should be neatly written in your notebook together with the assignment title and the grade you earned. 

Notebook:  
All homework and quizzes (online) will be done in a notebook neately and organized by the chapter and section title. It will be collected on the day of the exam.

Exams:    There will be three exams and a comprehensive final at the end of the 16 weeks semester. No make-up exams will be given but your final exam will only replace one missed exam.  Contact me immediately if you miss an exam. Students who miss more than one exam will be dropped from the class.  Tentative exam dates are noted on the Class Schedule at the end of this syllabus.

Keys to success: 
It is expected that students spend a minimum of at least Four hours outside of class for each hour spent in class.  Spending more time on material from class and explaining concepts to other students in class is an excellent way of achieving success.  Active participation is very important.  Ask questions, answer questions, talk to other students in class, form study groups outside of class, and always remember to ponder beyond what we discuss in class!  Next, remember to keep an open mind.  A big part of learning and understanding mathematics is believing that you are capable of succeeding.  Always remember to have fun!! 

Students will be assessed through class participation, their performance on exams, quizzes, and assignments.  The completion of the assignments will prepare you for each quiz/exam.  You are expected to complete each assignment by the next class meeting so that you are ready to ask questions in class.  You should see me for assistance as soon as an exercise is not understood, but not without first seriously attempting to do the problem on your own.  It is highly recommended that you also take advantage of the various tutoring services offered on campus.  It is your own responsibility to have an interest in your education.

I look forward to a fun Spring of 2012!

Grades:          
Discussion Board                                        32 points                         
Brief Bio                                                        5 points                         
HW/Quiz Notebook                                    40 points
Exams (3):                                                 100 points each                          
Quizzes (5 pop quizzes)                              50 points                         
Quizzes (7 Online)                                      70 points                         
Homework (on-line)                                 138 points                                                    
Final Exam:                                                150 points 
 

Grading Scale: A = 90 - 100%    C = 70 – 79%     F = under 60%

                          B = 80 - 89%      D = 60 – 69%

 

 
Last Day to Drop and be Eligible for enrollemnt fee Friday, February 24^th, 2012 
Last day to drop without notation on permanent record is Friday, March 9^th, 2011.
Last day to drop with a “W” is Friday, May 11th, 2012   

Assignments:

Course Material:

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Online Resources: (list related websites as links)

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