Math 0097 Course Syllabus
COURSE TITLE: Beginning Algebra
PARTICULARS: Fall, 2006 10:00 A.M. to 11:45 A.M. MW Room SB-1140
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Smith CRN# 20293
OFFICE HOURS: Mon 8-10A,2-5P (2-5P in LTC); Tue 9:30-11A; Wed 8-10A; Thur 9:30-11A
(other times by appointment Mon-Thur) Room SC 1125
TELEPHONE: (678) 891-2803 to leave a message (GPC Math/CompSci) csmit4@gpc.edu
TEXT: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 3rd Edition, Lial, Hornsby,
McGinnis. A scientific calculator or TI-83 graphing calculator
is required.
PREREQUISITE: Placement by COMPASS exam (29 and below)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to help students learn the basic algebra
necessary for college level mathematics. Topics include real-number concepts, selected
geometry concepts, linear equations and inequalities in one variable, problem solving
involving linear or factorable quadratic equations as models, operations on
polynomials, factoring polynomials, integral exponents, and graphing linear equations
in two variables. Additional topics include the study of rational expressions and
calculator usage.
TUTORING AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Tutorial assistance in mathematics
is provided via one-on-one instruction, computer-assisted instruction,
video and audio instruction. For more information please visit the
LTC lab. The web page for the Decatur Campus Learning and Tutoring Center
is here.
NOTE: The course calendar/schedule is here.
NOTE: The homework assignments are here.
NOTE: Other interesting things (including reviews for tests) are here.
NOTE: The main page for the Decatur Math/Computer Science Dept. is here.
NOTE: If you are a student who is disabled as defined under the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and require assistance or support
services, please seek assistance through the Center for Disability
Services (CDS). A CDS Counselor will coordinate those services.
NOTE: This course syllabus provides a general plan for the semester; deviations may become
necessary.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY (STUDENT INITIATED): If it becomes necessary for a student to withdraw
from this course, she or he should consult the instructor first. If a student withdraws
themself by the mid-point of the semester, she or he will receive a grade of "W." A student
who withdraws themself after the mid-point of the semester will receive a grade of "WF."
CLASSROOM COURTESY: GPC instructors expect professional and courteous behavior from all
students. Please take appropriate measures to minimize the disruptions that you may
cause in class by arriving to class on time and NOT participating in side discussions
during lecture portions of the class period.
CHEATING: Cheating includes any attempt to defraud, deceive, or mislead the instructor as
she or he assesses the student's academic achievement during the semester. Any student
found by their instructor to have engaged in cheating (which includes helping another student)
on a graded test, quiz, project, assignment, or examination will be assigned a grade of "F"
for the course. Of course students should work together on assigned homework exercises from
the textbook.
COURSE CONTENT STANDARDS; COURSE OBJECTIVES; LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students are held accountable for the following
Expected Educational Outcomes:
As a result of completing this course, the student will be able to do the following:
1. Apply or recognize properties of real numbers (commutative, associative, and distributive)
2. Classify real numbers as integers, rational, or irrational
3. Perform the four arithmetic operations with signed numbers
4. Determine the absolute value of a numerical expression
5. Construct correct expressions using algebraic symbols and notations from statements
6. Solve applications whose mathematical models are linear or factorable quadratic
7. Add, subtract, multiply and factor polynomials. Divide a polynomial by a monomial.
8. Solve the following types of equations:
a. Linear
b. Factorable quadratic
c. Rational leading to a linear or a factorable quadratic
d. Linear literal
9. Solve linear inequalities and write the solution set in interval notation. Graph the
solution set on a number line
10. Graph linear equations in two variables
11. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions
12. Solve problems involving square roots, order of operations, and scientific notation
with the aid of a calculator.
13. Apply laws of exponents for integral exponents
14. Solve geometric problems including area and perimeter of triangles, rectangles and circles.
Find the volume of a box. Use the Pythagorean Theorem.
15. Recognize and apply angle relationships including vertical angles, supplementary and
complementary angles, and those in triangles.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is required. If a sign-in sheet is ever used,
it is the student's responsibility to sign the sign-in sheet as
appropriate. You are allowed three absences without prescribed
penalties. The instructor reserves the right to lower the student's
final course average by 2% each for a fourth and fifth absence and by
5% each for a sixth and any subsequent absences. If a student has more
than five absences prior to mid-term, I reserve the right to withdraw
the student from the course. If attendance or tardies become a problem
this semester, a full blown attendance policy will be implemented
under which three tardies (or leaving early) will count exactly as one
absence. Please take good attendance seriously.
TEST MAKE UPS: When a student is not present for a scheduled test
or final, the student must telephone (678) 891-2617 and leave a
detailed message for the instructor on the day of the absence. There
will be no make up tests this semester regardless of how valid the
reason is for missing a scheduled test. A score of "zero" will be
recorded for a missed test. A low test score will be dropped this
semester. This will benefit all students, but will obviously aid
students who miss one scheduled test greatly.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: To complete the course you must fulfill the
following requirements:
(1) Complete the three scheduled tests (see also "Test Make Ups"
above).
(2) Take a scheduled, comprehensive final examination.
(3) Follow the attendance policy.
(4) This list is not necessarily exhaustive. For example, please
see "Course Evaluation Methods and Procedures" below for more
information.
COURSE EVALUATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The following apply to
the student's final course grade:
(1) 70% -- best two scores from three equally weighted, scheduled tests
30% -- scheduled, comprehensive, final examination
(2) Course grades will be assigned in accordance with the following
grading scale:
Final average between 90 and 100 (inclusively) A
Final average greater than or equal to 80 but less than 90 B
Final average greater than or equal to 70 but less than 80 C
Final average greater than or equal to 60 but less than 70 IP
Final average less than 60 F
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