MATH 102 COURSE SYLLABUS

GENERAL INFORMATION Semester and Year: Spring 2005

Course title and Number: College Algebra 102

Text: Shore & Fairgrieve., College Algebra: Applications and Models, Prentice Hall, 2004.

Instructor: Dr. Mark Shore

Phone: 301-784 –5371 E Mail: mshore@allegany.edu

Office location/hours: MWF-9:00-10:00 and TTh 9:00 – 9:30 and by appointment H-30

Day & Time of Class: WEB and MWF 10:00-10:50, 12:00-12:50, and TTh 9:30 –10:45 in room H-27

Excel/Graphing Calculator: You will need to use either Excel or a graphing calculator in this course. You do not need to know how to work Excel prior to this course. All the Excel worksheets have already been put together. For students that would rather use a graphing calculator, I recommend the TI-83 Plus. Your book comes with two Video CDs that have over 30 hours of video showing how to solve problems using Excel or a TI-83 graphing calculator. Videos on how to use Excel and how to use your TI-83 calculator are also on your Blackboard site.

Web Pages http://www.allegany.edu then click on (For Blackboard)

*Please note: Under extenuating circumstances, the instructor has the right to change any course provision or requirements during the semester.

I. PURPOSE

A. Description:

This is a course in College Algebra. It begins with a review of topics in Intermediate Algebra such as: operations with exponents, radicals, and solutions of linear and quadratic equations. However, these topics are covered in an applied nature not in a theoretical nature. Also, the student will be shown how to use spreadsheets (Excel) and/or graphing calculators to aid in solving the various applied problems. The course progresses through the study of functions, solving and graphing linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and logistic equations, and solutions to systems of equations and matrices. Topics will be taught with an emphasis on problem solving and applications. This course reflects the importance the outside world places on thinking and problem solving. Students engage in solving realistic problems using information and the technological tools available in real life.

B. General Education and other essential core skill goals:

1) Students will communicate the reasoning and the results of their solutions to real-life problems through class discussions, interactive group activities, projects, presentations, or written reports.

2) Use arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, technological, or statistical methods (as needed or appropriate) to solve realistic problems.

3) Use mathematical reasoning for problem solving, test conjectures, judge the validity of arguments, and to communicate the reasoning and evaluate the results.

4) Interpret mathematical models of scientific data given verbally, or by formulas, graphs, tables, or schematics.

5) Students will utilize the library, Internet, faculty, or college resources to aid in their understanding of mathematical concepts.

6) Students will use graphing calculators, spreadsheets, word processors, the Internet, computer programs, and other technology (as needed or appropriate) to solve realistic problems.

C. Objectives and Intended learning outcomes for College Algebra:

1) Student will work collaboratively to solve real-life mathematical problems that reflect the students’ career field and major using appropriate technology (word processing, Internet, spreadsheets and/or graphing calculators). Relates to General Education Goals listed above (1,2,6)

2) Student will develop the problem solving skills, and work ethic needed to solve critical thinking problems. Relates to General Education Goals (1,3,4)

3) Student will be able to evaluate and understand tables of data, charts, and graphs using appropriate technology. Relates to General Education Goals (4,6)

4) Student will understand the differences between linear and non-linear relationships and their use in real-life situations. Relates to General Education Goals (4,6)

5) Student will be able to model and explain real-life situations using mathematics and appropriate technology. Relates to General Education Goals (4,6)

6) To examine the concepts of College Algebra in terms of their real-life application. Relates to General Education Goals (2,4)

7) To enable the student to solve various types of statement problems. Relates to General Education Goals (2,3)

8) To develop a real world mathematical modeling project. Use the library, Spreadsheets, Word processor, Internet, or other college resources to gather data, write paper, draw a conclusion, supply sources of information, and give an oral presentation. Relates to General Education Goals (1,2,3,4,5,6)

9) To provide the student with mathematical background needed for other courses in the natural, social and life sciences. Relates to General Education Goals (2,4)

II. COURSE POLICIES

A. Attendance: Attendance is required. The instructor may withdraw students that; 1) Have more than two unexcused absences from class, 2) Have more than one unexcused absence before the end of the third week or, 3) Do not take one or more assessments (quiz or test) by the date given without advance notification given to the instructor. (Only #3 above applies to students taking the course totally online). No notification will be given to the student when he or she has reached the limited amount of absences. If a student misses a class due to a college sanctioned activity, death in the family, or illness, that absence will not count if the instructor is notified in advance either in person, phone, or e-mail. Students that miss a class or test due to a last minute emergency or illness may contact the instructor by phone at 301-784-5371 and leave a voice mail message. Without advance notification, either in person or by phone, or by e-mail, the absence will be an unexcused absence, and you will not be allowed to make up the test or quiz.

B. Participation: Class participation has been shown to help a students understanding of mathematics. The more you put into the course, through your involvement, the more you will get out of the course.

C. List of resources: All resources for this course are on the Blackboard site for this course. This includes over 30 hours of video instruction on using Excel and the TI-83 graphing calculator, all of your tests and quizzes, the Excel sheet for the course, programs for your graphing calculator, corrections to the book, and staff information.

The Blackboard website is http://www.allegany.edu then click on . Then click on “login”. Then type in your user name. Your user name is your first initial, middle initial, last name (John E. Brown would be jebrown). If there are duplicates, then a number is added at the end of the user name (Jennifer E. Brown would be jebrown2). Your password is initially set to be their social security number without the hyphens (123456789). If the student wants to change his/her password, they can do so by editing their personal information and entering a new password.

D. Tutoring, extra help sessions, or special needs: Tutoring and extra help sessions are available from the instructor, or the Student Support Center (H-58) or from various tutors in the PA campuses. If you have a disability, which impairs your access to this course or your ability to pursue the coursework as it is presented, please see to the Student Support Center (H-58).

E. Grading: This course reflects a shift in the importance that the world outside the schools increasingly places on thinking and problem solving. Procedural skills alone do not prepare students for that world. Therefore, students deserve a curriculum that develops their mathematical power and an assessment system that enables them to show it. Assessments that match the current vision of school mathematics involve activities that are based on significant and correct mathematics. These activities provide all students with opportunities to formulate problems, reason mathematically, make connections among mathematical ideas, and communicate about mathematics. Students engage in solving realistic problems using information and the technological tools available in real life. Moreover, skills, procedural knowledge, and factual knowledge are assessed as part of the doing of real life mathematics.

1. 5-Tests (Must be taken on campus) 400

2. 15-Quizzes 75

3. Project (Optional) 50

Total number of points possible 475 (no project) 525 (if you do the project)

Grading Scale: 90 to 100% = A 80 to 89% = B 70 to 79% = C

60 to 69% = D 0 to 59% = F

A student who earns a final average of 70% or more on all assessments of objectives and intended learning outcomes for the College Algebra course has successfully fulfilled the general education and other essential core skill goals listed in section 1B.

Note: The grade of X will be given to students that do not pass, but have put substantial effort into the course.

Any extra credit problems are given to the entire class. There are no extra credit problems for any one individual during any part of the semester.

F. Plagiarism/Cheating: The college has established a policy regarding cheating. I expect that everyone will read and conform to the spirit and intent of this policy.

G. Assessment of Student Learning:

Tests and Quizzes are to be taken on the day specified or in advance on Blackboard. There are 5 tests in the course and 15 quizzes. You are allowed to use any of your class materials for the quizzes and tests. The date that a quiz or test needs to be taken by, will be listed on Blackboard. Tests are password protected and must be taken in class or in the testing lab H-58 or the testing labs at the PA campuses or in a testing facility near you. The quizzes may be taken at any location in which you have a reliable Internet connection. Students who miss a test due to a prolonged illness may contact the instructor in advance by telephone or e-mail. I have an answering machine in my office, so you can leave a message at anytime. This course is NOT, “learn at your own pace”. You must keep up with the course schedule to be prepared for the tests and quizzes. If you do not take a test or quiz by the date given on Blackboard you will receive a grade of zero on that test or quiz. If you take a quiz or test in one of the testing labs and get locked up on Blackboard, let the test proctor know immediately. The test proctor can then inform me of the problem so you will be able to complete the quiz or test. If you choose to take a quiz at home and get locked up, you will not be able to retake the quiz. Blackboard is reset every Friday from 5-6:30, so do not take a quiz at this time.

Students that get good grades tend to find a study partner or group to work with and have good “work ethic”. Most students that fail the class do so because of lack of doing the homework, lack of attendance, or a lack of effort. Get assistance as soon as possible from another student, the teacher, the instructional assistance center, or from a friend if needed. Only from trying the homework (really trying) can you find out if and where the problem is for you. If you have been away from algebra for more than six months, you will need to spend more time than usual (> 2 hours per day) on refreshing yourself with material you have forgotten. Remember, this class covers a course beyond High school Algebra II in just 45 hours of class time. The purpose of the homework is to make you better prepared for tests. If you are trying for a grade of "C" you will probably end up with an "F". Shoot for the "A".

Exam Make-up: Make-ups for tests will only be given for those students who give their instructor advance notification of missing or have been verified by a test proctor that they have locked up on Blackboard during a test or quiz. These students will take makeup tests before the following class period. Tests and quizzes may also be taken ahead of schedule. If a test or quiz is missed without advance notification, a grade of ZERO will be recorded for that test or quiz. If a student has a prolonged illness, the student can make up the test or quiz latter as long as the teacher is notified in advance.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Outline of Recommended Topics:

P.1 - P.9 Preliminaries and learning to use Excel or your graphing calculator.

TEST I (approximately 100 points)

1.1 – 1.4 Graphing and modeling linear and quadratic relationships

TEST II (approximately 100 points)

2.1 - 2.4 Composition of functions and graphing and modeling polynomial, power, and rational functions

Test III (approximately 60 points)

3.1-3.4 Graphing and modeling exponential, logarithmic and logistic functions

Test IV (approximately 40 points)

4.1 - 4.5 Applications of systems of equations and matrices

Cumulative Final (approximately 100 points)

College Algebra - Math 102 Homework

You may use a calculator or Excel on all problems and tests.

Chapter P – Preliminaries and learning to use Excel or your graphing calculator

P.1 Evaluating expressions and equations

P.2 Integer exponents (negative exponents) and scientific notation

P.3 Polynomials

P.4 Applications of linear equations

P.5 Literal equations

P.6 Applications of quadratic equations

P.7 Imaginary and complex numbers

P.8 Radicals and rational exponents

P.9 Absolute value equations and radical equations

TEST I approx. 100 points

Chapter 1 – Graphing and modeling linear and quadratic relationships

1.1 Graphing linear and nonlinear equations

1.2 Linear modeling

1.3 Functions

1.4 Quadratic functions

TEST II approx. 100 points

Chapter 2 - Composition of functions and Graphing and modeling polynomial and rational functions

2.1 Composition of Functions

2.2 Polynomial Functions of Higher Degree

2.3 Power Functions

2.4 Rational Functions

TEST III approx 60 points

Chapter 3 - Graphing and modeling exponential, logarithmic and logistic functions

3.1 Exponential functions

3.2 Logarithmic functions

3.3 Exponential models,

3.4 Logarithmic, and Logistic models

TEST IV approx. 40 points

Chapter 4 - Systems of Equations and Inequalities and matrices

4.1 Linear systems of equations 2 X 2

4.2 Linear systems of equations 3 X 3 and higher

4.3 Nonlinear systems of equations

4.4 Systems of inequalities (Optional)

4.5 Operations with matrices and applications

TEST IV and cumulative final on chapters 1-4 approx. 100 points

Project (Optional) 50 points. Note: This is not 50 bonus points