Course Syllabus: Fall 2012
Math 0373.710: Intermediate Algebra
Computer Assisted Course
Instructor: Doug Harley
OFFICE: CB 340
Class Meets: Online
Lab Meets: Online
OFFICE HOURS: MWF 10am to 11am,
Tuesday 2pm to 3pm and Thursday 1pm to 2pm
E-mail address: dharley@delmar.edu
Phone: (361) 698-1570
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA:
This course will utilize the “MyMathLab” computer program. This program is Internet based so Internet
access is essential. The text associated with this class is “Elementary and Intermediate Algebra Concepts and
Applications, Bittinger Ellenbogen Johnson 5th Edition”. Each new text includes a “MyMathLab” card and
a set of “Digital Video Tutors”. Both are essential for success in class. If your text does not have both, please
check the bookstore for a text that does. Intermediate Algebra students are required to register and attend a
lab. You are allowed two unexcused absences in your Lab. After that, four points will be subtracted from
your overall average for each day missed in lab. This is a non-negotiable departmental policy. The
individual lab instructor’s policy will determine if an absence is warranted. The MyMathLab program does
not work on Mac Computers and it works best on the Internet Explorer Web Browser.
The Course Code for this class is: harley81307.
PREREQUISITE: A grade of C or better in Math 0371 or assessment scores. CO‐REQUISITE: Students must enroll in Math0008 ‐ Lab for Extended Intermediate Algebra. MATH 0373. EXTENDED INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA (3-1-3) 32.0104.52
Intensive study of the operations of algebra designed to fill the needs of students preparing for
college algebra. Credit not allowed for both MATH 0372 and 0373. Assessment Levels: R2, E1,
M2.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1. Students will demonstrate a proficiency in the operations of algebraic expressions, such as rational and/ or radical expressions. This includes addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. 2. Students will demonstrate a proficiency with the algebra of linear functions, slope, graphs of lines, and slope‐intercept form of a line. 3. Students will demonstrate an ability to model and solve real‐world situations requiring the use of such algebraic topics as linear functions and/ or rational expressions. 4. Students will demonstrate an ability to represent and evaluate basic algebraic information involving such topics as linear functions, inequalities, rational expressions, or radical expressions. 5. Students will demonstrate an ability to interpret algebraic models, such as linear and/ or rational functions, inequalities, or schematics, and draw inferences from them. Question: How can I do my homework when Course Compass is down?
Answer: Use the backdoor. If
coursecompass.com is acting up or it won't let you login because
their server is down, try using the backdoor. Go to MathXL.com. On the right hand side,
you should see "MyMathLab Log In" with "backdoor" in parenthesis underneath it...enter
this way. There will be some physical differences, but you should be able to get to your
assignments.
Grading policy
Students will be given four tests this semester. Three major tests will be scheduled during the semester and
the final exam will be administered at the appropriate time during finals week. Each student will be given 23
quizzes. There is a homework review for each test. However, it is not a substitute for course material found
in your textbook or online. Homework is calculated as part of your grade. There is also a practice test for
each test; these are not graded.
Test and quiz dates are easily identified on the course calendar. Tests and quizzes are timed. Test will be
taken in class and are limited to 80 minutes with no more than 20 questions. Quizzes are taken online.
Normally you will have one day to complete a regular quiz. MyMathLab automatically takes the better
grade. Homework counts as 15% of your overall grade. If you miss a scheduled exam, you will not be
allowed to make-up that exam.
Homework: 15% (You can work homework problems until you get them correct.)
Quizzes: 15% (Quizzes will be taken online. Your three lowest quiz grades will be dropped.)
Test 1 (Chapters 6.1 – 6.7): 15%
Test 2 (Sections 7.1 – 9.1): 15%
Test 3 (Sections 9.3 – 10.7): 15%
Final Exam: 25%
Your Final Exam is comprehensive. Your Final Exam can replace one test grade if it is higher.
Important dates:
Class Begins: Monday, August 27th
Labor Day: Monday, September 3rd
Thanksgiving Day Break: Thursday, November 22nd to Saturday, November 24th
Last day to drop: Monday, November 26th
Last day of class: Wednesday, December 5th
Final Exam: Thursday, December 6th to Wednesday, December 12th
Withdrawing from the class:
If you stop attending class without officially withdrawing from the College then the grade is an
automatic “R”. If you choose to withdraw, you must go to the Registrar’s Office in person to
withdraw from class. The last day to drop for Fall 2012 is Monday November 26th . You will
receive an automatic “W” if the drop is made prior to, or, on the official drop date.
Questions: If you have any questions call or email me. You should expect a response within 24
hours although normally I will respond much sooner. If you call or email me on the weekend,
expect a response on Monday.
Email:
Do not email me from Course Compass since those emails do not get forwarded to my email
account. If you need to email me, use the following email: dharley@delmar.edu .
Absences: You are required to log on to Course Compass for a minimum of four hours per week. Failure to
log on for a minimum of four hours per week will be considered as an absence. If you are absent and your
overall grade is below a 70%, you may be dropped from the course. The four hours per week is just a
minimum amount that you must do in order to not be considered absent. In order to be successful in this
course, I expect most students will have to spend between 8 to 10 hours each week doing homework and
taking quizzes. If you are dropped from the course, I will reinstate you once your overall average is
above a 70% for the course.
Date
9/4
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
Min. Hours
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
32
Date
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26
12/3
12/10
Min. Hours
36
40
44
48
52
56
60
Developmental Courses
Some students have a need for further work toward building a strong academic foundation. It takes courage,
determination and a lot of will power on the part of the student to postpone career plans while doing
developmental work in English, mathematics, or reading. The student will be paying tuition for these courses,
the grades earned will be reflected on the permanent transcript; and yet, in most instances, they will not
count toward a degree. The student who takes academic enrichment courses at Del Mar College and works
hard to benefit from them will find it easier to succeed in courses taken for credit. Through these classes the
student should develop good study habits, improve reading comprehension, increase ability to analyze what
is read and develop reasoning powers. This is what building an academic foundation is really all about.
Scholastic Dishonesty:
Students are expected to maintain the integrity of the College by avoiding dishonesty in their own behavior
and by expecting honest behavior from their fellow students. One of the requirements for passing the
courses students take at Del Mar College is that students do their own work. Meeting this requirement
means avoiding plagiarism, collusion and cheating. A full description of this policy is available from the Vice
President of Student Development.
Student Code of conduct:
Please refer to the following link regarding the Student Code of Conduct and the Rights and Responsibilities
of Students:
http://www.delmar.edu/sthandbook/rights.php#3
Students with disabilities:
Students needing accommodations based on a disability are encouraged to contact the office of
Special Services, Harvin Student Center room 188, or by calling 698-1298 or the West Campus,
Coleman Center, at 698-1741.
Make-up policy:
This is an internet based course. Your ability to access the Internet is essential. I am not responsible for
technical problems that occur. You will be given two opportunities to take each exam (except the Final
Exam) and approximately 5 days per exam. In that time, you are required to find a reliable Internet ready
computer. There are dependable computers in the Math Learning Center, housed in the Solomon Cole’s
Building. But I am not responsible for technical problems that occur on those computers either. If you do not
have reliable Internet access, do not take this online class. Your Final Exam score can take the place of your
lowest test grade provided it is higher than these grades. Furthermore, your three lowest quiz score will be
dropped. Therefore, please do not email or call me to request to retake a quiz or test!!!
Tentative Schedule of Topics:
Each Chapter / Section has its own homework assignment and quiz. The dates these are available
and the dates these are due is included on the Course Calendar. The test availability and due dates
are listed below, but are also included on the Course Calendar. In addition, a list of topics is listed
below. The link to the Course Calendar can be found on Course Compass as soon as you enter your
course on the left side; click on the link entitled “Course Calendar”. Please be sure to check this
calendar often to ensure that you do not miss the due dates for any homework, quiz or test.
Test
Test 1: 6.1 – 6.7
Test 2: 7.1 – 9.1 &
3.6 – 3.7
Test 3: 9.3 – 10.7
Final Exam
Available
Monday, September 24th
Wednesday, October 17th
Due
Friday, September 28th
Monday, October 22nd
Thursday, November 15th
Thursday, December 6th
Monday, November 26th
Wednesday, December 12th
Chapter / Section
Section 6.1
Section 6.2
Section 6.3
Section 6.4
Section 6.5
Section 6.6
Section 6.7
Section 7.1
Section 7.5
Section 3.6
Section 3.7
Section 8.1
Section 8.2
Section 8.3
Section 9.1
Section 9.3
Section 9.4
Section 10.1
Section 10.2
Section 10.3
Section 10.4
Section 10.5
Section 10.7
Topic
Rational Expressions
Multiplication and Division
Addition, Subtraction, and Least Common Denominator
Addition and Subtraction with Unlike Denominators
Complex Rational Expressions
Solving Rational Equations
Applications using Rational Equations and Proportions
Introduction to Functions
Formulas, Applications, and Variation
Slope-Intercept Form
Point-Slope Form
Systems of Equations in Two Variables
Solving by Substitution or Elimination
Solving Applications: Systems of Two Equations
Interval Notation and Problem Solving
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Inequalities in Two Variables
Radical Expressions and Functions
Rational Numbers as Exponents
Multiplying Radical Expressions
Dividing Radical Expressions
Expressions Containing Several Radical Terms
Geometric Applications
Inclement Weather: You should check for updated messages using the DMC Information Line at 698-1600 as well as
checking with local television and radio stations for updates when there are severe changes in weather conditions. You
are expected to make your own decisions regarding your travel abilities to and from campus and take precautions for
your safety.
EXPECTED CLASSRROM ETIQUETTE: As individual instructors each outline their expectations and policies for classroom attendance and conduct, among other policies including absences, drops, grading, late work, and plagiarism, students should consult the specific instructor’s syllabus for the course section in which they are enrolled. COLLEGE POLICIES: Academic Honesty
You are expected to maintain the integrity of the College by maintaining academic honesty for yourself and by
expecting academic honesty behavior from your fellow students. One of the requirements for passing the courses you
take at Del Mar College is that you do your own work. Meeting this requirement means avoiding plagiarism, collusion,
and cheating.
Standards of Student Conduct
To maintain a positive learning environment, it is essential that you conduct yourself according to certain standards of
behavior set by the College. It is your right in attending Del Mar College to retain your individualism, personal
freedom, autonomy and dignity, while respecting, at the same time, the rights of others. All students are individuals and
display different abilities, skills, interests, appreciations, attitudes, beliefs and values. You also have a responsibility to
yourself, to your fellow students, to your instructors, to College personnel, to the policies of the College, and to the law
of the land.
Services for Students with Disabilities
Del Mar College is an “open door college” to students with disabilities who have a high school diploma or General
Education Development Certificate. Students with documented disabilities must request reasonable accommodations
through the Special Services Office on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.
Withdrawal From College
If you decide to withdraw from a class, you must complete a withdrawal form for each class. Forms are available from
the Registrar’s Office at any campus site. Failure to file a withdrawal form may result in a grade of “F” for each course
in progress.
Six Drop Limit
If you are a first-time student who entered college in Fall 2007 or after, you cannot drop more than six courses,
including any course you have dropped at another college in Texas, according to Senate Bill 1231. There are exceptions
to this policy if you can show good cause for dropping a course(s). For further information, contact the Office of
Admissions and Registrar.
Student Complaints
Procedures for student complaints against the College have been set forth in writing and are included in the Board of
Regents Policy Manual. The Office of Student Services is responsible for coordinating the processing of student
complaints. The Student Complaint Policy is based on the belief that such complaints are best resolved at the level
closest to the issue that led to the complaint. Resolutions to such complaints must be reached through the participation
of all parties involved in the issue that led to the complaint. All procedures developed in relation to this policy will be
applied in an equitable and nondiscriminatory manner and will protect the rights of all parties.
Discrimination and Harassment Policy for Students
Del Mar College, in its continuing effort to seek equity in education and in support of federal and state antidiscrimination legislation, provides a complaint procedure for the prompt and equitable investigation and resolution of
complaints of unlawful discrimination or harassment of students based on their race, color, national origin, religion, age,
sex, disability, or veteran or military status. This complaint procedure also constitutes the grievance procedure for
complaints alleging unlawful sex discrimination required under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The
Discrimination and Harassment Complaint procedure provides a process through which the College may receive,
respond to, and prevent incidents of alleged discrimination and/or harassment (includes sexual harassment). Students
who which to submit complaints of discrimination or harassment should contact the District Student Complaint
Coordinator. (361) 698-1277.
Smoking Policy
Del Mar College will comply with Ordinance 19338 of the City of Corpus Christi, effective September 1, 1986, and
subsequent local, state and federal requirements, which prohibits smoking of tobacco and other products in nondesignated smoking areas within the city. In order to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of employees,
students and the public, Del Mar College will provide an environment free from exposure to tobacco smoke. Neither
smoking nor the use of tobacco products is permitted in College facilities or in College-owned vehicles.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Del Mar College is committed to working to maintain a safe, healthy, lawful and productive working and educational
environment for all employees and students. Studies have shown that use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol increases
the potential for accidents, absenteeism, tardiness, unsatisfactory performance, inefficiency, poor employee morale and
damage to the College’s reputation. The intent of this policy is to make Del Mar College a better place to study and
work through upgrading the mental and physical health of the total College community. It acknowledges the freedom of
choice for those individuals who require or seek information relative to Drug/Alcohol Abuse.
1. I am not responsible for equipment failure on your part. “My computer is not working”, is not an excuse that will
allow me to let you take a quiz after the expiration date or have an extra opportunity to take the quiz.
2. Technical support is essential if you’re having trouble putting answers in properly or for technical problems. Their
number is 1-800-677-6337. Give them a call. Unfortunately, I simply cannot help you with some technical problems. If
you have a problem that they cannot resolve, contact me. Also, take advantage of the MathXL tutorial. It will teach
you how to put answers into the program properly.
3. Homework can be reworked as many times as you like. Each time you rework the homework assignment, the
program automatically stores the better homework grade.
4. Submitting the assignment is sufficient. You don’t have to email me with your results. I automatically receive your
results when you submit them.
5. If you don’t submit the homework, the program will not grade it and you do not receive credit for that assignment.
6. You are responsible for looking over your course calendar. It can be found by clicking “Course Calendar” on the left
side of your course.
7. Please download all necessary plug-ins. You will not be able to see the homework or test problems without all plugins in place.
8. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call my office, 698-1570. If I’m not available, I will return your phone
call as soon as possible.
10. Finally, if you know of anyone that has not registered or is having trouble registering, please have them email me
dharley@delmar.edu or call me: 698-1570.