MTH 020 Pre-Algebra Lab Sections
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This self-paced lab course is for students who need to learn or review basic arithmetic skills in preparation for
subsequent algebra courses. This course will help you understand the appropriate techniques so that these skills can be
applied to a more abstract setting in algebra. To prepare to take higher-level math courses, you will be developing
strategies for solving problems, not just practicing the manipulation of numbers.
The interactive courseware (MyMathLab) delivered via the computer is used for instruction, homework, practice tests and
tests.
 You must take an active role in your own instruction to be successful in this course.
 You are responsible for learning the material and for getting help if you are having difficulties.
 Your instructor and educational assistants are here to help you master the material.
 In addition to working during class, you will need to put in a lot of work outside of class.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
 TEXTBOOK (choose e-book or binder ready version): Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate
Algebra Custom edition for St. Louis Community College with MyMathLab Student Access Code
 Pre-Algebra Lecture Notes must be purchased at the Meramec bookstore (shrink-wrapped)
COURSE CONTENT:
Test
Textbook Sections
1
1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9
2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6
3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7
4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5
5
5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6
6
5.4, 5.5, 5.7, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5
Comprehensive Final Exam (2 parts)
Topics
Whole Numbers
Integers and Introduction to Variables
Fractions
Decimals
Ratio, Proportion, and Percents
Measurement and Introduction to Algebra
WORKING AT HOME:
You must work on math outside of class - if you only work in class you will not be able to stay on schedule. We will
provide you with a detailed schedule containing due dates for quizzes and testing dates.
To work on the MyMathLab coursework at home:
 Open your Internet browser and go to: www.MyMathLab.com
 Log in
TROUBLE SHOOTING:
If you have difficulty getting the software to work you can:
 Try a different web browser – like Firefox or Chrome.
 Run a browser check by going to: http://tinyurl.com/mmlcheck
 Call technical support at 1-800-677-6337 during the following hours Mon-Fri: 12pm-8pm.
 You can also go to http://www.mymathlab.com/contactus_stu.html for answers to FAQ, live chat, or email support.
 Note that portions of MyMathLab do NOT work with tablets or smartphones including iPads, iPhones, android phones,
kindles, etc.
FOR EACH TEST In order to take each of the six tests you will work on:
 Videos, Lecture Notes, and Homework - can be done in class or at home
 Quizzes - can be done in class or at home (there is a 10% penalty for late quizzes)
 Practice Test - can be done in class or at home
 Test - must be done during your scheduled class time.
Component
Videos
Lecture Notes
Homework
Textbook
(do these in class or at
home)
What you do
Each section has a video found in MyMathLab. Select a lesson, and watch the video. The
Lecture Notes have spaces to be completed as you watch the video. Complete the lecture
notes as you view the video. Copy examples as you go. Your lecture notes will be
checked before you take each test. Your Lecture Notes count as part of your course
grade.
Work homework problems on MyMathLab. You should practice until you are proficient,
but all students must have at least an 80% before taking the quiz. Your textbook can
supplement the video. If you need more practice than you find on MyMathLab, more
problems can be found in the textbook.
You must watch videos, complete the lecture notes, and work homework problems
before working on quizzes.
Quiz
Select the quiz for the lesson. Work each exercise carefully.
(do this in class or at
home)
Quizzes are completed without help features.
If you need help, you should go back and work more homework problems (which have help
available).
You must score 80% or better on quizzes to take a Practice Test. See your teacher to
re-take a quiz if you score below 80%.
There is a 10% late penalty for taking a quiz after its due date.
Practice Test
(do this in class or at
home)
When you have watched the videos, completed the lecture notes, and mastered the quizzes,
select and complete the practice test.
The Practice Test is also done without help features.
If you do not score at least 80%, work more homework problems, take the “Review After
Practice Test”, and then retake the Practice Test. You can also review your quizzes through
the Grades menu.
You should score at least an 80% on Practice Test before you take a Test. Practice
Tests can be taken more than once. If you want to test early, you must have an 80% on the
practice test.
Test
(Must be taken during
class)
The Test should be taken after you have done all the following:
(1) watched the Video Lectures and scored 80% on homework
(2) completed the appropriate entries in the Lecture Notes
(3) scored 80% or higher on the quizzes,
(4) scored 80% or higher on the Practice Test.
Your goal is a score of 80% or higher on Tests.
If you do not score 80% or higher on the test, you will complete the "Review after Test"
assignment and then you will retake the Test by the deadline.
On a scheduled test day, you will be expected to take the test, unless you have already
done so. Any uncompleted work must be finished before moving on.
ATTENDANCE:
Good attendance is mandatory for success in this class.
If you miss more than 1/8 of class meetings you will earn an F in the course.
 For full semester classes this would be 2 weeks of class
 For a 12 week class this would be 1 ½ weeks of class
If you arrive late or leave class early, you will be considered absent for 1/2 of a class period.
Attendance counts in your grade. If you have missed less than 1/8 of your classes, you can bring your grade up by making
up your absences by working on your math in CN 101on the Meramec campus (as space permits). Time must be made up
by one week before the first day of finals. Be sure to scan in and scan out, when making up time in CN. Note that
missing more than 1/8 of classes will result in an F regardless of how much time is made up.
Students who earned a PR last term and are working this semester to finish the class:
 will earn an F in the course if they miss more than 1/8 of the classes
 must make up all absences to receive a passing grade
COURSE GRADE:
Your course grade is calculated as follows:
Attendance
Lecture Notes
Quizzes
Six Tests
Comprehensive 2-part final exam
5%
5%
5%
60%
25%
GRADING SCALE:
A: 90% – 100% (a grade of A allows you to retake the placement test and possibly “jump” MTH 030)
B: 80% – 89%
C: 75% – 79% (a grade of C or better is needed to move on to Elementary Algebra)
D: 65% – 74%
F: below 65%
PR (progress re-enroll): A grade of PR (progress re-enroll) enables you to enroll in the next term and
begin where you left off. You will need to enroll again in MTH.020 and pay
tuition, but you will not need to purchase a new MyMathLab user license.
Please be aware that if you need two semesters to complete this course
financial aid might not cover the tuition.
IF YOU DO NOT PASS A TEST ON TIME:
If you don’t pass a test by the deadline and your cumulative grade is at least 80% you will need to score a 100% on the
“Review after Test” assignment to move on to new material. You will not re-test.
If you don’t pass a test by the deadline and your cumulative grade is below 80% you will meet with your teacher to decide
what assignments must be redone. (Normally, a 95% will be required on each “Watch video/Take Notes/do Homework,”
80% will be required on quizzes, 80% will be required on Practice Tests and lecture notes must be completed.) From then
on you will need to retake tests until you score at least 80%. You will be required to make up all absences. You may
work at a slower pace and will most likely earn a grade of PR in the course. To earn a PR you must have made up ALL of
your absences AND have successfully completed at least the first 4 tests.
WITHDRAWAL:
You may withdraw any time before 75% of the semester is completed and receive the grade of W. Withdrawal from a
class must be done in person at the Registrar’s Office. If you stop attending classes and do not withdraw, you will
earn an F.
FINISHING EARLY:
You may finish this course as soon as you are able. If you finish early with a grade of A or B your instructor will explain
options to you.
EXPECTATIONS:

Students must complete all 6 tests and both parts of the final exam in order to finish the course.

Students are expected to attend class every day and work, on average, 6 hours per week outside of the
scheduled class, to achieve mastery of the material. This preparation may include working in the Math Center,
working at home, and working in the Textbook to practice skills.

Calculators will not be allowed during this course. Please do not bring them with you. In order to
prepare for the tests you should work practice problems in the courseware and in the Textbook without
using a calculator.

You may use a Fact Sheet at any time. You should fill one out and bring it to class with you, especially
on test days. You can find two copies of the fact sheet in your lecture notes.

You are expected to bring pen and paper to each class.

Please, no pencils, drinks or food at the computer stations.

All electronic devices, especially cell phones, must be silenced and out of sight.
GETTING HELP:
If you have difficulty with the coursework, see your instructor immediately. If you need additional help, the Mathematics
Department supports professional tutors at three locations, on a free and drop-in basis: on the Meramec campus in CN
102 and SW 211, and at the South County Education and University Center (SCEUC). Check each location for specific
hours of operation.
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT POLICIES
ACCESS OFFICE:
If you have not made contact with the Access Office and have reasonable accommodation needs, (volunteer note taker,
extended time for tests, seating arrangements, etc.), I will be happy to refer you. The Access Office will require
appropriate documentation of disability. If you have a disability and have no need for accommodations, the use of the
Access Office is voluntary. Contact the Access Office at Administration/Clark Hall 120, mcaccess@stlcc.edu, or 314-9847673.
All students are responsible for making themselves familiar with the emergency evacuation materials and maps found in
their classrooms. Students who need materials in an accessible format due to a disability should let their instructors know.
Students enrolled in MTH 020, whose accommodations include the use of a calculator, will be provided a basic fourfunction calculator for use on tests and in the Math Center.
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR:
Behavior that is disruptive to the instructor or students is contrary to quality education. If the instructor determines that an
individual student's verbal or nonverbal behavior is hampering another student's ability to understand or concentrate on
the class material, the instructor will speak with that student in an effort to rectify the problem behavior. If the behavior
continues after this discussion, the instructor will have the disruptive student leave the class. Permission to return to class
may be dependent upon assurances that the student has met with some responsible individual about the problem: the
mathematics department chair, a counselor, the Vice President of Student Affairs, etc.
CHEATING AND/OR PLAGIARISM:
An instructor who has evidence that a student may have cheated or plagiarized an assignment or test should confer with
the student. The student may then be asked to present evidence (sources, first draft, notes, etc.) that the work is his own. If
the instructor determines that cheating or plagiarism has occurred, he/she may assign a failing grade to the test, the
assignment, or the course, as he/she sees fit.
Note: Not all possible situations can be covered by one policy. If you feel you have exceptional circumstances that merit
waiver of any of these policies, please inform your instructor as soon as possible. This information is subject to change at
any time. This document, along with the course calendar, practice tests, and practice final, can be found at
http://users.stlcc.edu/departments/mcmath/MathCenter/mcdocs.htm