Fall 2013
MAT 1033C AS, Intermediate Algebra Academic Systems
Course Syllabus – Room 1-144
PROFESSOR: Mr. José A. Colón
E-mail: jcolon132@mail.valenciacollege.edu
OFFICE: N/A
Math Department: 407-582-4856
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of “C” or better in MAT 0022C or MAT 0028C or an appropriate score on the CPT or on
other state-approved entry assessment.
Course Description:
This course is based on the study of functions and their role in problem solving. Topics include graphing linear, quadratic, &
exponential families of functions and inverse functions; solved applied problems and communicate their findings; and use
technology tools to help solve problems. You are expected to log in more than 4 hours per week on the computer, unless it is
a week you are taking a test.
Competencies of a Valencia Graduate:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Think clearly, critically, & creatively by analyzing, synthesizing, integrating & evaluating knowledge.
Evaluate your own & others’ values from individual, cultural & global perspectives.
Communicate by reading, listening, writing & speaking effectively.
Act purposefully, reflectively, & responsibly by implementing effective problem solving & decision making.
CLAST Competencies:
1) Mathematics Skills (arithmetic skills, geometry and measurement skills, algebra skills, statistics skills)
2) Reading skills (literal and critical comprehension skills)
3) English Language skills (word choice and grammar, spelling, capitalization, & punctuation skills)
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
There is no text for this course since all work is done online. However, there is a CODE you will purchase at the Osceola
Campus Bookstore which allows you to work on the coursework throughout the semester. Without the code, you cannot work
on the assigned material for this class.
The access code is in a light-weight burgundy box titled “Academic Systems ALGEBRA Validation Code Kit”.
Calculator: TI-83 or TI-84 Graphing Calculator. If you use another graphing calculator, you are responsible for learning your
calculator.
The use of TI 89 or higher is not allowed on tests. You will not be allowed to use any other calculator that comes from
other devices such as cellphones, IPADs, etc. while taking tests. You are not to borrow any calculator during quiz/test
given in class. If you do not have a calculator, you can check one out in the library for a few hours and bring it to class. In
addition, copies of the book are at the reference desk in the library. You may use the book for 2 hours while at the library to
do homework.
SUPPORT MATERIALS:
Tutoring is available in the Math Depot located in the “Big Room” in Building 4-121, on the 1st floor.
Fall 2013
Expected Student Conduct in the Valencia Student Handbook:
1) Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the faculty member
to leave class. Violation of any classroom or Valencia's rules may lead to disciplinary action up to & including expulsion from
Valencia; being withdrawn from class; disciplinary warning; probation; suspension; or other appropriate and authorized actions.
2) Please refrain from excessive talking not related to the course in class. It may be a distraction to the instructor, to those around
you, and you are taking away from your learning time and the learning time of those around you. Excessive talking will be
addressed by the instructor and may result in withdrawal from the course.
3) Sleeping in class is absolutely unacceptable.
4) It will be the discretion of the instructor to withdraw a student from the course if the student misses a test and/or an assignment
which result in a grade of 0%; and/or if the student’s average in the course is below 60%.
5) Expected Student Conduct:
Valencia College is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but is concerned with the development of
responsible personal and social conduct. By enrolling at Valencia College, a student assumes the responsibility for becoming
familiar with and abiding by the general rules of conduct. The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests
with the faculty. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the
faculty to leave the class. Violation of any classroom or Valencia’s rules may lead to disciplinary action up to and including
expulsion from Valencia. Disciplinary action could include being withdrawn from class, disciplinary warning, probation, suspension,
expulsion, or other appropriate and authorized actions.
You will find the Student Code of Conduct in the current Valencia Student Handbook:
http://valenciacollege.edu/pdf/studenthandbook.pdf ; Pages 61-66.
CELL PHONES IN CLASS
Please refrain from using cell phones in class. Not only is it a distraction to the instructor and those around you, but you are
taking away from your learning time.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is required at your assigned class time. You may be withdrawn on your fourth absence. No absences will be
excused unless legal or medical documentation can be provided. If you miss 15 minutes or more, it will be considered an
absence. Students are responsible for all class materials and any announcement made in class whether or not they are
present. Regular attendance and participation are significant factors to promote success in the course. If you do miss a class
and would like to sit in another class, if there is another class to sit in, to see the material missed you may do so.
Per Valencia Policy 4-07 (Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawals), a student who withdraws
from class before the withdrawal deadline of Sept 3rd (please check) for full term courses will receive a grade of “W.” It is
the responsibility of the student to withdraw by the deadline in order to receive a grade of “W”. A student is not permitted to
withdraw after the withdrawal deadline of Sept 3rd and will receive a grade according to their average in the course.
Any student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during a third or subsequent attempt in the same course will be
assigned a grade of “F.” For a complete policy and procedure overview on Valencia Policy 4-07 please go to:
http://valenciacc.edu/generalcounsel/policydetail.cfm?RecordID=75.
HOW TO LOG IN:
Account Login: vcc
PLATO Name: “your VID”
Password:
“the last five digits of your VID”
Fall 2013
If you are not on campus, go to the following link:
MATERIAL COVERAGE
https://asalgebra.platoweb.com/
For each lesson you will complete the following:
1) EXPLAIN – can be done at home
2) APPLY – can be done at home
* If you would like to practice more problems for a section you may do the EXPLORE, if there is one.
3) HOMEWORK: Only do the Online Homework. You may retake the Homework up to five times to
improve your grade. I will use the best out of the 5 scores. – can be done at home
4) EVALUATE: The EVALUATE is the Quiz for that section. When you click on the tab that says EVALUATE,
you will have up 3 chances to take the quiz. I will use the best out of the 3 scores. – can be done at home
5) EXAMS: You MUST have completed Steps 1-4 above BEFORE you will be allowed to take a test. Please see the
Professor and get a Chapter Test Review. When you have completed, Steps 1-4 you are ready to take a test. If you
take a test before completing Steps 1-4 above, you will receive a ZERO for those assignments and the test, and will
NOT be able to make them up under any circumstance.
Steps 1-4 can be done anywhere you have internet access so that you are able to get ahead, or get more practice. Step 5
can only be done on campus.
Tests must be taken by the scheduled date or earlier, otherwise it will be a zero.
All tests, including the Final, will be taken in class. All tests must be completed within the class time allotted. Extra time on
tests will only be given to students with documentation from the Office of Students with Disabilities.
If for any reason you are not in class when a test is taken, you must contact me as soon as possible. The test must be made up
within 30 hours from the time the test was given at your class time. If the test is not made up within the allotted time, you
will receive a zero for that test.
GRADES:
The grade for this course will be derived from 3 main sources:
1) Online Homework:
2) Quizzes from the Evaluate:
3) Average of Test #1, #2, & #3 & Final Exam:
15%
15%
70%
OFFICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a notification from the office for students
with disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the instructor, preferably during the first two weeks of class. The
Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities.
ACADEMIC HONESTY:
Each student is expected to be in complete compliance with the college policy on academic honesty as set forth in the
admissions catalog and the student handbook. Providing information to another student or receiving information concerning
exam content is considered cheating. The professor reserves the right to determine the appropriate penalties within Valencia
Community College's academic honesty policies.
* *DISCLAIMER: Any of the above policies are subject to change within the semester at the discretion of the Professor.
Including but not limited to changes in the syllabus, course calendar, due dates, evaluation procedures and/or any assignments.
These changes may be done through email to your ATLAS; or, by an addendum made to the syllabus/course calendar which may
either be in writing or verbally announced in class. Students are responsible for all class materials and any announcement(s)
made in class whether or not they are/were present on that day.