Course Syllabus and Expectations
NCBO 0302 - Intermediate Algebra - Spring 2016
TSI Term Begins: Thursday, January 21, 2016
TSI Term Ends: Friday, April 29, 2016
Class Time and Location
This course includes one 1-hour lecture class and two 1-hour discussion classes each week. This is 39 meeting times
for the semester. Remember that you are only allowed five absences for the entire semester. Don’t waste them.
Lecture Class: Every Tuesday 12:30-1:20 in HH 73
Discussion Section: Every T/R at 3:30pm in HH 6
Self-Paced Course
This is a “self-paced” course. This means that you may work through the assignments faster than students in the
regular course-based class and finish early. “Self-paced” does not mean that you can go slower and take more time
than the course-based class. This class is also somewhat “self-taught.” I will be lecturing on selected topics every
Tuesday, and you will be working on your assignments in discussion on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. However,
if you are going to finish the course material early, you will need to learn some of the material on your own. If you
cannot do this, you may need to be in the regular course-based class.
Weekly Discussion Classes
During your discussion classes, you will be working on your homework on Connect Math. I (or your TA) will be with
you during this time to help you with any questions you may have about the material. In order to finish this class
early, you will also need to work on your homework assignments on your own time. I recommend that you work on
these assignments every day.
Instructor Information
Instructor: Paul Pierce
Office: Holden Hall 78
Office Hours: T/TR 10:00-11:00, W 9:00-10:00, or by appointment
Phone: 806-742-3242
E-mail: paul.pierce@ttu.edu or through Connect Math
Contacting Your Instructor
If you need to contact me outside of class, you may do so in two ways:
 In Person In My Office
I encourage you to come see me in my office during my office hours. These hours are reserved for you and your
concerns, so please make use of this time.
 Via E-mail
I check my e-mail regularly. Please allow at least 24 hours for a response. Typically, I do not check email between
5pm Friday and 8am Monday. I will respond to any emails that I receive over the weekend on Monday afternoon.
I expect students to use appropriate language and tone in all communication with me, including email correspondence.
My office hours or appointments are the best way for us to address complex questions and concerns about the course.
Textbook and Online Access Code
The textbook is Beginning and Intermediate Algebra 4th Edition by Sherri Messersmith (Optional)
A Connect Math Access Code is REQUIRED for this course. There are two options for obtaining an access code.
 Bookstore: Textbook with Connect Math access code included.
 Online: Access Code with E-Book (Recommended)
Without this access code, you cannot pass the class.
Other Materials
Materials you must bring to class each day
 Calculator NOT on cell phone
 Paper and Pencil
Course Goals
The goal of this course is to prepare students for college-level mathematics. Thus, this course is a study of
 relations and functions
 inequalities
 algebraic expressions and equations (absolute value, polynomial, radical, rational) with a special emphasis on
linear and quadratic expressions and equations
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
 Define, represent, and perform operations on real and complex numbers.
 Recognize, understand, and analyze features of a function.
 Recognize and use algebraic (field) properties, concepts, procedures (including factoring), and algorithms to
combine, transform, and evaluate absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational expressions.
 Identify and solve absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational equations.
 Identify and solve absolute value and linear inequalities.
 Model, interpret and justify mathematical ideas and concepts using multiple representations.
 Connect and use multiple strands of mathematics in situations and problems, as well as in the study of other
disciplines.
Note: These learning outcomes are aligned with the College Readiness Standards of Mathematics. For More
information see http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/files/dmfile/CCRS081009FINALUTRevisions.pdf
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
The assessment of learning outcomes will be achieved by the following:
 Final Exam on Connect Math: 50%
Once you have completed all of the homework assignments on Connect Math, you will take the final exam.
 Homework on Connect Math: 50%
There will be weekly homework assignments. Homework assignments are due each Sunday night at 11:59pm.
There will be about 20-25 of these assignments.
Grading Policy
You must complete the course with a C or better to be TSI complete. (The D in front of each of these grades is for
Developmental.)
Pass
Fail
DA: 90-100
DD: 60-69
DB: 80- 89
DF: 0-59
DC: 70- 79
If Your Grade Falls Below a C
If your grade falls below a “C” at any point in the semester, you will be required to meet with a TSI Advisor until you
raise your average to a “C” or higher.
Attendance Policy
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There are no excused absences.
You are only allowed FIVE absences for the ENTIRE semester.
Attendance is monitored using an attendance sheet and it is your responsibility to sign in at the beginning of each
class period.
If you do not sign the attendance sheet, you will be counted absent regardless of whether or not you are present.
Absences from Discussion sections WILL COUNT against your TOTAL of FIVE allowed absences.
If you are 10 minutes late, you will be counted absent.
Absences are reported to the TSI office.
Additionally, part of being in attendance means being focused and prepared; if you are texting, sleeping, or in
some other way are not paying attention, expect to be counted absent.
If you leave class early, you will be counted absent.
TSI Developmental program attendance is MANDATORY. Non-compliance with the rules of attendance will
result in a student being withdrawn from Texas Tech University. Withdrawals are subject to University policies as
set forth in the Undergraduate Catalog. Students may appeal withdrawals when unusual extenuating circumstances
exist by picking up the Appeal of Withdrawal form to be returned to Holden Hall 78 within five (5) days of
exceeding allowed absences.
Classroom Rules and Procedures:
This is college, not high school. Turn off your cell phone and put it away BEFORE class starts.
 You are to always exhibit integrity. Any action should reflect this idea.
 Be prompt. Class begins precisely on time, therefore a student is counted absent if he or she is more than 10
minutes late.
 Be prepared with all supplies.
 Be kind and respectful. All actions and words should reflect kindness and respect for both the instructor and all
other students. I will not tolerate rude or disrespectful behavior directed at any member of this class. We are all
adults and should act as such. Anyone exhibiting disrespectful or vulgar language and/or behavior will be asked to
leave and counted absent for the day.
 Be honest. Honesty is an important part of integrity. Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating includes sharing
homework answers, looking at another student’s test or quiz, and talking (even whispering) during a test or quiz.
Plagiarism is another form of cheating and will be addressed in more detail in the next section of the syllabus. If
the student has a doubt as to what constitutes cheating, the instructor will gladly answer any questions.
 Be mentally present. Use of electronic devices, other than approved calculators, during class will not be tolerated.
If your phone rings or if you are using a cell phone, iPod, or other electronic device during class, you will be asked
to leave and counted absent for the day. Laptop computers or tablets will only be allowed if necessary for
completing the activities scheduled for that day.
 Be on task. There are times in class when it is appropriate to speak to your peers (i.e., during group work).
However, a general rule of thumb- if I am speaking, you are not, you are listening.
 NO CELL PHONES, PAGERS, I PODS, or NET SURFING in class, unless otherwise directed by your instructor.
If you are experiencing an emergency and need your cell phone on please notify me BEFORE class begins!
Failure to follow this directive may result in your dismissal and one marked absence for the affected class period.
NOTE: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner conducive to learning and are prohibited from
engaging in distracting behavior, inappropriate behavior will result minimally, in a request to leave class. Comments
or actions promoting discrimination of any sort will result in serious disciplinary action, and or possible loss of credit
for the course.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
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Texas Tech University aims "to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt of
students to present as their own any work that they have not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and
administration as a serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension"
(Undergraduate Handbook 49).
Although the university broadly defines the types of "dishonesty" that compromise academic integrity, the most
common offense for this course is plagiarism. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, "the appropriation of,
buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means material that is attributable in whole or in part to another
source, including words, ideas, illustrations, structure, computer code, other expression and media, and presenting
that material as one's own academic work being offered for credit" (Onsite Politics xxviii).
Students suspected of plagiarism will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct. Students who are found guilty
of plagiarism will receive a zero (0) for the assignment, as well as further consequences at the discretion of the
Office of Student Conduct and TSI Assistant Director. For more information on Academic Integrity visit:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentconduct/academicinteg.php
Disability Statement
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Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course
requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students
should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office
hours. Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate
verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, you may contact the
Student Disability Services office in 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405.
“No requirement exists that accommodations be made prior to the completion of this approved university process"
(TTU OP 34.22, p.2). For more information call Student Disability Services at 742-2405 or visit
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/.
Title IX Statement
Texas Tech University is dedicated to providing a safe and equitable learning environment for all students.
Discrimination, sexual assault, and harassment are not tolerated by the university. You are encouraged to report any
incidents to The Student Resolution Center: (806) 742-SAFE (7233). The TTU Counseling Center
(http://www.depts.ttu.edu/scc/) provides confidential support (806-742-3674) and the Voices of Hope Lubbock Rape
Crisis Center has a 24-hour hotline: 806-763-RAPE (7273). For more information about support, reporting options,
and other resources, go to: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/sexualviolence/
Observance of a Religious Holy Day
“Religious holy day” means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property
taxation under Texas Tax Code §11.20. A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that
intention known to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent from classes for the observance of a
religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a
reasonable time after the absence. A student who is excused may not be penalized for the absence; however,
documentation may be required.
CHANGES TO THE SYLLABUS AND COURSE SCHEDULE:
I reserve the right to change the dates or policies on this syllabus at any time. All changes will be made accessible to
students via classroom announcements, e-mail, and also through Connect Math.
Course Outline
Date
Lecture Class Topics
Online Homework
1/21
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Week 1
1/25
Week 2
2/1
Week 3
2/8
Week 4
2/15
Week 5
2/22
Week 6
2/29
Week 7
3/7
Week 8
3/14
Syllabus and Introductions
Introduction to Connect Math
Chapter 6
 Review Multiplying Polynomials
Chapter 7
 Greatest Common Factors
 Factoring-Out GCF
Due 1/31 at 11:59pm
 Homework 1
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Factor by Grouping
Factoring Quadratics
Due 2/7 at 11:59pm
 Homework 2 and 3
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Factoring Trinomials: ac Method
Factoring Special Binomials
Due 2/14 at 11:59pm
 Homework 4 and 5
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Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
Applications of Quadratic Equations
Due 2/21 at 11:59pm
 Homework 6 and 7
Chapter 8
 Simplifying Rational Expressions
Due 2/28 at 11:59pm
 Homework 8
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Multiplying Rational Expressions
Dividing Rational Expressions
Due 3/6 at 11:59pm
 Homework 9
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Finding Least Common Denominators
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
Due 3/20 at 11:59pm
 Homework 10
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Spring Break
Due 3/22 at 11:59pm
 Homework 11
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Solving Rational Equations
Applications of Rational Equations
Due 3/27 at 11:59pm
 Homework 12 and 13
Week 9
3/21
Week 10
3/28
Week 11
Sign-up on Connect Math
Chapter 10
 Simplify Square Root Expressions
 Multiply and Divide Square Root Expressions
Due 4/3 at 11:59pm
 Homework 14
4/4
Week 12
4/11
Week 13
4/18
Week 14
4/25
Week 15
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Add, Subtract, and Multiply Square Roots
Solving Radical Equations
Due 4/10 at 11:59pm
 Homework 15 and 16
Chapter 11
 Solving Quadratic Equations: Square Root Property
 Solving Quadratic Equations: Completing the Square
 Solving Quadratic Equations: Quadratic Equations
Due 4/17 at 11:59pm
 Homework 17 and 18
Chapter 12
 Functions and Function Notation
 Graphs of Quadratic Functions
Due 4/24 at 11:59pm
 Homework 19
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Applications of Quadratic Functions
Graphs of Functions and Transformations (absolute value
linear, and quadratic)
Final Exam is to be taken no later than April 29.
Due 4/28 at 11:59pm
 Homework 20 and 21
Instructions for Registering on Connect Math
Course Code: QNWM6-DW9XA
Follow these steps to get started on Connect Math:
1. Go to: http://www.connectmath.com
2. Click on the "Sign up now!" link located under “NEW USER?”
3. Enter the “Course Code" given above and press "Continue".
4. Verify that you are registering for the correct course and click on "Continue."
5. Enter your 20-character “Access Code.”
You will be given the option of purchasing this code online, if you do not have it.
6. Continue with the registration process until your account has been set up successfully.