Mathematics
Northwest - Alief
Math 0306: Fundamentals of Mathematics 1
CRN 27931 – Fall 2014
Room B213| 9:30 – 11 a.m. | Mon & Wed
3 hour lecture course / 48 hours per semester/ 16 weeks
Textbook: Prealgebra and Introductory Algebra (3rd Ed) by Bittinger, Ellenbogen, Beecher and Johnson
ISBN-13: 9780321731715
Instructor: Victoria Fife
Instructor Contact Information: victoria.fife@hccs.edu
Office location and hours: By appointment
Tutoring (tentative): Mondays 11 – 3 and Wednesdays 11 – 2:30 in Room 202B
Course Description
Topics include fundamental operations in whole numbers, fractions and decimals, percents, ratios, proportions, descriptive
statistics, and an introduction to the real numbers. All students who enroll in this course are expected to complete MATH 0308
and MATH 0312 in the following consecutive semesters before attempting their first college-level mathematics course (usually
MATH 1314 College Algebra). A comprehensive Departmental Final Exam will be given in this course. A textbook is required in
this course! You will also be required to purchase MyMathLab (student access kit) to access the online homeworks.
Prerequisites
SAT: Less than 450
ASSET: Scaled Score: Less than 41
COMPASS: Scaled Score: Less than 49
ACCUPLACER: Scaled Score: Less than 49
Course Goal
This course provides students with the basic arithmetical skills enabling them to proceed to the next level mathematics course. It
is also designed to strengthen many of the skills that an individual must demonstrate or master in order to achieve college
readiness. It is also intended for those students who are reasonably adept at performing the simple mathematical operations
needed in every day affairs, but become quite confused when confronted with the same operations in the context of a
mathematics class.
Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO):
1. Correctly choose and apply the four basic arithmetic operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions and signed numbers
to estimate and solve application problems.
2. Apply “Proportional Reasoning” to solve related problems including ratios, rates, proportion, percent and conversions of units.
3. Interpret data from tables, pictographs, bar graphs, line graphs, and circle graphs.
4. Simplify algebraic expressions.
Learning outcomes
Students will:
1.1 add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, understand the order of operations, and solve problems involving
exponential notations.
1.2 solve problems by estimating and rounding.
1.3 add, subtract, multiply and divide integers.
1.4 find the least common multiples of two or more integers.
1.5 add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions.
1.6 add, subtract, multiply and divide with decimals and percent.
2.1 solve problems involving ratio and proportion.
3.1 read and interpret data from tables, pictographs, bar graphs, line graphs, and circle graphs.
4.1 simplify algebraic expressions.
CALENDAR
The following schedule is TENTATIVE. Depending on how well I feel the information is being comprehended, it could vary slightly.
Whatever is not finished on one day will be continued the following day in class. Test dates are also tentative, but don’t worry, I
will let you know if any Test dates are moved ahead of time!
Week
and Date
Sections Covered
Homework Due Dates (Due beginning of class)
1
AUG 25
AUG 27
Discussion of Syllabus, 1.1, 1.2
1.3, 1.4, 1.5
Homework due Sept. 3
2
SEPT 1
No school – Labor Day! Enjoy!
SEPT 3
1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9
Homework due Sept. 8
3
SEPT 8
Quiz, 2.1, 2.2
SEPT 10
2.3, 2.4
Homework due Sept. 15
4
SEPT 15
2.2, 2.3
SEPT 17
2.4, 2.5
Homework due Sept. 22
5
SEPT 22
2.6, 2.7
SEPT 24
TEST #1 (Covers Chapt.1 & 2)
Homework due Oct. 1
6
SEPT 29
No school – President’s Day Holiday!
OCT 1
2.8, 3.1, 3.2
Homework due Oct. 6
7
OCT 6
3.3, 3.4
OCT 8
3.5, 3.6
Homework due Oct. 13
8
OCT 13
3.7, 3.8
OCT 15
Quiz, 4.1, 4.2
Homework due Oct. 20
9
OCT 20
4.3, 4.4
OCT 22
4.5, 4.6
Homework due Oct. 27
10
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Week
and Date
Sections Covered
OCT 27
4.7
OCT 29
TEST #2 (Cover Chpt. 3 & 4)
11
Dkd
NOV 3
5.1, 5.2
NOV 5
5.3, 5.4
Homework Due Dates (Due beginning of class)
Homework due Nov. 3
(OCT. 31 – Last day to Withdraw)
Homework due Nov. 10
12
NOV 10
5.5, 5.6
NOV 12
5.7
Homework due Nov. 17
13
NOV 17
Quiz, 5.8, 6.1
NOV 19
6.2, 6.3
Homework due Nov. 24
14
NOV 24
6.4, 6.5
Homework due Dec. 1
NOV 26
6.6, 6.7
(Thanksgiving Break from 27th – 30th)
15
DEC 1
TEST #3 (Covers Chpt. 5 & 6)
DEC 3
7.1, 7.2, 7.3
16
FINAL EXAM WEEK!!!
DEC 10
FINAL EXAM
Study for final exam!
Final Exam will be on Mon, Dec. 8 at 9:00 a.m.
Instructional Methods
During class:
I will be giving you notes about each topic, and I will be working out examples for you from the book (including a select number of
the EVEN problems in each Exercise Set). You will also be expected to complete problems on your own as a practice, and we will
discuss each example as a class. Be prepared to answer any questions I ask about each problem, or about what method to use,
etc. I may ask you to come to the board to solve part of a problem for the class. It would be highly beneficial for you to take notes,
however if you choose not to, that is your prerogative.
Note-Taking:
You are adults and I expect you to decide for yourself how much effort you want to put into this course. If you work hard, ask
questions, and are diligent, you will do well. If you are consistently late, don’t take notes, and don’t ask questions, you most likely
will do poorly. I am here to help you, so if you have a question, please raise your hand and ask or talk to me after class in tutoring!
Whatever you put into this class, you will get out of it. I encourage you to take handwritten notes in class every day. Please come
prepared with paper or a spiral notebook. I do not allow laptops or iPads in my class, as they become a distraction.
Sleeping:
If you are found sleeping in class for any reason whatsoever, I may wake you up and ask you to leave for the day. You will be
counted absent for that class.
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Student Assignments
TESTS:
 There will be 3 Tests over the course of the semester. You will need a scantron for each test.
 There are NO makeup tests except in one case: if you have a valid reason (family emergency, etc.) and will need to let me
know at least 24 hours before the scheduled test. If you know ahead of time that you will be away on vacation during one
of the test days, it is YOUR responsibility to let me know at least a WEEK before the test. You will be able to then take
the test at a time before the test is scheduled.
 For emergency makeup tests, the tests will be different from the original and will be more challenging
QUIZZES:
 There will be 3 quizzes:
Quiz 1 will be after Chapter 1 has been covered
Quiz 2 will be after Chapter 3 has been covered
Quiz 3 will be after Chapter 5 has been covered
 There are no makeups for quizzes
HOMEWORKS:
 Each Monday, there will be a section of Homeworks due
 Homeworks will either be done online (through MyMathLab) or on paper (through the book)
 FOR ONLINE HOMEWORKS: * Once you have purchased MyMathLab, search for my course ID: fife95356
* Assignments will be posted under “Homework”
 FOR PAPER HOMEWORKS: * I will assign certain problems from each Exercise Set and post the assignment on
http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/victoria.fife
* Homeworks can be graded (1) for completion (2) random problems graded for accuracy (3) all
questions graded for accuracy
* Pages must be stapled together to be accepted!
* Homeworks are due WHEN CLASS STARTS. If class starts at 9:30 a.m., then homeworks are
due at 9:30 sharp (not 9:35, not 9:40)
 For any book/paper homeworks, if you are not able to make it to class to turn in your work, you can just email it to me!
It is still due at 9:30 a.m. sharp, however.
 At the end of the semester, the lowest homework grade will be dropped
 To receive credit for anything (including tests, homeworks, & quizzes), please show all your work! (No calculators are ever
allowed)
 There are no late grades for homeworks!!!
EGLS3 (Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System)
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning.
During a designated time near the end of the term, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions
related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and department chairs for
continual improvement of instruction. Go to www.hccs.edu/egls3 for more information.
The survey will be available to take at the end of the semester (Weeks 13 – 15). If you complete this survey and print
confirmation that you have completed it, I will add bonus points to your Test 3 grade. (Further details will be given later)
Final Exam Policy in Developmental Mathematics:
The following policy was adopted by Houston Community College regarding the system-wide Final Examinations in developmental
mathematics courses:
If a student scores less than a 50 on the Final Exam, then the student receives an F in the course. If a student scores at least 50 but
less than 60 on the Final Exam, then the student earns a D or an F in the course (depending on the course average). If a student
scores at least a 60 on the Final Exam, then the grades will be averaged in accordance with the grade calculation formula as stated
on the student syllabus; i.e., the student earns an A, B, C, D, or F in the course.
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Taking the Final Exam is MANDATORY. The final is 50 questions, and you will have the entire allotted time (2 hours) to
complete it. You have an opportunity to get 5 bonus points on your final exam if you show me a spiral notebook of NEAT,
DETAILED notes you took during the entire semester. Incomplete notes or lazy notes receive no bonus points.
Assessments
GRADE DETERMINATION:
GRADE DETERMINATION:
EXPLANATION:
PERCENT OF FINAL AVERAGE:
Quizzes
3 Quizzes will be given throughout the semester
15%
Homework
Homework is assigned WEEKLY for every section we
cover in class. Due each Monday. (Lowest grade is
dropped)
15%
Tests
Each test will be 15% of your grade. You will have 3
tests in this course, excluding the Final Exam.
45%
(15% for each test)
Final Exam
The Final Exam will be on Monday, Dec. 8 at 9:00 a.m.
5 bonus points will be given if students turn in to me a
notebook/spiral with COMPLETE, NEAT notes taken
throughout the semester.
25%
Total:
100%
HCC Policy Statement - ADA
Services to Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange
reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at his or her respective college at the beginning of each
semester. Faculty members are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services
Office. Persons needing accommodations due to a documented disability should contact the ADA counselor for their college as
soon as possible. For questions, please contact Donna Price at 713.718.5165. To visit the ADA Web site, please visit www.hccs.edu
then click Future students, scroll down the page and click on the words Disability Information.
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
Note: As with all developmental mathematics courses at HCC, the use of a calculator during an exam is prohibited and will be
considered cheating.
I consider cheating to be the representing of another person’s work as your own. This could include, but is not limited to: the
use of notes during an exam, copying your work/exam from a source other than your brain, having someone else complete
your assignments for you, using a cellphone or calculator during a test/homework/quiz, etc. If I see or suspect that you have
cheated on any assignment or exam, you will get a zero for that grade. This is non-negotiable. If multiple people are involved in
cheating, each student will receive a zero. This is also non-negotiable. If you are caught cheating more than once on a test or
assignment, you will receive an F in the course.
NOTE: Please do not take out or use your cellphone during a test. This will result in an automatic zero.
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A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has been learned, and that student is
claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is responsible for measuring each student's individual
achievements and also for ensuring that all students compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has
teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy on Academic Honesty, found
in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students
are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary
proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic
dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:

Copying from another students’ test paper;

Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;

Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;

Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of a test not yet
administered;

Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s own written
work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit. Possible
punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or
recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. (See the Student Handbook)
HCC Policy Statements
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best way to succeed in this class.
Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly
increases your ability to succeed. You are expected to be on time at the beginning of each class period. For complete information
regarding Houston Community College’s policies on attendance, please refer to the Student Handbook. You are responsible for
materials covered during your absences. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for
nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences. I will take attendance each day on the class
roster. To be counted as “on time”, you must be in class and seated as class starts. If you are between 1 and 15 minutes late,
you will be counted as “tardy”. If you are over 15 minutes late to class, you will be counted as “absent”. If you consistently
leave before the end of class, you may also be counted as absent.
NOTE: Be aware that more than 3 tardies is the equivalent of 1 absence. Excessive unexplained absences will adversely affect
your grade.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is discussed in class is important for
your career, students may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of six (6) hours of instruction. The
six hours of class time would include any total classes missed or for excessive tardiness or leaving class early. This means if you
miss more than 4 classes (this includes being very late or leaving very early), I may withdraw you from my class.
You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making the decision not to attend, you do not have to
notify the instructor prior to missing a class. But to be polite, you can choose to email me if you have an emergency/are sick and
cannot attend class for any reason. However, if this happens too many times, you may suddenly find that you have “lost” the class.
Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including the first week, you are responsible for
all material missed. It is a good idea to find a friend or a buddy in class who would be willing to share class notes or discussion or
be able to hand in your work if you unavoidably miss a class (hence the Buddy List).
If you miss a day that homework is due, it is your responsibility to get your homework to me when it is due (It will be due the
same time as everyone else’s homework)! If you are sick, you can scan and email me your assignment – that is perfectly fine.
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HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final date of withdrawal.
Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to
do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your success is
very important. Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than
SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor
may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance.
It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available
to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic
performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your professor prior to withdrawing (dropping)
the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final
withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC
schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines.
Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or
counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If you do not withdraw
before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final grade. The last day to withdraw is
Friday, October 31, 2014 by 4:30 p.m.
Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes. To increase student success,
students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to
encourage students to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students
registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning
passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework,
test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
Classroom Behavior
My primary goal is to ensure that my classroom is an environment conducive to learning. I also expect you to conduct yourselves
professionally and politely. If you consistently show disruptive behavior such as: walking in late, walking in talking, talking when I
am talking, sleeping, leaving early, using your cell phone, having your cell phone ring during class, leaving the classroom to answer
your phone, etc., I may ask you to leave my classroom.
Any disruption or prevention of others from learning will result in you being asked to leave. My classroom is based on respect, so
it is vital that you respect not only me but each other. Feel free to ask questions, and never make anyone feel bad for asking a
question that may seem silly to you.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices
As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be respectful of the learning atmosphere in
your classroom. To show respect of your fellow students and instructor, you will turn off your phone and other electronic
devices, and will not use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the instructor.
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices,
and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as
a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable
accommodations.
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Instructor Requirements
If you miss a day in class, do not contact me to ask me what sections of homework are due. It is your responsibility to contact
someone on your “Buddy List” to get the assignment. Please only contact me if you have a question that none of your classmates
can answer or need to tell me something personal.
If you have to miss a day due to sickness or an emergency, please let me know (via email, or the day before).
If you have a problem or a question, feel free to email me or talk to me after class! This class is to provide you with fundamental
knowledge of mathematics so that you can have a good foundation for future math classes. If you have any trouble understanding
material, please come to tutoring! I am here to help you! Keep in mind it is your job as a student to study outside of class and not
to simply rely on the notes I give you. Tests can include any information discussed in class or found in the textbook or MyMathLab.
Grading Scale
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
00- 59 = F
Note: The instructor cannot assign a grade of “IP” or “W”
Personal Communication Device Policy:
All personal communication devices (any device with communication capabilities including but not limited to cell phones,
blackberries, pagers, cameras, palmtop computers, lap tops, PDA's, radios, headsets, portable fax machines, recorders, organizers,
databanks, and electronic dictionaries or translators) must be muted or turned off during class. Such activity during class time is
deemed to be disruptive to the academic process. Personal communication devices are to not be on the student desk during
examinations. Usage of such devices during exams is expressly prohibited during examinations and will be considered cheating
(see academic honesty section above).
*** I have a zero tolerance policy for cell phone usage during class. I consider taking your cell phone out to check your
messages, text, play games, etc. or having your cell phone ring during class as extremely disrespectful to me, to your
classmates, and to yourself (since you paid money to take this course). If I see you on your cell phone, I may ask you to leave
class for the day. You may not for any reason take cellphone pictures of the board instead of taking notes. I give my students my
full attention when they are talking and I expect the same in return.
Mathematics Bridge Course Statement for 0306:
Any student who earns a grade of D in Math 0306 is required to enroll in the Bridge Course-Math 0106. Please visit with the
instructor of your course for details.
Student Course Reinstatement Policy:
Students have a responsibility to arrange payment for their classes when they register, either through cash, credit card, financial
aid, or the installment plan. Faculty members have a responsibility to check their class rolls regularly, especially during the early
weeks of a term, and reconcile the official class roll to ensure that no one is attending class whose name does not appear on it.
Students who are dropped from their courses for nonpayment of tuition and fees who request reinstatement after the official
date of record (OE Date) can be reinstated by making payment in full and paying an additional $75 per course reinstatement fee. A
student requesting reinstatement should present the registrar with a completed Enrollment Authorization Form with the
signature of the instructor, department chair, or dean who should verify that the student has been attending class regularly.
Students who are reinstated are responsible for all course policies and procedures, including attendance requirements.
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Resources:
Free tutoring is available on the second floor of the building – ask me for the specific room number for math! Additional help is
also available through Student Support Services. Students can get free assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in Math, English
and other subjects, at www.hccs.askonline.net. Typically, posted questions are answered by an HCC tutor or faculty within 24
hours (usually under 6 hours). There are also several online math resources that you can find with an internet search. You may
also find information on the Learning Web site accessible through your specific HCCS campus website.
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