INTENSIVE ALGEBRA
Course Syllabus – Fall 2014
Professor: Amanda Saxman
Email: asaxman@mail.valenciacollege.edu
Phone: (407) 582-2487
Office: 8-201
Class time: MTWR 2:30 – 3:45pm Rm 8-235
Lab time: W 1:30 – 2:20pm Rm 7-112
Student Engagement Hours:
M: 12:50 – 1:50pm (1-377),
T: 10:00am – 12:00pm (by email),
12:30 – 2:30pm (8-201)
W: 10:25 – 11:25am, 12:50 – 1:50pm (1-377)
R: 11:00am – 12:00pm (by email),
12:30 – 2:30pm (8-201)
F: 12:00 – 1:30pm (by email)
*Although I frequently check my email throughout
the week, the only scheduled hours for which I will
be available by email is on Tuesday & Friday. I do
not typically check my email over the weekend.
Course Prerequisites:
MAT 1033C Intermediate Algebra
Prerequisite: MAT 0022C with a grade of "C" or better or MAT 0028C with a grade of C or better or an
appropriate score on entry placement test. Topics include linear equations and inequalities in two variables and
their graphs, systems of linear equations and inequalities, introduction to functions, factoring, algebraic fractions,
rational equations, radicals and rational exponents, complex numbers, quadratic equations, scientific notation,
applications of the above topics and the communication of mathematics. Applications emphasizing connections
with other disciplines and the real world will be included.
MAC 1105 College Algebra
Course based on the study of functions and their role in problem solving. Topics will include graphing, the linear,
quadratic, and exponential families of functions, and inverse functions. Students will be required to solve applied
problems and communicate their findings effectively. Technology tools will be utilized in addition to analytical
methods.
Course Description:
This course is a combination of Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra. It is an algebra course that will help
you acquire the necessary skills to model problems using algebraic techniques. You will also learn to use
graphing technology to solve more realistic problems that can not be easily solved by algebraic techniques. The
concept of a function will be emphasized throughout the course to prepare you for your future mathematics
courses.
Competencies of a Valencia Graduate:
Valencia faculty have defined four interrelated competencies (Think, Value, Communicate, Act) that prepare
students to succeed in the world community. These competencies are outlined in the College catalog. In this
course, through classroom lecture and discussion, group work, and other learning activities, you will further
develop your mastery of these core competencies. Due to the nature of these global competencies many
problems and activities will be presented in the context of an application. These applications will require
students to select appropriate information from the problem and communicate effectively how to arrive at an
appropriate solution for the problem.
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:
Text: Course content will be provided throughout the semester by emailed pdfs. Check regularly for this
material in your ATLAS email. Other Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra textbooks may be used to
supplement course material such as: Modeling, Functions, and Graphs: Algebra for College Students, 4th
edition, Yoshiwara and Yoshiwara, Thomson Publishing
Calculator: A graphing calculator is required for this course (the instructor will be using a TI-84 plus for
classroom demonstration). Graphing calculators may not have symbolic manipulators such as the TI-89.
Lab Manual: The lab manual for this course will be provided.
Other materials: Pencils, notebook, notebook paper, graph paper, straightedge, colored pencils, and a
stapler. Any work done in pen will not be accepted and will be assigned a zero.
Tutoring:
Free walk-in tutoring is available through the MSC (Math Support Center – college level tutoring center) and the
SPA (Specialized Preparatory Area – prep level tutoring center). Both areas are part of the Math Center and are
in the bottom floor of building 4 (4-102) known as the ASC (Academic Success Center). Since your course is a
combination of two courses – one prep, one college level, you can go to either tutoring center for assistance. A
copy of your textbook will be made available there as well. The MSC and SPA hours are Mon through Thurs
8am to 10pm, Fri 8am to 5pm, and Sat 8am to 4pm. A limited number of TI-84 calculators are available for
check out (4 hours at a time) at the ASC welcome desk located in the center of the ASC.
EVALUATION:
You will receive a grade in both Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra at the end of the term. Your grade
for both courses will be the same (see exceptions below) and is determined by grades on tests, lab work,
worksheets, a project, and a comprehensive final exam.
Tests: There will be a total of 7 unit tests in the course. I do not allow makeup tests so be sure to be
present for all scheduled tests. If you know you are going to miss a test, please contact me before the exam for
possible rescheduling of the test (taking it early). The lowest test grade or one missed test will be replaced by
the final exam grade.
Lab Work: You will receive a grade for your work in lab. Most of these may be group exercises. You
must be present for the lab hour to receive credit for lab and there will be no makeup assignments. The
lowest 2 lab activity grades will be dropped before calculating your lab average to account for illness and
emergencies.
In-Class Activities: You will also be graded on worksheets, quizzes, and other in-class activities. All
assignments are due at the beginning of class. The lowest 3 of these grades will be dropped before
calculating your average.
Project: There will be a group project in which the group will provide a review activity for one test in the
course. A rubric will be provided.
Final Exam: There will be a comprehensive final exam given at the end of the course on Thursday
December 11, 2014 from 1:00 – 3:30pm. The final will count as 200 points towards your grade. The final
exam grade may also replace your lowest test grade or one missed test.
Grade Calculation for each course:
Unit Tests:
700 points
Lab Activities:
75 points
Worksheets/Quizzes:
150 points
Project:
75 points
Final Exam:
200 points
Total Points Possible: 1200 points
Your grade will be calculated by using the
following scale:
A : 90 – 100% B : 80 – 89% C : 70 – 79%
D : 60 – 69% F: below 60%
Exceptions to the above:
If your final average in the two courses is between 65 and 69.5%, then you will receive a C in
MAT1033 and a D in MAC1105.
If your final average in the two courses is between 78-79.5%, then you will receive a B in MAT1033
and a C in MAC1105.
If your final average in the two courses is between 88-89.5%, then you will receive an A in MAT1033
and a B in MAC1105.
If you choose to take a W in MAC1105 in College Algebra, the grade in MAT1033 will be based on
most (but not all) of the tests, and all worksheets, labs, the project, and an Intermediate Algebra final
exam. This option must be chosen before the end of regular classes.
CLASS POLICIES:
Attendance: If due to an emergency you should need to miss a class or lab, it is your responsibility
to find out what was missed either by contacting the instructor or another student. Class activities or
lab activities cannot be made up if you are absent. Excessive absences – more than 3 – without
adequate excuse may result in withdrawal by your instructors from both courses. Check your ATLAS
email frequently for notices about this class.
Cell Phones and Other Disruptions: Students are expected to turn off cell phones at the start of class
unless the instructor is notified of a possible emergency call. Being late to class or leaving early is a
disruption to the class and is discourteous to the professor and the other students. All students are
expected to be on time to class and to stay for the entire class period. Students are expected to behave
in a manner that is conducive to learning both for themselves and others in the class. Students may be
asked to leave if their behavior is deemed a disruption by the instructor.
Homework: Homework problems will be assigned for each section of the text. Students are
expected to make an honest attempt to complete all assigned problems prior to the next class. It is
recommended that you keep all homework neatly organized in a notebook.
Withdrawals: The withdrawal deadline for receiving a grade of "W" is November 7, 2014. If you
withdraw by this deadline, you will receive a "W". If you do not withdraw by the deadline, you
will receive a grade of A, B, C, D, or F based on your final average. It is your responsibility to
withdraw yourself before the withdraw deadline if you so choose. If you do not show up for
the final exam and have not withdrawn from the course, then you may receive a grade of "F" 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.”
**You may choose at the end of the term to attempt to pass just MAT1033 by taking the final exam
for that course. If you choose this option, you must inform the instructor before the last day of
regular classes and you will receive a grade of “W” for MAC1105 and the grade earned for
MAT1033.
Academic Honesty:
You are expected to do your own work on exams and other assignments.
Providing information to another student or receiving information concerning exam content is
considered cheating. Blatant copying of another student’s work on any assignment such as
a worksheet is considered cheating. The first instance of this will result in a grade of "0" for that exam
or assignment. If you receive a 0 for cheating on an exam, that grade may not be replaced with the
final exam. If you receive a 0 for cheating on any assignment where some grades are dropped, that
grade will not be one that is dropped. The second instance of cheating will result in a grade of "F" for
the course.
Student Code of Classroom Conduct: Valencia 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, 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 professor. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that
result in disruption of a class may be directed by the professor to leave the class. Violation of any
Valencia policies/procedures or classroom rules may lead to disciplinary action up to and including
expulsion from the College. Disciplinary action could include being withdrawn from the class,
disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate and authorized actions.
COLLEGE POLICIES:
FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, is a federal law regarding privacy
of student records. These rights are transferred to students when he or she reaches the age of eighteen
or attends a school beyond the high school level at any age. Due to confidentiality and this law grades
can only be discussed with the student face to face. Grades will only be discussed in person or through
Valencia-approved contact methods (such as ATLAS).
Student Assistance Program: Valencia College is interested in making sure all our students have a
rewarding and successful college experience. Valencia students can get FREE immediate help with
issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, tome
management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. BayCare
Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP) services are free to all Valencia Student s and
available 24 hours a day by calling 800-878-5470. Free face-to-face counseling is also available.
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 week of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities
determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities. The East Campus
Office is located in Building 5, Room 216. (407-582-2229)
http://valenciacollege.edu/osd
For all further questions refer to the Valencia Student Handbook.
DISCLAIMER: Changes in the syllabus, schedule, evaluation procedures, and/or homework
assignments may be made at any time at the discretion of the professors. Remember, if you are
absent it is your responsibility to find out what, if any announcements or changes have been made
before next class.