MERCER COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MAT033 – Pre-Algebra
Course Syllabus
Spring 2010
Instructor: Dr. Charlene Sharkey
Email : sharkeyc@mccc.edu
Phone: 609-570-3892
Office: LA174
Office Hours: MTWTH 9:30-10am, MW 12:30 – 2pm, also by appt
Feel free to stop by during my office hours if you have any questions about any part of the course.
You may also get help in the Learning Center, L14, 2nd floor, Library Building on the West Windsor
Campus or in the Learning Center on the James Kerney Campus (KC311).
Section: 085509
Meeting Time/Room : Monday and Wednesday 10:00 – 10:50am/Room MS 205
Monday 11:00 – 11:50am/Room BS310
Wednesday 11:00 – 11: 50am/Room AD223
TEXTBOOK (Required): I will be providing you with a book to be used for the semester. They
will be returned to me when the semester is over.
COURSE CODE FOR ALEKS: S2010:Y44VT – ERF6V (Website: www.aleks.com) You must
use ALEKS for at least 35 hours for the semester.
SUPPLIES: A notebook and pencils/pens and scientific calculator.
Welcome to Pre-algebra (MAT 033). This course is designed for students who need to strengthen
their mastery of the fundamentals of arithmetic. Topics include integers, understanding variables,
equations, fractions, decimals, proportions, percents and graphs. Completion of this course with an A
or B enables a student to take MAT 037. Students who complete this course with a C are strongly
recommended to take the MAT 037A and MAT 037B sequence.
Attendance and Homework:
Successful students will attend class and do homework. While there may be exceptions to this rule,
the majority of students that do well report that they have done work both in class and out of class. If
you miss 4 classes you may be withdrawn by the instructor.
Method of Evaluation:
Tests, homework and quizzes will be done using the program ALEKS.
Final: There will be a cumulative final exam administered by your instructor during the last class
meeting which will be administered in your classroom.
Projects will be assigned at the conclusion of units. A minimum of two will be collected and graded.
The grade will be based on the following percentages:
Tests 50%
Quizzes/Homework 20%
Projects 10%
Final 20% **Must receive a 70% on the Final to pass the course.**
The grades will be assigned as follows:
A
93 – 100%
A- 90 – 92.9%
B+
87 – 89.9%
B
84 – 86.9%
B- 80 – 83.9%
C+
77 – 79.9%
C
70 – 76.9%
NC
Below 70% (NC indicates that you have not gained enough knowledge of pre-algebra and
must repeat the course)
The last day to withdraw from Spring 15 week classes is April 9th.
Extra Help:
If you are having difficulties and need additional help beyond the classroom and lab experience, get
help immediately. Do not wait - you will only fall behind and this is to be avoided as much as
possible. You may seek assistance from any or all of the following sources.
 Your instructor during office hours
 Tutors in the Learning Center on both campuses (LB214 in West Windsor and KC311 in JKC)
Classroom Environment/Cell Phones:
Everyone at Mercer is to respect the rights of students to learn. You may be asked to leave any class
session if you disrupt the learning environment. Please note that disruptive behavior, ranging from engaging
in side conversions, receiving cell phone calls or audible beeper messages that disturb others, texting, or eating
food in class will not be condoned. Cell phones and audible pages are to be turned off in all academic learning
environments unless previously approved by the instructor or responsible administrator. The college strives to
create an environment that fosters a sense of community, pride and respect; we are all here to work
cooperatively and to learn together. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding
this.
Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Documented Disabilities
Mercer County Community College is committed to supporting all students in their academic and cocurricular endeavors. Each semester, a significant number of students document disabilities, which
may require learning, sight, hearing, manual, speech, or mobility accommodations to ensure access to
academic and co-curricular activities. The college provides services and reasonable accommodations
to all students who need and have a legal entitlement to such accommodations.
For more information regarding accommodations, you may visit the Office of Academic Support
Services in LB218 or contact them at 609.570.3422 or stinsona@mccc.edu.