MAT 0018C Pre-Algebra
Valencia Community College
Syllabus
Instructor:
Email:
Phone:
Arlissa Pinkelton
apinkelton@valenciacollege.edu
803-280-7162 (text only w/ your name)
Class Times
CRN 13936 (8-136) MTWR 1:00 – 2:15 pm
Lab – Tu/Th 12:00 – 12:50 pm (Bld 7 – Rm 112C)
Course Description.
MAT 0018C is an introductory math course which integrates a review of basic arithmetic skills with an introduction to basic
algebra concepts. You will develop a math vocabulary and will use it communicatively, both orally and through writings.
You will also become an effective problem analyzer and solver, using reasoning, algebraic and graphical techniques, and
technology. In addition to class each week, you will also spend time per week in a lab, which is designed to allow you to
work on activities (from the lab manual) that will reinforce and expand on the material that is learned in class.
Topics learned in this class include: Comparing Real Numbers, Order of Operations, Rounding, Evaluating Expressions,
Simplifying Expressions, Solving Linear Equations, Graphing Linear Equations on a Number Line, Operations with
Polynomials, Determining Perimeter, Area, and Volume, Proportions, Conversions in the Imperial System, and Specific
Applications.
There are two requirements for passing this class and gaining entry into MAT0028C:
1
. Maintaining at least a “C” average in the class.
2
. Scoring an 80% or higher on the final exam (24 of 30 questions correct)**
** If all Modules are completed with 100% score, the 24 of 30 isn’t required.
Prerequisites.
This is an entry-level course in Mathematics, emphasizing fundamental operations with applications to beginning algebra.
This is the first course of three, designed to prepare students for first-year college level mathematics. Credits earned in
this course do not fulfill any college level math requirements, nor do they apply toward any college level credit
requirements.
Required Materials:
Textbook:
“Prealgebra” by Elayn Martin-Gay. This is the second custom edition for Valencia College.
ISBN-10: 0321628861.
Student Portfolio. This can only be purchased at the campus Bookstore.
HW software may be used in this course: iMathAS.
Calculators are ONLY allowed with work for Ch. 6.
Grading Policy: Tests and Quizzes: 45%
Labs and Activities: 10%
Homework: 10%
Portfolio: 10%
Final Exam: 25%
Labs and Activities.
Attached to this course is a separate lab, with its own work. This work will be collected and graded and will comprise your
“Labs and Activities” grade. These are facilitated to reinforce concepts learned and gain addition practice. Your lab text
will be given to you on the first day of labs. All labs must be received complete on the due date; late work is handled
on a case-by-case basis. Working together in a cooperative environment is encouraged, but individual work must be
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turned in. There will be two special projects/activities, counted towards your grade as a Lab. More details about this will be
forthcoming.
Homework. Homework will be assigned after each section. It is imperative that you do the homework, as this serves as
practice material for the tests. Exercises completed through IMathAS are also part of your “Homework” grade.
Your homework should be written out on paper and is due on the date of each exam.
Registering and Logging In for IMathAS. Many of you are already registered in this online homework program.
You will use your Atlas username and password to log in. The instructions are below.
The website is: http://imathas.valenciacollege.edu
Username: your atlas username
Password: math
**If you are not already signed up, send an email to rweinsier@valenciacollege.edu and tell him your name so he can
register you.
Logging In
At the Login page, you will be asked to supply your login credentials (username and password). You will also be able
to select a Viewing/Accessibility option. You should choose: Force image-based display.
If you choose visual display and your browser does not support browser-based visual display, you be brought to a
page explaining how to download the necessary plugins (for Windows Internet Explorer), download a compatible
browser, or continue with image-based display. This option is set for your current session only, so you can set them
differently depending on the support offered by the computer you're currently working at.
Home Page
The home page lists the classes you're currently taking, and also has options for enrolling in a course, changing
your password, changing your user info, or logging out of the system.
Portfolio. Your portfolio is required for this course. It should be completed and will be collected and graded during each
test. Please keep ALL of your work in your portfolio. If you “foresee” an absence on that day, then please make prior
arrangements to have your portfolio graded. No late portfolios will be accepted.
Tests and Quizzes. There will be four tests, comprising the following material. Test 1: Chapters 1 and 2. Test 2: Chapters
3 and 7. Test 3: Chapters 4 and 5. Test 4: Chapter 6. In addition, there may be quizzes assigned for each chapter. Each of
these, and the tests, will comprise your “Tests and Quizzes” grade. You are responsible for knowing and understanding
the material on each test/quiz.
Final Exam
In order to proceed to Developmental Math II (MAT0028C), you must earn a C in the class and either pass the final exam
with 70% or earn 100% on each of 8 learning modules. The 8 learning modules have unlimited tries during the semester.
 In order to receive a passing grade for this class a student will need to pass the class with a grade of “C”
or higher. There is a “Final Exam” that is part of this course which counts as 25% of your final grade. But to
move on to Developmental Math 2, a student is required to pass this exam with a score of 21 or more correct
out of 30 (70% or higher) OR receive a 100% on ALL of the 8 learning modules.
 No calculators are allowed (except Ch 6).
 It is a multiple choice test that must be taken online in a computer lab.
 You are allowed one attempt at passing the Final Exam.
Please note that this final exit exam is 25% of your course grade.
Grading Scale: A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: 0-59%
Assistance outside of the classroom / testing center location.
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Your Professor is interested in your success in this course. Please ask questions regularly!
Specialized Prep Area (SPA). The SPA is located on the first floor of building 4 in the Math Center. This is where
you can receive specialized assistance. Worksheets are available, in addition to tutoring, to meet your specific
mathematical needs.
Study Groups. Many students find it extremely helpful to form study groups with their colleagues. This practice is
highly recommended!
Testing Center (4-123) Hours: ** Must arrive an hour before closing
Monday – Thursday 7am – 10pm
Friday 7am – 12pm
Saturday 8am – 2pm
Valencia Student Core Competencies.
Valencia’s Student Core Competencies are complex abilities that are essential to lifelong success. This course will help
you develop and demonstrate the abilities to (1) think clearly, critically, and creatively; (2) communicate with others
verbally and in written form; (3) make reasoned value judgments and responsible commitments; and (4) act purposefully,
reflectively, and responsibly. Due to the nature of these global competencies, many problems in math 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.
Make-up Test Policy. Make-up tests or assignments are handled on a case-by-case basis with the professor having the
final say. A test or assignment may be done before the scheduled test/turn in date with prior approval. If you are absent on
the day of the test, you must communicate with the professor BEFORE the administration of the exam and receive
approval for a make-up at the discretion of the professor. Otherwise, your absence will be deemed UNEXCUSED and you
will NOT be able to make up the test. **If you miss a test and do not communicate with the professor, you will not be able
to make it up.
Attendance Policy. Your attendance is mandatory. Absence from class or lab for more than three days may result in
your withdrawal from the course without notice. Excessive tardiness is discouraged because it interrupts the learning
environment for you and other students. When absent, it is your responsibility to find out about assignments,
announcements, and changes, if any.
Cell Phone Policy. Cell phones have become a MAJOR distraction to the students’ ability to focus and to attend to the
tasks presented in the college learning environment. As a result, my policy is that cell phones are NOT allowed to be
utilized during class. They should be placed on SILENT mode so as not to distract you or the students around you. If a
student, after being asked to put their phone away, continues to violate this policy, the student will be asked to leave the
class.
Withdrawal Policy. Always seek advice from your professor or from an academic advisor prior to withdrawing from this
course, as it may affect any financial aid you may receive. If you decide to 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 will receive a grade of “W.” A student is not permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline. A faculty
member MAY withdraw a student up to the beginning of the final exam period for violation of the class attendance policy. A
student who is withdrawn by faculty for violation of the class attendance policy will receive a grade of “W.” 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://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policydetail.cfm?RecordID=75
Office for Student 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.
Academic Honesty. You are expected to do your own work on tests and exams. 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.
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, you assumed the
responsibility for becoming familiar with and abiding by the general rules of conduct. Students who engage in any
prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed to leave the class; violation of any classroom
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or Valencia’s rules may lead to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from Valencia. You can find the Student
code of Conduct in the current Valencia Student Handbook.
Disclaimer. Changes to this course and syllabus may be made at any time, at my discretion.
Important Dates:
Drop/Refund Deadline:
Withdrawal Deadline:
Classes End: Oct 16
Final Exam Period: Oct 16
Term Ends: Oct 16
Class Does Not Meet: Sept 1, Oct 9
MAT 0018C – Developmental Math I
Elayn Martin-Gay, 5th Edition, Valencia Custom version
Time Line for Fall Term 2014, MTWR Classes
Week #
Dates
1
'Aug 25 - 28
2
'Sep. 1 – 4
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Introduction to
course
1.1, 1.2
1.3, 1.4
1.5, 1.6
1.7, 1.8
NO CLASS
2.1, 2.2
2.3, 2.4
2.5, 2.6
Test 1
Chapter 1 &2
**Module 2 due
**Module 1 due
3
'Sep. 8 - 11
3.1, 3.2
3.3, 3.4
3.5, 7.1
7.2, 7.3
4.1, 4.2
4.3, 4.4
4.5, 4.6
5.3 , 5.4
5.5, 5.6
**Module 8 due
4
'Sep. 15 - 18
Test 2
Chapter 3 & 7
**Module 9 due
5
'Sep. 22 - 25
4.7, 4.8
5.1, 5.2
** Module 3 due
6
7
**Module 4 due
'Sep 29 – Oct 2
'Oct. 6 - 9
6.1, 6.2
Test Review
Test 3
Chapter 4 & 5
6.5, 6.6
6.7, 6.8
6.2, 6.4
**Module 5 due
6.9
Test Review
NO CLASS
Module 6 & 7 due
**Module 10 due
**Handout final
reviews
8
'Oct 13 - 16
Test 4
Chapter 6
Final Exam
Review
Final Exam Review
Final Exam
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