BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA SYLLABUS
Tulsa Community College, Southeast Campus
Spring 2011
Beg & Int Alg
MTH 0105
Sect. 392
Call No. 22609
Instructor:
Linda Joyce
Email:
linda_joyce@mail.tulsacc.edu
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm
SEC 8150
(918) 595-8607
Southeast Campus Room 8150
Science and Math Division SEC8125
ADD: Lyn Kent
(918) 595-7742
Following instructions is a crucial part of this course!
Be sure to read the entire syllabus today and follow the instructions.
I also suggest you write your passwords on the syllabus in case you forget.
Blackboard: login name _______________________________ password ______________
MyMathLab:login name ________________________________ password: ______________
Catalog Description for MTH 0105 Beginning and Intermediate Algebra
A combination of MTH 0013 and MTH 0123 and equivalent to two years of high school algebra.. A course for students
that need to review their algebra background or need to satisfy a high school deficiency. Included within this course
are signed numbers, exponents, algebraic expressions, factoring, algebraic fractions, linear equations and inequalities,
systems of linear equations, graphing, irrational numbers, radicals, complex numbers, quadratic and higher degree
equations, and variation. Lecture 5 hours. No Laboratory
COMMUNICATION
You may contact me by email at linda_joyce@mail.tulsacc.edu . I check email daily Monday through Friday and
respond within 24 hours. Please put your name and Beg/Int in the subject line of every email. I can be reached by
phone at 595-8607. I am usually in the Science/Mathematics Lab, room 8150, on the Southeast campus from 8:00
AM – 3:00 PM Monday through Friday. Feel free to come by my office any time.
TEXTBOOK AND OTHER MATERIALS
Buy the required textbook, Algebra, A Combined Approach , by Elayn Martin-Gay from the Southeast or
Northeast Campus Bookstore. You may use the original textbook or the custom one. The textbook is packaged
with the Student Access Kit for MyMathLab, it is required.
You also need a reliable computer and/or access to another computer if your computer crashes. You should
be using windows version 2000 or newer. All TCC campuses have computers available for your use. You must
have an internet connection. You will also need speakers or a headset. There is a calculator online within the
program, however a graphing calculator is strongly recommended. I will provide help on the TI83 and TI84
calculators upon request. You may use other calculators; just refer to your owner’s manual
GETTING STARTED
1. Check your email address. I will use the MyTCC email to communicate with you. .
2. All emails should have your name and Beg/Int in the subject line.
3. Buy your textbook from the Southeast or Northeast Campus Bookstore.
4. Read the entire syllabus very carefully. It is found in the SYLLABUS folder in Blackboard and in the START
HERE folder in MML.
5. Send me an email stating that you have read the syllabus. I will answer so we both know that the email is
functioning correctly.
6. Follow the instructions in the MyMathLab Student Access Kit to register in Course Compass.
7. The course code is JOYCE06868.. You will need that to log into the MyMathLab.
8. Open the “Start Here” link in MyMathLab and follow instructions.
9. Please read carefully the section called “How do I enter answers?” in MyMathLab.
10. Begin the lessons. You may begin this course early.
11. Check your email and the announcements often.
TEACHING METHODS
An on-line course requires you to study the text and the material presented on-line on your own. You must spend
time on the homework assignments in order to be successful in this course. Don’t fall behind; it is very difficult to
catch up. Print the calendar and refer to it often. I am available via email to answer questions, by phone at 5958607, or in my office in the SEC Science/Mathematics Lab, room 8150, during the day. Chapter tests check your
mastery of the topics and are taken in Course Compass. These may be taken three times and only the highest
score is posted. You may take them early. This is not a self-paced course. You must be willing to work on
mathematics for several hours each week. I expect you to be on the schedule as posted in this syllabus.
You may work ahead of the schedule and complete this course early. Please contact me when you have a
problem. Don’t get behind! The Math Labs on all campuses are available for you to receive individual help. This
course has four types of graded activities. 50% of the course is from proctored exams and 50% is assigned work
which can be taken over in order to achieve the best score.
The four types of graded activities are:
Homework –Homework for the course is found in MyMathLab under the DO HOMEWORK button or from the
link in the calendar. The assigned homework is the minimum that you should do. Use your text to help you
understand those concepts which you have forgotten. If you need more help on any topic, watch the video lectures.
Work additional problems to reach mastery. Each chapter has 15 points of homework. You may work homework
as many times as you need to in order to achieve mastery and achieve the best scores. Homework is always
available for you to work on, even though it is posted as past due in the assignments list.
Total Homework points – 180
Chapter Tests – these tests check for your understanding of the concepts of the chapter. You may complete
the chapter tests three times to achieve the best score. These are found in MyMathLab under the TAKE A TEST
button and from the link in the calendar. These tests are similar to the Chapter Tests in your text. The CD in your
text has the complete solution to every problem in the textbook chapter test. Each chapter test is worth 20 points.
Total Chapter Tests points - 220
Unit Exams – there are four unit exams, each covering the material of three chapters. Each exam is worth 100
points, the lowest score will be dropped. These must be taken on the computers in the SEC Science/Mathematics
Lab testing center. If you live farther than 50 miles from Tulsa, we can arrange a proctor for you. Please let me
know during the first week of class that you will need a proctor. You may use a calculator but no notes or books for
the exam. These tests must be taken by the due date, no make-up or late tests allowed. Each test is worth 100
points.
Total Exam points – 300
Final Exam – This is a proctored exam and must be taken in the SEC Science/Mathematics Lab testing
center.
This is the common Intermediate Algebra final exam for SEC. You must score at least 50% on
the final exam in order to receive a grade higher than D for the course.
Total Final Exam points – 100
SEC Testing Center Hours:
Monday - Thursday
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
In general when you do a lesson, I suggest you do them in the following order.
1) Read the Section in your text. Study the examples.
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Watch the lecture for the section. These are online in MyMathLab under the WATCH A VIDEO button.
Work the problems in the text marked with the CD symbol.
Watch the video of the problems you did not work correctly.
Complete the homework in MyMathLab or the text. Check your answers.
Read and study the Chapter Highlights in the text.
Take the chapter test from your text for practice.
Review the Chapter Test Prep Video for the problems you worked incorrectly.
Take the Chapter tests by the assigned dates. These are in MyMathLab. You should take the tests without
notes. You may take the tests three times in order to achieve the best score.
10) Take the Unit exams at the SEC Science/Mathematics Lab testing center, or with an approved proctor for
distant students. You may use a calculator but no notes or books for these proctored exams. These exams
MUST BE COMPLETED BY DUE DATE and can only be taken one time. No tests may be taken after the
due date.
11) The Final Exam must be taken at the SEC Science/Mathematics Lab testing center or with a proctor for
distant students.
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES
You will determine your grade by the number of points you earn. Your grade represents your level of math
knowledge demonstrated during the semester. You will be assigned a D or F regardless of points earned if the
minimum score of 50% is not achieved on the final exam. Grades are assigned as follows if the minimum on the
final is met.
Grade:
Points:
A
800 - 720
B
719 - 640
C
639 - 560
D
559 - 480
F
479 - 0
Final grades are assigned based on the total number of points earned.
12 Homework Assignments (15 points each)
11 Chapter Tests (20 points each )
3 Unit Exams (100 points each)
Proctored at SEC
Science/Mathematics Lab
Comprehensive Final Exam
Proctored at SEC
Science/Mathematics Lab
TOTAL
180
220
300
100
800
ATTENDANCE – TIME COMMITMENT – STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Attendance in the on-line course is the time you spend completing the material. Consistent and regular study is
essential for maintaining the best learning environment. Print the calendar and stay on schedule.
SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS
All course work worth points is in MyMathLab . Homework, Chapter tests and exams will be graded when
submitted and the scores will be available to both of us. You will not need to submit anything to me directly.
HOMEWORK
Homework is assigned in MyMathLab. Even though the homework, is less than 25% of your grade, your
attention to it will strongly affect how much you learn and therefore be of considerable value on tests . You
may use your textbook or MyMathLab to work additional problems. MyMathLab gives you help on the
problems when you ask for it. You have the worked out solutions to the odd numbered problems in the text.
You have Video lectures which explain the material. You have worked out problems on video clips for the
problems marked with the CD icon in your text. You have a Study Plan built just for you. You have math labs
with tutors on all campuses and you have me as a resource. Use all of these tools to help you learn algebra.
HOMEWORK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THIS COURSE. Complete it all, complete it on
time.
MATH LABS
The Math Lab offers:
* Free walk-in tutors
* Computers with internet access
* Handouts, computer programs, videotapes and other learning aids,
* Calculators you may check out for the day (keys and ID required)
* A place to study mathematics by yourself or with classmates.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of these free facilities. Please remember to sign in and out. Each
campus has a math lab. Call to verify the hours of operation at other campuses.
Southeast Campus Science/Math Lab room 8150, phone 595-7751
Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
I hope every student will have a successful semester in this class.
Working homework problems until comprehension is achieved is imperative even if this means extra
problems must be completed.
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I recommend you designate time daily as study time.
Be organized. Use a notebook to keep your syllabus, calendar, notes, and homework easily accessible.
Don't get behind. Getting behind is frequently the death blow to success. If you don't have time to keep-up
you won't find time to catch-up. This is the single most important way to succeed in this class and
there is no substitute. If you have computer problems at home, remember computers in the
Science/Mathematics Lab are available to you.
Do class work regularly and progress as fast as you can. You can finish the course early but you may not
finish late.
If you run into trouble, get help immediately. Ask for help in the Science/Mathematics Lab, email the
problem to me, or call during my office hours. I will be happy to work out problems for you.
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS:
General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates gain skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a
common foundation for their higher education and a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General
Education goals are: Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological
Proficiency.
NEXT COURSE IN SEQUENCE
The next math course is MTH 1513, College Algebra. I highly recommend taking another math class next
semester and continuing with your math sequence each semester until the mathematics requirement is
completed.
COMPUTER SERVICES ACCEPTABLE USE
Access to computing resources is a privilege granted to all TCC faculty, staff, and students. Use of TCC
computing resources is limited to purposes related to the College’s mission of education, research, and
community service. Student use of technology is governed by the Computer Services Acceptable Use
Statements/Standards found in the TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook. These handbooks may be
obtained by contacting any Student Activities or Dean of Student Services office
INSTUTIONAL STATEMENT
Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the TCC Catalog, TCC Student
Handbook, TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook, and semester information listed in the Class
Schedule.
TRANSFERABILITY:
Please visit with the TCC Counseling Center or the Counseling Center at the college or university to which you
plan to transfer to determine transferability status of this course.
FAILURE TO WITHDRAW POLICY
Failure to withdraw may result in the student’s receiving a regular grade of “F” at the end of the semester.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY OR MISCONDUCT
Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not condoned nor tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community
College system. Academic dishonesty is behavior in which a deliberately fraudulent misrepresentation is
employed in an attempt to gain under deserved intellectual credit, either for oneself or for another. Academic
misconduct is behavior that results in intellectual advantage obtained by violating specific standard, but without
deliberate intent or use of fraudulent means. The student should review the relevant sections of the TCC Student
Code of Conduct Policy Handbook.
ADA POLICY
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: Students with documented disabilities are provided academic
accommodations through the disabled Student Resource Center (918-595-7115) or Resource Center for the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing (918-595-7428/TDD-TTY 918-595-7434). If any student is in need of academic
accommodations from either office, it is the student’s responsibility to advise the instructor so an appropriated
referral can be made no later than the first week of class. Students may also contact the disabled Student
Services Offices directly at the telephone numbers indicated. ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS WILL NOT BE
PROVIDED UNLESS APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATIONS IS PROVIDED TO THE DISABLED STUDENT
SERVICES OFFICES TO SUPPORT THE NEED.
SYLLABUS CHANGES
Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Students will be notified of any changes to the syllabus
by email..
COURSE CALENDAR
The attached calendar is provided as a guide for the course. Print the calendar and stay on schedule.
The calendar is provided to guide you through the course at an acceptable pace. You may work ahead of the schedule and
complete this course early. Proctored tests MUST be completed by the due date and taken at the SEC Science/Mathematics
Lab. These are shown in green.
January
10
1.7
11
1.8
2.1
17
2.4
18
2.5
25
3.2
31
3.6
4.3
Chap 3 Test
4.4
5.1
5.5
6.1
22
6.2
28
6.6
1
7.3
11
5.3
17
18
Chap 5 Test
24
25
5.7
6.4
2
Chap 6 Test
8
7.4
10
23
6.7
7
4
4.2
5.2
6.3
March
28
3.5
4.1
16
5.6
21
Appendix E
3
9
Chap 4 Test
15
21
27
3.4
Proctored
Test 1
Chapters 1 - 3
14
5.4
2.7
2
8
2.3
20
26
1
7
14
2.2
3.3
February
13
19
2.6
24
Chap 2 Test
3.1
12
Chap 1 Test
6.5
3
4
Proctored Test 2
Chapters 4 - 6
7.1,7.2
10
11
9
7.5, 7.6
7.7
Chap 7 Test
14
-------------------
15
---------SPRING
16
BREAK------------
17
----------------------------
18
------------------------
21
22
23
24
25
8.1
28
9.4
29
30
Chap 9 Test
4
10.2
5
12
18
19
11.3
11.4
25
12.1
10.1
7
10.6
11.1
Proctored
FINAL
15
11.2
21
22
Chap 11 Test
28
29
11.6
27
Proctored Test 4
Chapters 10 – 12
3
1
8
14
20
12.2
2
April
10.5
11.5
26
31
13
Chap 10 Test
9.3
Proctored Test 3
Chap 7 - 9
6
10.4
10.3
11
10.7
May
Chap 8 Test
8.4
8.2 , 8.3
4
5
Practice Final
6