Course Syllabus and Expectations
TSI 0302 - Developmental Math III - Fall 2013
Instructor: Paul Pierce, M.S.
Office: Holden Hall 78
Office Hours: By Appointment
Phone: 806-742-3242
e-mail: paul.pierce@ttu.edu
Contacting Your Instructor
If you need to contact me outside of class, you may do so in two ways:
 In Person During Office Hours
I encourage you to come see me in my office during my office hours. These hours are reserved for you and
your concerns, so please make use of this time. If you cannot meet during these times because of work or
another class, contact me to set up an individual appointment at a different time.
 Via E-mail
I check my e-mail regularly. Please allow at least 24 hours for a response. Typically, I do not check email
between 5pm Friday and 8am Monday. I will respond to any emails that I receive over the weekend on
Monday afternoon.
I expect students to use professional language and tone in all communication with me, including email
correspondence. My office hours or appointments are the best way for us to address more complex questions and
concerns about the course.
Textbook and Online Access Code
The textbook is Beginning and Intermediate Algebra 3rd. Edition by Sherri Messersmith
An ALEKS Access Code is required for this course. There are four options for obtaining an ALEKS access code.
 Hardback book with ALEKS 360 access code (ISBN: 0077889363)
 Looseleaf book with ALEKS 360 access code (ISBN: 9780077711115)
 ALEKS 360 Access Code with E-Book (ISBN: 077517881)
 ALEKS 360 Access Code with E-Book available online
Other Materials
Materials you must bring to class each day
 Calculator NOT on cell phone
 Paper and Pencil
Course Goals
The goal of this course is to prepare students for college-level mathematics. Thus, this course is a study of
 relations and functions
 inequalities
 algebraic expressions and equations (absolute value, polynomial, radical, rational)
with a special emphasis on linear and quadratic expressions and equations
Note: These course goals are aligned with the College Readiness Standards of Mathematics. For More
information see www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=EAE69736-B39D-F3FF-EA777519F1F0348B
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
 Define, represent, and perform operations on real and complex numbers.
 Recognize, understand, and analyze features of a function.
 Recognize and use algebraic (field) properties, concepts, procedures (including factoring), and algorithms to
combine, transform, and evaluate absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational expressions.
 Identify and solve absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational equations.
 Identify and solve absolute value and linear inequalities.
 Model, interpret and justify mathematical ideas and concepts using multiple representations.
 Connect and use multiple strands
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
The assessment of learning outcomes will be achieved by the following:
 Exams: 30%
There will be three chapter exams. There is NOT a comprehensive final exam. All exams are taken on
ALEKS in the computer lab in Holden Hall 105 during your discussion section.
 Quizzes: 20%
There will be weekly quizzes in the lab at the beginning of each discussion/lab meeting.
 ALEKS Pie: 20%
There will be objectives due each week.
 Homework/Projects: 20%
Applying the mathematics you have learned thus far.
 Participation: 10%
There will be daily in-class assignments/quizzes.
Grading Policy
You must complete the course with a C or better to be TSI complete. (The D in front of each of these grades is
for Developmental.)
Pass
Fail
DA: 90-100
DD: 60-69
DB: 80- 89
DF: 0-59
DC: 70- 79
If Your Grade Drops Below a C
If at any time a TSI student falls below a C in ANY TSI course, he/she will be required to meet with the TSI
Advisor or Assistant Director twice a month and attend an hour of tutoring per week. Determination of required
tutoring will begin after the first assignment or at the discretion of the TSI Instructor. Required tutoring will be
factored into a student’s final grade.
Attendance Policy


There are no excused absences. I will track your attendance and progress daily. Your presence in class is
tracked using an attendance sheet provided at the beginning of each class session for you to sign. If a student
misses a discussion section, that will count for an absence. Remember you are ONLY allowed FIVE absences
for the ENTIRE semester.
You are also responsible for signing the class roster distributed at the beginning of each class period. If you
are 15 minutes late, you will not be allowed to sign in. Signing this roster is your responsibility, and absences
will not be removed if you attended class but neglected to sign the roster. Absences are reported to the TSI
office.



Additionally, part of being in attendance means being focused and prepared; if you are texting, sleeping, or in
some other way are not paying attention, expect to be counted absent.
TSI Developmental program attendance is MANDATORY. Non-compliance with the rules of attendance
will result in a student being withdrawn from Texas Tech University. Withdrawals are subject to University
policies as set forth in the Undergraduate Catalog. Students may appeal withdrawals when unusual
extenuating circumstances exist by picking up the Appeal of Withdrawal form and be returned to Holden Hall
78 before the five (5) days have expired.
Absences from Discussion sections WILL COUNT against your TOTAL of FIVE allowed absences. Since
ALEKS quizzes will be completed in your discussion section, they cannot be made up at any time without
proper documentation.
Classroom Rules and Procedures:
This is college, not high school.
 You are to always exhibit integrity. Any action should reflect this idea.
 Be prompt. Class begins precisely on time, therefore a student is counted absent if he or she is more than 15
minutes late.
 Be prepared with all supplies and textbooks.
 Be kind and respectful. All actions and words should reflect kindness and respect for both the instructor and
all other students. I will not tolerate rude or disrespectful behavior directed at any member of this class. We
are all adults and should act as such. Anyone exhibiting disrespectful or vulgar language and/or behavior will
be asked to leave and counted absent for the day.
 Be honest. Honesty is an important part of integrity. Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating includes
sharing homework answers, looking at another student’s test or quiz, and talking (even whispering) during a
test or quiz. Plagiarism is another form of cheating and will be addressed in more detail in the next section of
the syllabus. If the student has a doubt as to what constitutes cheating, the instructor will gladly answer any
questions.
 Be mentally present. Use of electronic devices, other than approved calculators, during class will not be
tolerated. If your phone rings or if you are using a cell phone, blackberry, iPod, or other electronic device
during class, you will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day. Laptop computers will only be
allowed if necessary for completing the activities scheduled for that day.
 Be on task. There are times in class when it is appropriate to speak to your peers (i.e., during group work).
However, a general rule of thumb- if I am speaking, you are not, you are listening.
 NO CELL PHONES, PAGERS, I PODS, or NET SURFING in class, unless otherwise directed by your
instructor. If you are experiencing an emergency and need your cell phone on please notify me BEFORE
class begins! Failure to follow this directive may result in your dismissal and one marked absence for the
affected class period.
NOTE: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner conducive to learning and are prohibited from
engaging in distracting behavior, inappropriate behavior will result minimally, in a request to leave class.
Comments or actions promoting discrimination of any sort will result in serious disciplinary action, and or
possible loss of credit for the course.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism


Texas Tech University aims "to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The
attempt of students to present as their own any work that they have not honestly performed is regarded by the
faculty and administration as a serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences,
possibly suspension" (Undergraduate Handbook 49).
Although the university broadly defines the types of "dishonesty" that compromise academic integrity, the
most common offense for this course is plagiarism. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, "the
appropriation of, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means material that is attributable in whole
or in part to another source, including words, ideas, illustrations, structure, computer code, other expression
and media, and presenting that material as one's own academic work being offered for credit"

Students who are found guilty of plagiarism will receive a 0 for the assignment, as well as further
consequences at the discretion of the Dean of Students and TSI Assistant Director. For more information on
Academic Integrity visit: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentjudicialprograms/AcademicIntegrity.htm.
Disability Statement


“Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course
requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students
should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office
hours. Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until
appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, you
may contact the Student Disability Services office in 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405.
“No requirement exists that accommodations be made prior to the completion of this approved university
process" (TTU OP 34.22, p.2). For more information call Student Disability Services at 742-2405 or visit
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentsaffairs/sds/.
Observance of a Religious Holy Day
“Religious holy day” means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property
taxation under Texas Tax Code §11.20. A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that
intention known to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent from classes for the observance of
a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day
within a reasonable time after the absence. A student who is excused may not be penalized for the absence;
however, documentation may be required.
CHANGES TO THE SYLLABUS AND COURSE SCHEDULE:
I reserve the right to change the dates or policies on this syllabus at any time. All changes will be made accessible
to students via classroom announcements, e-mail, and also through ALEKS 360.
Instructions for Registering on ALEKS:
Course Code: WQHFP-ATAP3
Temporary Access Code: 4A7B5-1D955-8A6C5-A3860
NOTE: This code gives you temporary access to ALEKS for a two-week period. Once the code expires, you will
be locked out of your ALEKS account until you purchase a regular Student Access Code. It is highly
recommended that you purchase the Student Access Code BEFORE the two weeks expire to prevent interruptions
with your ALEKS account. You will not be able to makeup any work you miss if your access code expires.
1. To log into ALEKS for the first time, go to: http://www.aleks.com.
2. Click on the "SIGN UP NOW!" link located under the login box on the left of the page.
3. Enter your Course Code in the box labeled "Using ALEKS with a Class?" and click on "Continue."
4. Verify that you are registering for the correct course and click on "Continue."
5. Enter the 20-character Access Code.
6. Continue with the registration process until your account has been set up successfully.
7. After you complete your account set up you will be logged into ALEKS and can immediately begin working
in the course.
8. You can extend your ALEKS account at any time by clicking on "extend your account" and entering a
purchased Student Access Code. If your temporary access expires before you purchase a Student Access
Code, simply log in to ALEKS and you will be directed on how to extend your current account. You will then
be able to continue your course where you left off before the temporary access expired. You do NOT need to
create a new ALEKS account to continue your course.
Course Outline
Date
Lecture Class Topics
Discussion/Lab
8/26
 Syllabus and Introductions
 Technology Assessment
Chapter 6
 Multiplying Polynomials


Sign-up on ALEKS
Diagnostic Assessment
Chapter 7
 Greatest Common Factor

Begin working on ALEKS
pie


Factor by Grouping
Factoring Quadratics


ALEKS pie
Quiz 1



Factoring Trinomials: ac Method
Factoring Special Trinomials and Binomials
Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring


ALEKS pie
Quiz 2
 Applications of Quadratic Equations
Chapter 8
 Simplifying Rational Expressions

Exam 1




Multiplying Rational Expressions
Dividing Rational Expressions
Finding Least Common Denominators
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions


ALEKS Pie
Quiz 3



Simplifying Complex Rational Expressions
Solving Rational Equations
Applications of Rational Equations


ALEKS pie
Quiz 4


ALEKS pie
Quiz 5
Week 1
8/30
9/2
Week 2
9/6
9/9
Week 3
9/13
9/16
Week 4
9/20
9/23
Week 5
9/27
9/30
Week 6
10/4
10/7
Week 7
10/11
10/14
Week 8
10/18
Chapter 10
 Simplifying Square Root Expressions
 Multiplying Square Root Expressions
 Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide Radicals
10/21
Week 9
10/25
10/28
Week 10
11/1
11/4
Week 11
11/8
11/11
Week 12




Rational Exponents
Simplifying Higher Roots
Solving Radical Equations
Complex Numbers

Exam 2
Chapter 11
 Solving Quadratic Equations: Square Root Property
 Solving Quadratic Equations: Completing the Square
 Solving Quadratic Equations: Quadratic Formula
 Equations in Quadratic Form


ALEKS pie
Quiz 6
Chapter 12
 Relations and Functions
 Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
 Graphs of Functions and Transformations (absolute value
linear, and quadratic)


ALEKS pie
Quiz 7



Applications of Quadratic Functions
Algebra of Functions
Direct and Inverse Variation


ALEKS pie
Quiz 8



Review for Exam 3
Last week of semester for TSI
Thanksgiving Holiday

Exam 3
11/15
11/18
Week 13
11/22