Texas A&M University, Central Texas
Mathematics 309: Algebraic Functions (online course)
Fall 2013
Instructor: Chris Thron
Instructor: Dr. Chris Thron
Assistant: Johnny Watts, M.A.
Office: TAMUCT Founder’s Hall Room 217O
Instructor Email: thron@ct.tamus.edu
Class Email:
math309-fall2013@googlegroups.com
Contact: 512.293.0715 (cell); christopher.thron (skype)
Office Hours: By appointment
Feel free to call my cell phone any time between 8 a.m.-- 10 p.m... Leave a message if I don’t answer:
even better, send me an email. When in doubt, don’t hesitate – communicate!
I have created a group email address (see below). Please use this address for course-related issues that are
not personal.Typically I answer emails within a couple of hours. Often I will respond immediately if
you get me via chat or skype.
For the online homework, MyMathLab has a “Ask your Instructor” feature that enables you to email me
directly about any problems you may be having.
1.0
Course Overview:
This course might accurately described as “College Algebra Boot Camp”. It surveys elements of
Algebra with in-depth examination of sets, functions, quadratic equations, polynomials, exponential
and logarithmic functions. To fulfill degree requirements for math or for electives, students must
earn a grade of C or better. (May be used to fulfill the College Algebra requirement except for
teacher education.)
Although it’s not a formal prerequisite, it is strongly recommended that you take College Algebra
(Math 1314 or the equivalent) before taking this class. If you have forgotten all of your college
algebra, it might be a good idea to take out your old book and try to jog your memory a bit.
2.0
Competency Goal Statements:
Students will become thoroughly proficient in the following areas of College Algebra, which are
covered on the TExES teacher certification exam:
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Sets,
Functions (including linear functions),
Quadratic equations,
Polynomials,
Exponential and logarithmic functions.
Systems of equations
Matrix theory
3.0
Required Materials
Textbook
 College Algebra with Modeling and Visualization, by Gary Rockswold, 4th Edition, ISBN-10:
0321542304. You may buy this book used on amazon.com or ebay.com. However, most of the
time the book won't come with MyMathLab access: you will need to buy that separately.
 You can also buy the complete package from Pearson:
http://www.mypearsonstore.com/bookstore/college-algebra-with-modeling-and-visualization-9780321542304
Mathematics 309, Fall 2013
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 Or, you can rent the textbook+ access at:
http://www.chegg.com/textbooks/college-algebra-with-modeling-and-visualization-plus-mymathlab-student-accesskit-4th-edition-9780321577047-0321577043
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Note that MyMathLab access is required for the course. Also, MyMathLab contains an
electronic version of the book. If you are comfortable using only an electronic book, it's not
absolutely necessary to buy the print book.
Online paraphernalia:
 Google group: To subscribe to the Google group, send an email to:
m309-fall2013+subscribe@googlegroups.com
You will receive an email. Open it up and click the “Join” button.
 In order to access MyMathLab:
1. Go to http://www.mymathlab.com and click Student.
2. Enter the course ID: thron39128, and click Continue.
3. Continue the registration process. If you are not able to pay immediately, you may click
"Get temporary access without payment for 17 days" at the bottom of the payment options
screen.
 To check whether your computer meets system requirements, go to
http://www.mymathlab.com/system.html
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4.0
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5.0
Select “Rockswold: College Algebra with Modeling and Visualization, 4e” from the drop-down
menu.
For online webcasts you will need:
 Speakers and microphone, (OR a headset with microphone, recommended)
 Skype installed on the computer (www.skype.com)
Course Requirements
Homework problems (12%). All homework is done on MyMathLab
Tests (32%). Tests cover the homework – all are online.
Online discussion (6%)
Midterm (25%) Midterm must be proctored. You may take the midterm on campus, at the
scheduled time. Otherwise, you must arrange a proctor. See
http://www.ct.tamus.edu/departments/academicsupport/proctoring.php
Final (25%) Final must be proctored (same as midterm)
Grading Criteria Rubric and Conversion
Homework
8×15
120 points
Tests
8×40
320 points
Online discussion
3×20
60 points
Midterm
1×250
250 points
Final
1×250
250 points
TOTAL
1000 points
90-100%=A
6.0
80-89%=B
70-79%=C
60-69%=D
Below 60%=F
Course Calendar Spring 2013
These are due dates. It’s better to plan on getting the work done before the due date. Plan
Mathematics 309, Fall 2013
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ahead: don’t wait until the last minute.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
28-Aug: 1.1
2-Sep: Labor Day
9-Sep: 2.2
15-Sep: Online disc
1
23-Sep: 3.3
30-Sep: 4.1
7-Oct: 4.5
14-Oct: 4.8
Week 9
Week 10
21-Oct: 5.3
28-Oct: 5.7
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
29-Aug: 1.2
3-Sep: 1.5
10-Sep: 2.3
16-Sep: 3.1
30-Aug: 1.3
4-Sep: 2.1
11-Sep: 2.4
17-Sep: 3.2
31-Aug: 1.4
5-Sep: Test 1 (Ch.1)
12-Sep: 2.5
18-Sep: Test 2 (Ch 2)
25-Sep: 3.4
1-Oct: 4.2
8-Oct: 4.6
15-Oct: 5.1
26-Sep: 3.5
2-Oct: 4.3
9-Oct: 4.7
16-Oct: 5.2
27-Sep: Online disc 2
3-Oct: 4.4
10-Oct: Test 3 (Ch 3)
17-Oct: MIDTERM
(Chapters 1-4)
24-Oct: 5.6
31-Oct: Test 4 (Ch. 5)
22-Oct: 5.4
23-Oct: 5.5
29-Oct:
30-Oct: 6.1
Online disc 3
4-Nov: 6.2
5-Nov: 6.3
6-Nov: 6.4
11-Nov: 6.6
12-Nov: 6.7 13-Nov:
Online disc 4
18-Nov: 7.1
19-Nov: 7.2 20-Nov: 7.3
25-Nov: 8.2
26-Nov: 8.3 27-Nov: 8.4
2-Dec: Test 6 (Ch. 7) 3-Dec: 8.5
4-Dec: 8.6
Week 16 FINAL (Date TBD)
7-Nov: 6.5
14-Nov: Test 5 (Ch. 6)
21-Nov: 8.1
Thanksgiving
Review
7.0
Drop Policy
Note:
If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the
necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student.
The Records Office will give a deadline by which the form must be returned, completed and signed.
Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into Duck Trax
and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. If you are still enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records
office immediately. You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid penalty for absence.
Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the course.
The last date to drop with no record on the transcript is SEPTEMBER 11.The last date for a “Q” or
“W” drop is NOVEMBER 1.
8.0 Academic Integrity
Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to maintain high standards of personal and
scholarly conduct. Students found responsible of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work,
plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. The faculty member is responsible for
initiating action for each case of academic dishonesty and report the incident to the Director of Student
Affairs. More information can be found atwww.ct.tamus.edu/StudentConduct.
9.0 . Disability Services
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides
comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation
requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for
reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an
accommodation, please contact Ryan Thompson, Academic Support Programs Coordinator, at (254) 519-
Mathematics 309, Fall 2013
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5796 or by email at rthomp8@ct.tamus.edu.
10.0 .Tutoring Services
Onsite tutoring is available in Founders Hall Room 204, and on the North Campus in the Library. Hours
will be posted after the semester begins; or email Ryan Thompson at rthomp8@ct.tamus.edu.
Tutor.com is an online tutoring platform that enables TAMU-CT students to log-in and receive FREE
online tutoring and writing support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing,
Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for any subject
on your computer, or use the Tutor.com To Go App on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. Visit
www.tutor.com/togo to download the app for free. For access please visit
www.ct.tamus.edu/AcademicSupport and click the link for Tutor.com.
11.0 Library Services
INFORMATION LITERACY focuses on research skills which prepare individuals to live and work in an
information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of critical reasoning,
ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research techniques. Help may include,
yet is not limited to: exploration of information resources such as library collections and services,
identification of subject databases and scholarly journals, and execution of effective search strategies.
Library resources are outlined and accessed at http://www.tarleton.edu/centraltexas/departments/library/
12. Grading Policies
Late work is only accepted in extremely exceptional cases. Acceptance of late work will require the
student to provide documentation that justifies the reason. Possible reasons include:
Death in the immediate family
Legal proceedings
Sudden deployment (with no advance warning)
It’s better to plan on getting the work done before the due date. Plan ahead: don’t wait until the last
minute.
13.0 Syllabus Updates
During the course of the semester, the instructor may find it necessary to modify certain portions of this
syllabus (in particular, Sections 4 and 5). Updates to the syllabus will be emailed to the class via the
Google Group. The current syllabus version will also be posted on Google Docs.
14.0 Student Concerns
In general, student concerns about this course should be addressed to the instructor. If the student wants to
remain confidential, concerns may be raised with the Mathematics Department chair, who will guarantee
confidentiality.
15.0 Useful information for your future:
 I encourage you to apply for scholarships:
https://www.tarleton.edu/centraltexas/departments/financialAid/scholarshipApplications.html

Jobs: WARRIORLink is an online job database that connects employers with students with postings
of internships, part-time, full-time jobs. All students will receive an email with their username and
password the first week of school with access information. Warrior Link allows our students up until
a year after they graduate the opportunity to search for a job, post a resume, and keep informed on
Mathematics 309, Fall 2013
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any events that are going on out of the careers services area. The link to Warrior Link is located at
tamuct.org/careerservices .
16.0 MOST IMPORTANT
 Have fun with the class
!
Mathematics 309, Fall 2013
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Appendix: Course Philosophy
A. Instructor Goals
You should think of this as Algebra Boot Camp. It is designed to prepare students for the Algebra
portion of the Math 8-12 TExES exam
B.
Course Methodology
A. Homework is central. When you get right down to it, doing math means being able to do the
problems. If you can't do the problems, then you can't do math. Homework will be due every
week on Monday at midnight, as indicated in the course schedule.
B. Use the Google group. In online courses, it’s easy to feel isolated. Please only use the Google
group for course-related issues that are not personal.
C. Live sessions. There will be regular live sessions, in which an instructor will do problems and
answer your questions. Check your CourseCompass regularly for these opportunities.
C. Instructor Responsibilities:
Post necessary study materials on CourseCompass
Respond effectively to all email requests within 24 hours
Solicit feedback and respond effectively to student concerns about class organization,
presentation, and content.
D. Student Responsibilities:
Check CourseCompass regularly (at least twice a week) for any updates.
Complete each assignment by the specified due date.
If necessary materials are missing from CourseCompass, request the instructor to put them
up.
Make use of all available study-aid options to resolve any questions that they might have
regarding course material. These include:
Google group
Live online instructional sessions
Contacting the instructor outside of office hours via phone, chat, or email
Give as much of an effort as it takes to pass this course. You should expect to spend up to nine
hours a week on this class. If your background is weak, you may have to spend even more time
than this.