MAT 091 -- INTRODUCTORY ALGEBRA
Instructor -- Lucia Kisiel
office: A224
Phoenix College – Spring 2013
office phone: 602-285-7786
Course # 20715 room B204
office hours: MTWR 12–1pm, F 10 – 11am
MTWR 11:00 – 11:50 am
email address: lucia.kisiel@phoenixcollege.edu
Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or higher in MAT 082 or a satisfactory score on the placement exam.
MyMathLab Access/Text: You must have MyMathLab access to complete this course. This can be
purchased online for $85.80 at pearsonmylabandmastering.com or for $101.75 at the college bookstore. If
you bought a new text then access is included in the price of the text ($191.75). A valid email address is
necessary to register for MyMathLab. Purchase of the textbook, Elementary and Intermediate Algebra:
Functions & Authentic Applications, author: Jay Lehmann is optional because MyMathLab contains an
electronic version of the text. We will study the content in chapters 1-7.
Calculators: A graphing calculator is required for this course. Calculators may be rented from the Math
Department for $15 per semester or you may purchase one. A TI-83 or TI-84 is the recommended model.
To rent a calculator fill out a blue Math Department Fees Form and bring to the registrars office, pay the
cashier and bring the receipt to the math office (A230).
Course Description: This course includes the study of linear equations and inequalities in one and two
variables, operations on polynomials, linear behavior and linear modeling, graphs and data tables, systems of
equations in two variables, function notation, properties of exponents and applications. A detailed course
description can be found at http://www.maricopa.edu/curriculum/M-Z/036mat091.html
High-Speed Internet Access: The locations below provide computers to work on math.
library basement computer commons
MTWR 7:30a-10:00p; F 7:30a-4:30p; Sat 9:00a-5:00p
success center, B – 228
MTWR 8:00a-6:00p; F 8:00a-4:30p
A201/202 math computer lab
MTWR 11:30a-5:30p; F 9:00a-1:00p
Attendance: Any student accumulating more than four unexcused absences may be withdrawn at the
instructor’s discretion. You must contact me if you are absent or it will be considered an unexcused absence.
An absence does not excuse you from being responsible for the material that we cover that day or from
handing in homework on the day it is to be turned in. If you miss a class it is important that you get
assignments, notes, and any other pertinent information from a classmate or by checking the announcements
in MML. If a student chooses to withdraw from the class they should officially do so through the records
office or they may risk receiving an F.
Grading Policy: Your grade will be determined from tests, quizzes, homework, and a comprehensive final
exam. All tests and quizzes will be announced at least two class periods prior to the test or quiz. I will
update and post current grades in MML after the completion of each unit. Your course grade will be
determined by your percentage earned which will be calculated by the total number of points earned divided
by the total number of points possible. The final exam is mandatory on Monday, May 6, 11am -12:50pm.
89.5% - 100% = A 79.5% - 89% = B
69.5% - 79% = C
59.5% - 69% = D
0% - 59.4% = F
Homework: Homework will be assigned almost daily and most assignments will be completed online
through MyMathLab while other assignments will be completed on paper using text problems. It is important
to keep your work organized and neat so you can refer to it later or in case you want to bring it in for me or a
tutor to look at. Each homework assignment has a due date. The assigned problems are the ones that must
be done to receive credit. Remember we do not all learn various subjects, concepts and topics at the same
rate. The assigned problems are the minimum required, however as you work through the homework you will
need to assess whether or not it is necessary for you to work through more problems to truly understand the
material covered. The best way to successfully learn the material taught is to do all assignments on a daily
basis. However, you may go back and rework problems you got wrong or had difficulty with until the
deadline. The deadline for completing homework for a unit in MML is at 10am on that unit’s test day. The
deadline for submitting homework done on paper will be announced in class and in MML announcements.
Assignments that are not complete will not receive full credit. One or two problems on each collected
assignment will be graded for accuracy and points will be deducted for incorrect work and/or answers. Each
homework assignment is worth 4 points. No late assignments will be accepted.
Tests: There will be seven tests. You may use a graphing calculator on some tests but you may NOT share
calculators. There will be no make up tests, however, any test may be taken early. The first exam that is
not taken will be assigned a score proportionate to the score received on the final exam. If you do not take a
second exam you will receive a ZERO on that exam and any additional exams that you miss. Students who
take all the exams will have the proportionate score received on the final exam replace their lowest test score
(if the final exam is higher). Contact me as soon as possible if you must miss an exam. ALL cell phones
and electronic devices must be shut off and out of sight and may not be accessed during testing. A
student who accesses or has a cell phone out during an exam forfeits that exam.
Cheating Policy: Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. A student caught cheating will get an automatic
zero on the given assignment/quiz/test. etc. You may receive an F in the class.
Tutoring: In addition to coming to my office for help you have available FREE tutoring on campus.
* The Math.Zone is located on the second floor of building A, at the north end. You may work on homework
in this room and ask questions of the tutor on duty. Tutor hours are 8am - 7pm MTWR, 8am - 1pm F.
* Tutoring is available through the Success Center located in B228 from 8am -6pm MTWR and 8am-2pm F.
* The math computer lab (Math.Path) A201, has tutors MTWR 11:30am-5:30pm & F 9am-1pm.
Disability/Special Needs Students: It is a college policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with
disabilities. If you would like to request accommodations due to a physical, mental, or learning disability, please contact the
Disability Resource Center office, Learning Center (LC) Building, 602-285-7477as soon as possible. Disability information to
DSS remains confidential.
Counseling Services: Counseling services at PC are available to assist students with personal, educational, and
career concerns. Counselors work with students in changing feelings, attitudes, and behaviors that might interfere with
academic success. They help students in the areas of decision making, goal setting, motivation, time management,
coping skills, and personal development
Miscellaneous and Hints for Success:
Turn off all cell phones or set to silent mode during class.
NO TEXT MESSAGING DURING CLASS.
Expect to spend at least 2 hours on homework outside of class for each hour in class.
Keep up with and do all the assigned homework prior to the next class meeting.
Check homework answers in the book (pages 934 - 968) or MyMathLab to be sure you are doing problems
correctly and to determine which problems you need to get help with.
 Use the book, sample problems and all assistance provided by MyMathLab.
 It is strongly recommended that students keep a 3-ring notebook in which to take notes and keep handouts.
Refer to your notes for examples when doing homework
 Do not hesitate to visit me during my office hours or use the tutors available. If you are confused and need
help, get help as soon as possible since confusion and frustration seem to grow exponentially. If my office
hours conflict with your schedule contact me to make alternate arrangements.
 Read the corresponding section in the book before or after each lesson.
 Get together with classmates. Form study groups. Do homework together.
 I love teaching math and want you to be successful in this class. I know that you too can love math (well, at
least like it) and be successful if you decide that you want to and diligently apply yourself, keep up with the
homework and get help when you need it.
 Learning is NOT a spectator sport but rather one that all participants must be involved in.
 Remember, “Math is beautiful.”
 A “can do” attitude breeds success.
Being diligent about attending class, doing homework thoroughly, and getting help when necessary are
the key strategies to achieving success and learning and understanding mathematics.
Students will be notified by the instructor of any changes in the course requirements or policies.
Students are responsible for college policies that are included in the college catalog and the student
handbook. A student’s continued enrollment in this class indicates the student’s willingness to adhere
to the course policies.
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