MAT 0993: BEGINNING ALGEBRA
General Syllabus
(See your section syllabus for specific instructor information, deadlines and points.)
Course Description: This course is an introduction to algebra using MyMathLab, a computer program
providing multiple resources. In this course, you will have the opportunity to acquire mathematical skill and
demonstrate your ability to be a self-motivated, active and responsible learner. This course does not earn
college credit.
Learning Objectives: At the successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1) Conduct procedural computations in arithmetic and beginning algebra.
2) Apply arithmetic and beginning algebra to model and solve real-world problems.
3) Apply their mathematical skills in further mathematics courses, or in their specialized fields of study.
Student Disability Services: If you have a documented disability that requires accommodations, you will need
to register with Student Disability Services for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Student
Disability Services (SDS) office is located at 1600 David Adamany Undergraduate Library in the Student
Academic Success Services department. SDS telephone number is 313-577-1851 or 313-202-4216
(Videophone use only). Once you have your accommodations in place, please see the Lab Manager to discuss
your situation. Student Disability Services’ mission is to assist the university in creating an accessible
community where students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to fully participate in their educational
experience at Wayne State University. Please be aware that a delay in getting SDS accommodation letters for
the current semester may hinder the availability or facilitation of those accommodations in a timely manner.
Therefore, it is in your best interest to get your accommodation letters as early in the semester as possible.
Math Competency: The math competency requirement must be satisfied prior to the completion of the first 30
credits taken at Wayne State University. See a University Advisor to determine which class(es) you are
required to take to demonstrate math competency. (Visit http://advising.wayne.edu/ for more information or to
make an appointment.)
Successful Course Completion: A grade of CNC (C no credit) or higher will admit the student into MAT
1000: Mathematics in Today’s World or MAT 1050: Algebra with Trigonometry or STA 1020: Elementary
Statistics. MAT 1050 must be completed within 3 semesters of completing MAT 0993. MAT 1000 or STA 1020
must be completed within 6 semesters of completing MAT 0993.
Textbook and Software Access: A course fee, paid at the time of registration for this course, provides access
to the online materials required for this class. The textbook used for this course is Elementary Algebra,
Concepts and Applications, 9th Edition, by Bittinger and Ellenbogen. There is no need to purchase the
textbook. An online, interactive textbook is provided as part of the course lab fee. Every student will access
course materials through a link in Blackboard.
The College Rule: The general rule for ALL college courses is that you should be doing two to three hours of
study OUTSIDE of class per credit hour. This class is a three credit course. As a MINIMUM, you need to
devote six to nine hours each week to this course IN ADDITION TO the two hour lecture each week.
MCL Attendance Requirement: The class meets for two hours each week with your instructor (in the
partitioned off room).
In addition to attending class, each student is expected to spend an average of three additional hours per week
in the MCL at times that are convenient for you. Experience has shown that this is a MINIMUM requirement for
success in this course. The additional hours are worth 1 point each. Attendance in the open lab is tracked by
the computer at the main desk. Attendance is only tracked if you log in and out as you enter and exit the MCL
using your WSU access ID.
Religious Holidays: Because of the extraordinary variety of religious affiliations of the University student body
and staff, the Academic Calendar makes no provisions for religious holidays. However it is University policy to
respect the faith and religious obligations of the individual. Students with classes or examinations that conflict
with their religious observances are expected to notify their instructors well in advance so that mutually
agreeable alternatives may be worked out.
Participation Requirement: Participation points will be awarded during each class period for activities defined
by the instructor. These may include (but are not limited to) online activities, worksheets, turning in specific
assignments that were due since the previous class meeting, showing notes taken while reading the textbook
or watching the videos, or working specific exercises during class. All students should be prepared at each
class meeting with a notebook containing current notes, homework, and quizzes. Students must be present in
class to earn any participation points. Participation points cannot be made up for any reason.
E-mail Requirement: All students must activate and regularly check their Wayne State e-mail account. It is
recommended that students use the WSU e-mail account for all communications with the instructor. However,
the instructor will reply to whatever e-mail address the student uses to contact him or her. Students who
contact the instructor from an internet service account other than Wayne Connect risk exposing their personal
information to interception. Students are responsible for knowing any information that is e-mailed regarding this
course. The syllabus may change during the semester. If this happens, you will be notified via e-mail. You
must email your instructor during the first class period. Your email subject line should indicate your section
number. The body of the email must include: your name, your intended major, and expected year of graduation
(or current standing: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior), as well as a brief reflection on the following video:
http://youtu.be/WtKJrB5rOKs
Working Outside the MCL: If additional computer time is needed at hours that the lab is not open, all of the
public areas of Wayne State libraries have the necessary software installed on the computers. Students who
have Internet access may install the software on their home computers using the MyMathLab Browser Check.
The link may be found under Announcements on the Home page or under the Announcements tab to the left
once you have logged into MyMathLab via Blackboard. The advantage of using the MCL is that an instructor
and student assistants will be available at all times to help students individually. ALL QUIZZES AND TESTS
MUST BE TAKEN IN THE MCL.
MCL Rules:
 This is a math classroom. Please be quiet. Disruptive students will be asked to leave.
 No work, other than mathematics, may be done in the MCL. Surfing the web, typing a paper, accessing
any website other than Blackboard or Wayne Connect, or playing computer games is not allowed.
 Laptops and tablets are not allowed.
 No companions are allowed in the MCL.
 No food is allowed in the MCL. Beverages with a cover are allowed.
 A Cell phone used as a music player MUST be faced down if left on the table. Otherwise, cell
phones should be off and out of sight. If your phone rings or makes noise, you are texting, playing
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games, or checking Facebook, you will be asked to leave immediately. If you are taking a quiz or a test,
you will be required to submit it – whether you are finished or not.
Listening to music is only allowed through a personal device, NOT websites on lab computers. The
sound must be at a level that cannot be heard by others. Headphones must be removed and put away
for any quiz or test.
Technology Glitches:
 This is a computerized course and therefore, there are occasional glitches in the technology. Deadline
extensions based on technology glitches will only be granted if computers in the MCL are affected for
more than 30 minutes. Deadlines will be extended the amount of the outage as a minimum.
 Occasionally, correct answers can be marked wrong by the computer. It is your responsibility to check
for grading errors on your quizzes and tests. Report errors to your instructor via email and necessary
corrections will be made.
 Once you open a quiz or test, be careful not to submit until the quiz or test has been completed. Use
the Previous/Next Question buttons at the bottom or the numbers at the top of the screen to navigate
between questions.
Headphones: Video lectures require the use of headphones. Any headphones you already have should work
in the MCL. If you need to purchase headphones, they are available in the Undergraduate Library next to the
Computer Support Center for $3.00. We will also have a few loaner headphones, available at the desk, in
exchange for your WSU OneCard. The port to connect audio is located on a cord under the computer screen.
Calculator Policy: Only the computer calculator is allowed for any work done in the MCL. Calculators are
located in the start menu of each computer. In a quiz or test, the calculator is in the upper left corner of the quiz
or test. It is your responsibility to learn how to use the calculator before taking a quiz or test, as assistance will
not be given during a quiz or test.
Homework: There will be 38 graded assignments, one for each section of the textbook, which must be
completed before the due date shown. Homework can (and should) be worked until it is completely correct.
Three points are awarded for homework that is 100% correct and completed. If it is less than 100% correct,
you will get that percentage of two points. The three lowest homework grades will be dropped. Homework may
be completed outside of the MCL, but if any problems cause you to miss a due date, no consideration will be
given.
Quizzes: There will be 20 quizzes, one after (approximately) every two sections of the text. All quizzes must
be completed in the MCL before the due date. Each quiz is worth 10 points and the lowest three will be
dropped. You will be given two attempts at each quiz (excluding the syllabus quiz and the MyLab/Mastering
quiz). You must complete to 100% the Study for Quiz Retake assignment to unlock access to your second quiz
attempt. The highest grade is the one that will count. All quizzes must be taken in the open lab. Picture ID must
be presented to take a quiz, no exceptions. Placing a blue cup upside down on top of the computer shelf
indicates the need for a password to take a quiz. Your table should be clear except for blank paper, picture ID
and writing implement. Headphones are off and away. All other belongings are on the floor or on your own
chair behind you.
Make-up Policy: No make-ups of quizzes or homework will be allowed for any reason. All quizzes and
homework assignments have due dates after which they become unavailable. DO NOT PUT OFF
ASSIGNMENTS UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.
Practice Tests: There is a practice test for each of the four tests and the final exam. Practice tests will count
toward your grade. If you score lower than 80% on the practice test, you are strongly encouraged to use the
Study Plan and repeat the practice test before taking the actual test. Each practice test may be taken as many
times as you wish, your highest score will be the one counted toward your grade.
Tests: There are four tests, worth 150 points each. You will be given 75 minutes for each test. Tests will be
given during your regularly scheduled class period. All students must present picture ID and sign in for each
test. At the end of the semester, the final exam score, if it is higher, will replace the lowest test score.
Test Make-Up Policy: In the event of an unavoidable emergency, a make-up exam will be considered. You
must contact your instructor within 24 hours of the exam by e-mail. The test must be made up within three lab
days of the missed exam. One make-up exam will be given without penalty. If another exam requires make-up,
you will be penalized 15 points (10%).
Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam must be taken during final exam week. The 2½-hour exam is worth
500 points. A minimum score of 60% (300 points) on the final exam is required in order to be eligible to pass
the course in addition to a 70% overall score. You must reserve a computer for your final exam. Near the time
of Test III, you will receive an email with a link to sign up for the final. Be sure to write down the day and time
for which you register. Failure to reserve a computer by the deadline will result in a 25-point (5%) deduction for
the test. Changing a reservation after the deadline or missing your assigned time will result in a 25-point
deduction for the test.
Evaluation of Teaching: Students are expected to fill out an online evaluation of teaching similar to those in
their other classes. You will receive an e-mail prior to Test IV with a password and directions for filling out the
evaluation. This is very important as it gives us feedback on what we can do to improve the course.
Early Course Completion: Students who wish to work ahead are encouraged to do so. Arrangements may be
made with your instructor (or the lab manager if your instructor is not available) to take tests ahead of
schedule. In order to be eligible for early testing, you must have done all of the following: 1) completed all of
the homework assignments with a grade of 100% for each section, 2) completed all quizzes with a best
attempt of 80% or higher on each, 3) passed all prior tests and 4) scored above 80% on the practice test. Once
you have met all of these requirements, contact your instructor at least two days ahead of when you would like
to test. If the entire course is completed early, all remaining attendance and participation requirements will
automatically be counted for full credit. No early testing is granted less than one week before regularly
scheduled exams.
Academic Dishonesty: Any of the following actions violate the Student Code of Conduct
(http://doso.wayne.edu/codeofconduct.pdf) and will be considered cheating:
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Taking quizzes or tests outside of the MCL.
Taking a quiz or test for another person, or allowing another person to take a quiz or test for you.
Using books, notes or any other assistance on any quiz or test.
Using a calculator other than the one provided on the computer, during any quiz or test.
Talking to other students during a test or quiz.
Appropriate action will be taken. Any student who is caught doing any of the above will immediately fail the
course and may be reported for academic dishonesty. See the Student Code of Conduct for other possible
sanctions.
Course Drops and Withdrawals: In the first two weeks of the semester, students can drop this class and
receive 100% tuition refund and course fee cancellation. Weeks three and four, students may drop the course
without refund or fee cancellation, but without the class recorded on transcripts. After the fourth week, students
who do not complete the course will receive a failing grade. In general, withdrawals will not be granted.
Grades: As this course does not earn college credit, grades do not affect GPA.
ANC
BNC
CNC
UNC
90 – 100%
80 – 89.9%
70 – 79.9%
Under 70%
A, No Credit
B, No Credit
C, No Credit
Unsatisfactory, No Credit
LEARNING MATHEMATICS IN THE MATH COMPUTER LAB
Learning mathematics takes time and lots of practice. You should plan on spending six to nine hours each
week working on mathematics. All tests and quizzes must be done in the MCL, but watching videos, reading
the textbook, homework assignments and reviewing your notes can be done at home, if you have downloaded
the appropriate software, or on any library computer on the WSU campus. If possible, you are encouraged to
do homework in the MCL where help is available. It is best to work on math for a couple of hours three or four
days each week rather than try to complete everything in one day. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE
TO COMPLETE YOUR ASSIGNMENTS.
1. Begin by watching the video for the section you are working on. Pause and review any section that
confuses you. Ask the staff for help as needed. Take notes as you would in a regular classroom.
2. After watching the video, begin reading the online textbook. Take notes as you read. Click on the icons
to view animations and try problems. Every example has a “Your Turn” exercise, with answers given at
the end of the section. Work them as you go through the section, getting help as needed.
3. Proceed to work the homework for that section. Work homework until it is 100% correct.
a. Write down the problem and show all of your work neatly, one step under the other.
b. Finish the problem, writing the answer, and then type the answer in the computer.
c. Several learning aids are available to you for help in the program, be careful to not become
dependent. If you use a learning aid to answer a question, it is best to do an extra problem by
clicking the Similar Exercise button rather than simply moving on to the next question.
4. If you are having trouble understanding, ask for help. Please be aware that the function of the staff is to
help you LEARN the mathematics, not give you the answer. If you are asking a question on every
homework problem, you need to go back to the videos and textbook again.
5. When you have finished all sections to be covered on a quiz, you are ready to take your first attempt at
the quiz. You must be in the lab to take a quiz. Be sure that you are not rushing yourself. Most quizzes
have 10 questions, so plan a minimum of 30 minutes.
a. Take out a blank sheet of paper, picture ID, and something to write with, and clear everything
else off of the desktop.
b. Log into the quiz you want to take.
c. Put up a blue cup, upside down, on top of the computer to indicate the need for a password.
d. Start your quiz, writing it out as if you would be handing it in to be graded. Be sure you have
reviewed all of your work before you submit. If you have written everything neatly, and are
organized, it will be easier to check your work.
6. Review any problems that you missed on the quiz, asking for help with anything that you do not
understand. If you scored anything less than 80% on the quiz, you are expected to take it again.
a. Click on the Homework tab and then the Study for Quiz Retake assignment for the quiz you are
working on.
b. For any objective that was missed on the quiz, there will be several problems to work in the
assignment.
c. Study for Quiz Retake assignments must be completed to 100% to unlock a second quiz
attempt.
d. If there are objectives that you are still having trouble with, additional problems can be found in
the Study Plan. Objectives that you need to work on are marked with a purple push pin.
7. When you have thoroughly restudied the concepts, take the quiz again. The higher of the two quiz
grades will be used in your overall grade.
8. When you have finished all sections to be covered on a test, you are ready for your first attempt at the
practice test.
a. Take a bit of time to review all of your notes.
b. Treat the practice test like an actual exam. Put away all notes, don’t ask for help.
c. Once you have submitted the practice test, go over any questions that you missed. Get help
with anything you do not understand.
d. If you scored less than 80% on the practice test you are not ready to take the test.
e. Go to the Study Plan, click View All Chapters on the right hand side of the screen.
f. Work any problems for the sections to be covered on the test that are marked with a purple
push pin.
g. Repeat this cycle (starting at step a. above) until you score at least 80% on the practice test.
h. If you are taking a practice test but need to finish it at a later time, do not submit, simply close
the window. When you reopen the practice test, you will be able to continue from where you left
off.
9. Take the test.
a. Be on time for class on test day. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you will need to
reschedule your exam.
b. Be sure to have blank paper, a pencil and picture ID.
c. Write out your test, numbering each problem. YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR TEST PAPER. Be
sure your name is on it.
d. The test will be available to review online once all of the sections have tested. Make sure you
review the test and that you know how to do any problems that you missed, and that the
computer did not make any grading errors.
If you follow the steps above, you will learn mathematics. If you review carefully, you should do well on the final
exam and be well prepared for your next math class.
Other Helpful Tips!
1. Join a study group. Listen for announcements. The classroom side of the lab will be available when
classes are not in session for small groups to work together with a student assistant.
2. Anytime you sit down to study math begin and end with success. Pick something that you know well to
review quickly. The Study Plan can be a good place to pick problems.
3. Keep a vocabulary list. Look words up when you need to.
4. The Quiz Me button in the Study Plan can give you a quick check on a specific objective.
5. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It is better to do 1 hour 6 days each week than 6 hours 1 day each week.
You will remember more and not be overwhelmed.
6. The Academic Success Center in the UGL has many helpful workshops as well as one-on-one tutoring
available. Visit: http://success.wayne.edu/