Course Syllabus
MAT1033 - Intermediate Algebra
Course Information
Course ID:
MAT 1033
Reference
Number:
849205
Credits:
3
Term:
Summer 2014-3
Term Dates:
5/11/15-7/31/15
Instructor Information
Name:
Lazara Ferrer
Email:
Please use Blackboard Course Messages to contact me. If you are experiencing technical
difficulties and cannot access the course, use lferrer2@mdc.edu
Phone:
305.237.8446
Virtual
Office
Hours:
Monday and Wednesday 6:00pm-7:30pm
Response
Instructor will respond to emails and postings within 24 hours from Monday through
Policy:
Friday 1pm while the college is in session.
Course Description
This course covers the concepts of variables representing numbers. Students will learnto strengthen their
algebraic skills in linear equation solving, quadratics, factoring, rational expressions,radicals, graphing linear
equations and inequalities, and related applications. .
Prerequisites
Student must meet the Developmental Education mathematics requirement in State Rule 6A-10.0315 (by
course, placement score, or eligible exemption). (3 hr. lecture) Pre-requisite courses may include: MAT0022C,
or MAT0028, or MAT0057,
Miami Dade College's Learning Outcomes
This course addresses the following MDC learning outcomes:
Learning
Outcome #1:
Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing
Learning
Outcome #2:
Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
Learning
Outcome #3:
Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
Learning
Outcome #4:
Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
Learning
Outcome #8:
Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
Course Competencies
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the slope of a line by:
Competency 1:
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Finding the slope of a line that is parallel to a given line.
Finding the slope of a line that is perpendicular to a given line.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of linear equations and inequalities in two
variables by:
Competency 2:
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Competency 3:
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Solving literal equations.
Finding an equation of a line given two points.
Finding an equation of a line given a point on the line and information about the slope of the
line.
Writing an equation of a line in standard form.
Writing an equation of a line in slope-intercept form.
Graphing linear equations in two variables using the slope and y-intercept of the line.
Graphing linear inequalities in two variables.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of equations in two variables by:
Solving direct variation problems.
Solving inverse variation problems.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of systems of linear equations by:
Competency 4:
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Solving a system of linear equations in two variables using the addition method.
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Solving a system of linear equations in two variables using the substitution method.
Solving a system of linear equations and inequalities in two variables by graphing.
Solving applications involving systems of linear equations.
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Competency 5:
Determining the slope of a line given two points that lie on the line.
Determining the slope and intercept(s) of a line given its equation.
Determining the slope of a line from a graph.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of rational expressions and equations by:
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Performing operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on rational
expressions.
Simplifying complex fractions.
Solving equations involving rational expressions including literal equations.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of radicals and rational exponents by:
Competency 6:
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Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing expressions involving radicals.
Simplifying expressions containing rational exponents.
Applying the properties of exponents to expressions with rational exponents.
Solving radical equations.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of complex numbers by:
Competency 7:
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Knowing the meaning of i.
Writing the square root of a negative number in terms of i.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of quadratic equations by:
Competency 8:
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Solving quadratic equations by factoring.
Solving quadratic equations by the square root method.
Solving quadratic equations by the quadratic formula.
Solving quadratic equations by completing the square.
Required Textbook and Materials
Access to CONNECT: CONNECT+ MATH ALEKS ACCESS CARD. ISBN 9780077548704. You will be able to access the
e-text here. In order ot register in Connect, you need an access code that you need to purchase and the course
code: MGMN6-UWNPT. I requested a financial aid access code for this course for only two weeks (free access). Find
this access code and the information of how to register under announcements.
Scientific Calculator: Scientific calculator not a graphing calculator. Examples: TI30x, TI30xa. You may use
these calculators on all quizzes and proctored tests.
Supplemental Textbook and Materials
Intermediate Algebra by Miller//O'Neill//Hyde, 4th Edition, with CONNECT
ISBN13: 9780077736880
Please refer to the Textbook Information page at the Virtual College website for specific information on the
College bookstores and procedures for ordering textbooks online.
Note: The ISBN for the textbook without access to CONNECT is 9780073384498, and the ISBN for CONNECT
without access to the e-text is 9780077548742. However, you need both access to CONNECT and to the e-text
(or hard-copy) of the text to pass this course.
Technology Requirements (Hardware/Software)
Please refer to the LMS Requirements and Plugin Information at the Virtual College website. Mozilla Firefox is the
recommended browser and headsets / microphone are needed for participation in web-conferencing activities through
Blackboard Collaborate; webcam is optional. In addition, Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and
PowerPoint are standard for Virtual College courses.
Due to the necessity of technology in Virtual College Courses, you must have a backup plan for using an alternative
computer with internet access in case of problems with your personal computer. If you live in the South Florida area, you
may use the computer courtyards located on MDC campuses. If you have a technology problem that affects your ability to
access your online course, please notify your instructor immediately. If you can access other internet sites but cannot
access your online course, you need to contact the Virtual College Help Desk at 305.237.3800 to seek assistance.
If you have no internet access at all, it is not a Virtual College / online course issue. Please be aware that the Virtual
College's Help Desk does not cover problems that you may be experiencing with your computer hardware, installation of
software, internet connection, or other technical problems that may require a technician or intervention from your Internet
Service Provider.
Course Content
The course is organized as follows:
Chapter 1:
Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
Chapter 2:
Linear Equations in Two Variables and Functions
Chapter 3:
Systems of Linear Equations
Chapter 4:
Polynomials
Chapter 5:
Rational Expressions and Equations
Chapter 6:
Radicals and Complex Numbers
Chapter 7:
Quadratic Equations
Course Work Requirements
To successfully complete this course, you need to spend at least an average of 4 hours per week on the
course, which includes readings, postings, quizzes, exams, etc. Set up a weekly time schedule that allows you
sufficient time to complete the assigned course work by the required due dates. Plan to check-in and complete
assignments at least three times a week. Do not procrastinate! Turn your work in early or by the due date.
To successfully complete this course, you must:
Read each lesson from the textbook
View the PowerPoint for each lesson
View the example problems and do all Connect homework.
In addition, you may want to view the lesson videos and do additional problems from the textbook.
You will not be able to successfully complete the assignments or the assessments (quizzes and tests) if they do
not complete assigned reading.
Participation
(Discussion
Boards)
Be sure to participate in all discussion boards
Assignments:
Connect Homework
Quizzes:
You have a total of 4 quizzes. To begin a quiz go do QUIZZES under COURSE
CONTENT.
Practice
Quizzes and
Tests:
Practice Quizzes and Tests will be available for each unit prior to the graded
assessment. The practice exam does not count toward your overall class grade.
These can be found under REVIEW FOR QUIZZES AND EXAMS in COURSE
CONTENT
Proctored
Midterm and
Final Exams:
These exams are proctored. You must receive a 60 or better to be eligible to pass the
course.
You must pass both proctored exams with at least a 60 to pass the course.
Check the Course Schedule under Tools and Resources.
The proctored midterm and final must be completed within the testing window established by
the Virtual College. Please check the course calendar to find the testing dates for the
proctored exams required in this course.
Students currently have three options when taking a proctored assessment:
1. MDC Testing Center(s)
2. Remote Proctors and
3. Technology Supported Proctoring
Please visit Virtual College Testing Information for very important
information about proctored testing.
Late and
Make-up
Policy:
Late homework will NOT be accepted. Any homework not submitted by the due date
will receive a 0. All quizzes, midterm and final MUST be taken during the availability
days posted on your calendar. If you fail to take an assessment during the available
time frame you will receive a 0.
Incompletes:
Incompletes will be given only if the student has completed 2/3 of the course
requirements with a passing average and has a serious documented personal illness,
family death, or unexpected crisis.
Grading
You must pass both proctored exams with at least a 60 to pass the course.
Grading Criteria
Course Requirements
Percentage
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Participation (Discussion Boards)
5%
Assignments (ConnectMath homework)
5%
Quizzes (5% each) - In Blackboard Learn
20%
Midterm Exam- In Blackboard Learn (proctored)
30%
Final Exam- In Blackboard Learn (proctored)
40%
Total Points Possible
100%
Miami Dade College's Letter Grades
Range
Letter Grade
90 - 100
A
80 - 89
B
70 - 79
C
60 - 69
D
59 and below
F
Miami Dade College Policies
Students' Rights and Responsibility Handbook
This handbook provides you with the basic information you need to know as a student at Miami Dade College. Please
review the Student's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook to learn about policies addressing code of conduct, grade
appeals, religious observations, services for students with special needs, and many other areas. Due to the nature of the
online environment, the information below supplements the Handbook for Virtual College students.
Academic Dishonesty
Please carefully review the Academic Dishonesty policies in the Student's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
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
The Handbook identifies "cheating on an examination" as one of the actions included under academic dishonesty. In this
course, you are expected to complete quizzes and exams independently and without access to the course's online content
or your own study notes. Having multiple browser windows open, accessing previous quizzes or course readings, and
using your course notes while taking a quiz or exam constitute cheating. All your course activity is recorded by the
BlackBoard system; activity logs during the times when you are taking quizzes / exams that demonstrate access to other
course components constitute evidence of cheating, and may result in a failing grade for the corresponding quiz or exam.
You may have access to content in completed quizzes / exams. Copying, photographing, or any form of duplicating
content in any assessment violates the integrity of the assessment. Such actions will be viewed as academic dishonesty
and may result in a failing grade for the corresponding quiz or exam.
Plagiarism is another action identified as academic dishonesty in the Handbook. Presenting the work or ideas of someone
else as one's own constitutes plagiarism, which is why students are always expected to cite their sources. Through the use
of Turnitin, unoriginal work can be easily identified; if not sourced, this constitutes evidence of plagiarism, and may
result in a failing grade for the corresponding assignment.
Course Withdrawal
After registering, students may change their schedules during the drop / add period. The dates for this period are listed on
the Academic Calendar that may be found as a link on the Miami Dade College homepage.
If you decide to drop this course and you desire a full refund, you must do so before the last day to withdraw with a full
refund (see College Academic Calendar for date). If you stop logging on to class without officially withdrawing through
the Registrar's Office, the instructor may withdraw you for nonattendance. If you continue to log on but do not
participate in the class and complete assignments, the instructor may withdraw you for inactivity.
Students who do not actively participate in classes may be dropped. For classes in the Virtual College, students must
participate in activities such as discussions, assignments, etc. Simply entering a course (logging in) does not constitute
active participation.
Incomplete Grades
Incompletes will only be considered if the student has completed 2/3 of the course requirements with a passing
average and has a serious documented personal illness, family death, or unexpected crisis. If the instructor agrees to
grant an Incomplete, a written agreement must be completed between the instructor and the student, specifying the
coursework to be completed, in what manner, and by when. Failure to fulfill the terms of the contract by the end of the
next major term will result in an "F" for the course. A student may not remove an Incomplete by registering in a
subsequent term to re-take the course.
For more information on Incomplete grades, please refer to the Student's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.