UNT/NCTC
PRE-ALGEBRA COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Name & Number
Pre-Algebra
NCTM331.002/
MATH 0303.601
Semester & Year
Spring 2011
TR
12:30PM-1:50 PM
GAB 438
Instructor’s Name
V. Adams
Office Phone #
940-369-7374
Instructor’s Office #
GAB 471-E
E-mail Address
Valerie.Adams@unt.edu
Office Hours
TR 2:30-3:30 PM
Other times by
appointment
Grading Policy &
Procedures
90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
Below 70% = F
Category
Homework
Attendance
5 Tests
Final Exam
Weight
15%
5%
60%
20%
The final exam grade will replace the lowest test grade, assuming it is better.
Catalog Description
This introductory course includes a general overview of basic arithmetic: integers,
fractions, and percent. Other topics include algebraic concepts, solving equations,
linear equations, graphing, and polynomials. Simple geometric concepts are also
discussed. This course is designed for those students with little or no algebra
background. This course does not count toward graduation at NCTC/UNT.
Prerequisite for MATH 0303
Satisfactory THEA placement score.
Textbooks & Materials
Required / Recommended
Required: MyMathLab Access code/kit
MyMathLab (MML) may be purchased packaged with a new textbook, as a standalone in the bookstore, or directly online at www.coursecompass.com. MML is a
required online course delivery platform where students access and complete
assignments. The MML course ID for this class is: vadams04563
Optional (not required): Elayn Martin-Gay: Prealgebra, Prentice Hall, Inc., 2011,
6th ed. (**e-textbook is included with the MyMathLab Access Code)
*** Calculators may be used only after Chapter 4. NO GRAPHING CALCULATORS
NOR CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ALLOWED – ONLY SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS
ALLOWED. ***
Acceptable Student Behavior
Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or
other students' opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be
tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable
behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the
student to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the
student's conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university's
expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including
university and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The
Code of Student Conduct can be found at www.unt.edu/csrr.
Attendance Policy
Tentative Calendar
Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all College Prep
classes for which they have registered. Attendance will be taken every class period
and submitted to the START office. There are NO excused absences. After three
hours of absenteeism, students will be referred to the UNT START Office.
Attendance is 5% of your grade. Three tardies or leave-earlys will count as an
absence.
Students are responsible for all information given in class, regardless of his/her
attendance. This includes knowing test dates. (See tentative course schedule)
If you are absent for a test, you have 48 hours to make it up in the testing center. The
testing center is open 8am – 4pm, and you must let me know when you plan on
making up the test.
Date
Week 1
Starting
January
17
Week 2
January
24
Week 3
January
31
February
7
Week 4
Week 5
February
14
Week 6
February
21
February
28
Week 7
Week 8
March 7
Week 9
March 21
Week
10
March 28
Week
11
Week
12
Week
13
April 4
Week
14
Week
15
Class Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
April 11
April 18
April 25
May 2
Topic
Introduction;
1.7 Exponents and Order of Operations
1.8 Algebraic Expressions
2.1 Integers
2.2 Adding Integers
2.3 Subtracting integers
2.4 Multiplying/dividing integers
2.5 Order of operations
Review
TEST #1: Chapters 1 & 2
3.1 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
2.6 Solving Equations (Addition and Multiplication
Properties)
3.2 Solving equations (review of section 2.6)
3.3 Solving equations in one variable
3.4 Linear equations in one variable & problem solving
4.1 Intro to fractions and mixed numbers
4.2 Factors and simplest form
4.3 Multiplying and dividing fractions
Review
TEST #2 Chapters 3 & 4.1 – 4.3
4.4 Add, subtract fractions, LCD, equivalent fractions
4.5 Add, subtract unlike fractions
4.6 Complex fractions and Order of operations
4.7 Operations on mixed numbers
5.7 Mean, Median, Mode
Review
TEST #3 Chapters 4.4 – 4.7 and 5.7
6.1 Ratios and rates
6.2 Proportions
6.3 Proportions and problem solving
6.5 Similar Triangles
7.1 Percents, decimals, fractions
7.2 or 7.3 Solving percent problems with proportions
7.4 Applications of Percent
7.5 Percent & problem solving: tax, commission, discount
Review
TEST #4: Chapters 6 & 7
6.4 Square roots and Pythagorean theorem
8.3 Coordinate plane
8.4 Graphing lines
10.1 Add, subtract polynomials
Review
TEST # 5: Chapters 8 & 10
Review for Final Exam
Turn off all electronic devices prior to entering class.
Administrative policy prohibits food or drink in classrooms.
Be courteous to your fellow classmates.
Maintain a positive and professional attitude.
Ask questions, get involved, and do your homework.
Course Competencies
At the completion of the course the student should be able to:
 perform operations of arithmetic on terms.
 solve basic equations.
 perform basic operations of integers.
 solve equations and problems.
 perform basic operations of arithmetic on fractions.
 perform the operations on fractional expressions.
 perform basic operations on polynomials.
 solve algebraic equations.
 calculate percents.
 solve percentage problems.
 interpret statistics
 plot solutions on graphs
Math Lab
The Math Lab serves students enrolled in UNT Math classes at the 1000-2000 level,
including UNT students enrolled in NCTM 0331, 0351, and 371. If you are enrolled
in one of these classes, you are eligible to utilize Math Lab services.
The Math Lab is located in the General Academics Building, Room 440 and follows
the following schedule:
SPRING 2011 January 24 - May 6
Monday - Thursday 7 am - 8 pm
Friday 7 am - 4 pm
Saturday: 1 - 5 pm
(The Math Lab is closed Sundays, all official UNT holidays, and during Final Exams)
THEA Compliance
If you did not pass the THEA test, or other approved test, in Reading, or Writing, or
Mathematics, you will be required to complete a College Prep course EVERY SEMESTER
(including summers) until you complete the College Prep course sequence or provide
passing test scores.
Scholastic Integrity
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and
collusion. Refer to the following university site for the official policy with regards to
academic dishonesty. The web site is:
http://vpaa.unt.edu/academic-integrity.htm
Disability Accommodations
It is the responsibility of students with certified disabilities to provide the instructor with
appropriate documentation from the Dean of Students Office.
Homework and Tests
Policies and Procedures
Homework will be completed through MyMathLab. All due dates are listed on
MyMathLab. Typically, the homework assigned during the week will be due every
Monday at midnight. The homework may be attempted an unlimited amount of
times in order to increase your homework grade. Once you have attempted a
problem three times, click “Similar Exercise” to attempt it three more times.
Additionally, homework assignments may be printed to allow you to work on it
away from the computer. However, answers must be entered into MyMathLab to
receive credit for the assignment. Any homework not attempted by the due date will
receive a grade of a zero. Technical difficulty, including loss of internet access, is
not an excuse for not completing the assigned work.
Five unit tests are scheduled during the semester. Non-graphing calculators will be
permitted after the completion of Chapter 4. No calculators will be permitted for
use with Chapters 1-4. See tentative schedule for test dates. If you receive a zero for
cheating on an exam, the final exam score will NOT replace that zero.
The final exam will be comprehensive and is required of all students. The final
exam may also be used to replace the lowest regular test grade, assuming it is better.
The Final Exam for this will be administered in our regular classroom. It is
scheduled for Thursday, May 12 at 10:30 AM.
This syllabus is subject to change as the instructor deems necessary. Any/all changes will be announced
during regular class time. It is the responsibility of the student to attend each scheduled class to be informed
of these changes.