STUDENT SYLLABUS
Course Name/Section Number:
MATH 0303.OE1
CRN:
20474
Instructor Name:
Dan Murphy
Division/Department:
Academic Foundations / Mathematics
Office Hours:
by appointment
Office Number:
Johnson Hall, 100A
Office Phone:
361- 485-6809
Instructor Email:
dan.murphy@victoriacollege.edu
Mandatory Orientation:
You MUST attend a mandatory orientation on either Tuesday, January 5, Wednesday, January 6
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM OR 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
OR
Friday, January 15th 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM in Johnson Hall 200
Email:
babette.lowe@victoriacollege.edu OR deborah.butler@victoriacollege.edu to schedule your session
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Course Description (AMS):
A study of relations and functions, inequalities, algebraic expressions and equations (absolute
value, polynomial, radical, rational), with a special emphasis on linear and quadratic
expressions and equations.
Prerequisite(s) (AMS):
A grade of C, S, SA, SB, or SC in Math 0301 or MATH 0302 OR MATH 0402 or a score of 343 to
and including 349 on the TSI Assessment.
Required Textbook(s), Supplies, and Materials:
 1 ½ inch notebook, notebook paper, pencils, highlighter
 7 dividers labeled: Syllabus, Mod 0A, Mod 0B, Mod 1A, Mod 1B, Mod 2A, Mod 2B
 Textbook: College Algebra, 11th edition, by Gustafson and Hughes
ISBN 9781285882161. Loose-Leaf with EWA Access Code
An access code to WebAssign is required. When purchasing the textbook from the
Victoria College Bookstore, the access code comes bundled.
 Calculator: A scientific (non-graphing) calculator is required. Cell phone calculators are
not allowed.
 Headphones: Headphones or ear buds are required in order to listen to videos in the
Academic Café.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
Page |2
TSI Assessment: Students may take the TSI Assessment at any time during the semester. A
MATH score of 350 or higher deems the student College Ready. College Ready means the
student has passed this MATH 0303 course and will no longer have to attend. Please inform
an instructor of your TSI Math score.
Emporium Model: According to the National Center for Academic Transformation, “students
learn math by doing math, not by listening to someone talk about doing math. Interactive
computer software combined with personalized, on-demand assistance and mandatory student
participation is the key element of success.”
How to pass this Course: Spend at least 4 hours weekly in the Academic CAFÉ (JH 208). Then
spend at least 3 additional hours working on homework assignments, watching videos (in
Blackboard and WebAssign) and reading the textbook. Stay ahead of the schedule, take tests
when ready but well ahead of the due date. If a student falls behind schedule, that student
must meet with the instructor to discuss options to get back on schedule.
Modularized Instruction: This course provides individualized instruction in a lab setting using a
mastery-based approach. The WebAssign online instructional system provides videos and
homework assignments. Students will complete module reviews and module tests on paper.
Students will progress through the module: reading the textbook, watching videos and
completing the homework assignments. Students must make at least an 80% on each homework
assignment. Once students complete all the assignments in the module with an 80% or better they will
complete the paper review. The paper review must be completed with a score of 80% or better
before taking the module test. Successful completion of the paper review will earn the student
a 3 point bonus on the Module test.
Students must master the Module test with a score of 75% or higher to move to the next
module. If the minimum score of 75% is not achieved on the first attempt, the instructor will
determine what the student needs to do before having another attempt. Students may need to
revisit homework assignments, work with the individualized study plan, work with other
students on the same module or rework the review problems. Students should not expect to
re-test immediately.
A student may complete this course as quickly or as slowly as they need, but the course must
be completed by the end of the semester to earn a passing score. The student who completes
MATH 0303 before the 9th week may enroll in MATH 1314 for the second 8-weeks (schedule
permitting).
Attendance Sign-In: Students are expected to spend a minimum of 4 hours a week in the
Academic Café. Students must sign-in on the Who’s Next Software Computer every time they
go to the Academic Café. Students must log out when leaving the Academic Café.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
Page |3
Learning Outcomes (AMS):
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate the following student
learning outcomes:
1) Define, represent, and perform operations on real and complex numbers.
2) Recognize, understand, and analyze features of a function.3) Recognize and use algebraic
(field) properties, concepts, procedures (including factoring), and algorithms to combine,
transform, and evaluate absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational expressions.
4) Identify and solve absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational equations.
5) Identify and solve absolute value and linear inequalities.
6) Model, interpret and justify mathematical ideas and concepts using multiple
representations.
7) Connect and use multiple strands of mathematics in situations and problems, as well as in
the study of other disciplines.
Critical thinking will be incorporated throughout the course.
Assessments (AMS):
Module Reviews (Paper)
Module Tests (Paper Exam)
Homework (Computer)
Departmental Final Exam (Paper Exam)
Measure Learning Outcomes 1 – 7
Measure Learning Outcomes 1 – 7
Measure Learning Outcomes 1 – 7
Measure Learning Outcomes 1 – 7
Course Requirements (AMS):
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It is the student’s responsibility to schedule their weekly classroom time. It is
recommended that the student build a weekly schedule to satisfy the required minimum
amount of hours (4 hours) per week.
There are no regularly scheduled meeting times with an instructor.
You must be self-disciplined and keep yourself on a regular schedule in order to complete
modules by date due.
Keep in mind that while your instructor is your primary contact, there are other instructors
on duty in the Café who can answer most questions. When in doubt, ask for help.
To get started, attend one of the mandatory orientations scheduled before the start of
class.
Instructors will be available to assist you, but it is your responsibility to ask for any
assistance that you may need. Although instructors are available to help you with
understanding and learning the material, they will not give you the answers. They are there
to teach you how to work through problems on your own and to critically think through the
steps involved in solving those problems. Therefore, developing your ability to think
critically is also a strong component of this course.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
Page |4
Modular Assignments: This class is self-paced and student-centered. This means that the
students are responsible for how quickly or slowly they work through the required material and
thus are actively engaged in their own learning.
This course utilizes computer-based modules. Students will spend the weekly class time
working on modules with help from an instructor or teaching assistants. The homework
assignments are delivered via a web-based product called Enhanced Web Assign (EWA) and can
be accessed from any computer that has an internet connection. Students are expected to
complete these assignments by the due date stated in the syllabus and in WebAssign. Students
can always work ahead of the schedule.
Students will register with WebAssign (EWA) at www.webassign.net.
In order to access EWA, students need:
1. An access code, which gives access to the modules and the e-book, may be
purchased from the bookstore or online. If the textbook is purchased from the VC
bookstore, the access code is bundled with the textbook.
This code is valid for every course the student takes that uses the same text.
2. A class key will be provided to all students on the first day of class by the instructor.
The MATH 0303.OE1 class keys is: “victoriacollege 1280 1582”
This is a math class! As with any math class, many assignments must be completed outside the
required weekly class time. STUDENTS WILL SPEND AT LEAST 4 HOURS PER WEEK IN THE
ACADEMIC CAFÉ! (Participation Grade) One strong strategy for this course is to read the
textbook and watch videos at home and then spend the CAFÉ hours working on the modules.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR EWA: Students must have the most recent version of Flashplayer
and Java loaded on their computer for WebAssign to work properly. The most recent version of
Flash can be downloaded from www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer and the most recent
version of Java can be downloaded from http://java.com. The recommended browser for
WebAssign is Firefox, which is available free from http://www.mozilla.org.
TSI Assessment: Students may take the TSI Assessment at any time during the semester. A
MATH score of 350 or higher deems the student College Ready. College Ready means the
student has passed this MATH 0303 course and will no longer have to attend. Please inform
an instructor of your TSI Math score.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
Progression within the Course:
To complete each module, you must earn:

A minimum score of 80% is required for each homework assignment
o A minimum score of 80% is required for the Module Review
o A minimum score of 75% is required for the Module Test.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Page |5
Syllabus
Page |6
Tentative Class Calendar (Including Each Major Assignment and Examination) - (AMS):
Math 0303 Schedule – Spring 2016 – (Open Enrollment)
Week Dates
Lessons
1
01/19 -01/23
0.1
0.2
2
01/25 – 01/30
3
02/01 – 02/06
0.3
4
02/08 – 02/13
5
02/15 – 02/20
0.5
0.6
6
02/22 – 02/27
7
02/29- 03/05
8
03/07 – 03/12
0.4
Topics
Module 0 – Review of Basic Algebra
Sets of Real Numbers
Integer Exponents
Rational Exponents and Radicals
Mod 0A Review
Mod 0A Test
Polynomials
Factoring Polynomials
Rational Expressions
Mod 0B Review
Mod 0B Test
Module 1 –Equations & Inequalities
1.1
Linear Equations and Rational Equations
1.2
1.3
1.5
Applications of Linear Equations
Quadratic Equations
Complex Numbers
Mod 1A Review
Mod 1A Test
03/14 – 03/20
Points
01/23
01/30
02/06
02/13
02/20
02/27
03/05
03/12
SPRING BREAK
1.6
1.7
Polynomial and Radical Equations
Inequalities
9
03/21 – 03/26
Victoria College will be closed 03/25 (Good Friday) but CAFÉ will be open on 3/26
10
1.8
Absolute Value
03/28 – 04/02
Mod 1B Review
Mod 1B Test
Module 2 – Graphs & Functions
2.1
The
Rectangular
Coordinate System
11
2.2
Slope
of
a
Non-Vertical
Line
04/04 – 04/09
2.3
Writing Equations of Lines
12
Mod 2A Review
04/11 – 04/16
Mod 2A Test
13
2.4
Graphs of Equations
04/18 – 04/23
14
2.5
Proportion and Variation
04/25 – 04/30
3.1
Functions and Function Notation
15
05/02 – 05/07
Due Dates
Review for Final Exam and Critical Thinking Questions.
Final Exams will be administered on specific days and
times. These dates and times will be listed in the
Academic Café.
16
05/09 – 05/13
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
03/26
04/02
04/09
04/16
04/23
04/30
05/07
05/13
Syllabus
Page |7
Criteria for Grading (AMS):
Participation Grade: Students after attending orientation and registering in WebAssign will
begin with 100 points as their participation grade. Student will lose points by not attending the
mandatory 4 hours each week or by not completing modules by the due date.
Module Review: Once students complete all the assignments in the module with an 80% or
better they will complete the paper review. The paper review must be completed with a score
of 80% or better before taking the Module Test.
Module Tests: There will be five Module Tests given during the semester. The Module Tests
can only be taken in the Academic Café and after the Module Review has been completed with
at least a score of 80% or better. Module Test dates are scheduled. However, students may
take the Module Test before the scheduled date if they have completed the required
coursework. When the student is ready to take a Module Test, the student should inform the
instructor. If the minimum score of 75% is not achieved on the first attempt, the instructor will
determine what the student needs to do before having another attempt. Students may need to
revisit homework assignments, work with the individualized study plan, work with other
students on the same module or rework the review problems. Students should not expect to
re-test immediately. If a student does not pass the Module Test on the second attempt, the
student must restart the module from the beginning.
Homework Assignments: Homework assignments will be completed online each week using
WebAssign. Homework assignments should be completed and submitted by the due date listed
in the Tentative Class Calendar. Students must make at least an 80% on each homework
assignment. Students have 10 attempts to get the correct answer on homework problems.
Final Exam Review: A Final Exam Review is available in Blackboard and should be completed
prior to taking the Final Exam. Completion of the review will earn bonus points toward the final
exam grade. The Final Exam Review must be submitted before taking the Final Exam.
Final Exam: A Comprehensive Final Exam will be given when all assignments and Tests have
been completed. The Final Exam is a paper/pencil exam and will only be given in the Academic
Café. All final exams must be completed by May 7th.
Electronic Devices/Phones: The use of cell phones and certain other electronic devices are
prohibited while taking any Module Test in the Academic Café. You should not bring these
devices to the Academic Café. If your device makes noise, or if you are seen using it at any
time while taking an exam you will be dismissed immediately and your exam score will be
recorded as a ZERO.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
Page |8
Math Grading Rubric: Grading Module Tests and the Final Exam are based on a 3 point per
problem system:
0 points: The student left the problem blank, or there were major flaws from the start.
1 point: The student recognized the type of problem and started off correctly, but the
student made some serious errors along the way.
2 points: The student got the majority of the problem correct. Minor errors occurred like
forgetting a negative or an adding mistake.
3 points: The student gave the correct mathematical procedure to solve the problem and
got the correct answer.
Scores will be given based on percentage of earned points. If an exam has 20 questions, it is
worth 60 points. If a student earned 30 points, their score would be 30/60 which is 50%.
Your grade for this course will be computed as follows:
Grade Points:
Assessments:
Online Homework
Module Test 0A
Module Test 0B
Module Test 1A
Module Test 1B
Module Test 2A
Participation
Final Exam
Points:
200+
100
100
100
100
100
100
200
SA
SB
SC
UF
1000+ points
900 - 999 points
800 – 899 points
0 – 799 points
Grading Equivalency: Because Academic Foundations classes are not included in students’
GPAs, grades are not recorded on an A-F scale. An "S" represents satisfactory academic
performance. A "U" represents unsatisfactory academic performance.
Successful completion of this course allows the student to enroll in Algebra intensive entry
level math courses.
Attendance: Among other factors, regular and prompt class attendance is very important for
success in this course.
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Students must sign in and sign out in order to document attendance in the Academic Café.
Instructors will drop students who do not attend prior to the Official Record Date (ORD).
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
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Page |9
Students may drop the course at any time before 65% of the course has been completed
for a grade of Q or W.
Instructors may drop students from the course if absences exceed 20% (12.8 hours) of the
scheduled class meetings. **
Instructors will drop students from the course when absences exceed 40% of the
scheduled class meetings **
o unless said excessive absences accrue after the 65% drop date or
o unless students are in good standing.
Students will accrue hours of absence each week that the student does not meet the
required minimum weekly attendance.
The ORD for this class is: February 3, 2016.
The last day to drop this course is: April 6, 2016.
**It is the practice of The Division of Academic Foundations to drop students whose absences exceed
20% of class meetings and who are failing.
Victoria College Student Services
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
P a g e | 10
Admissions and Records & Welcome Center
Admissions Applications, Transcripts, Grade Submission
Student Services Building,
Suite 107
361.485.6841
www.VictoriaCollege.edu/AdmissionsRecords
Advising and Counseling
Academic Advising, Career & Personal Counseling, Disability Support Services, and Veterans Services
Student Services Building
Suite 105
361.582.2400
www.victoriacollege.edu/advisingcounselingservices
Financial Aid
Childcare Assistance, PELL, Student Loans, Scholarships, & Work Study
Student Services Building
Suite 108
361.572.6415
www.victoriacollege.edu/financialaid
KEY Center **
Johnson Hall, Suite 101
361.582.2414
www.victoriacollege.edu/keycenter
The KEY Center is a federally funded program providing support services for eligible students. **
Pre-College Programs/Dual Credit and Recruitment
Recruitment and TexPREP (summer program)
Student Services Building,
Suite 105
361.485.6823
www.VictoriaCollege.edu/DualCredit
www.VictoriaCollege.edu/PreCollegePrograms
Student Activities Office
Student Government Association, Student Clubs, Activities, Halloween Carnival, Welcome Information Booths
Student Center
361.485.6838
www.victoriacollege.edu/studentactivities
Student Testing Services
TSI, GED, ACT, Online Testing
Continuing Education Center,
Room 202/Testing Room 201
361.582.2589
www.VictoriaCollege.edu/TestingCenter
Tutoring Services
Individual and Group Tutoring
Main Tutor & Study Center
Johnson Hall 106 & 108
361.572.6473
Science Tutoring Center
Health Science Center 121C
361.573.3291 ext. 3282
Gonzales Center Tutoring
Room
830.672.6251
www.victoriacollege.edu/tutoringcenter
Vice President of Student Services
Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, Discipline Issues, Financial Aid Appeals
Student Services Building
361-582-2516
www.victoriacollege.edu/studentservices
Updated 07.07.2015
Additional information on Student Support Services can found in The Victoria College Student
Handbook. A link to the Handbook is in the Publications & Dates folder in the Pirate Portal.
A hardcopy of The Handbook can be obtained by contacting any Student Services office.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.