UNT/NCTC
BEGINNING ALGEBRA COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Name & Number
Beginning Algebra
NCTM0351.003/
MATH 0305.603
Semester & Year
Spring 2011
TR
11:00 - 12:20 AM
GAB 317
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
4 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 course includes basic algebraic concepts and notations: algebraic
expressions and equations, factoring polynomials, and graphing. Some prior
algebra knowledge required. This course does not count toward graduation at
NCTC/UNT.
Prerequisite for MATH 0305
Pass Math 0303/NCTM 0331 with a “C” or better or THEA score placement.
Textbooks & Materials
Required /
Recommended
Required: MyMathLab Access code/kit.
MyMathLab (MML) may be purchased packaged with 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: adams73595
Optional: John Tobey, Jeffrey Slater, & Jamie Blair: Beginning and
Intermediate Algebra, Prentice Hall, Inc., 2006, 2nd ed. (optional)
*** NO GRAPHING CALCULATORS NOR CELL PHONE CALCULATORS
ALLOWED – ONLY SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS ALLOWED. ***
Course Competencies
At the completion of the course the student should be able to:
 perform operations of arithmetic on real numbers.
 perform operations with algebraic expressions.
 solve equations and inequalities.
 graph and write linear equations.
 solve systems of linear equations.
 perform operations with exponents and polynomials.
 factor polynomials.
Attendance Policy
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.
Tentative Calendar
Date
Starting
Week 1
January 18
Week 2
January 24
Week 3
January 31
Week 4
February 7
Week 5
February 14
Week 6
February 21
Week 7
February 28
Week 8
March 7
Week 9
March 21
Week 10
March 28
Week 11
April 4
Week 12
April 11
Week 13
Week 14
April 18
April 25
Week 15
May 2
Topic
Introduction;
2.1 Equations
2.2, 2.3 Solving Equations
2.4 Equations with fractions
2.5 Translating into algebraic expressions
2.6 Word problems
2.7 Word problems using Geometry
2.8 Solving Inequalities
Review Chapter 2
TEST #1: Chapter 2
3.1 Coordinate plane
3.2 Graphing lines
3.3 Slope of a line
3.4 Writing equations of lines
Appendix 5 Point Slope Form
3.5 Graphing linear inequalities
3.6 Functions
3.6 Functions
4.1 Systems of equations
4.3 Applications of systems
(2 Variables only)
Review
TEST #2: Chapter 3 and 4.1, 4.3
5.1 Exponents
5.2 Negative exponents
5.3 Polynomial operations
5.4 Multiplying polynomials
5.4, 5.5 Multiplying polynomials
5.6 Dividing polynomials
Review
TEST # 3: Chapter 5
6.1 Greatest common factor
6.2 Factoring by grouping
6.5 Factoring special cases
6.3 Factoring trinomials
6.4 Factoring trinomials
6.6 Review of factoring
6.7 Solving quadratic equations by factoring
Review
TEST #4: Chapter 6
Review for Final Exam
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)
Class Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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.
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.
Four unit tests are scheduled during the semester. Non-graphing calculators
will be permitted for use during the tests. 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 8:00AM-10:00AM.
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
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.
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
Disability
Accommodations:
It is the responsibility of students with certified disabilities to provide the instructor with appropriate
documentation from the Dean of Students Office.
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.