Course Syllabus
Intermediate Algebra: Math 096
Great Basin College, 1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV 89801, http://www.gbcnv.edu
Course Information
Intermediate Algebra Math 96 – 1005 (30064), 3 credits
January 21 – May 16, Monday and Wednesday 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm, Elko GMCML 220
This is the second course in algebra for students who have successfully completed the equivalent of a
first year algebra course. Topics include: the real number system, first degree equations and inequalities,
polynomials, factoring, rational equations, exponents, radicals, linear equations, functions, exponential
and logarithmic functions, nonlinear equations and inequalities, and systems of equations and
inequalities.
Prerequisite: Math 95 within two years, sufficient score on placement exam or SAT/ACT score, or
department chair approval prior to taking the course.
Instructor Name & Contact Information
Mike Mott
Email:
mike.mott@me.com **THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME**
Contact through Webcampus: via email, GBC Coffee House or possible Chat times
Contact through MyMathLab: Not my preferred method. I am not able to answer questions without being
at my computer.
Communicating with me (Your Instructor)
This course uses a “three before me” policy in regards to student to faculty communications. When
questions arise during the course of this class, please remember to check these three sources for an
answer before asking me to reply to your individual questions:
1. Course syllabus
2. The Week's Module
3. The “GBC Coffee House” discussion board
This may help you find answers before I can get back to you and it also helps your instructor answer
questions once to the benefit of all students in the class.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in the class material, please post your question first to the
“GBC Coffee House” discussion board. Here your question can be answered to the benefit of all students
by either your fellow students who know the answer to your question or the instructor. You are
encouraged to answer questions from other students in the discussion forum when you know the answer
to a question in order to help provide timely assistance.
If you have questions of a personal nature such as relating a personal emergency, questioning a grade
on an assignment, or something else that must be communicated privately, you are welcome to contact
me via the Inbox or my GBC email (again this email I am able to respond quicker to). I will usually
respond to email messages from 8am to 5pm on weekdays, unless it is a holiday or Spring break, within
one day.
I answer content information for the course only, if you have a question about the technology being
used in the course, please contact the GBC Help Desk for assistance (775-753-2167),
helpdesk@gbcnv.edu, www.gbcnv.edu/techdesk ).
For technical issues with MyMathLab, please contact their customer support at (800-677-6337). You may
be able to find your answer on the website also.
Setting up Your Profile & Notifications
One of the most important things you can do to improve communication in the course between you, the
instructor and other students in the course is setting up your Profile and Notifications on Web Campus.
Do this by clicking on Settings in the upper right corner.
Course Textbook and Materials
Required:
1. Internet access and a semester long account with MyMathLab. You can purchase
the access code online at www.MyMathLab.com when you go to create your
account. You will need the Course Id : mott12603
2. Scientific calculator that you know how to operate. You will be allowed to use your
calculator on exams. (you are not allowed to use a cell phone)
Optional: Textbook: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra 5/E by Elayn Martin-Gay ISBN:
9780321785121, notebook, binder, loose leaf paper and graph paper
**Please note that you will be taking a comprehensive final at the end of the course. An
organized binder with good notes, examples, formulas and vocabulary will helps the
student learn the material and review it for the final exam.
Learning Outcomes and Measurements
Learning Outcome
Measurement
Solve and graph linear equations, inequalities, and Weekly assignments on MyMathLab, Exam #1,
functions to include absolute value
Midterm, and the Final
Solve systems of equations and inequalities by
Weekly assignments on MyMathLab, Midterm, and
various techniques including graphing, substitution, the Final
elimination, and be able to solve various
applications using systems
Perform operations, simplify, and solve equations
Weekly assignments on MyMathLab, Exam #2 and
containing rational expressions
the Final
Solve a variety of applied problems involving
Weekly assignments on MyMathLab, Exam #2 and
rational expressions
the Final
Simplify complex fractions
Weekly assignments on MyMathLab, Exam #2 and
the Final
Convert to and from rational exponent form,
Weekly assignments on MyMathLab and the Final
simplify radicals with any index, and solve
equations containing radicals
Recognize the need and rationalize denominators
Weekly assignments on MyMathLab and the Final
Solve quadratic equations by the most convenient
Weekly assignments on MyMathLab and the Final
method
Method of Instruction
Our class meets live Monday and Wednesday evenings starting at 5:30 PM. Each class will consist of a
review, a lecture on new topics, and in class discussion/practice. It is in the student’s interest to attend
every class in order to keep up with course material.
Students learn math by working problems, not by watching others work problems. Students are
encouraged to read the material and try to work a few problems before attending class to achieve the
greatest benefit from the lectures. All graded homework is to be completed weekly on
www.MyMathLab.com.
Students are highly encouraged to use the resources available on our class webcampus site and the
MyMathLab site. You will find modules outlining the learning outcomes and other resources. Plus the
use of GBC Coffee House to ask myself and other students in the class questions you may have. This is
very useful over the weekends when I am not at my computer to answer your questions. We generally
have very talented students in each course that are willing to help their fellow classmates. Please be
aware that webcampus is for information only. Your graded assignments are on MyMathLab.
Testing: All testing will take place at approved testing centers. If you are not at a GBC campus, you
need to notify me immediately with your testing location and contact information of the proctor. It is the
students responsibility to know when their testing center is open (days of the week, hours and any holiday
closings). Students will have a week to schedule and take each exam. Do so accordingly. I do not
anticipate any need to extend or reschedule exams considering the given freedom of time to do so. In
case of an extreme emergency the student is to notify me immediately of the need to reschedule. Be
aware that you will need documentation for a possible approval. You will be allowed to use your
calculator (not a cell phone) and scratch paper only for each exam.
You are required to complete your assignments on MyMathLab and take all exams scheduled
during the course. There will be no assignments or exams dropped. All graded work counts
toward your final grade. Ultimately your success in this course is your responsibility. Plan
accordingly.
Computer Requirements
This course requires that you have access to a computer that can access the internet. You will need to
have access to, and be able to use, the following software packages:

A web browser (An up-to-date version of Google Chrome, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox).

Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)

Adobe Flash Player (free)

Microsoft Word


www.MyMathLab.com (you must purchase a semester long access code)
You are responsible for having a reliable computer and internet connection throughout the course.
Great Basin College centers have open lab hours for your use. Local libraries usually have computers
for public assess. It is up to YOU to find reliable computer access for this course.
Attendance/Preparation/Participation

Attendance in this course means being present for all class meetings and logging into

MyMathLab on a regular basis to work on assigned problems.
Preparation for class means studying the assigned module on webcampus (recommended before
and after class), completing assignments on MyMathLab, and preparing for exams by reviewing

your notes and class material.
Participation for this course means logging into Webcampus weekly to check for any
announcements, to ask for help when confused, to review and respond to any discussions in the
Coffee House & to understand the current module requirements.
Studying and Preparation Time
The course requires you to spend time preparing and completing assignments. A three-credit college
course requires 135 hours of student work. Therefore expect to spend approximately nine hours a
week preparing for and actively participating in this course.
Late or Missed Assignments
All assignments are completed and graded on MyMathLab. The end dates are clear and already
set. You generally have seven days to complete the questions assigned each week and five days to
take each exam. Plan accordingly, late assignments and missed exams will not be accepted.
Submitting Assignments
All assignments and exams are completed on www.MyMathLab.com All grades will be posted in the
grade book on MyMathLab only.
Drop and Add dates
If you feel it is necessary to withdraw from the course, please see GBC Calendar for full details on the
types of withdrawals that are available and their procedures. LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW WITH A “W”
IS March 24th.
Subject to change notice
All material, assignments, and deadlines are subject to change with prior notice to benefit the learning of
students in the course. It is your responsibility to stay in touch with your instructor, review the course site
regularly, or communicate with other students, to adjust as needed if assignments or due dates change.
Academic Integrity
GBC expects and requires all its students to act with honesty and integrity, and respect the rights of
others in carrying out all academic assignments. Click for more information on academic integrity,
including the policy and appeal procedures and the Student Conduct Statement below.
Great Basin College considers academic honesty one of its highest values. A student who obtains
academic credit for work that is not the product of his or her own effort is being dishonest and
undermining the academic integrity of the college. Students are expected to be the sole authors of their
work. Use of another’s ideas must be accompanied by specific citation and reference. In addition, a
learner may not submit the same work for credit in more than one course. The disciplinary consequences
of plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty include non-acceptance of work submitted, a failing
grade in the course, and/or or other disciplinary action as outlined in Great Basin College’s Student
Conduct Policy.
Grades and Grading Scale
Course grade will be based on the points earned on the weekly MyMathLab weekly assignments
and exams, divided by the total number of points available. There are 5 bonus points available.
The letter grade will correspond with the following percentages achieved. All course requirements must
be completed before a grade is assigned. To determine the final course grade, your individual grades will
be calculated on a percentage scale and letter grade assigned as shown below.
Grade
Percent range
Points (total of 410)
+ 5 pts extra credit
A
90 – 100
369-410
B
80 – 89
328-368
C
70 – 79
287-327
D
60 – 69
246-286
F
0 - 59
<246
Graded Component
Qty
Available Points
(each)
Total
Points
Weekly Assignments on
MyMathlab
10
15
150
Exams
40
2
80
Midterm
80
1
80
100
1
100
Final
Extra Credit (not in total), syllabus quiz on Webcmpus
Total Points
5
410
How to Succeed in this Course

Log in to the course web site to review the current module, review student resources within the
module, work on MyMathLab daily.

Communicate with your instructor

Create a study schedule so that you are able to complete each assignment and thoroughly prepare

for each exam.
If you start to struggle get help immediately!!!
Student Conduct Statement
Students are required to adhere to the behavior standards listed in GBC Student Conduct and Netiquette
Policies. Students are entitled to receive instruction free from interference by other members of the class.
If a student is disruptive, an instructor may ask the student to stop the disruptive behavior and warn the
student that such disruptive behavior can result in withdrawal from the course. An instructor may withdraw
a student from a course when the student's behavior disrupts the educational process under NSHE Code,
Title 2, Chapter 6. Section 6.2.2.
Appropriate classroom behavior is defined by the instructor. This includes the number and length of
individual messages online. Course discussion messages should remain focused on the assigned
discussion topics. Students must maintain a cordial atmosphere and use tact in expressing differences of
opinion. Inappropriate discussion board messages may be deleted if an instructor feels it is necessary.
Students will be notified privately that their posting was inappropriate.
Student access to the course InBox and Discussion tools may be limited or removed if an instructor feels
that students are sending inappropriate or disparaging remarks about the course in electronic messages
to other students in the course.
Syllabus Disclaimer
The instructor views the course syllabus as an educational contract between the instructor and students.
Every effort will be made to avoid changing the course schedule but the possibility exists that unforeseen
events will make syllabus changes necessary. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the
syllabus as deemed necessary. Students will be notified in a timely manner of any syllabus changes faceto-face, via email or in the course site Announcements. Please remember to check your WebCampus
often.
Student Assistance and Technical Support Contact
Information
GBC's Academic Success Centers (ASC) on the Elko campus and at GBC's rural centers offer the
following services to GBC students, all at no cost. GBC is committed to your success!
775-753-2149

Live tutoring -- free to all GBC students

Free placement testing


Proctored testing
Open computer labs
GBC's Library on the Elko Campus provides electronic and digital resources to help students in their
research and learning.
Contact the library through the "Ask a Librarian" form or 775-753-2222.
GBC's Technology HelpDesk provides Web Campus assistance when students click on the Help button
in the upper right hand corner in Web Campus, call 775-753-2167, or email helpdesk@gbcnv.edu.
For information on college closures and outages see the GBC Homepage, for information on Web
Campus slowdowns or outages visit this site.
Accessibility Statement
Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students with
disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish
current verification of disability. The Disability Services Office, located in Leonard Student Life Center, will
assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate and reasonable accommodations,
auxiliary aids, and services. For more information or further assistance, please call 775-753-2271.
COURSE TENTITIVE SCHEDULE
Week
Monday
1
Wednesday
Assignment
Due date/time
Introduction, 3.4 &
MyMathLab #1
1/27 by 11:59 pm
3.5
2
3.6
8.1
MyMathLab #2
2/3 by 11:59 pm
3
8.2
8.4
MyMathLab #3
2/10 by 11:59 pm
4
4.1 - 4.2
4.3 - 4.4
MyMathLab #4
2/17 by11:59 pm
Exam #1
2/10 - 2/14 COB at
Chapters 3.4 - 3.6,
the testing center
8.1, 8.2, and 8.4
5
9.1
9.2
MyMathLab #5
2/24 by 11:59 pm
6
9.3
9.4
MyMathLab #6
3/3 by 11:59 pm
Midterm handed out
3/4 In Class
week 1 - 6
7
Factoring Review
Factoring Review
Hand out
3/10 In Class
8
7.1
7.2
MyMathLab #7
3/17 by 11:59 pm
9
7.3
7.4
MyMathLab #8
3/31 by 11:59 pm
7.7
MyMathLab #9
4/7 by 11;59 pm
Exam #2 Chapter 7
4/7 - 4/11 by COB at
Spring Break
10
7.5
the testing center
11
10.1
10.2
MyMathLab #10
4/14 by 11:59 pm
12
10.3
10.4
MyMathLab #11
4/21 by 11:59 pm
13
10.5
10.6
MyMathLab #12
4/28 by 11:59 pm
14
11.1
11.2
MyMathLab #13
5/5 by 11:59 pm
15
11.3
review
MyMathLab #14
5/12 by 11:59 pm
Final
5/12 - 5/13 COB
16
week 1 - week 15