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Heartland Community College
Division: Math and Science
Course Prefix and number: MATH 091 -09
Credit Hours: 4.0
Course Syllabus for Math 091
Course Title: Preparing for College Math A
Instructor Name: Peter Betz
Office: ICN 2019
Phone: 309-268-8643
Email: peter.betz@heartland.edu
Day of week instructor will send weekly email: Friday
Greetings! We are glad to see you here. We would like to let you know about the course structure since it is not
your traditional math class. The design of this course allows students to work at an accelerated pace and to take
their success with them from semester to semester. We utilize MyLabsPlus (MLP) so that you receive immediate
feedback as you work on math problems with one-on-one instructor help in the Math Lab. In addition, you will
work in groups on activities to enhance your understanding of course topics.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION (Include specific prerequisites):
Prerequisite: Placement by assessment. This course is designed for students who need to develop their math skills
prior to taking college level mathematics. Topics include basic operations with integers, fractions, decimals, signed
numbers, ratios, proportions, percents, and solving equations. For students who can successfully work at an
accelerated pace, additional topics include: real numbers; order of operations; exponents; factoring; linear,
quadratic, polynomial, rational and radical functions; inequalities; and systems of linear equations and inequalities.
Problem solving will be stressed throughout the course.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
 Etext (cost covered by lab fee; included in MLP account www.heartland.mylabsplus.com)
o Martin-Gay, PreAlgebra, 2nd Edition
o Trigsted, Bodden, and Gallaher, Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 1st Edition
 Calculator
o Scientific or four-function calculator on modules 6 – 20; no calculator on modules 1 - 5
 Guided Notebook and three-ring binder
o Guided notebook (for appropriate Milestone) must be purchased from bookstore and placed in
your three-ring binder
 Loose-leaf lined paper for homework and quiz problems
o All homework and quizzes should be added to the three-ring binder after the appropriate section in
the Guided Notebook
 Ear buds or ear phones are required to listen to video lectures in the Math Computer Lab
 Notebooks and ear phones are required in class every day
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND TRANSFERABILITY:
MATH 091 is designed to enhance students' academic performance for other college courses for which they are
currently under-prepared, as indicated by their performance on HCC's math placement exam. Credit earned from
successful completion of this course (or other developmental courses) is not calculated into students' HCC GPA will
not apply toward degree or certificate requirements, nor will it transfer to other colleges or universities. However,
some institutions calculate admissions GPA using grades from all courses, including developmental courses.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
After successfully completing the course, students should be able to:
Course Outcomes
Perform basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) on
integers, fractions, decimals.
Break down numbers into their prime factors and distinguish between a
Range of Assessment Methods
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
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prime and composite number.
Groups, Notebooks
Understand the concept of a ratio and construct a proportion set-up.
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Perform calculations involving percent.
Convert between fractions, decimals and percent.
Set-up and solve basic mathematics application problems.
For students who work at an accelerated pace, the following outcomes may apply:
Simplify an expression using the correct order of operations.
Solve application problems using various methods, including linear and
quadratic equations and proportions.
Simplify exponential expressions involving integer and rational exponents.
Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, including literal
equations.
Simplify square roots and convert radical expressions to exponential form.
Perform basic operations on polynomials and factor polynomials.
Solve quadratic equations by factoring.
Multiply, divide, and simplify rational expressions.
Graph linear equations and linear inequalities in two variables.
Understand the meaning of a function and function notation.
Factor polynomials.
Perform basic operations on polynomials, expressions involving roots and
radicals, rational expressions, and complex numbers.
Solve linear equations and inequalities, absolute value equations and
inequalities, quadratic equations, rational equations, and radical equations.
Solve systems of linear equations and inequalities.
Graph linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, and systems of
linear equations and inequalities.
Recognize the graphs of polynomial, rational, and radical functions.
Write the equation of a line based on specific characteristics provided.
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Whole Number Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division
2. Signed Number Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
Homework, Quiz, Test, Focus
Groups, Notebooks
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Prime/Composite Numbers
Fraction Basics, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division
Decimal Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division
Solving Equations
Ratio and Proportion
Percent
For students who progress at an accelerated pace, additional topics include:
9. Solving linear and quadratic equations and
14. Functions
linear inequalities and basic application
15. Linear and nonlinear Models
problems
16. Algebra and Problem Solving
10. Using linear and quadratic equations to solve
17. Linear Functions and Inequalities
problems
18. Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
11. Simplifying exponential, polynomial, radical,
19. Polynomial Functions and Factoring
and rational expressions
20. Rational Functions and Equations
12. Factoring polynomials
21. Radical Functions and Rational Exponents
13. Graphing linear equations and inequalities
22. Quadratic Functions
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
This course consists of modules covering topics from pre-algebra through the intermediate algebra level—each
with 6-8 sections. At the beginning of each module there is an optional pre-test. Students who pass the pre-test
with a 75% or higher (80% for modules 19 and 20) do not have to do any more work for that module and may move
on to the next module.
Students who do not pass the pre-test for a module or opt to skip the pre-test must complete the components of
the module consisting of video lectures, homework assignments, quizzes, a notebook requirement, and a focus
group project. Students are allowed to re-work assignments and must complete homework with at least a 90%
score and quizzes with at least an 80% score before moving on. Before taking the post-test, a focus group activity
(score of at least 80%) and a notebook check (score of at least 80%) need to be completed. At the end of the
module, a post-test must be passed at a score of at least 75% (80% for Modules 19 and 20). All pre-tests and posttests will be taken in the Math Testing Lab.
The grade for this course will either be a P (passing) upon completion of the appropriate Milestone, or an NP (not
passing) otherwise.
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
Students must read and complete the Guided notebook as well as an Assignment Notebook (lined paper) that
includes all work and steps for all homework and quiz problems. Both notebooks are graded, and must pass at an
80%, in order to move on to a post-test. In addition, the student will need to complete one focus group activity per
module (unless the pretest was passed).
COURSE EXPECTATIONS:
Students are expected to read and adhere to the following policies. These policies are included later in this syllabus.
 Course Policy
 Minimum Pace Policy
 Attendance Policy
 Testing Center Policy
 Focus Group Policy
**Violation of these policies may result in withdrawal from the class with a non-passing grade and may affect
future financial aid.
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TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: The weekly schedule is individualized per student, so the weekly topics vary per student.
Completion of Milestone 1!
Completion of Milestone 1!
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Completion of Milestone 2!
After completion
of Milestone 2
prerequisites
have been met
for:
BIOL 099, BIOL 114, BIOL 121,
CHEM 099, CHEM 120, EASC 151,
EMT 220, PHY 110, SOC 200,
TMAT 103
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Completion of Milestone 3!
After completion
of Milestone 3
prerequisites
have been met
for:
ACCT 200, BIOL 116, BIOL 161,
BIOL 162, BIOL 181, BIOL 191,
ECON 101, MATH 106, MATH
131, MATH 135, MATH 141,
SOC 203
Completion of Milestone 4!
After completion
of Milestone 4
prerequisites
have been met
for:
MATH 109, MATH 111,
MATH 128, MATH 142,
MATH 151
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LIBRARY:
The Library provides fast and free access to credible information from a full range of resources including books,
online journals, videos, newspapers, online music, class reserves, and interlibrary loan. Individualize research by
appointment or come in anytime. See the Library tab in myHeartland, email library@heartland.edu or call (309)
268-8292 for details.
TUTORING SERVICES:
Tutoring Services provides tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland students in Normal, Pontiac, and
Lincoln. Tutors are available at convenient times throughout the week. Study groups are also available by request.
For more information about services available at each location, please call (309) 268-8231 (Normal), (815) 842-6777
(Pontiac), or (217) 735-1731 (Lincoln).
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES:
Disability Support Services (DSS) ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to the college’s programs,
services and activities through the provision of reasonable accommodations as mandated in Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. DSS offers a wide range of services to support students
with disabilities. Students with a documented disability who wish to discuss academic accommodations should call
(309) 268-8259.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community College and is essential to the
credibility of the College’s educational programs. The College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonesty as a
serious offense requiring disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion from the
College. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning cheating or
other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresenting data, falsifying academic records or documents and
unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative records or systems. Definitions of violations are
found in the college catalog.
PLAGIARISM:
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper, create a project, do
a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work, except for that which is attributed to
another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is considered a serious academic offense and may take the
following forms:
 Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
 Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
 Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.
 Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.
 Using another person’s project or another person’s work as if it were your own.
[Adapted from the Modem Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed. New
York: MLA, 2009:51-61]
The penalties for plagiarism may be severe, ranging from failure on the particular piece of work, failure in the
course or expulsion from school in extreme cases. Many plagiarism problems can be remedied by citing the
sources of the original work. When in doubt, cite the source according to the style your instructor directs. Usually
this is APA or MLA Style. You can cite everything, including pamphlets, maps, cereal boxes, telephone
conversations, movies, television shows, Internet and world-wide web sites.
DISCLAIMER:
This syllabus is subject to change, any changes will be posted under Announcements in MLP.
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Course Policy
Classroom Etiquette:
o Cell phones must be silenced and stowed. Step outside the room to take any emergency calls or texts.
o No food or drinks in the computer lab.
o No children are allowed in the Math lab, testing lab, or unattended in the hall.
o You must place coat, backpack, purse, and/or bags out of the way.
o Sit in your assigned seating area (class or drop-in areas).
o If you are changing between class-time and drop-in time, move to the appropriate area in the classroom.
o Confine conversations to talking about Math 091 course work. You are encouraged to quietly work with
classmates on your homework assignments.
o Log off your computer whenever leaving the computer lab (restroom, testing, class break).
o Computers in the Math lab or testing lab are exclusively for Math 091.
o Personal laptops are not allowed in the Math lab.
Classroom model:
o Instructors/facilitators will give one-on-one help to students as needed:
 Answer HW questions after checking progress in notebook
 Check student progress
 Review a quiz (after 4 attempts) or post-test (after 2 attempts)
 Offer study tips, including use of study plan
 Check notebook
Calculator Policy:
o No graphing calculators allowed in the lab (even if you are only using it for arithmetic).
o Cell phones are not acceptable substitutes for calculators.
o Four function or scientific calculators on Modules 6 – 20; No calculators allowed on Modules 1 – 5.
Course Structure (for each module):
o Take Pretest (optional)
 For each section:
o Watch the video and read etext while filling out the Guided Notebook
o Complete homework (score of 90% to move on) and record work in Assignment Notebook
o Complete quiz (score of 80% to move on) and record work in Assignment Notebook

You have 4 attempts on each quiz
o Complete Focus Group (score of 80% to move on)
o Obtain notebook check, Guided and Assignment (score of 80% to move on)
o Take practice test and utilize Study Plan to review problems missed in practice test(optional)
o Take Post Test (Modules 1 – 18: score of 75% to move on; Modules 19, 20: 80% to move on)

You have 2 attempts on each post-test

Post-test are comprehensive
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Communication:
o Read weekly emails sent by your instructor, reply to them when you are required to do so.
o
Check your HCC email account 3-5 times/week (this is the only accepted email account).
Disability Accommodations:
o Students will be given a copy of their disability accommodations form.
o
It is your responsibility to show this to a facilitator/instructor in the lab if you need an accommodation.
o
If you have a time extension accommodation, your instructor will have already changed the time limits
before you go to the testing lab
 Testing assistants do not have the ability to adjust these time limits
 Email your instructor if there is an issue with the time limit
o
Calculators are not allowed on Modules 1-5 for any reason
 To meet this accommodation, all students will have multiplication and addition tables available to them
to use while in the computer lab and the testing lab
Consequences
These policies were written to improve your chances of success in this course. In general, these violations will be
handled with a verbal reminder of the policy. Unwillingness to comply and/or repeated violations will result in the
following:
o
1st violation: You will be removed from the classroom for the remainder of the class period. You will be
locked out of MLP until you have talked to your instructor.
o
2nd violation: You will be given a failing grade for the course and will be locked out of MLP until the next
semester.
**Violation of these policies may result in withdrawal from the class with a non-passing grade and may affect
future financial aid.
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Minimum Pace Policy
This goal of this policy is to help you succeed in completing this course within a semester.
Required course pace:
On Pace
Warning Pace
Behind Pace
Milestone 1 and 2
3 sections/wk
2 sections/wk
<= 1 section/wk
Milestone 3 and 4
1 section/wk
<1 section/wk
<1 section/2 weeks
Note:
o
o
For Milestone 1 and 2: pre and post tests count as 2 sections of work.
For Milestone 3 and 4: pre and post tests count as 1 section of work.
To maintain minimum pace, at least 3-6 additional hours per week should be spent on course work outside of your
required class and drop-in time.
Weekly instructor feedback:
o If you are on pace, you will receive positive confirmation from your instructor.
 If you finish Milestones 1 – 3 early, you may begin the next Milestone.
 If you finish Milestone 4 before the end of the 4th week, you may take a 12-week college level course.
 Once you complete your Milestone, you will receive a P grade.
Consequences
o
If you are 1 section behind pace, you will receive a warning email from your instructor.
o
If you are 2 or more sections behind pace, you will be required to meet with your instructor outside of class
time within 1 week.
o
After meeting with your instructor, if you are still not up to minimum pace, you will be required to spend 2
additional class period per week in the lab (for a total of 6 hours) until minimum pace is obtained. These
count as absences if missed.
 If you miss a scheduled meeting with your instructor, you will receive an additional 2 hour time
commitment automatically.
**Violation of these policies may result in withdrawal from the class with a non-passing grade and may affect
future financial aid.
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Attendance Policy
For Math 091, a class period means a 50 minute period, so on your class day you are assigned two 50 minute
periods. Each period starts on the hour.
o
Attendance means working in the lab for a 50 minute period. Between your two 50 minute class periods,
you have an optional 10 minute break.
o
Your scheduled time counts for 2 class periods per week.
o
You are required to complete 2 additional class periods per week. This could consist of 2 periods of lab
time or 1 period of lab time and 1 focus group or testing time.
o
You are responsible for your 200 minutes a week in the lab/focus group room until you have completed a
Milestone.
o
Upon successful completion of a Milestone, you will no longer be required to attend class or focus group.
o
You are allowed a maximum of 8 class periods of absence per semester. 1 missed period equals 1 absence.
o
If you are 5 or more minutes late or leave 5 or more minutes early, without the instructor’s approval, this
will count as ½ an absence.
o
After 8 absences, the next absence or partial absence will cause you to be dropped from the course and you
must reenroll the next semester to continue your work.
o
Extended absences (athletics, military, planned medical procedures, jury duty etc.) will require
documentation in order to be excused. If possible, documentation needs to be presented prior to the
absence.
o
Required attendance may include additional hours per week. Refer to the information in the minimum
pace policy.
Canceled Class Policy:
If your class in canceled due to any reason (weather, holiday, and emergency):
o
You are still required to meet minimum pace
o
During Thanksgiving week, no drop-in hours are required to meet the attendance policy.
o
It is highly recommended to complete 4 drop-in hours Thanksgiving week.
Make up Procedure
If you are going to miss a scheduled class period, you should contact your instructor at least 24 hours prior to the
start of the missed class period to arrange an alternate time. You may only use this option twice in a semester,
otherwise, a missed class period counts as an absence.
**Violation of these policies may result in withdrawal from the class with a non-passing grade and may affect
future financial aid.
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Testing Policy
Taking a pre-test or post-test is different than anything else you do in this class. You are not allowed any aids or
help on these timed tests, and they are proctored in the Math Testing Lab. Please note that the testing lab is next
door to the math lab. You will not be using the Heartland testing center (located in ICB) for any testing in this
course.
Academic Integrity Policies:
o You may not use calculators on Modules 1-5. A multiplication and addition table will be available for you to
use on any Module.
o
Cell phone, including Bluetooth, earpiece, and other accessories must be stowed out of view.
o
Cell phones are not acceptable substitutes for calculators.
o
No graphing calculators are allowed in the testing lab (even if you are only using it for arithmetic).
o
You may not utilize notes or try to give/receive help during testing.
o
Scratch paper cannot be taken out of the testing center; it must be given to the testing center proctor.
o
Notebooks may not be used while testing.
o
You will need to show a picture ID before taking a test in the testing lab.
 If your ID does not match the account you sign into, then you will not be able to take the test.
General Policies:
o You must have a picture ID to take all pre and post - tests in the Math Testing Lab.
o
Cell phones must be silenced.
o
If you leave the testing lab for any reason, your test is finished.
o
Food and drinks (except for water) are prohibited in the Math Testing Lab.
o
You must place coat, backpack, purse, and/or bags out of the way.
Consequences
Academic Integrity Consequences:
o We have a zero tolerance policy for cheating. If you violate one of the above academic integrity policies,
you will automatically fail the course for the semester.
General Consequences for non-Academic Integrity issues:
o A verbal reminder will be given.
o
Non-compliance will result in expulsion from the Math Testing Lab.
o
Repeated offenses may result in being withdrawn from the course with an NP.
**Violation of these policies may result in withdrawal from the class with a non-passing grade and may affect
future financial aid.
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Focus Group Policy
General:
o The FG sign-up sheets will be located in the Math Lab.

o
Each FG time will have its own sign-up sheet.
Print your name and module under the day and time of the FG you plan on attending.
 You will be able to sign up for focus group times a week in advance.
 Sign up for a FG time closes 10 minutes before that FG class starts.
 The FG room seats 40 students, you can sign up for any time/day until this maximum is reached.
o
Most of the time, you will be working with other students in the same module.
 However, if no other student signs up for the same module then you will be working by yourself.
o
There will be an instructor and a tutor in the room to help your group work through the activity.
o
Notebooks or other materials are not allowed to be used while working on a FG.

Scratch paper will be provided.
Grading:
o Focus Group (FG) grades will be posted in MLP within 48 hours. It is your responsibility to check that the
grade is posted before attempting the post-test.
 If the posted grade is not 80% or above, it is your responsibility to sign-up for another FG time to correct
that activity.
o
Your FG grade will only be recorded if you have reached the appropriate section in the module.
 If you complete a FG activity before reaching the required section first (listed in the upper right hand
corner of the activity) then this activity will not count and you will need to redo it.
Attendance:
Attendance is vital for focus groups since this is based on group learning.
o
If you are more than 5 minutes late for your focus group time, you will not be allowed in the classroom and
this will count as 1 absence.
o
If you sign up for a FG time and do not show up at all, this also counts as one absence.
Missing a FG time means you will need to sign up for another available time.
**Violation of these policies may result in withdrawal from the class with a non-passing grade and may affect
future financial aid.
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Math 091 Student Contract
Students: Please read and sign the following statement.
I have read the syllabus and all of the policies, and I understand the obligations it places on me. I understand that
an essential component of Heartland Community College is a commitment to maintaining an atmosphere of
intellectual integrity and academic honesty. Any violation of this syllabus may result in my withdrawal from the
class with a non-passing grade and may affect my future financial aid.
Instructor:___________________________________________
Section:____________________________________
Student Name:________________________________________________Student ID#_____________________
Student Signature:__________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
P a g e | 15
Math 091 Student Contract
Students: Please read and sign the following statement.
I have read the syllabus and all of the policies, and I understand the obligations it places on me. I understand that
an essential component of Heartland Community College is a commitment to maintaining an atmosphere of
intellectual integrity and academic honesty. Any violation of this syllabus may result in my withdrawal from the
class with a non-passing grade and may affect my future financial aid.
Instructor:___Peter Betz_____________________________________
Section:_MATH 091-09___________________________________
Student Name:________________________________________________Student ID#_____________________
Student Signature:__________________________________________________________
Return this page to your instructor by Friday of Week 2.