Algebra Syllabus
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MATH 1710-K 01 and 02               Course Syllabus       

Course Title: Transitional College Algebra

Description: College Algebra. Three credits. This is a special section of Math 1710 with additional content addressing deficiencies which may hinder successful completion of the course.  It is not a prerequisite to College Algebra (Math 1710).  It is an equivalent course and satisfies the General Education Mathematics requirement and meets specific requirements for programs as outlined in the MTSU Undergraduate Catalog. Topics include factoring of polynomials; simplifying radical expressions; exponential properties; graphing equations; functions—linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic; analysis of graphs; linear systems; inequalities; counting principles; and probability.  All sections of this course require a graphing calculator.

Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and a Math Enhanced ACT of 17-18 or COMPASS placement or successful completion of MATH 1000 or equivalent.

Instructor: Mrs. Annette Williams

Office: SAG 114

Phone: (615) 898-5558

Email: awilliam@mtsu.edu

Office Hours: TBA

CourseCompass (MML) Website:  http://www.coursecompass.com

My Website: http://www.mtsu.edu/awilliam

Text: College Algebra with Modeling & Visualization, 4th edition, by Rockswold. The text is online and homework is done online, so students are required to buy a code to enroll online to do homework. It is not necessary to buy the text if you are comfortable using the online version. The Course ID and information about enrolling will be discussed on the first day of class.

Calculator: A TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.

General Education Mathematics Goal & Learning Outcomes:

Goal: The goal of mathematics is to expand students’ understanding of mathematics beyond the entry-level requirements for college and to extend their knowledge of mathematics through relevant mathematical modeling with applications, problem solving, critical thinking skills, and the use of appropriate technologies.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate the ability to

1. Use mathematics to solve problems and determine if the solutions are reasonable.

2. Use mathematics to model real world behaviors and apply mathematical concepts to the solution of real-life problems.

3. Make meaningful connections between mathematics and other disciplines.

4. Use technology for mathematical reasoning and problem solving.

5. Apply mathematical and/or basic statistical reasoning to analyze data and graphs.

Course Requirements: In order to accomplish the learning outcomes of this course, the learner is required to

Attend class lectures

Participate in class activities

Read and study assignments

Solve assigned problem sets

Complete test, quizzes, homework, etc.

Complete a comprehensive final exam

Attendance: Attendance is expected for every class session. You are responsible for all material covered in class. If you cease to attend class, your last day of attendance will be reported. This could affect your financial aid and/or scholarships.

Attendance Bonus: 10 points will be added to the student’s total test points if he/she has not missed more than 3 absences for any reason, and he/she has neither been tardy nor left early more that 3 times.

Final Exam: The final examination is a Mathematics Department, comprehensive examination given to all students enrolled in MATH 1710. Students are required to have completed the final examination as per the scheduled date/time for their respective section: see Academic Calendar on MTSU Pipeline. The final examination is closed book and closed notes (except for allowed 3x5 note card).

Examination pamphlets and scratch paper are provided by the exam proctor. Unexcused absences for the final examination result in a course grade of F.

Note: Students are responsible for, and required to bring the following materials to the final examination: (1) a large scantron, Form No. 4521, (2) a TI 83 or 84 Plus graphing calculator, (3) a #2 pencil, and (4) a small (3 x 5) note card containing student preferred information.

Note: The results of the final exam may be used for departmental and University study as a part of the Tennessee Board of Regents assessment of general education. Please know that no names will appear in the study and the anonymity of all test scores is assured. Your participation in the study is voluntary, and your decision to participate or not will not affect your course grade or your standing with Middle Tennessee State University.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will have:

Enhanced mathematical and problem solving skills.

Applied algebraic methods to the solution of practical problems.

Explored the capabilities of the graphing calculator to better understand algebraic concepts.

Developed an understanding of functions from graphical, numeric, and symbolic viewpoints.

Developed familiarity with polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions including examples of their utility in modeling real-world phenomena.

Solved systems of linear equations by a variety of methods, including matrix methods.

Applied counting principles in the computation of probabilities.

Course Topics: This course consists of selected topics from Chapters R, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 in the required text, College Algebra with Modeling & Visualization, 4th edition, by Rockswold, including linear, quadratic, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions; analysis of graphs; linear systems; inequalities; counting principles; and probability.

Sections To Be Covered:
R.1: Pythagorean Theorem only
R.2: all
R.4: omit sum and difference of cubes
R.6: all
R.7: all
Chapter 1: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5
Chapter 2: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5
Chapter 3: 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5
Chapter 4: 4.2, 4.6
Chapter 5: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6
Chapter 6: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7
Chapter 8: 8.3, 8.6

Evaluation and Grading:

Six tests other than the Final Exam will be given. The lowest grade of these six will be dropped. The average of these tests counts 65%, the homework counts 15%, and the final exam counts 20% of the final course grade.

Grading Scale:

A: 90-100%       B: 80-89%           C: 70-79%          D: 60-69%       F: Below 60%

 There is NO plus/minus grading in Math 1710.

Please Note: Transitional courses may not be dropped without permission from Dr. Marva Lucas.

Last day to drop without a grade: September 11

Last day to drop with a “W”: October 16

A grade of “I” will be given only in accordance with University policy.

If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any accommodations for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please speak with me as soon as possible. Students may also contact the Office of Disabled Students Services at (898-2783) with questions about such services.

Do you have a lottery scholarship?

To retain Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship eligibility, you must earn a cumulative TELS GPA of 2.75 after 24 and 48 attempted hours and a cumulative TELS GPA of 3.0 thereafter. You may qualify with a 2.75 cumulative GPA after 72 attempted hours (and subsequent semesters), if you are enrolled full-time and maintain a semester GPA of at least 3.0. A grade of C, D, F, or I in this class may negatively impact TELS eligibility. Dropping a class after 14 days may also impact eligibility; if you withdraw from this class and it results in an enrollment status of less than full time, you may lose eligibility for your lottery scholarship. Lottery recipients are eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum of five years from the date of initial enrollment, or until a bachelor degree is earned. For additional Lottery rules, please refer to your Lottery Statement of Understanding form, review lottery requirements on the web at http://scholarships.web.mtsu.edu/telsconteligibility.htm, or contact the Financial Aid Office at 898-2830.

Classroom Conduct: 
1. Do not bring children, friends, or pets to class with you.
2. TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES DURING CLASS AND LAB TIME. The exception to this is that if you are signed up for RAVE with MTSU, you may keep you phone on vibrate in order to receive alert messages only.
3. No earphones may be worn in class; no electronic equipment may be played in class.
4. Sleeping or working on assignments for another course during class is prohibited.
5. Academic dishonesty (i.e. copying homework, receiving or giving help on tests or quizzes) will result in a zero being given on the test or assignment. Personal integrity is expected of all students.
6. Ball caps must be turned backwards or removed during tests.
7. Class disruption, inappropriate language, and inappropriate clothing are not allowed. You are expected to respect your fellow students as well as your instructor and to be a positive part of the learning environment.
8. Laptops may not be used in class.

 

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