Great Basin College
MATH 095 – 3 Credits
FALL– 2016
CourseDescription:
This is a first course in Algebra for students who plan to continue in the math sequence. This is a lecture based class and will cover the following topics: operationson real numbers, simplifying expressions, solving linear and quadratic equations,polynomials, factoring, radicals, and the concept ofgraphing. Prerequisite: Must have completed Math 91 or earned a satisfactory score for placement into Math 95 or Math 97.
Instructor Info:
Chris Harmon
e-mail:
Education Philosophy
Mathematics is a comprehensive subject that influences our lives in profound ways. Knowing how the concepts are employed in everyday life is a matter of enrichment and betterment; therefore, it is to our benefit to learn about this diverse language. It is only the formal, pedagogical approaches that have created our everyday loathing of the subject matter, which can certainly be set aside for our studies moving forward. It is my intent to help you learn about math in a somewhat traditional setting, but with a positive and optimistic approach. You will excel in this course and you will gain the necessary skills you need moving forward in your studies.
Regardless of your experiences with math, this is a point that allows you to begin anew. In mathematics, there is a concentration of study that would suit any learning style, if only the opportunity were presented to learn the topics at the right time, be they: algebraic, statistical, geometric, logical, planar, calculus based, or yet unknown to the laymen. When you hear someone say, “I hate math,” know that it is only their exposure to arithmetic and elementary algebra that has created this determination; otherwise, the declaration would include an aversion to many of life’s cycles. In this way, I can agree – “I hate math too!”
Textbook(s) and other resources:
Martin-Gay’s Beginning & Intermediate Algebra 6thEdition
ISBN 13: 978-0-13-419617-6 OR ISBN 10: 0-13-419617-1
I recommend the hardcover edition. This book will be used for MATH 96 also.
Additional Student Responsibilities:
- All students will be required to have a working email address and computer access.
- All students need to make sure that they have provided the college and the instructor with updated contact information.
- It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor in order to keep up with any missed classes and it is the student’s responsibility to turn assignments in on time.
Student Assistance:
The Student Support and Retention office provides individualized coaching to students who are struggling in college, either academically or personally. The office houses both professional staff and peer mentors to help students navigate obstacles in their college experience and reach their academic goals. For more information visit call the Retention Coordinator at 775-753-2255.
Math 095 Fall Semester 2016 -page 2
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcome / Measure1.Identify, set up and solve a variety of applied problems using algebraic techniques / Test 1 (Ch. 2) and Final Exam
2a. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide
polynomials. / Test 3 (Ch. 5) and Final Exam
2b. Factor Polynomials / Test 4 (Ch. 6) and Final Exam
3a. Solve and graph Inequalities / Test 1 (Ch. 2) and Final Exam
3b. Graph and solve linear equations
and inequalities, find the equation
of a line given prescribed
conditions / Test 2 (Ch. 3 and Ch. 4) and Final Exam
4a. Graph Quadratic Equations / Test 2 (Ch. 3), Quiz Chapter 11, and Final Exam
4b. Solve Quadratic Equations using
the quadratic formula / Quiz Chapter 11, and Final Exam
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is mandatory and will be monitored daily. GBC’s General Catalog provides a guideline for student attendance. It states that “An instructor may drop any student who has excessive unexcused absences.” An absence will be considered excused if it is for a medical reason or a family emergency. I will judge the validity of an absence as excused or unexcused on a case by case basis. Each class builds the foundation for subsequent classes. Without full participation and regular class attendance, students will find themselves struggling to succeed in this course.
Makeup Policy:
No make-ups will be allowed except under extreme circumstances. Being out of town (except for personal illness or family illness) is not excusable. Essentially, excusable circumstances involve severe personal or family illnesses and must be accompanied by a doctor’s note or other proof.
Circumstances will be judged on a case-by-case basis. No make-ups for quizzes, tests, or the final exam. Homework is due even if a student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to email the assignment on time to receive credit.
Classroom Rules:
All cell phones must be turned off or to vibrate during class time.
Please use your discretion with food and drink. Do not bring it into class if it will be a disturbance in any way. If you need to eat in class for medical reasons please see me know. All students are expected to respect fellow students and instructors. Inappropriate comments towards other students and personal discussions during class time will not be permitted.
Math 095 Fall Semester 2016 -page 3
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 accommodation, 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.
Academic Integrity:
The NSHE Code (Board of Regents Handbook 6.2.2q) expressly forbids all acts of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to “cheating, plagiarism, falsifying research data or results, or assisting others to do the same. Students accused of academic dishonesty will first be reviewed by the instructor. If the instructor judges that academic dishonesty has occurred, the matter will be
submitted to GBC’s Academic Officers. Students guilty of academic dishonesty will receive an “F” grade for the course. If the dishonesty was not isolated (occurred more than once and/or involved others), then the instructor will recommend a one year period of academic probation.
CAMPUS SECURITY:GBC is committed to the safety of our students and has a duty to promote awareness and prevention programs for violence on campus under the Jeanne Clery Act as well as the Campus SaVE (Sexual Violence Elimination Act) and VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), which are amendments to Clery. Acts of violence include, but are not limited to, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Acts of violence can occur on the physical campus or centers of GBC in addition to field placement sites, clinical practice settings, and other places where college or class activities occur. As well, the online environment at GBC is considered a GBC site. If you experience any incidence where your safety has been threatened or violated, or if you feel threatened or harassed, immediately report this to me, any center director, faculty, or staff member, or directly to the Director of Environmental Health, Safety & Security(775.753.2115) or the Vice President for Student Services(775.753.2282).
Semester Grade
Homework assignments 200 points
Quizzes/projects/discussions 200 points
4 tests x 100 points each=400 points
1 final x200 points each=200 points
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Total 1000 points
Semester Letter Grade
93% - 100%A
90% - 92%A-
86% - 89%B+
83% - 85% B
80% - 82% B-
76% - 79% C+
73% - 75%C
70% - 72%C-
65% - 69% D+
60% - 64%D
59% & belowF
PLEASE NOTE THAT A STUDENT MUST DROP THE COURSE BEFORE NOVEMBER 2ND IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A “W” RATHER THAN AN “F” ON THEIR TRANSCRIPT.
Fall 2016 Schedule
Tentative Course Calendar (subject to change) Monday & Wednesday: 5:30 – 6:45
Week 1 / Monday1.8, 2.1
August29 / Wednesday
2.2, 2.3
September 1
Week 2 / Monday
LABOR DAY = NO CLASS!!!
September5 / Wednesday
2.4 and 2.5
September 7
Week 3 / Monday
2.6 and 2.7
September 12 / Wednesday
2.8
September 14
Week 4 / Monday
3.1
September 19 / Wednesday
3.1, 3.2
September 21
Week 5 / Monday
3.3, 3.4
September 26 / Wednesday
3.5
September 28
Week 6 / Monday
3.6
October 3 / Wednesday
Test 2
October 5
Week 7 / Monday
5.1 and 5.2
October 10 / Wednesday
5.3 and 5.4
October 12
Week 8 / Monday
5.5 and 5.6
October 17 / Wednesday
Test 3
October 19
Week 9 / Monday
6.1
October 24 / Wednesday
6.2
October 26
Week 10 / Monday
6.3
October 31 / Wednesday
6.4
November 2
Week 11 / Monday
6.5
November 7 / Wednesday
6.6
November 9
Week 12 / Monday
6.7
November 14 / Wednesday
10.1
November 16
Week 13 / Monday
10.2
November 21 / Wednesday
10.3
November 23
Week 14 / Monday
11.1
November 28 / Wednesday
11.2
November 30
Week 15 / Monday
Review
December 5 / Wednesday
Test 4
December 7
FINALS WEEK / Monday
Review
December 12 / Wednesday
FINAL
December 14