Morehead State University
College of Science and Technology
Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics
MATH 152: College Algebra
2015-2016
Instructor: Kim Halsey
Classroom: Math Lab 208 Bath County High School
Phone: (606) 674-6325
e-mail:
Prerequisite: C or better in Math 093 or minimum ACT Math Subscore of 22.
Text: College Algebra software through Hawkes Learning Systems. No textbook required.
Course Description: Field and order axioms; equations, inequalities; relations and functions; exponentials; roots; logarithms; sequences. This course satisfies the required core-math reasoning for the general education.
This course is for students with at least two years of high school algebra experience. The topics covered will extend those learned in previous algebra courses, and therefore a strong algebra background is essential. The course will develop methods of solving linear, quadratic, and general polynomial equations, as well as exponential and logarithmic equations and systems of equations. Real life applications involving these topics will be included. The use of technology as an investigative tool will aid in problem solving. The objectives of the course are to prepare students to succeed in future mathematical and scientific courses or related courses and careers.
Teacher Education Goals: As is clear from the description above, this course is designed to satisfy New Teacher Standard VIII (Knowledge of Content). All other standards deal with expectations which could only be met through participation in the school environment.
General Education Goals: This course is designed to satisfy the core-math reasoning requirement for general education at MSU. The general education student learner outcomes (GESLO) for this course are:
3a) Analyze situations and/or problems using arithmetic, geometric, algebraic, and statistical methods
3b) Use deductive reasoning in a formal, symbolic, axiomatic system
3c) Verify answers to mathematical and scientific problems in order to determine reasonableness, identify alternative methods of solution and select the most reliable results.
Calculators: A calculator will be beneficial for the successful completion of this course. You will be allowed to use any type of calculator on homework. However, only a non-graphing calculator will be allowed on an exam. You should have a non-graphing, scientific calculator for exams that has logarithm (log and ln) and exponential capabilities.
Homework: Homework will be completed using online certifications with the Hawkes Learning Systems software and will account for over 150 points towards the students overall grade. Certifications can be completed at any location. Certifications will be due on the dates listed on the software (generally, certifications will be due by midnight prior to the next scheduled class session). Certifications will be graded using mastery learning. Generally, students must complete 80% of the certification correctly in order to receive credit. Certifications can be attempted multiple times. Certifications can be completed after the deadline, but a late penalty will be assessed as follows: 1 day late will receive 90%, two days late will receive 80%, three days late will receive 70%. Any homework completed more than three days after the due date will receive 60%. Unless otherwise noted, all certifications assigned for a given week will be due at 11:59pm of the due date.
Exams: Exams will also be completed using the Hawkes software and must be completed on or before the specified due date. Each exam will be worth 150 points towards your final grade. The exams will have a time limit: 60 minutes for the three semester exams and 120 minutes for the final exam. There will be a review assigned for each exam. You must score at least 70% on the review before you will be allowed to access the corresponding exam. If you miss an exam, you will receive a grade of 0 on the exam. Exams must be completed in the computer lab located in Room 208 with me. If scores are not verified by me, no credit will be awarded. There will be a comprehensive final exam to be taken in the computer lab during finals week. The final will be worth 250 points towards your overall grade. More information on the final will be provided towards the end of the semester. Your final exam score may replace one low grade on an exam. Exams will generally be due after each completed chapter as indicated below.
Exam I—chapters 1 & 2
Exam II—chapter 3 & and chapter 4.1, 4.2a, 4.2b
Exam III—chapter 4.3 through chapter 6.1b
Exam IV—chapter 7 through chapter 8.1, 8.7
Grading Scale: Grades will be assigned using the following scale
Description / Points PossibleLecture Attendance/Participation / 150
Homework / 150
Exam 1 / 150
Exam 2 / 150
Exam 3 / 150
Final Exam / 250
Total / 1000
**The last day to drop this course for college credit with a grade of “W” is Thursday, October 29, 2015.
Getting Help: You have several options for assistance in the class. I am available to answer questions or provide other assistance. I am also available at other times. We will work to find a time that is suitable to each of us and make an appointment. You can also obtain help by working with your fellow students. I encourage you to work together. It’s a great way to learn and makes studying a bit more fun.
Attendance: I expect you to attend class every day. It has been my experience that students who attend class regularly perform better. If you must miss class, make sure to get your absence excused through the front office. Attendance/Participation counts as 15% towards your overall grade.
Academic Honesty: Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or helping others to commit these acts will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty will result in severe disciplinary action including, but not limited to, failure of the student assessment item, failure of the course, and/or dismissal from MSU. If a student is not sure what constitutes academic dishonesty, the student should read The Eagle: Student Handbook or ask the instructor. An example of plagiarism is copying information from the internet when appropriate credit is not given. The policy is located at:
http://www.morehead-st.edu/units/studentlife/handbook/academicdishonesty.html
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): In compliance with the ADA, all students with a documented disability are entitled to reasonable accommodations and services to support their academic success and safety. Though a request form services may be made at any time, services are best applied when they are requested at or before the start of the semester. To receive accommodations and services the student should immediately contact the Disability Services Coordinator at 204-E ADUC, 606-783-5188 or
Progress Reports: Please check your online progress report frequently. This gives you the due dates of each required certification and any bonus work assigned.
Your next math class at BCHS will be Pre-Calculus.
Video Lectures: http://152lectures.blogspot.com/
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