Great Basin College

Carrie Harp

MATH 096 – Section 1003

SPRING 2016 - LECTURE

3 Credits

MATH 096– Intermediate Algebra Spring 2016

CourseDescription: This is a second course in Algebra for students who have completed one elementary Algebra course. The topics covered include polynomials, rational functions, linear equations and inequalities, absolute value inequalities, exponents and radicals, quadratic equations, relations and functions, systems of equations, and applications. This is a developmental course. Prerequisite: Math 095 – within two years, satisfactory placement exam, or SAT/ACT score.

Objectives:The course will provide students with the algebraic concepts and thought processes that are most useful in preparation for college-level mathematics. Central to this preparation are: a refresher in and further construction of the important technique of factoring; equation-solving techniques; the manipulation of radicals; and the notion of functions.

Instructor:

Carrie Harp

Home Phone: 775-753-2244 (This is the college math department, leave a message)

e-mail:

Office Hours: per student need before class & Tuesdays 9 to 11 at ASC Tutoring Dept

Textbook(s) and other resources:

  1. Martin-Gay’s Beginning & Intermediate Algebra 5thEdition

The book can be purchased from a retailer, use ISBN: 9780321199911. Students can also purchase the code and book directly from When creating an account, it will ask if a code needs to be purchased or if one has already been purchased. Students may sign up for a free trial that lasts 15 days on MyMathlab.com.

  1. Extra Credit Notebook Requirements
  1. 1 – 2 ½ to 3 inch binder with inside pockets and clear front insert
  2. Dividers with visible tabs
  1. Scientific Calculator Required

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.
  • 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 096 – Intermediate Algebra Spring 2016 -page 2

Upon completion of Math 096 the student will be able to:

Dates Completed / Learning Outcomes / Chapter
Solve a variety of equations and inequalities including those involving absolute value, linear, quadratic, rational, and radical expressions.
Graph equations and inequalities as well as systems of equations and inequalities
Find the equation of a line when given prescribed conditions.
Identify functions and the domain and range of functions.
Solve problems involving direct, inverse, or joint variation.
Perform operations on radical and rational expressions and simplify such expressions.
Solve a variety of real-word problems.

Measurement of Outcomes:

To provide accurate assessment of the learning outcomes, students learningwill be evaluated regularly on the items documented above as they are covered in the course. This measurement will include graded homework, quizzes, individual projects, tests and a final exam. Details are below.

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 at a severe disadvantage for achieving success in this course.

HomeworkPolicy:

If you do not do homework, it is unlikely that you will pass this course. Homework is more than just the class problems that a teacher assigns to students. Each student must personally be responsible to study materials that are covered during the semester. If you are not going to be able to attend class it is your responsibility to still have your homework turned in on time.

Student Conduct: The GBC College Catalog contains the Student Conduct Policy and resulting consequences for breaking any of the outlined behavior expectations. There are a total of 20 behavior guidelines listed, ranging from obscene language to falsification of documents. Please review these student conduct guidelines.

MATH 096 – Intermediate Algebra Spring 2016 - page 3

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. Make-ups for quizzes or tests will be judged on a case by case basis. NO make-ups for the final exam. Homework is due on time even if a student is absent; it is the student’s responsibility to email the assignment on time to receive credit. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor regarding absences. If a student knows about a future absence then it would be wise to check the syllabus and communicate with the instructor regarding the matter as early as possible.

Classroom Rules:

CELL PHONES AND ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE NOT WELCOME IN OUR CLASSROOM. YOU ARE HERE TO STUDY MATH, NOT LISTEN TO MUSIC, TEXT, CALL OR EMAIL FRIENDS. Students that do not follow this policy and are caught using cell phones without instructor permission will be sent to the student affairs office before returning to class.

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 after class.

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.

Disabled Students:

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).

MATH 096 – Intermediate Algebra Spring 2016 - page 4

Communicating With the Instructor

When questions arise during the course of this class, please remember to check these sources for an answer before asking me to reply to your individual questions:

  1. Check the Syllabus
  2. Check Webcampus
  3. Post it on the Discussion Board and check discussion posts

This will help you in identifying answers before I can get back to you and it also helps your instructor from answering similar questions or concerns multiple times.

If you cannot find an answer to your question, please first post your question to the 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 needs to be communicated privately, you are welcome to contact me via the Inbox or my GBC email (listed at the top of this syllabus).I respond to email messages between 8am to 5pm onweekdays, unless it is a holiday, please allow 24 hours for me to respond.

I answer content information for the course, if you have a question about the technology being used in the course, or Webcampus log in help, please contact the Help Desk for assistance (775-753-2167 or ). For technical issues with MyMathLab, please contact their customer support at (800-677-6337).

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
  • MyMathLab

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.

Internet & WebCampus

This course uses WebCampus for the facilitation of communications between faculty and students, submission of assignments, and posting of grades. TheWebCampusCourse Site can be accessed at This course uses MyMathLab for the completion of homework and tests. Students will need to purchase the necessary code to register for MyMathLab. Directions for registering can be found on Webcampus under the “Getting Started” module.

How are you Assessed?

Semester Grades

There will be:

15Graded Homework assignments to be completed on MyMathLab

10In Class Assignments

5Quizzes: These are in class and are listed on the syllabusNo make-ups. 20 points each

4On-campus Tests: 50 points eachNo make-ups.

1Final exam. No make-ups. 100 points

Total points possible:

15 homework assignments x 10 points each = 140 points (lowest 1 dropped)

10 In Class Assignments x 10 points each=100 points

5 quizzes x 20 points each= 80 points (lowest quiz dropped)

4 tests x 50 points each=200 points

1 final x 100 points= 100 points

1 Syllabus Quiz 10 points

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Total630points

**Students with a grade of 92% or above at the end of the semester is exempt from the final.**

Semester Letter Grade

92.1-100%A

90-92%A-

88-89.9%B+

82.1-87.9%B

80-82%B-

78-79.9%C+

72.1-77.9%C

70-72%C-

68-69.9%D+

62.1-67.9%D

60-62%D-

59.9 and BelowF

A notebook can be turned in at the end of the semester for extra credit. See Webcampus for the guidelines and rubric.

Spring 2016 Schedule

Tentative Course Calendar (subject to change)

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MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursday Friday

25 Jan27 Jan

Intro/Pretest/ 3.4-3.53.6/8.1

1 Feb3 Feb

Quiz 1/ 8.2-8.4Review/ Test 1at ASC by Friday

8 Feb10 Feb

4.1/4.2 4.3/4.5

15 Feb17 Feb

No Class HolidayReview/ Quiz 2/9.1-9.2

22 Feb24 Feb

9.39.4

29 Feb2 March

Review / Test 2 at ASCReview Test & Factoring Review

7 March9 March

7.1/7.27.3

14 March16 March

Quiz 3/7.47.5/7.7

21 March23 March

Spring Break

28 March 30 March

ReviewReview/ Test 3 at ASC

Monday, April 4th – Final Drop Date

4 April6 April

Extra Day if Needed on Chp 710.1/10.2

11 April13 April

10.3Quiz 4/10.4

18 April20 April

10.510.6/Review

25 April27 April

Test 4 at Testing Center11.1/11.2

2 May4 May

11.3Review/ Quiz 5

9 May11 May

Final ReviewFinal Review

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16 MayFinal Exam Week - You made it!

Withdraw/Drop Policy: It is your responsibility to officially withdraw from courses you are not attending, not the instructor’s responsibility. See the student catalog for more information on the GBC official withdraw policy. Consult the Admissions and Records Office in person if you have decided to withdraw from a class. You should discuss your decision with your adviser. You must officially withdraw from the class on a drop form obtained from the Admissions and Records Office. It is your responsibility to drop the course. If you do not formally withdraw or drop by the end of the 13th week of instruction, your instructor may assign a grade of “F” to your grade report.

STUDENT SURVEY

Name ______Email ______

Address ______Phone(s)______

Last math class taken ______Teacher ______

Date of last math class taken______Grade received in class______

Total Credits taken this semester ______

How many hours per week do you work? ______

What is the most difficult math concept for you to grasp? ______

How would you describe your level of confidence in your ability to do math? ______

______

Do you think you will need math help outside of class to pass this class?

______

Grade you are trying to earn in this course? ______

Degree that you are pursuing? ______

How do you feel or what do you think about taking this math course? ______

Academic Integrity Promise

I ______understand that allowing other students to copy my work or to see my work and answers with an intent to copy is cheating. It is my obligation to report such behavior if I have participated in or witnessed other students participate in such behavior.

I pledge to do my own academic work and to excel to the best of my abilities, upholding the GBC Academic Standards . I promise not to lie about my academic work,to cheat,or to steal the work, answers, or ideas of others,nor will I help fellowstudents to violate theCode of Academic Honesty."

Signed______Date______