Metropolitan Community College Course Syllabus WINTER 2008

Metropolitan Community College Course Syllabus Winter 2010/2011

COURSE IDENTIFICATION

Title:- Intermediate Algebra

Prefix/Section: - MATH 13105A

Credit Hours:- 4.5

Dates:- Begins 12/01/10Ends 02/24/11

Meeting Day/Time:- Tuesday and Thursday5:30PM – 7:30PM

Last Day to Withdraw- 02/09/11

NO CLASS- 12/22/10 thru 01/02/11

Delivery Type:- Classroom

ClassLocation:- Fort OmahaCampus Room 203

CONTACT INFORMATION

Instructor Name- Steve Emary

WEBSITE

Office Phone- None

Office Hours- None

Office Location- None

Email Address:-

Academic Program Area:- Math and Natural Sciences

Academic Dean- Brad Morrison

Dean's Office Telephone- 289-1304Please see the Process for Grade Appeals and Academic Concerns as stated in the College Catalog under Academic Information.Please discuss concerns with your instructor before contacting the Dean's office.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Basic algebra skills are extended in this course to provide the background necessary for further mathematics courses. Included are topics in linear equations/inequalities, introduction to function notation, systems of linear equations/inequalities, rational equations, roots and radicals, and quadratic equations.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:Successful completion of MATH 0921 or MATH 0960 or qualification by MCC Placement Test.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course each student will be able to:

1. Graph linear functions, graph other basic functions, and define a function and its notation.

2. Expand upon operations involving exponents, polynomials, and the methods of factoring.

3. Solve systems of equations and apply them to solving application problems.

4. Simplify rational expressions and solve rational equations.

5. Simplify radical expressions, solve radical equations, define rational exponents, (manipulate and convert from exponential to radical notation and vice versa), and perform operations with complex numbers.

6. Solve quadratic equations with real and complex solutions.

REQUIRED/SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS

Textbook Title: Intermediate Algebra

Edition: Third Edition (2011)

Author: Carson, Jordan

Publisher: Pearson

Materials: Textbook, 3-ring notebook is required,paper, pencil, graph paper and scientific calculator (the use of calculators with advanced features such as factoring expressions and graphing will not be allowed on exams). “Student Solutions Manual” is optional.

CLASS STRUCTURE

The daily class period will consist of:

Review of material and questions from the previous class.
Presentation of new material
Discussion of the material.

In class exams.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK

METHODS OF ASSESSING STUDENT PROGRESS

A minimum of five tests will be administered in class with closed book. There will also be a single test grade given from a combination of daily work, notebook, and attendance. A missing notebook entry counts as 5 missing problems; you will be allowed to miss four HOURS of class without penalty or four tardies without penalty. After receiving a combination of four tardies or absences, each tardy will count as 5 missing problems and each absence will count as 10 missing problems. In the event you must leave class early it will count as a tardy.

MAKE-UP/ RETAKE TEST PROCEDURES

Test dates are listed in the attached Projected Schedule of Assignments. If you are unable to be in class on a test day you must make arrangements with the instructor before the day of the test to take the test at the Testing Center.Be prepared to present a picture ID when you arrive to take the exam, and arrive at least two hours before closing time. Make-up tests must be taken by the day of the next scheduled class.

Grading Policy

Test scores averaging 90% - 100%= A

80% - 89% = B

70% - 79% = C

60% - 69% = D

0% - 59% = F

MAINTENANCE OF STUDENT RECORDS

The tests will be handed back as soon as possible for the student to review them.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:

MetropolitanCommunity College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes.

USE OF STUDENT WORK:

By enrolling in classes offered by MetropolitanCommunity College, the student gives the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).

INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

Attendance Policy:Remember that attendance along with notebooks counts as a test grade. There will be a lot of homework in this class, which takes the place of having a final and allows for your effort to count as a test score. (See Types of Assessment).
Missing Class on a Test Day: If you miss class the day of the test, I will leave a test at the test center, at Fremont this is the front desk. You are required to complete that test before class has met twice. The first missed test will have no penalty. Each missed test after that will have deductions in 10% increments. (ie: if you have missed 3 test days the best possible score you can receive is an 80%.)

STUDENT USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Only students with a documented disability requiring the use of technology other than a calculator (laptop computer, recording device, etc.) will be allowed to use such devices in the classroom. All other students will refrain from using laptops, cell phones, etc. Students violating this policy will be directed to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period and will be counted absent for the class.

BEHAVIOR

To show respect for your fellow students and make the best use of class time:

Bring the assignment to each class with all problems completed or with your questions if it is not completed.
Take notes on the lecture material and read the textbook material for further explanation.
Participate in class discussions by offering ideas, answering questions asked by the instructor and asking questions.
Keep up with assignments regularly as a great deal of the material builds on previous material. Do not get behind!
View the DVD’s of the lecture material and use the software available in the Learning Center for additional review and reinforcement.
Work with classmates, friends tutors or Learning Center AND math center personnel. Form study groups. The instructor is also available for help outside of class. Use all available resources.
Keep a notebook of all assigned problems that are numbered and labeled with ALL work shown in a step by step method. Original problem must be entered, as this will be something you can keep for future reference. This notebook with problem written in your hand writing will be of great value to you. This notebook will be turned in on test days.
CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR, AS SOON AS THERE IS A PROBLEM. “IAM HERE TO HELP YOU. PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT.”

The schedule is a tentative one and may change! In the event that you must miss a class it is your responsibility to email and find out if the schedule is current.

This syllabus is written as an expectation of class topics, learning activities, and expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to make changes in this schedule that may result in enhanced or more effective learning for students. These modifications will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will be done within the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.

COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:

When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of Conduct ( which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information at

ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:

Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for class work may be subject to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library website at or by your instructor. In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:

If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw by calling Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure to officially withdraw will result in either an instructor withdrawal (FX) or failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.

METHODS OF LEARNING

To maximize the probability of success in this course:

Be prepared to spend 2 hours working outside of class for every one hour of class time.

Attend all classes and arrive on time; bring text, assignment, and materials.
Complete all assignments; if unable to complete them, bring questions to class.
Keep up with assignments and pace of the class; do not get behind.
Take notes during classroom lectures, especially sample problems.
Get notes from a classmate if you have to miss a class.
Participate in classroom discussion: ask questions.
Arrange for help out of class if needed, work with classmates, friends, and form study groups.
Read the text! The explanations in the text are for you, the student.
Prepare/study for tests by (re)working several problems from the text.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help Desk at 457-2900 or .

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:

By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website:

15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.

LEARNING SUPPORT

SOURCES OF STUDENT ASSISTANCE

MCC's AcademicResourceCenters, MathCenters, and WritingCenters offer friendly, supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math, and writing skills. Self- paced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language, and online course orientation is also available. Detailed information about the Academic Resource, Math, and WritingCenters is in the Student Handbook, College Catalog, and online at

If you are seeking assistance with course material you must bring your class notes and attempted homework. You may visit the Math Centers at the South Omaha Campus, FortCampus, Elkhorn Valley Campus or at the SarpyCenter in the AcademicResourceCenter. They have staff to help you, instructional software, and access to websites corresponding to the text. Appointments are not necessary.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

If you have a disability that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class, please contact a Disability Support Services Counselor located in the Student Services Office on each campus. MetropolitanCommunity College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. However, it is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations. For further information, please visit and/or contact Student Services.

Student Services Important Dates

2010/2011Winter

December01 – February28, 2010/2011

Thanksgiving Day Recess (College Closed) …………………………………… November 25-28 (Th – Su)

WinterQuarter Begins …...... December01 (W)

First Day for Faculty to Initiate WX grade …………………………………..…… First Class Session

Last class day before Holiday Recess ……………………...... December 21 (T)

12 – Month Faculty Workday ……………………………………………………… December 22 (W)

Holiday Recess (College Closed) ………………………………………………… December 24 – January 2

Holiday Recess ends for Staff/Faculty Report/Classes Resume ………….….. January 3 (M)

Martin Luther King Recess (College Closed) ….……………………………….. January17 (M)

Classes end …………………………………………………………………..……. February 28 (M)

Instructional Workday ……………………………………………………………… March 1 (T)

*The Last Day to Drop for a “W” grade is also the last day for students to change from Credit to Audit or Audit to Credit with instructor approval. Students must drop by this date to avoid being assigned a grade of F or FX. NOTE: “Last day to drop” refers to grades only.

To view the Last Day to Drop specific to your course section, go to the online class schedule at and click on the Important Dates next to the course.

The Refund drop dates for each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates and the number of sessions for the course. NOTE: Refer to refund policy below to determine the last day to receive a refund for your course.

REFUND POLICY

Eligibility for a refund is automatically calculated by the date of the withdrawal. The amount of refund is based on the number of class meetings held prior to the withdrawal compared to the total number of scheduled sessions for the course.

For refund or account questions call: (402) 457-2405 or 1-800-228-9553, extension 2405

MetropolitanCommunity College offers an A.S. degree in Pre-Mathematics. Students declaring a Pre-Mathematics major who are within 50 credit hours of graduation may be eligible for significant scholarship assistance. Contact David Reyes, STEP Outreach Liaison, at 289-1212 for additional information.

Notice: This syllabus is written as an expectation of class topics, learning activities, and expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to make changes in this schedule that may result in enhanced or more effective learning for students. These modifications will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will be done within the policies and guidelines of MetropolitanCommunity College.

PROJECTED SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS:

The problems listed are the appropriate minimum problems for practice of a skill. Many students will find they need to practice more problems. Sections that are listed as optional may be covered if time permits. This is a tentative schedule, instructor may vary pacing as the class progresses, it is your responsibility to call and find out if the assignment has changed in the event you miss a class.

DateSectionPg.Daily Exercises

12/023.2140 – 14211 – 53 odd

3.3151 – 1547 – 79 odd

12/073.5173 – 17615 – 55 odd

4.1206 – 2097 – 13 odd, 19 – 55 odd,

59 – 77 odd

12/094.2217 – 2187 – 25 odd

4.3224 – 2265 – 31 odd

12/145.2288 – 2899 – 21 odd, 33 – 51 odd

5.3300 – 30255 – 83 odd, 93 – 111 odd

12/16Review 184 – 187 25 – 53 odd, 63 – 71 odd

258 – 259 29, 31, 45 - 55 odd

322 – 323 31 – 61 odd

TEST 1

12/216.1334 – 335 5 – 63 odd

6.2346 – 3477 – 91 odd

01/046.3356 – 3579 – 111 odd

01/066.4367 – 3687 – 55 odd

01/11Review 377 – 379 11– 93 odd

TEST 2

01/13 7.1393 – 3967 – 109 odd

7.2405 – 4077 – 83 odd

01/187.3414 – 4167 – 59 odd

01/207.4422 – 4237 – 65 odd

01/25Review 444 – 446 7 – 79 odd

TEST 3

01/27 8.1458 – 4597 – 111 odd

8.2470 – 4717 – 123 odd

02/018.3477 – 4795 – 113 odd

8.4484 – 4855 – 87 odd

02/038.5492 – 493 5 – 71 odd

8.6501 7 – 57 odd

02/088.7509 – 5107 – 73 odd

02/10Review 516 – 518 11 – 123 odd

TEST 4

02/159.1 529 – 5307 – 51 odd, 71 – 79 odd

9.2539 – 5417 – 49 odd, 65 – 73 odd

02/179.3549 – 5507 – 25 odd, 31 – 51 odd

02/22 9.4561 23 – 29 odd

02/24Review 579 - 580 11 – 49 odd

TEST 5

MetropolitanCommunity College