Syllabi for Niss

Beginning Algebra - MAT0024C

CRN 26654

BEGINNING ALGEBRA - MAT 0024C - 26654

COURSE SYLLABUS

 SPRING 2009

INSTRUCTOR:                John C. Niss

OFFICE:                        248 Valencia Winter Park Campus

OFFICE HOURS:             M 1:30pm to 5:30pm

W 6:00pm to 7:00pm (virtual)

TR 1:00pm to 3:00pm

F 10:30am to 11:30am

PHONE/E-MAIL:        407-582-6858 / jniss@valenciacc.edu

CREDIT HOURS:       3 Contact hour and 1 lab hour,    Non-degree credit

PREREQUISITE:        Minimum grade of C in MAT 0012C or appropriate score on entry assessment exam.

TEXT:                      Beginning Algebra with Applications and Visualizations, Rockswold/Krieger, 2nd edition.

OTHER MATERIALS:   Scientific calculator, graph paper, ruler (inches and centimeters)

CONTENT:                Chapter 1: All                                        Chapter 5: All

                              Chapter 2: All                                        Chapter 6: Omit 6.7

                              Chapter 3: Omit 3.6, 3.7                        Chapter 7: Omit 7.5, 7.6

                              Chapter 4: Omit                                     Chapter 8: 8.1 to 8.3

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

     This college-preparatory course is designed to supplement the algebraic background of students prior to taking MAT 1033C Intermediate Algebra. Topics include sets, fundamental operations with polynomials, linear equations and inequalities with applications, factoring and its use in algebra, introduction to graphing of linear equations, introduction to radicals, and use of calculators.

COURSE COMPETENCIES:

     The Valencia faculty has defined four interrelated competencies (Value, Think, Communicate, Act) that prepare students to succeed in the world community.  These competencies are outlined in the College Catalog.  In this course, through classroom lecture and discussion, group work, and other learning activities, you will further develop your abilities to Value, Think, Communicate, and Act.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:

     Instruction will include lectures and discussion of homework assignments during class periods, and problem solving sessions and workshops during laboratory periods.

ATTENDANCE:

     Attendance and class participation are expected of all students.  Students are responsible for all material covered in class during any absences and may be withdrawn from the course at the instructor’s discretion if absences are excessive.  Please be aware, however, that withdrawing from the course, if necessary, is the responsibility of the student, not the instructor.

HOMEWORK:

     Homework is an essential part of this course.  On-line and textbook homework will be assigned during each lecture session and is expected to be completed by the next class session.  At that time an opportunity to discuss the homework will be given.  Make a sincere effort to stay current with homework.  Success in the class is unlikely otherwise. Online Homework Registration Code: niss50775

GRADING:

Weekly quizzes, labs and homework will count for one third of the final course grade.  On-line homework will count as two quiz grades. The two lowest quiz/lab grades may be dropped if the student visits the instructor’s office once in the first two weeks of class and a second time later in the semester.  It is the responsibility of the student to sign in to get credit for office visits.

   Three one-hour exams during the course will contribute another third to the final grade. The third of these exams will be the competency exam.

   A two-hour final exam during the scheduled exam time will make up the remaining third of the grade.  The final will be comprehensive, although more stress may be placed on material from later in the course.

   In addition, a state mandated competency tests will be administered during the semester.  A satisfactory score of 80% on the exam is required to receive a grade of C or better in the course. The first attempt competency exam score will also be used as one of the three hour exam scores.

MAKE-UPS:

     It is my policy NOT to allow make-ups of missed tests or assignments.  The only exceptions that will be considered are verifiable absences due to illness, death in the family, or other such unanticipated emergencies.  In the event of such a situation, written verification (Dr.'s excuse, police report, etc.) of the emergency must be provided. Note that two quizzes are dropped to allow for the occasional missed class.  If you are going to have to miss an exam, you must let me know before the scheduled exam time, and you may be allowed to take the exam early.

WITHDRAWAL:

     The withdrawal (W) deadline for this session is Friday, March 20. The withdrawal deadline to receive a WP or WF is Sunday, April 26. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw through Atlas.

HONESTY:

     Representing another's work as your own or allowing such conduct on the part of a fellow student is cheating.  Such behavior will not be tolerated in this class.  Such incidents will be handled according to the college policy on academic honesty.

GRADING SCALE:

                90 - 100  A

                80 -  89  B

                70 -  79  C

                60 -  69  D

                below 60 F

NOTICE:

     Changes in the procedures described in this syllabus may be made at the discretion of the instructor.