MAT 0024-Beginning Algebra-Section 10606-FALL 2005

 

Instructor:  Mr. Mark Wilson   

Phone: 808-7431;

e-mail: MarkWilson@sjrcc.edu

 

My office hours are: (C-135)

 MW 1:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m.,

 TR 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m., 5:00-6:00 p.m.

  F 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

 

Time:  MW 12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m. C-128

It is assumed that you have a satisfactory placement test score or have completed MAT 0002 with a grade of C or higher.  This course is the first of a two-semester algebra sequence (together with MAT 1033 Intermediate Algebra) designed to prepare you for College Algebra and Statistics. This course yields no college credit (credit is listed as 3 college-prep credits).Your grade will appear on your transcript but will not be included in the calculation of your overall GPA. Our text is used for both Beginning and Intermediate Algebra. We will be covering material from chapters 1-6 and 10. This course emphasizes fundamental algebraic techniques. Topics include: real numbers, linear equations, linear inequalities, exponents, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, lines, and square roots.

 

Text: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 3rd edition, Lial/Hornsby, Addison Wesley, 2004, ISBN 0-321-15932-2. Used copies should be available for purchase, along with student solutions manuals. I have put a few copies of the student solutions manual on reserve in the library.

 

Tests: There will be 5 tests. These will be worth 85% of your grade. The tests will be multiple choice, and will be worth 100 points each. One test may be repeated and the higher of the two grades will be counted. All repeated tests must be completed by December 1. Makeup tests will be given only in extreme cases as determined by the instructor and must be arranged beforehand. The tentative test dates are September 12, October 3, October 24, November 14, and November 30.

 

Homework: Homework will be assigned from the book on a regular basis. These assignments will not be graded but it is in your best interests to consistently complete this work. There will be several take-home assignments/worksheets that will be given out over the course of the semester. They will be collected and graded and worth a total of 15% of your final grade.  Late homework will be penalized one letter grade for each class period that it is late.

 

Grading Scale:   A   90%-100%

                            B    80%-89%

                            C    70%-79%

                            D    60%-69%

                            F     0%-59%

 

Any student caught cheating will receive a grade of F for the course.

 

Florida College Basic Skills Exit Test: All students must pass the Florida College Basic Skills Exit Test in order to pass MAT 0024. The test is a 75-minute test that consists of 30 multiple choice questions and a passing score is 18 correct answers out of 30 (60%). No calculators are allowed on this test. A student must have earned a passing grade in the course (before the exit test) in order to be allowed to take the exit test. A passing grade in the course is a C or better (70% or higher). The final grade for students who pass the exit test will be their grade prior to taking the exit test. The final grade for students who fail the exit test will be a D. The exit test will be on December 7.

 

Advancement to MAT 1033 Intermediate Algebra requires a final grade of C or better (70% or higher).

The last day to withdraw with a grade of W is November 4.

The last day of class is December 7.

 

Calculator: You will need to purchase a scientific calculator for this course. You can use this calculator on all tests except the Exit Test.

 

 

Attendance: Students are expected to be present, on time, and prepared for each class. If you arrive late, please enter and sit quietly. Please do not make a habit of coming to class late.  Students are also expected to be present on test days and to act in a manner that is conducive to learning. Attendance will be taken. If you miss more than 3 classroom hours, you can be withdrawn from the course after a warning. If you stop attending the class, don’t assume that you will be automatically withdrawn. You must fill out the withdrawal form in the office in order to drop the course. Check your student handbook for the attendance policy.

 

Notes:

1.      The college’s policy on academic integrity is as follows:

Students in this class must know, observe, and not compromise the principles of academic integrity.  It is not permissible to cheat, to fabricate or falsify information, to submit the same academic work in more than one course without prior permission, to plagiarize, to receive unfair advantage, or to otherwise abuse accepted practices for handling and documenting information.  The grade for this course includes the judgment that the student's work is free from academic dishonesty of any type.  Violations or infractions will be reported to the Vice President for Student Affairs and may lead to failure of the course and other sanctions imposed by the College.

2.      Please do not bring food or drink into class.

3.      Please turn off all cell phones, beepers, etc. while you are in class.

 

Websites: There is a link to the syllabus, and a web site for our text on my home page on the SJRCC web site at www.sjrcc.edu .