Survey of Algebra

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course initiates development in students' ability to organize thought processes and
systematically solve problems while preparing students for studies in other courses. Topics
include linear equations and inequalities and their graphs , systems of linear equations, exponents,
polynomials, factoring, rational expressions , and square roots .

II. COURSE MATERIALS:

Textbook: Introductory Algebra   Tenth Ed., by Marvin Bittinger; Publisher, Addison -Wesley

Access Code: mathxl.com access code is packaged within textbook or can be purchased separately.

Calculator: A basic calculator may be useful for some of the homework problems in the text
and on-line, but will NOT be allowed on any quizzes, chapter exams, or final exam.

III. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Given the need to develop a basic foundation in Algebra, the student will, through classroom
activities, assignment and examination, complete the course with a minimum competency level in:

Factors of numbers
Orders of operations
Simplify Algebraic expressions
Commutative, Associative, and Distributive laws
Solving linear equations and linear inequalities
Translation of problems to equations and solving
Scientific Notation
Multiplying and factoring polynomials
Solving quadratic equations
Rational equations
Graphing linear equations
Systems of equations
Parallel and perpendicular lines
Graphing inequalities
Radical expressions and equations
Applications, formulas , and problem solving

IV. TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:

Chapter R: Prealgebra Review (briefly)
Chapter 1: Real Number and Expressions (briefly)
Chapter 2: Solving Equations and Inequalities Exam (Ch R, 1, 2)
Chapter 4: Exponents and Polynomial Operations Exam (Ch 4 cumm.)
Chapter 5: Factoring Polynomials  Exam(Ch 5 cumm.)
Chapter 6: Rational Expressions and Equations Exam (Ch 6 cumm.)
Chapter 3: Graphs of Linear Equations
Chapter 7: Systems of Equations  Exam(Ch 3, 7 cumm.)
Chapter 8: Radicals
Chapter 9: Quadratic Equations (selected sections only) Exam (Ch 8, 9 cumm.)

V. COURSE EVALUATION:

1. Attendance is required at all class meetings. Your attendance is part of your course
grade and is the percentage of class days attended out of all of the scheduled class
meetings. The purpose of the attendance policy is to promote good participation and
to reward students for good academic practices.

2. Homework, quizzes, group work and/or projects as well as attendance will count for
20% of the course grade. (See attached Section Syllabus for further details.)

3. Tests are to be taken only on the scheduled date and will count for 60% of the course
grade.

4. A comprehensive final exam determines 20% of the course grade. No calculator will
be allowed on the final exam.

Course grades will be calculated and letter grades assigned as follows:

GRADE COMPONENTS:

COURSE	GRADE

VI. COURSE POLICY:

1. As published in the MSU-Bozeman Registration Handbook, this course has a COMMON
HOUR FINAL EXAM.

M 096 -- Tuesday, December 15, 2009 -- 10-11:50AM -- Room TBA

The following is an excerpt from the Registration Handbook:
Final exams are scheduled by the Registrar, and they may not be rescheduled or
given prior to the start of the final examination period.

2. Students with documented disabilities, whether physical, cognitive or psychological, are
entitled to reasonable accommodations in their classes. If you would like to use
accommodations for this class, please contact appropriate Disability Services office to
make arrangements.

For MSU-Bozeman degree-seeking students, contact Disability Services at 994-
2824 or in 155 Strand Union Building (SUB).

For MSU-GF COT degree-seeking students, contact the Director of Disability and
Learning Support Services, Kathy Meier, at (406) 771-4311.

3. The MSU-GF COT Academic Integrity Policy and appeals process can be found in full in
the current MSUGF catalog. The following is an excerpt:

Copying - Using crib notes, cheat sheets, books, or other material, resource or electronic
device as aids in an examination or any other graded exercise, unless the instructor of
the class has given permission to use such materials. Collaborating with another student
or students on an examination or other graded exercise, without instructor permission.
Contributing to violations of Academic Integrity - Knowingly assisting another student in
an act which violates academic integrity.

Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated at MSU-Great Falls College of
Technology. The consequence for the first such violation is at the discretion of the
instructor and may range from a failing grade for the particular assignment/test to a
failing grade in the course in which the act of academic dishonesty occurred.

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