Course Syllabus for College Algebra

Course Description (from catalog)
Fundamentals of algebra, including inequalities, functions, quadratic equations, exponential
and logarithmic functions , systems of equations , determinants and instructor option of binomial
theorem or progressions (or both). Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on college admission test or
MATH 0372 (or MATH 0373). Assessment Levels: R3, E1, M3.

Prerequisite courses and skills
Satisfactory score on college admission test or MATH 0372 or MATH 0373.
Perform operations on positive and negative real numbers; operations on polynomials;
factoring polynomials ; properties of exponents; solving linear equations; solving polynomial
equations by factoring ; solving linear inequalities; reading graphs and plotting points; graphing
linear equations, evaluate rational and radical expressions; understand the concept of a
function.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes
It is assumed that students entering a College Algebra course will have competencies from
prerequisite courses. Students will be expected to use appropriate technology as one tool to
achieve the outcomes listed below.
• Know the structure and properties of the real number system .
• Solve linear and quadratic and rational equations/inequalities.
• Sketch graphs of linear and quadratic functions.
• Determine equations for lines.
• Solve systems of linear equations in two or three variables algebraically using Matrix
Methods.
• Use functional notation and operations.
• Identify the domain and range of various functions and sketch their graphs.
• Use the properties of logarithms.
• Solve exponential and logarithmic equations.
• Solve systems of linear and non-linear equations
• Identify and graph the conic sections .
• Students will be able to model and solve real-world situations with quadratic
expressions using a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, arithmetic,
algebraic, geometric, higher- order thinking , or statistical methods.
• Students will be able to represent and evaluate basic algebraic information by a variety
of methods, including, but not limited to, verbal, numerical, graphical or symbolic .
• Students will be able to develop convincing mathematical arguments using their
mathematical reasoning skills and logic in order to solve algebraic problems.
• Students will use appropriate technology to enhance their own mathematical thinking
and understanding and to solve algebraic problems and judge the reasonableness of the
results.
• Students will be able to interpret algebraic models, such as formulas, graphs, tables or
schematics, and draw inferences from them.
• Students will be able to recognize the limitations of algebraic models.
• Students will develop the view that algebra is an evolving discipline, interrelated with
human culture, and understand its connections to other disciplines.

Required Textbook and Supplementary Materials
• College Algebra by Kirk Trigsted. The textbook is also available online.
• Scientific/or Graphing calculator.
• Access to MyMathLab interactive website. Please, see the addendum to the Syllabus.

Course Format
Class work. In the class students will use MyMathLab software, watch Lecture Videos online,
and solve problems under the guidance of instructor.
Homework will be assigned after each class. HW will be given periodically and should be
completed for the grade. Each following HW is due in a week. Students will use MyMathLab
software to solve HW problems.

Expectations of Student
To be successful in the class the students are expected to:
• attend each class meeting; there are only 2 (two) unexcused absence allowed (no
doctors note or other documentation) per semester. If a student misses more than two
class meeting, regardless of the current grade of the student, he or she may be dropped
from the class by the instructor without a prior notice.
• be respectful to the instructor and the other students in class
• work all homework problems when they are assigned before the next class period
• take all quizzes on the scheduled test date
• not disrupt class by talking, entering late, leaving early, etc.
• do his, or her, own homework and not cheat
• read each section covered in textbook
• learn definitions, terminology and course vocabulary
• check emails periodically
• no food in the class

Note
The material covered will be covered at a very fast pace. It is your responsibility to learn the material; most of
this learning takes place outside of the classroom. You are expected to review the material before class, and
attempt all problems assigned.

Grading Policy
Testing Procedures
Homework: HW will be assigned after each class period and have to be completed for the
grade before the due time stated in the Class Calendar. To be successful in the class the
students are highly recommended to work all homework problems when they are assigned
before the next class period.
Quizzes: From now till the end of the semester, you will be given 5 quizzes (30 - 40 min each).
All quizzes will be exams based on material covered since last quiz. The quizzes are computer
based are taken by students at home. Students will be allowed to make-up or retake any quizzes
upon their choice at the end of semester.
Midterm and Final Exams: Together they count 40% of your final grade (final overall score).
There no make-ups or retaking for the exams. If you make less than 40% on the Final Exam
you will not pass the course no matter what is your final overall score. It is mandatory to take
the Final Exam.
No notes, and textbook may be used at quizzes and exams. You may use a scientific and
graphing calculator throughout the course (except when specified).
Extra points. You can earn up to four extra per cent to your final grade. The points will be
assigned upon the class observation.
For the dates of Quizzes, Review Sessions and Exams, please, see the Class Calendar.

Grading Procedure
Course grades are measurements of the course objectives. They directly relate to the learning
objectives stated above. Your course grade is based on your totals from the following:

Grading Scale
Your grade will be based on your total points earned using the following scale:

Decimals will be rounded to the nearest whole number.

Student Support Services
The Math Learning Center (MLC) is available to help students with their homework and
preparation for tests. It is located in the Coles Classroom Building, Room 116, on the East
Campus, 698-1579. Hours for the semester are: Mon-Thu 8:00am – 8:00pm; Fri 8:00am –
1:00pm; Sat 10:00am – 3:00pm.
Tutors are available through Student Activities, Harvin Center - Room 105, 698-1279.

Students with Disabilities
To request disability accommodations contact Special Services in the Harvin Center room 188,
or call 698-1298. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor
must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the
disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate
contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established
procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor. It is the student's
responsibility to submit all necessary paperwork to the instructor as soon as possible.

Notes
1. The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the Syllabus or Class Calendar if necessary due to
time constraints or other unforeseen events. If this is necessary, members of the class will be notified as
soon as possible by E-mail and via MML Announcement Page.
2. The instructor is not responsible for any your personal computer or software problems.
3. It’s mandatory for all the students to take it. You cannot start working on the course assignments before
you pass the Quiz with the score 100%. No points are assigned for the Syllabus Quiz.
4. The best way to communicate me is to send me a message via MML: click Communication button on the
left, click Messages.