Syllabus for Algebra and Geometry

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Topics include problem-solving, inductive reasoning, informal geometry, linear equations involving distributive property,
and introduction to polynomials and exponents . (3-3-0) Course requires registration in co-requisite computer laboratory
course Math 0001.

COURSE PREREQUISITES
Math 0300 or 0310 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the successful completion of this course, you should be able to demonstrate the following student learning outcomes:
1. Demonstrate critical thinking skills when analyzing an answer to determine that it makes sense.
2. Employ critical thinking skills to construct the appropriate process involved in working a problem.
3. Illustrate the correct use of various properties of real numbers.
4. Implement the proper action plan to solve linear equations and inequalities.
5. Assess and manage the various proper operations on polynomials .

COURSE OBJECTIVES
During this course you will be engaged in addressing the following course objectives:
1. Solving word problems involving integers, fractions , decimals, and percents.
2. Evaluating variable expressions .
3. Simplifying algebraic expressions involving integral exponents.
4. Simplifying algebraic expressions involving the use of the distributive property and combining like terms
(addition, subtraction , multiplication , and division ).
5. Solving linear equations in one variable using more than one operation and the distributive property.
6. Solving linear inequalities .
7. Solving literal equations.
8. Performing operations on polynomials (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
9. Using critical thinking to determine if an answer makes sense.
10. Using critical thinking to determine the appropriate process involved in working a problem.

TEXTBOOKS AND REQUIRED MATERIALS
Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 2nd Edition by Miller/O’Neill/Hyde. McGraw Hill, 2008. (Required)
MathZone Software (Provided by the Math Lab)
Scientific Calculator (Required)

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
The final grade will be determined by performance on four unit tests, laboratory assignments, and a comprehensive final
examination. The lab average will constitute 20% of the final grade. The average of the unit test scores and the final
examination score will comprise 80% of the final grade. The following scale will be used in assigning grades:
A: 90% - 100%
B: 80% - 89%
C: 70% - 79%
D: Not applicable to this course
F: Failure to attend class and/or clearly makes no effort
I: Passing, but did not complete all required work (one test, final examination, etc.). (Work must be completed
within 120 days or the grade is changed to an F .)
IP: Completed all course work but failed to attain an average of 70%; the student should repeat the course. (no GPA
penalty).

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Attendance
Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance, day and/or evening, is required. A student who is absent for any
reason will be allowed to do makeup work at the discretion of the instructor. A student will be held responsible for lecture
materials when covered on subsequent examinations. An excused absence will apply only to a student representing the
school in an official capacity approved by the administration. Absences of a student are recorded from the official date of
enrollment in the class. A student who has accumulated absences equivalent to two (2) weeks of instruction may be
dropped by the instructor after the census date. If a student is dropped from a class for excessive absences, the
instructor will record a grade of “WN” (Withdrew for non-attendance).

B. Tardiness
Since tardiness is a form of absenteeism, the instructor may establish a policy regarding tardiness.

C. Plagiarism
In conjunction with The Student Code of Conduct, “scholastic dishonesty involving, but not limited to, cheating on a test,
plagiarism and collusion” are a violation and will not be tolerated. Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting
in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to,
cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion.

D. ADA Statement for Students Requiring Special Accommodations
As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990,
if special accommodations are needed by any St. Philip's College student, please contact the office of Educational Support
Services, at (210) 531-3512, located in the Norris Technical Building, Room 106.

LABORATORY ASSIGNMENTS: There will be a battery of weekly computer lab assignments. Assignments
will be due either on a weekly or test basis. Each instructor will determine how the lab average is computed. The
lab average will constitute 20% of the final grade.

TEST POLICY: Each instructor will establish a testing policy. Departmental retests are no longer available.

SOFTWARE POLICY: When a student uses a campus computer, he/she indicates acceptance of the College’s
acceptable use guidelines. Among other provisions, these include a prohibition against any downloading, installing, or
illegal copying of any commercial software.

TUTORING: In addition to receiving in- and out-of-class help from the instructor, students may obtain assistance in
Mathematics Lab, NTB 307 or in Educational Support Services, NTB 116. There is no charge for these services.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: Lecture, group activities, and other activities.