Intermediate Algebra Syllabus

5. Catalog Course Description: This course is a study of intermediate algebra and geometry.
Topics include factorization of polynomials , operations on rational expressions, solving rational
equations, radical expressions , rational exponents , quadratic equations and inequalities and their
graphs, application problems involving quadratic models, functional notation, and application
problems on geometry. The focus of lab instruction is content reinforcement.

6. Course Goals:
• Help students become TSI complete and/or College Ready.
• Prepare students for College Mathematics/ College Algebra .

7. Course Competencies/Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion, the student
will be able to:
• factor polynomials.
• simplify rational expressions.
• multiply and divide rational expressions.
• solve rational equations.
• simplify radical expressions.
• perform operations on radical expressions.
• solve applications involving right triangles.
• solve quadratic equations and problems involving quadratic models.
• graph quadratic equations and inequalities .
• evaluate expressions in functional notation.

8. Departmental Course Requirements
• Prerequisite: Math 85 with a “C” or better or placement based on assessment scores.
• Attendance is required. According to STC policy, a student who does not meet the College
Readiness Standard for Texas Success Initiatives (TSI) must attend a developmental class in
order to earn credit in any academic course(s) in which s/he may be enrolled. Any student
who accumulates the equivalent of four (4) hours of absences, excused or unexcused, in
a developmental class will be referred to the Retention Specialists. Any student who
accumulates the equivalent of eight (8) hours of absences, excused or unexcused, may be
withdrawn from the course by the instructor. A student may also be withdrawn from
the course for non-participation in the class. Any student who is taking Math 90 as his/her
only developmental course, and is withdrawn from the course, will be withdrawn from all
college courses.
• Three (3) tardy will be counted as one absence. A tardy is defined as entering class after the
starting time OR leaving the class early. Time lost from a quiz or test due to tardiness will
not be made up.
• The last day to withdraw with a “W” is November 14 2008. A student who has not
withdrawn by the said date and has stopped attending class will receive a grade of “F” for the
term.
• If you are repeating this course, please make an appointment with your instructor.

P Grade Policy
Students who pass the math section of the THEA/ACCUPLACER during the term may
receive a grade of "P" for that course. A grade of "P" will count as a successful completion
of the course, but it will not be included in calculating the Current Semester GPA. In order
to be eligible for a "P” grade, students must provide the instructor with assessment scores
demonstrating that they have met the passing standard for college readiness (THEA – 250,
ACCUPLACER EA – 68). Students also have the option of completing the course and
receiving a letter grade, which will be included in calculating the Current Semester GPA.
Students are encouraged to continue attending the class and complete the course in order to
be better prepared for college-level courses. Note: P grades are not awarded
automatically and are upon instructor discretion. It is important that you bring to your
instructor a P Grade form signed by the Retention Specialist before you are awarded
the P grade.

9. Technology:
• MyMathLab is required and is an online based interactive software that allows students to
access practice problems, supplemental instructional material such as videos and/or tutorials,
and online assignments with immediate feedback. Students can also benefit from free
personal tutoring services offered through MyMathLab either via phone, chat, or electronic
whiteboard. Students are scheduled to meet 1 hour a week in a computer lab working on
their online assignments.

10. Evaluation Methods:
See individual instructor's attachment.

11. Grading Criteria:
• Homework/Quizzes/Projects/Tests (as determined by instructor) 75%
• Departmental Comprehensive Final Exam (Mandatory) 25%
• Course grade is determined as follows:

below 60%

12. Textbook & Resources:

Required for all Developmental Math Courses:
1. Text: M. Bittinger, D. Ellenbogen. Prealgebra and Introductory Algebra, 2/E
2. Software: MyMathLab
3. Worksheets: J. Penna, L. Hurley, B. Johnson.Worksheets for Classroom or Lab Practice.

Recommended:
1. Any standard 4-function calculator.
2. A binder/notebook/folder to hold the textbook.

• The required items are sold as a package at the bookstore to help save you money. This
is a one-time purchase only for the entire developmental math sequence.
• The textbook is currently only being sold as loose-leaf at the bookstore to help save you
money. You are encouraged to put the book in a binder/notebook/folder. You will NOT
be able to sell the textbook back to the bookstore at the end of the semester. It is yours 4
EVER ☺.
• The MyMathLab account in the bundle will be good for the life of the book at STC.

13. Written Project ( Two pages type written):
Write a paper on any topic suggested by your instructor.

Secretaries Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) Information:

Departmental Foundation Skills:

A. Basic Skills
Reading: Read, understand and interpret written mathematical information.
Writing: Write a report on a topic related to mathematics.
Arithmetic and Mathematical Operations: Use arithmetic in computations and
solving problems involving real-life situations.
Speaking Participate in class discussions, solve problems and explain the solution
process to the teacher and the peers.

B. Thinking Skills:
Creative Thinking: Demonstrate creative thinking by solving problems.
Decision Making: Decide which method to use to solve a particular equation given a
set of different methods from which to choose.

Problem Solving: Generate a plan to solve application problems; set pieces of
information into an equation. Apply previously learned skills and combine them with
newly learned skills to solve new problems.
Visualize: Organize and process symbols, pictures and graphs to solve mathematical
problems.
Reasoning: Recognize if the solution to a problem is reasonable or not.

C. Personal Qualities:
Responsibility: Students will exert a high level of effort.
Self-Esteem: Students will maintain a positive view of themselves.
Sociability: Students will work in groups.
Self-Management: Students will assess themselves.
Integrity and Honesty: Students will be honest and trustworthy.

Developmental Studies Policy Statement:
• Failure to remain in at least one Developmental Studies course for students who have not
met the passing standard on an approved assessment instrument in reading, writing,
and/or mathematics may result in the student's withdrawal from ALL college courses.
• All developmental courses including the College Success course will be included in the
Semester Grade Point Average (GPA) for all students at STC.
• Students in Developmental Studies will be limited to a maximum of 13 credit hours of
course work per semester and 7 credit hours per summer session .
• Students taking 12 or more credit hours per semester who have not met the passing
standard on an approved assessment instrument will be required to take two or more
developmental courses every semester if they are deficient in more than one academic
skill (reading, writing, and mathematics).

Student Code of Conduct

All students are expected to behave in a manner consistent with the College’s function as an
educational institution. As stated in the student catalog, any student that engages in disruptive
activities which interfere with classroom instruction will be warned on the first occurrence, and
may be withdrawn if the disruptive activities continue.

ADA Students with Disabilities Statement:

Reasonable accommodations may be made that allow disabled students to be successful at STC.
Accommodations may be provided for those students who submit the appropriate documentation
by an outside/independent professional evaluator or agency. Contact an STC ADA/DSS
Counselor in the Annex (Pecan) or call (956) 688-2006. Students may volunteer to inform the
Instructor about their disability and associated classroom limitations, if applicable.