MAT 101 – Beginning Algebra

             Mathematics Department

Semester: Summer 2009

Catalog Course Description: This course includes the following topics: operations with signed numbers; addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with algebraic expressions; factoring; techniques for solving linear and fractional equations; and an introduction to graphing.

Prerequisite(s):                      MAT 100, RDG 032 or Appropriate Assessment Score

Credit Hours:                        3.0 Credit Hours

Departmental Website:         http://www.midlandstech.edu/math/mathhome.htm

Instructor:                              Kari Beaty

Office:                                                RO 211             

Telephone:                             (803) 822-3445

E-mail:                                   beatyk@midlandstech.edu

Campus Mailbox:                  RO 105

Personal Website:                  www.midlandstech.edu/beatyk

Departmental Assistant:       Mitzi Trigg – TriggM@MidlandsTech.edu – 738-7689

Department Chair:               Rick Bailey – BaileyR@MidlandsTech.edu – 738-7618

Program Coordinator:         Rose Jenkins – JenkinsR@MidlandsTech.edu – 822-3351     

Class Schedule[s]:                  MAT 101 A3Y MTWR 12:30-2:25 pm in AC 215;

MAT 251 A59  MTWR  4:30-6:25 pm in AC 215

Office Hours:                         MTWR  2:25-4:25 pm in RO 211

Textbook(s):                           Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, by George Woodbury Addison Wesley, 2^nd Edition, 2009

Equipment:                            Scientific or graphing calculator. Note: A TI-84 or TI-84+ graphing calculator will be required for subsequent courses.

General Education Core Competency Statement:  Programs may use this course to meet the general education core competency of mathematics.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.       Factor binomials and trinomials and use these techniques in solving quadratic equations

2.       Combine rational expressions by addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and solve rational equations.

3.       Represent linear equations graphically and identify slope and intercepts.

4.       Solve word problems with linear and quadratic equations (including, but not limited to mixture and interest).

Course Outcomes and Competencies:

Intended Course Outcome: Students should be able to understand and apply computational skills, quantitative reasoning and symbolic reasoning to evaluate and solve problems systematically.

            Course Competency: Students should be able to solve mathematical problems by identifying what information is available and relevant to the problem; by selecting or developing appropriate procedures and relationships; by correctly applying the methods selected to the information available; and by verifying the validity and appropriateness of the solution.

            Performance Measurement Instrument: Students will be given four applied mathematical problems to solve selected by the Mathematics Department to measure successful attainment of the competency.  These problems will be embedded within student quizzes and tests.  A student correctly solving 3 out of 4 of the problems will be considered to have successfully attained the competency.  The goal is for 80% of the students completing the assessment to successfully attain the competency.

Course Attendance: 

ABSENCE -         Failure to be present for a scheduled meeting of the class or arriving for the class more than ten minutes after the scheduled time for the class to begin.

TARDY ---            Arrival to class after the instructor has called the roll and before ten minutes past the time scheduled for the class to begin.

I.                    Absences are counted from the first day of classes.

II.                  Two absences are allowed for a class that meets four times per week.

III.               Three tardies are considered as one absence.  The student must meet with the instructor at the end of the class to which he has been late to have the absence changed to a tardy.

IV.                There are no "excused" absences; all absences are counted, regardless of the reason for the absence.

V.                  A student missing class time by leaving early will also be counted absent.

 Please note the following: You are responsible for all material and announcements presented, whether you are present or absent. 

Withdrawal:  Should the maximum allowable absences be exceeded prior to midterm, a "W" will be submitted to the registrar to be recorded on the student's transcript.  Should the maximum allowable absences be exceeded after midterm, a "W" will be submitted to the registrar if the student was passing the course at the time of withdrawal OR a "WF" will be submitted if the student was failing the course at the time of withdrawal.

Course Requirements:  MyMathLab is required for this course.  All homework and tests are taken through MyMathLab.  Homework for the entire semester is available from the first day of class, so assigned homework deadlines are firm.  There simply is not time to catch up if you get behind in a 5-week course.  Grades and answer keys are made available as soon as the deadline for taking a test passes, so late tests and makeup tests are NOT given.

Course Grading:       Late work is unacceptable. 

There are 5 tests that count 12% each (60% total for tests).

The exam counts 20% of the final grade.

The quiz average counts 10% of final grade.

The homework counts 10% of the final grade.

Grading Scale:                       90-100                   A                             Superior Work

                                                                  80-89                   B                             Good Work

                                                                  70-79                   C                             Average Work

                                                  60-69                   D                             Below Average Work

                                                                   0- 59                    F                              Unsatisfactory Work

Classroom Rules/Other:       Respect yourself and others, including the instructor.  Come to class, on time, prepared to work.  Turn off cell phones and other unauthorized electronic devices during class.  Please do not eat, drink or smoke during class.  Follow all MTC policies.  Seek help outside of class if you are having difficulty. 

MyMathLab is an interactive website where you can:

·   Self-test to improve your math skills.

·   Study more efficiently.  Create personalized study plans with exercises that match your book.

·   Get help when you need it.  Includes multimedia learning aids like videos and animations.

·   Talk to a live tutor via a toll free number.

What do I need to get started?

What steps do I take next?

( Don’t forget, MyMathLab includes FREE Take the access card that was packaged with the text, review the grid above one more time and then follow steps 1 - 8 below.

1)       Go to www.coursecompass.com and click on Register.

2)       Enter your six-word student access code, school zip - 29170  code and country. 

3)       Enter the Course ID - ____________________ given to you by your instructor.

4)       Fill in the requested information, and then create your unique Login Name and Password.  It’s recommended that you use your email address as your login name.

5)       Return to www.coursecompass.com and log in. At the Welcome page, click on the course you are taking.

6)       You do not need this step for the lab but you will need this at home: The first time you enter the site from your computer and anytime you use a new computer, click on the software Installation Wizard on the Announcements page or on the navigational buttons on the bottom left side of the screen.  This wizard will walk you through the installation of the software you will need to use the MyMathLab resources.   Note: the software may already be installed in the school lab.  Check with your lab administrator.

7)       Technical problems?  Call Tech Support at 800-677-6337, Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm EST.

8)       Additional help can be found on the Announcements page by clicking on Student Help or viewing the tip sheets.

Getting started movies are avaibale at < http://www.aw-bc.com/orientation/math.html >

Click on: Getting Started with MyMathLab (WebEx Movie)

access to the AW Tutor Center.

Toll free 888-777-0463, Sunday to Thursday 5pm – 12am EST.

My Login Name ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_____________________________ My Password ____________________________

Course Topic Outline/Course Calendar with Assignments:

PLEASE NOTE: Should change become necessary, the instructor reserves the right to adjust the requirements, pace, or scheduling of this course.  Any change will be announced in class before it becomes effective.

                                    College Policies

Students are expected to read the student handbook and abide by its policies. Copies of the

handbook may be obtained at various locations on campus and is located on the web: http://www.midlandstech.edu/planner/

Academic Dishonesty: The Student Code addresses what constitutes academic dishonesty. All forms of dishonesty including, but not limited to, cheating on tests, plagiarism, collusion and falsification, will call for discipline.

                CHEATING ON TESTS includes:

§         Copying from another student’s paper.

§         Using materials during a test not authorized by the person giving the test.

§         Collaborating with any other person during a test without permission.

§         Knowingly obtaining, using, buying, selling, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of any un-administered test.

§         Bribing any other person to obtain information about tests.

§         Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself.

                PLAGIARISM is the appropriation of any other person’s work and unacknowledged

                incorporation of that work in one’s own work offered for credit.

Campus Emergency Protocol: Students and employees are asked to report safety concerns or suspicious activities to Campus Security at 7199 (on campus) or 738-7199 (cell phone or off campus). In the event of an emergency, employees and/or students should immediately call Campus Security or local 911.  If an emergency occurs, the college will use a variety of methods to communicate additional information and instructions including the MTC Information Centers, campus loud speakers, MTC Alerts! (http://www.midlandstech.edu/Phone_Alert.

htm),voice mail, email, college Intranet, and the MTC website homepage.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the event weather conditions or other emergencies cause the closing or a delayed start of Midlands Technical College, announcements will be made over local radio and TV stations, on the MTC Web site, and on the college’s information line (803-738-8324).  Notices will be sent to students via Campus Cruiser Mail when applicable.  Separate announcements may be made for day and evening classes as weather conditions change during the day.

If the college closing or reopening means that there is at least 30 minutes of a class remaining, plan to attend that class. For example, if the college opens at 10:00 a.m. in TTH, classes that normally meet at 8:00 a.m. will not meet, but classes beginning at 9:30 a.m.will meet. If the college closes at 8:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. classes will meet for their regular time, but 7:35 p.m. classes will not meet since there are fewer than 30 minutes remaining in class.

Student E-Mail Accounts: All MTC students are assigned a college e-mail account upon admission to the college.  This account is called “Campus Cruiser Mail.”  Campus Cruiser Mail is the primary mode by which the college communicates with students.  Students are responsible for checking their college e-mail on a regular basis for important information and announcements about registration, financial aid, cancelled classes, emergency announcements and other notices.  Students can use their college e-mail accounts to communicate with faculty, staff, fellow students, and others, in support of their educational pursuits.  In addition to e-mail, students will also have access to maintaining personal calendars and “tasks lists” through their Campus Cruiser e-mail account.

Student Evaluation of Instruction: Students have the opportunity to evaluate this course. The confidential evaluation process is conducted through MTC Online using the individual student’s username and password. Announcements will be made during the term concerning how and when to complete the online evaluation. Students are encouraged to participate in this process.

Students Requiring Special Accommodations: If special accommodations are needed for a student with a disability, the student should go to Counseling Services on Beltline or Airport Campus for assistance. Documentation regarding a specific disability is required in order for special arrangements to be made. Confidentiality of information received will be maintained.