Developmental Studies

 Mat 100 Introduction to College Math

*This syllabus contains some information that is different from the traditional on-campus courses.

 Fall Semester 2009

Instructor:                  Ellyn Gillespie Stewart

Office:                        AC 206

Telephone:                 Office:  822-3242

Departmental Assistant: Sandra Smith 822 - 3539

Department Chair: Tom Davis 822 – 3239

Math Coordinator: Bruce Prunty 822 - 3541

E-mail:                        stewarte@midlandstech.edu  (this is the best method to reach me)

Campus Mailbox:        AC 212

Class Schedule:         

Office Hours:             By appointment

Personal Website:      http://www.midlandstech.edu/dvs/faculty/gillespiestewart/

Course Attendance:  Since this is an online course, you are required to participate on the discussion board a minimum of once a week.  I will post a discussion question that you must respond to.  You may also use the discussion board to ask questions and help other students.  I check daily.

You must also email me weekly between Friday – Sunday (other general emails throughout the week do not count) for an update of your week "in math".  I would like to know where you are in the course and what problems or successes you are having.  I respond to your weekly update email on Mondays.  If you do not receive an email from me by Tuesday, please forward your original email to me.   

If you miss a test without contacting me, you will be dropped for non-attendance and your last day of attendance will be recorded as the lat day you were in MyMathLab.

Course Requirements:  You may work ahead in the course and if possible, you may take the midterm and final early.  However, you may not make-up work after the deadline dates for any reason.  Also, everyone MUST take the final exam.

This course works on the mastery learning system.  In order to move from one assignment to another, you must demonstrate mastery, which is 80% in this course.  You may not take a test until you have completed the homework required for the test at 80% or better.  You have unlimited attempts at homework.  You will have weekly deadlines for homework.  If you cannot meet a deadline, contact me (email is preferred) as soon as possible.  The homework closes on the due date and you will not be able to move on in the course because you will have zeros for the homework.  Again, keep me aware of any situations that do not allow you to complete an assignment by the due date.

You will be given two attempts at each test.  These also must be completed BEFORE the due date.  The higher grade of the two attempts will count as your grade.

For the midterm and final, you only have one attempt.  This must be taken on Airport Campus.

No tests are dropped in this course.

There is no extra credit in this course.

You will be dropped from the course if you miss a test.  Your last date of attendance will be determined by your last date in MyMathLab.

Course Grading:       The final grade is determined as follows:

Classroom Rules/Other:  Everyone must take the midterm and final exams on Airport Campus in ASC 262.  These exams You are given 2 hours to complete each test.  Please be sure to check http://www.midlandstech.edu/testcenter/ for more information on testing.

There will be no make-ups for homework or tests (including the midterm and final exams).

All emails must have the following subject line:  “Your name, Math 100 Internet”.  If the subject line is different, I may not receive the email and it may be sent to my trash or spam folder by mistake.

Course Topic Outline/Course Calendar with Assignments:

                                    Math 100 Introduction to College Math

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course covers the following topics in an algebraic context: mathematical methods, techniques, ways of thinking, and problem solving. Graphing is introduced and geometrical applications are stressed. The course also reviews arithmetic operations and develops skills in operations with algebraic expressions, polynomials, algebraic fractions and solving linear equations.

PREREQUISITE(S):  Math 032 or placement exam

CREDIT HOURS:     5

DEPARTMENTAL WEBSITE:  www.midlandstech.edu/dvs

TEXTBOOK(S): Integrated Arithmetic and Basic Algebra, Fourth Edition by Jordan/Palow, Addison Wesley, 2009.

EQUIPMENT:  Scientific Calculator TI-30X IIS is recommended.  Calculators are not permitted until chapter 3.  No Calculators for Chapter 1, 2, 6 and 7.  A Student Solutions Manual is available in the bookstore and online, but is not required.

GRADING SCALE:                   90-100                  A                             Superior Work

                                                                80-89                     B                             Good Work

                                                                75-79                     C                             Average Work

                                                                below 75               F                             Unsatisfactory Work

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to: perform operations with integers, variable expressions, polynomials, and exponents, solve linear equations, perform operations with rational numbers, describe and use the rectangular coordinate system, and calculate percent applications.

COURSE OUTCOMES AND COMPETENCIES:

            Intended Course Outcome: Students will demonstrate an overall knowledge of the learning

                objectives for introductory algebra including integers, expressions, equations, basic

                graphing, and rational numbers.

                Course Competency: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1.       Perform operations with integers, variable expressions, polynomials, and exponents

2.       Solve linear equations

3.       Perform operations with rational numbers

4.       Describe and use the rectangular coordinate system

5.       Calculate percent applications

Performance Measurement Instrument and Success criteria:  Students will demonstrate course competency by responding to questions on the standardized final exam which includes the following individual competencies:

1.       Perform operations with integers, variable expressions, polynomials, and exponents

2.       Solve linear equations

3.       Perform operations with rational numbers

4.       Describe and use the rectangular coordinate system

5.       Calculate percent applications

                                                    College Policies

Students are expected to read the student handbook and abide by its policies. Copies of the hand book 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, student and employee protocol is to 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 (803.738.8234).  Notices will be sent to student 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. If the college closed at 8:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. classes would meet for their regular time, but 7:35 p.m. classes would 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 On-Line 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.