Math 082 Syllabus

MATH 082: Introductory Algebra Section: WC1 Online

CCBC, Catonsville Campus School of Math and Science

I. Basic Course Information

A. Instructor: Debra Loeffler

B. Semester: Spring 2009

C. Office Location: E204F

D. Instructor’s contact information: dloeffler@ccbcmd.edu, 443-840-4255

E. Instructor’s office hours: Online as needed

F. Math Department: 443-840-4251 (Room E-204)

G. Testing Center: catonsville.testingcenter@ccbcmd.edu, 443-840-5246 (Room K-205)

H. Pre-requisites: Math 081 or a satisfactory score on the math placement test, RDNG 051 or LVR1 or by consent of the Coordinator.

II. Course Goals

A. Learning outcomes (as listed on the official common course outline):

a. Signed Numbers (Integers)

i. Operations on Signed Numbers

ii. Order of Operations

b. Introduction to Algebra

i. Expressions

ii. Solve Basic Equations

c. Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable

i. Properties

ii. Solve linear equations and inequalities

iii. Applied Problems for linear equations

iv. Literal equations

d. Linear Equations in Two Variables

i. Rectangular Coordinate System

ii. Slope of a Line

iii. Graph linear equations

iv. Find the equation of a line

e. Systems of Linear Equations

i. Solve by the graphing, substitution, and addition methods

ii. Applications

f. Exponents

i. Product, Quotient, and Power Rules

ii. Integer Exponents

g. Polynomials

i. Evaluate

ii. Operations on Polynomials

h. Factoring

i. Greatest Common Factor

ii. Factoring Trinomials

iii. Special Factorization

iv. Solve by Factoring

B. Objectives (as listed on the official common course outline):

Perform arithmetic operations and use Order of Operations on integers.
Solve equations using properties.
Translate sentences to equations and solve.
Solve linear equations in one variable.
Find the equation of a line.
Use linear equations to solve word problems.
Solve linear inequalities in one variable.
Interpret and calculate slopes.
Apply rules of integer exponents.
Perform operations on polynomials.
Factor polynomials (binomial and trinomials).
Graph linear equations and inequalities in two variables.
Solve systems of linear equations.

C. Rationale: Algebra is a branch of mathematics which studies equations and the methods for solving these equations. Algebra has evolved for more than 3000 years and has emerged as a basic tool of modern science, social science, business, and technology. Algebra is a foundation for al higher mathematics, including, but not limited to, trigonometry, calculus, finite mathematics, probability and statistics. Algebra teaches not only skills, but also thought processes that will be used again and again in college level mathematics courses.

III. Evaluation

A. Requirements

a. Online Quizzes and Tests

b. Final exam (Cumulative)-in the Testing Center at one of the Main Campuses.

B. Instructor’s grading policy

Unit Tests (1 per unit, 1 attempt allowed, make-ups during the week before final exam.)	50%
Quizzes (2 attempts allowed: average of the two attempts)	20%
Final Exam	30%

Scores of 90 - 100% will be graded 'A'
Scores of 80 - 89% will be graded 'B'
Scores of 70 - 79% will be graded 'C'
Scores lower than 70% will be graded 'F.

IV. Course Procedures

A. Materials : All learning materials are online. A text is not required, but can be used as a supplement to the course. Intermediate Algebra (8^th ed.) by Charles McKeague is the Catonsville selected text, but any text can be used. A correlation sheet between the text and the online materials will be available in the document folder on the main page of WebCT.

B. Special procedures : There are also practice problems and self-quizzes after each objective that do not count in the grade. They are only for the student to test their knowledge of each topic.

All tests and quizzes are completed online. The Final Exam however must be completed on campus at one of the three main Testing Centers for CCBC (this does not include the extension centers). Quizzes are due by the last day that the test for that unit is due. All quizzes are open the first day of class, but end after each unit test is due, so you can work ahead with the quizzes, just not the tests. Although tests are available for 3 days, it does not mean that you have 3 days to complete it. Once you start a quiz or test, you will have only a specific amount of time to take it. Each quiz/test has a particular timeframe so make sure that you note the time required before you take the assessments. A clock will be seen in the upper right hand side of the computer screen to help you manage your time. Once the time limit has been met, no more answers can be saved, so make sure that you “save” each answer as you go thru the quiz/test. You can always go back within the timeframe and change your answer, but you must “save” the answer again or it will revert back to the original one. Also make sure that you “submit” your quiz/test when you are finished. Your grade for quizzes/tests will not appear until the end of the timeframe (3^rd day of test). If you run out of time for the quizzes/tests and are not able to submit it, I am able to go in and “force” submit it for you.

Due to unforeseen circumstances that would prohibit the student from taking a test on time, illness, computer glitches, etc., make-up tests are given during finals week (check the calendar for exact dates). Since you can take the quizzes twice, there are no make-up quizzes. No exceptions!

WebCt testing does have a few “quirks” ( no equation editor) when typing in answers so here is the list of equivalencies: Note: email does have equation editor capabilities. You will also see this information in the Unit 0 lesson.

C. Tentative list of dated assignments : Check the Calendar in WebCT for due dates!

D. Email & Discussions: WebCt email is used when the student wants to have a private conversation with me or other students. Discussions are for ALL to see and for ALL to respond. I also monitor the discussion board to make sure that only appropriate “talking” is going on, so BEWARE! Discussion is a good place to ask questions about solving problems since I am not always online but fellow students are and can respond faster. I expect that all students be courteous in their comments to emails and discussions.

E. Hints for Success: Here are some tips you should follow which will help you to succeed in this course:

Set aside a specific time each week to work on this course. The estimated amount of time you should spend is 8 hours/week, more in summer/winter condensed semesters.
Keep in touch with me and your classmates by frequently checking your course e-mail, bulletin board, and calendar. This will help build a sense of community among us. Using the various communications tools provided in this course effectively is the same as "raising your hand" and participating in class discussions.
Familiarize yourself with published deadlines. Check your calendar!
If your computer is not reliable, use one at the college or local library. While this may be inconvenient, you don’t want to have a test/quiz lost due to computer issues.
Ask for help when you need it.
Remember that there are traditional ways for keeping in touch. Use the telephone, a fax, or make an appointment to meet with me on campus.

Attendance policy

While there are not specific times for students to be online, students are expected to log in to the course at least two times per week. Students not logging into the course will miss announcements and may be referred to the Registrar as a "non-attending" student. Audits and not allowed in this online class. If a student changes to an audit, please be aware that at the end of the semester when grades are turned in, the AU will become an F for the course. Incompletes can be given in certain circumstances, like hospitalization, incarceration, but must be documented and at least 75% of the course must have been completed with an average grade of a “C”.

. NOTE: The deadline for withdrawing from a course for the Spring 2009 semester is Monday, April 20, 2009 by 7 p.m. Failure to officially withdraw from a class you have stopped attending may result in an "F" grade. Please note that you may not audit a developmental course.

COURSE REPEAT POLICY

Students who have already received two grades (including W, AU, I, and R) in any course are prohibited from registering for the course for the third or subsequent time without the written permission of an academic dean or his/her designee. (Note: If the course is developmental, the recommendation of a support team [including at least one individual selected by the Dean of Developmental Education and Special Academic Programs and at least one individual selected by the academic unit] must be included in the decision making process of the academic dean or his/her designee.)

Disabled Students

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, CCBC is committed to providing an environment that is conducive to learning for all students. Any student who is disabled and requires special accommodation should contact the appropriate campus as follows:

Campus:	Office:	Room:	Phone:
Catonsville	Office of Disabilities Support Services	K-205	443-840-5246 443-840-4553 (TTY)
Dundalk	Office of Disabilities Support Services	A-100	443-840-3774 443-840-3529 (TTY)
Essex	Office of Disabilities Support Services	A-210	443-840-1741 443-840-1601 (TTY)

CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

For the College to make its maximum contribution as an institution of high learning, the entire college community must uphold high standards of integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior. In seeking the truth, in learning to think critically, and in preparing for a life of constructive service, honesty is imperative. Each student has a responsibility to submit work that is uniquely his or her own, or to provide clear and complete acknowledgement of the use of work attributable to others. To these ends, the following actions are expected of students:

· Complete all work on exams without assistance.

· Follow the professor’s instructions when completing all class assignments.

· Ask for clarification when instructions are not clear.

· Report to the instructor any unauthorized information related to an exam.

· Provide proper credit when quoting or paraphrasing.

· Submit only one’s own work.

Students who do not accept responsibility for the integrity of their own work will experience sanctions, including a written reprimand, failure of the assignment, failure of the course, and/or dismissal from the program. For repeat and extreme offenses, the College reserves the right to suspend or expel students.

Writing Policy

The College recognizes that clear, correct, and concise use of language is characteristic of an educated person. Therefore, whenever possible, faculty members in all disciplines should require written assignments in their courses in order to encourage effective writing by their students. Also, instructors should consider the quality of writing in determining a grade for a written assignment. Poor writing can be a sufficient cause for a failing grade on a paper and, in extreme cases, a failing grade in a course.

Inclement Weather/Emergency Closing Policy

In the event that the college (or a specific campus) opens late due to weather-related or other emergency conditions, classes will commence at the announced opening time and resume the normal schedule thereafter for the remainder of the day. Faculty, students, and classified staff should report to wherever they would normally have been at the announced opening time. **

Students and faculty engaged in field placement programs (such as internships, clinical placements, etc.) should discuss the handling of emergency situations at the beginning of the placement period. Both the requirements of the program and the safety of persons involved should be considered in planning a course of action in those cases where students are expected to report to off-campus locations.

** For example, if you had a class that began at 9:35 and the college opened at 10:00 because of snow, you would report to your 9:35 class at 10:00.

When the college closes because of severe weather or emergency conditions, announcements of class cancellations are made on local radio and television stations and the college website (www.ccbcmd.edu). Closings and delays will also be recorded on the campus weather line:

Catonsville	443-840-1711
Dundalk	443-840-1711
Essex	443-840-1711

TUTORING SERVICES

Students are encouraged to seek help from their instructors whenever they encounter academic difficulty (either during scheduled office hours or by appointment). In addition, each campus offers free academic support services, including in-person and “cyber” tutoring. For more information, contact:

Campus:	Office:	Room:	Phone:
Catonsville	Student Success Center	F-304	443-840-5959
Dundalk	Student Success Center	J-211	443-840-3666
Essex	Student Success Center	A-307	443-840-1820

CIVILITY AND COMMUNITY BUILDING EXPECTATIONS

(Compassion, Appreciation, Respect, Empowerment)

As members of the CCBC community of learners, we are expected to act with respect, honesty, responsibility and accountability. Each of us is expected to be aware of the impact our behavior has on the community. CCBC wishes to each learner to commit to the following actions:

• Become an active and engaged learner

• Celebrate the richness of our diversity

• Respect the campus and its code of conduct

• Practice empathy and compassion

• Promote the empowerment of others

MAJOR RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY POLICY

Students not attending class because they are observing major religious holidays shall be given the opportunity, to the maximum extent possible, to make up, within a reasonable amount of time, any academic work or tests they miss. Arrangements between the student and the faculty member(s) for the student to make up missed assignments or tests must be made in advance of the religious holiday, at the initiation of the student.

STUDENT E-MAIL ACCOUNTS

CCBC has joined the ranks of the very few community colleges in Maryland who provide email accounts to all credit students. Each student who is registered in credit classes now has an email account and up to 5 Mb of storage in their mail box. This account will not be deleted even if the student graduates or leaves CCBC for any reason.

For information about the system and how students can determine their email address, go the CCBC Home Page and click on “Student Email”. From here students can find their email address, get to an on-line user manual and access instructions on how to forward the CCBC email to the system of choice (AOL, Comcast, Hot Mail, etc.)

WebCT	Topics	Book	Sections	Problems
1.1	Real Numbers	1.3	Find the opposite of a real number	1-12
1.2			Simplify expressions involving absolute value	17-28
1.3			Recognize and apply the properties of real numbers	41-52, 125-138
1.4			Recognize and apply the distributive property	53-68, 75-100
1.8			Simplify algebraic expressions	113-124
1.5		1.4	Add and subtract real numbers	1-24
1.6			Multiply and divide real numbers	25-40
1.7			Apply the rule for Order of Operations	41-64
1.8			Simplify algebraic expressions	91-108
1.9			Find the value of an expression	135-136
2.1-5	Equations &	2.1	Solve a linear equation in one variable	1-98
2.1-5	Inequalities	2.2	Solve a formula with numerical replacements	1-26
2.1-5	in One		Solve formulas for the indicated variable	27-50
2.6-7	Variable	2.3	Solve application problems	1-8
2.8		2.4	Solve a linear inequality in one variable and graph the solution set	1-24
2.9		2.5	Solve equations with absolute value symbols	1-40
3.1	Graphs,	3.1	Graph ordered pairs on a rectangular coordinate system	1-4
3.2	Functions &		Graph linear equations by finding intercepts or by making a table	5-30
3.3	Applications		Graph horizontal and vertical lines	33-36
3.4		3.2	Find the slope of a line from its graph	1-6
3.4-5			Find the slope of a line given two points on the line	7-18
3.6		3.3	Find the equation of a line given its slope and y-intercept	1-8
3.6			Find the slope and y-intercept from the equation of a line	15-24
3.6			Find the equation of a line given the slope and a point on the line	25-34
3.7			Find the equation of a line given two points on the line	35-40, 47-50
3.8		3.4	Graph linear inequalities in two variables	1-34
4.1	Systems of	4.1	Solve systems of equations in two variables by graphing	1-10
4.2	Equations		Solve systems of equations in two variables by the addition method	11-30
4.3			Solve systems of equations in two variables by substitution method	31-42
4.4-6		4.5	Solve application problems through the use of systems of equations	1-4, 7, 8, 15-19, 21-26
5.1	Polynomials	5.1	Simplify expressions using the properties of exponents	1-60
5.2			Convert between scientific notation and expanded form	79-94
5.3			Multiply and divide expressions written in scientific notation	95-100, 119-20
5.4		5.2	Give the degree of a polynomial	1-12
5.5-6			Add and subtract polynomials	13-48
5.7			Evaluate a polynomial for a given value	49-58
5.8-9		5.3	Multiply polynomials	1-56
6.1	Factoring	5.4	Factor out the greatest common factor	1-20
6.3		5.5	Factor trinomials when the leading coefficient is 1	1-22
6.4			Factor trinomials when the leading coefficient is not one	29-60
6.5		5.6	Factor perfect square trinomials	1-26
6.2			Factor the difference of two squares	29-46
6.6		5.8	Solve equations by factoring	1-30