COURSE SYLLABUS – Fall 2002
Mathematics 0320
Elementary Algebra
Text: Introductory Algebra, K. Elayn Martin-Gay, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall.
Course Description:
Designed for students with a background in developmental algebra. Topics include graphing, linear equations and inequalities, operations involving polynomials, radicals, and quadratics. Geometry topics include problem solving using geometric figures, Pythagorean Theorem and other principles of geometry. Students apply their instruction in a lab setting.
General Course Objectives:
Students should achieve mastery of the following skill areas.
· Simplifying, multiplying and dividing, and adding and subtracting rational expressions
· Solving equations containing rational expressions
· Simplifying complex fractions
· Graphing linear equations
· Writing equations of lines
· Determining intercepts and slopes of lines
· Solving systems of linear equations by graphing, substitution, and addition
· Simplifying, adding and subtracting, and multiplying and dividing radicals
· Solving quadratic equations by the square root property, completing the square, and the quadratic formula
The following will be expected of students in all classes as indicated by the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS).
· Students are expected to come to class prepared and on time.
· Students are expected to accept responsibility for make-up tests (if given) and other missed assignments.
· Through participating in classroom discussions, students will have the opportunity to exercise leadership skills and to help teach others.
· Students will be expected to be contributing members when given team assignments such as classroom boardwork.
· Students will recognize that working with people of diverse backgrounds is an invaluable part of an education.
· Students will be able to use critical thinking skills and apply these to assigned work.
· Students will be required to read from the text and interpret what they have read into written algebraic form.
Methods of Instruction:
1. Lectures
2. Videos (if applicable)
3. Instructor assistance/guidance with assignments, group work, and classroom discussions
4. Classroom boardwork
Evaluation Methods:
1. Four to six major exams
2. Comprehensive final exam
3. Completion of sixteen laboratory assignments
Lab Grade:
There are 16 lab assignments during the semester. You may NOT, under any circumstances, receive credit for more than two labs during any one week. Your lab grade will be earned as follows:
# of labs completed grade
16 100
15 90
14 80
13 70
12 60
11 50
10 40
9 30
8 20
7 10
6 and below 0
Grading Policy:
Your course grade will be
based on the average of the lab grade, chapter tests and the final exam, which
will count twice. Your letter grade
will be earned according to the following scale.
90 - 100% A
80 - 89% B
70 - 79% C
60 - 69% D
59 & below F
Attendance Policy:
Academic success is closely associated with regular class attendance. This class is scheduled to meet approximately forty-three hours during the semester. If a student misses seven hours of class or more, the instructor will initiate an "administrative withdrawal". Please refer to page 34 in the GCC catalog for further information regarding attendance.
Students with special needs should contact the Disability
Services Coordinator in the
Students are expected
to maintain classroom decorum that includes respect for other students and the
instructor, prompt and regular attendance, and an attitude that seeks to take
full advantage of the educational opportunity.
Important Dates:
Aug 26 Classes Begin
Aug 26 – 29 Schedule changes
Aug 30 Schedule changes
Sept 2 Labor Day –
Oct 30 Last day to drop with
automatic WP
Nov 27 Last day to drop or
withdraw
Dec 2 Registration for Spring semester begins
Dec 9 – 12 Final Exams
Homework
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