Course Syllabus – Fall 2007

 

Course Number and Title:  MATH 1311 College Algebra

         

 

Instructor

Information

 

 

 

 

Name:  Amy Riordan 

 

Contact Information: 

 

Office Hours: 

  • Mondays and Wednesdays:  8-9am and 2-4pm
  • Tuesday and Thursdays:  2-4pm
  • Fridays:  8-9am and 2-3pm

 

Course Overview

 

 

Catalog Description: This college algebra course focuses on modeling real data, e.g., environmental issues. Topics covered include linear and quadratic functions, systems of linear equations and matrices, exponential and logarithmic functions, series, inequalities, and linear programming. A graphing calculator is preferred, preferably a TI83+. Some students will be required to take DEVS 0320 before being allowed to take this course according to McMurry’s academic placement policy. MATH 1311 or a higher-level mathematics course fulfills the General Education requirement for BA and BBA degrees. Consult requirements for your major to see if this course is required.

 

Course Overview:  This is a course that will fulfill the General Education requirements for all students. Individual problem solving, board work, class discussion, and lectures will be used.

 

Pre-requisites: DEVS 0320, 0330 or Pre-Test score of 70 or above. 

 

Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:   

  • Solve equations of various types:

o   Polynomials

o   Exponentials

o   Logarithmic

  • Perform valid mathematical computations.
  • Use mathematical problem solving techniques.
  • Be able to solve problems using the techniques from College Algebra.
  • Be able to set up and manipulate mathematical models.
  • Be able to apply and symbolically manipulate mathematical functions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic tools of mathematics.

 

Course Materials and Resources: 

 

 

 

 

Required Course Materials:

  • Algebra for College Students by Lial, Hornsby.  ISBN:  0-321-44254-7

 

Optional or Recommended Course Materials:

  • Student’s Solutions Manual by Jeffery A. Cole.  ISBN:  0-321-44328-4

 

AEC and Other Educational Support Resources: 

  • FREE tutoring is available in the AEC.  When studying in the AEC, you need to sign in on the AEC log-in computer and also sign out.

Course Policies:

           

 

 

Attendance:  You are required to attend all classes.  If you miss three or more classes, consecutively, you may be dropped from the class.  Being late three times will equal one absence.  If you have missed, or will miss, a class you need to contact me immediately!!  Being late or disrupting class will not be tolerated and can result in being dropped!!!      

 

Grade Determination:                                                                  +/- Grade System:

Homework                    20%                                         93-100              A

Exams 5                       60%                                         90-92                A-

Final Exam                   20%                                         87-89                B+

                                                                                    83-86                B                                 

                                                                                    80-82                B-

77-79                C+

73-76                C

70-72                C-

67-69                D+

63-66                D

60-62                D-

0-59                 F

 

 

 

Make-up Work:  Exams must be made up by the next class period or by the last day of class, failure to do so will result in an exam score of zero.

 

Academic Dishonesty:  Cheating will not be tolerated!!  If you are caught cheating on a quiz or exam your grade will be a zero with no possibility of makeup and you will be reported to the Dean of Student Services. 

 

 

Special Needs:     McMurry University abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which stipulates that no otherwise qualified student shall be denied the benefits of an education “solely by reason of a handicap”.  If you have a documented disability that may impact your performance in this class and for which you may be requesting accommodation, you must be registered with and provide documentation of your disability to the Disability Services Office, located in Old Main Room 102.   Arrangements will be made for students needing special accommodations.

 

Major Projects, Required Activities, and Assignments:  

 

 

  • Homework:  Homework will be due on the class day following the day it was assigned.  I will not accept late homework.

 

  • Exams:  Each of the five exams will be worth 12% of the total grade.  Exams must be made up by the next class period or by the last day of class, failure to do so will result in an exam score of zero.

Tentative Course Schedule:

 

MATH 1311 College Algebra

Amy Riordan

Fall 2007

Class Schedule:  MWF

 

Date:

Sections:

Date:

Sections:

8/27

Syllabus

10/19

9.5

8/29

4.1

10/22

Test #3

8/31

4.2

10/24

10.1

9/3

4.3

10/26

10.2

9/5

4.4

10/29

10.4

9/7

5.2

10/31

10.5

9/10

5.3

11/2

12.1

9/12

5.4

11/5

12.2

9/14

5.5

11/7

12.3

9/17

Test #1

11/9

12.4

9/19

8.1

11/12

Test #4

9/21

8.2

11/14

Holiday

9/24

8.3

11/16

Holiday

9/26

8.4

11/19

12.4

9/28

8.5

11/21

11.1

10/1

8.6

11/23

11.2

10/3

Test #2

11/26

11.3

10/5

Homecoming

11/28

11.4

10/8

8.7

11/30

11.5

10/10

9.1

12/3

11.6

10/12

9.2

12/5

Test #5

10/15

9.3

12/7

Review

10/17

9.4

12/10-10:30

Final Exam

** Remember that the class schedule is subject to change at any time.  You will be notified during class of any changes.

 

Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

and their Linkage to

Program and University Goals and Outcomes.

 

 

MATH 1311 College Algebra

 

Desired Student Learning Outcomes for this course

Linked to which departmental program goal(s)

Linked to which institutional goal(s)?

Types of evidence that might be used to demonstrate student achievement of objectives & goals

Solve equations of various types:

  • Polynomials
  • Exponentials
  • Logarithmic

Provide a foundation in mathematics that will prepare McMurry majors for a career or graduate school.

2,3,8

A subset of questions from the Final Exam

Perform valid mathematical computations.

Provide a foundation in mathematics that will prepare McMurry majors for a career or graduate school.

2,3,8

A subset of questions from the Final Exam

Use mathematical problem solving techniques.

Provide a foundation in mathematics that will prepare McMurry majors for a career or graduate school.

2,3,8

A subset of questions from the Final Exam

Be able to solve problems using the techniques from College Algebra.

Provide courses that are appropriate for the McMurry general education requirements.

2,3,8

A subset of questions from the Final Exam

Be able to set up and manipulate mathematical models.

Provide courses that are appropriate for the McMurry general education requirements.

2,3,8

A subset of questions from the Final Exam

Be able to apply and symbolically manipulate mathematical functions.

Provide courses that are appropriate for the McMurry general education requirements.

2,3,8

A subset of questions from the Final Exam

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic tools of mathematics

Provide a foundation in mathematics that will prepare McMurry majors for a career or graduate school.

2,3,8

A subset of questions from the Final Exam

 

Institutional Goals supported:

2. Students are equipped for successful careers and post-graduate education.

3. Students acquire enthusiasm for lifelong learning through expanded intellectual and cultural experiences.

8. The institution will engage in an ongoing pursuit of excellence in curricula, programs, and policies.