Syllabus MA 109-Z1
College Algebra
Fall 2003

Instructor: Jason Taylor
Telephone: Office: (270) 534-3116
Home: (270) 534-8557
E-mail: jasond.taylor@kctcs.edu
Office: Crounse Hall (S&E) 315

Official Course Description

Selected topics in algebra and analytic geometry. Develops manipulative algebraic skills required for successful calculus study. Includes brief review of basic algebra, quadratic formula, systems of linear equations, introduction to analytic geometry, including conic sections and graphing. Not available for credit to persons who have received credit in any mathematics course of a higher number, with the exceptions of MA 112, MA 123, MA 162, MA 201, and MA 202. Credit not available on the basis of special examination.

Special Examination Policy

Credit not available on the basis of special examination.

Prerequisites

Two years of high school algebra and a Math ACTE score of 19 or above, or MA-108/MAH-083, or Math Placement test.

Program Approved Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will develop the algebraic skills required for the study of calculus. In particular, the student will:

  1. Know the structure and properties of the real number system.
  2. Solve linear and quadratic equations/inequalities.
  3. Sketch graphs of linear and quadratic functions.
  4. Determine equations for lines.
  5. Solve systems of linear equations in two or three variables algebraically or by using Cramer's rule.
  6. Use functional notation and operations.
  7. Identify the domain and range of various functions and sketch their graphs.
  8. Graph and find the zeroes of polynomial functions.
  9. Use the properties of logarithms.
  10. Solve exponential and logarithmic equations.
  11. Identify and graph the conic sections.
  12. Solve application problems.

Course Outline

  1. Graphs, Functions, and Models
  2. Polynomial and Rational Functions
  3. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
  4. Systems and Matrices
  5. Conic Sections

General Education Course Specific Competency

To organize, analyze, and make information useful by employing mathematics.

General Education Across Curriculum Competencies

  1. Writing: To communicate effectively using standard written English.
  2. Reading: To understand, analyze, summarize, and interpret a variety of reading materials
  3. Integrated Learning: To think critically and make connections in learning across the disciplines.
  4. Creative Thinking: To elaborate upon knowledge to create new thoughts, processes, and/or products.
  5. Ethics/Values: To demonstrate an awareness of ethical considerations in making value choices.

Evaluation of Competencies

  1. Writing: Students will use proper spelling and grammar on any work that requires a written response. Proper use of mathematical notation and symbolism will be required on all work.
  2. Reading: All homework assignments include reading the appropriate section of the textbook as well as completing the assigned problems. Also, students will learn to analyze and solve word problems.
  3. Integrated Learning: The student will solve applications problems involving other subject areas.
  4. Creative Thinking: Students will draw on prior mathematical knowledge to develop an appropriate solution to a present unfamiliar problem.
  5. Ethics/Values: Students are expected to comply with the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct. All work submitted by a student is expected to be the result of that student's own thought and self-expression. Plagiarism and cheating of any form will not be tolerated.

KCTCS Code of Student Conduct

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) faculty and students are bound by principles of truth and honesty that are recognized as fundamental for a community of teachers and scholars. The college expects students and faculty to honor, and faculty to enforce, these academic principles. The college affirms that it will not tolerate academic dishonesty including, but not limited to, violation of academic rights of students and student offenses.

Students may refer to the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct, Article II for more information on academic rights, academic offenses, and the student's right to appeal.

Textbook

Algebra & Trigonometry: Graphs and Models, Second Edition, by Bittinger, Beecher, Ellenbogen and Penna, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 2001

Supplies

Access to the internet via a web browser is required. Students will also need Adobe Acrobat Reader to print course documents. This program may be downloaded, free of charge, by clicking on the name above. The TI83 graphing calculator is strongly recommended for this course. The TI86 is recommended for engineering students.

Grading Criteria/Course Requirements

The final grade for this course will be determined by the scale:
A: 90%-100% B: 80%-89% C: 70%-79% D: 60%-69% E: Below 60%
A student's numerical grade is the percentage of total points possible from the following: exams over each major topic, a midterm exam, and a comprehensive final exam. A student's final average for the course is the maximum of their raw average and ten percent more than their final exam average. That is, a student who does not score 50% on the final may not receive a 'D', a student who does not score 60% on the final may not receive a 'C', a student who does not score 70% on the final may not receive a 'B', and a student who does not score 80% on the final may not receive a 'A'. The unit exams will be open-book, open-note, will be worked out on paper, and then submitted to the instructor via fax, e-mail, or postal mail. The midterm exam and final exam will be proctored at a site on a KCTCS campus. No score will be dropped from the final grade. All students must take the comprehensive final. There will be no extra credit work available in this course.

The I letter grade will be assigned at the discretion of the instructor. There must be a reasonable possibility that the student will pass upon completion of the missed work, and the work missed must be the result of extenuating circumstances. Dates for completion will be set by the instructor.

Cheating in any form will result in a zero for the exam, quiz, work, etc. involved.

At any time during the semester, if a student stops completing classwork without officially withdrawing, a grade of zero for any work missed will be used in determining the final grade. To withdraw from the class, a student must:

  1. Obtain a drop slip from the registrar's office.
  2. Send the drop slip to me to sign (and complete a withdrawal survey).
  3. Return the drop slip to the registrar's office.

Late Work Policy

There will be posted chapter deadlines. No late work will be accepted.

Written Work Policy

Students are encouraged to keep their work organized for future reference. Any written work will require correct grammar, spelling, and mathematical symbolism.

Make-Up Work Policy

Since students can schedule their own quizzes and exams, there will be no make-ups given.

Withdrawal Policy

Dates for students to withdraw from the course are included in the schedule of classes. After the voluntary withdrawal date, students may withdraw with instructor approval.

ADA Notice

Every effort will be made to ensure classroom and laboratory accessibility for all students. For maximum assistance, all students requiring special classroom accommodations due to a verified disability should contact the Disability Resource Office at least two weeks prior to the first week of class. Once documentation is complete, the student must contact faculty to discuss and agree upon reasonable accommodations for the class. The ADA accommodation form will be forwarded to the faculty within one week of receipt in the Disability Resource Office. For more information, contact Gail Ridgeway at (270) 534-3406.