Course Syllabus for Math 108, Intermediate Algebra

(this syllabus is for hybrid sections of the course, those meeting one day a week) Class sessions meet in MG 119, and you should plan on 3-4 hrs study time each week in the Math Learning Center.
TEXT: Bittinger/Ellenbogen/Johnson, Intermediate Algebra, 2th ed., Addison Wesley, 2004
Other Materials: Notebook, some graph paper, pencils, erasers, and a set of headphones. The headphones are needed for video lectures. You may use your own from a CD player or walkman, or we have headphones for sale in the MLC. You may find it helpful to have a scientific (non-graphing) calculator for working some of the homework problems involving larger numbers. Calculators are available online, so you do not need to carry one.

NOTE: Your text does demonstrate the use of the TI 83 plus, a recommended calculator for math 143, 144, and 147. If you wish to learn how to use this calculator before you enter those courses, this text will be an excellent teaching tool.

PREREQUISITE: A grade of C or better in Math 025 or a satisfactory placement score.

ABOUT the Course: This course will include the study of radicals, negative and rational exponents, completing the square, the quadratic formula, linear and quadratic inequalities (including absolute values), simple systems of equations, operations with polynomials, factoring techniques, manipulation of rational expressions, and rationalization of denominators. The course also includes an introduction to the concept of functions, graphs of functions and equations, and an introduction to exponential and logarithmic expressions.

NOTE: Mathematics is not a spectator sport. You are expected to take an active role in your study of intermediate algebra. Success in any math class requires a serious commitment to class attendance, regular reading, and homework practice. Strong algebraic skills are critical to your success in this course. Plan to spend at least 11 hours/week studying material outside of class time.

MyMathLab Software: You have an opportunity to customize your learning in this course. In addition to your text, once you have established your entry into the software for a particular instructor, you have a connection to web-based resources for your text. If you want to view a short lecture on any section you have access to video lectures in MyMathLab. On the web you have homework practice sets where you can choose to see a guided solution, get hints as you work, and get instant feedback on your results. Homework sets may be accessed, worked on, and submitted many times. Answers to problems are automatically saved. You have web access to the text with multimedia features such as animations, video explanations, and definition boxes. The online quizzes allow two attempts.

Class attendance: You have one meeting each week in MG 119 with your instructor, the day and time you signed up for when you registered for the course. This is your chance to clarify topics for the week’s study and to ask for help on specific problems.

MLC attendance: The Math Learning Center is open 7 days a week; the schedule is posted on the MLC web page. Whenever the MLC is open there are instructors available to help you work problems and to guide your studies. All the instructors are there to help you and to answer procedural questions concerning your course. You do not need to find your classroom instructor to ask questions or seek help concerning your class.

MATH 108 is made up of 4 modules and a comprehensive final exam. The first three modules are represented by the first three exams. The fourth module includes chapter 9 as well as the sections leading to the fourth exam. The following information on Homework and Exams pertains to each module, each exam group.

HOMEWORK: Each week there is an assigned set of online homework problems, about 10 questions from each section, on the average. Each week’s assignment also includes a 10-question online quiz and access to the quiz requires a score of 85% or better on that week’s homework. To progress through the content for each module a score of 60% or better will be required on a weekly quiz to allow access to the next week’s homework set. All homework sets and quizzes for each module will become available, online, at the start of a new module and will close two days after each scheduled test. As a student, you may progress through the module materials as quickly as you wish to prepare for each module exam (see the syllabus for the scheduled test times).

EXAMS: Exams will be given during your regularly scheduled time for your class. See your online syllabus for the exact dates of your exams in the 4th, 7th, 10th, and 13th weeks. The exams are paper-and-pencil exams and no calculators will be allowed during exams.

You are expected to take your exam at its regularly scheduled time. If you have a conflict and must take an exam at some other time during exam week, there will be a 10 point deduction from your score. If you miss your regularly scheduled exam, you need to contact Susan Knights in MLC 111, as soon as possible, either in person, or by e-mail sknights@math.boisestate.edu . No exam may be taken later than 7 days beyond the end of the scheduled test week.

“Fast-track” Option for Exams If you are able to complete all the homework sets and all the weekly quizzes for an entire module ahead of schedule, you may be eligible to take that module exam early. Your instructor will have information on the times and locations for these “fast-track” exams. The “fast-track” module tests will be given online and without the use of a calculator. Students who choose to take the “fast-track” module test will not be allowed to take that module test at the regularly scheduled time for their class.

FINAL EXAM: The final exam is a comprehensive test that covers the entire content of this algebra course, including material covered after test 4. The final is designed to assess your retention of algebra skills and your preparedness for taking the next course. You must take the final exam to be allowed to pass the course. Final exams will be scheduled in accordance with BSU’s final exam schedule on page 18 of the schedule of classes. Finals begin on Sat, Dec 10 and end on Thurs, Dec 15.

GRADING: Your grade in the course will be based on the online homework, online quizzes, technical quizzes, the scheduled exams, and any other work assigned by your instructor. Online assigned homework 10% of grade Weekly homework quizzes 5% of grade other assignments and/or attendance 5% of grade Scheduled unit exams 60% of grade Comprehensive final exam 20% of grade

Grading Scale: Course grades will be assigned as follows A 90 - 100%, B 80 - 89%, C 70 - 79%, D 60 - 69%, and F below 60%

RESOURCES FOR HELP:

Make note of your instructor's office hours and any hours they work in the MLC.

Work together! Most students find that getting together with other students is an effective way to learn new material and prepare for tests. It is strongly recommended that you form a study group.

Instructors are available all hours the Math Learning Center is open. The specific times for this term are listed on the MLC website (and on the front door of the MLC). The MLC is open every day of the week: Sun 1-10pm, Mon 8am-11pm, Tues-Th 8am-10pm, Fri 8am-7pm, and Sat 8am-5pm

An Optional series of live campus lectures on the weekly sections are available at two different times each week for anyone enrolled in a section of math 108. See the MLC web page for the schedule and content. (The same content will be covered on Mondays at 9 am in MG 119 and again on Thursdays at 4:40 pm in MG 139.) Feel free to attend as many live lectures as you wish.

One section of the math 108 course is taught on the Knowledge Network, MTWF at 11:40 am to 12:30 pm, and may be viewed on Cable1 channel 19 or on WBS-Sprint channel 31. These lectures are also available on video tape within 24 hours for viewing on campus in the curriculum library or in the MLC. You are also invited to attend any of these lectures in SMTC 118, the Simplot Micron Technology Center is north of the MG bldg, between Business and Education.

BE SURE TO SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY, IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH A CONCEPT. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO YOUR SUCCESS IN THIS COURSE THAT YOU KEEP UP AND DO THE HOMEWORK ON A REGULAR BASIS.